DRC 12-04-08 Design Review Committee
December 4, 2008
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON December 4, 2008
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Lisa Giefer, Chairperson
Jessica Rose, Commissioner
Committee Members absent: none
Staff present: Eliz~~beth Pettis
Garv Chao
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
November 20, 2008
Minutes of the November 20, 2008 Design Review Committee meeting were approved
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Application No.(s): ASA-2008-03
Applicant: Mike Ducote (Villa Serra Apts)
Location: 20800 Homestead Road
Architectural and Site approval for the final details of the Green Building
measures according to the conditions of approval as directed by the City Council
at their meeting of July 3, 2008
Design Review Committee decision final icnless appealed.
2 Design Review Committee
December 4, 2008
Staff member Pettis explained that at the July meeting, the Design Review Committee
approved the streetscape part of the applic~?tion but requested additional information
regarding the power buy back or leasing options for photovoltaic systems. They
Committee wanted the systems to have a 10 year or less buyback period. The applicant
submitted 2 estimates for photovoltaic systems and a study on power purchase
agreements. He also submitted a study fora :solar system for the pool. These documents
address the condition of approval imposed by the City Council stipulating a
photovoltaic system be considered to use for power generation the recreation room and
leasing office. The requirement of a solar system to heat the pool is a separate
requirement from the photovoltaic systems. Unfortunately, the estimates the applicant
submitted show that the power buyback for the photovoltaic systems would be
between 16 and 18 years. In light of these Estimates, the applicant has requested that
they not be required to install a photovoltaic system. Staff supports this request,
however, the installation of a solar system t~~ use to heat the pool is still required. The
applicant, Mike Ducote, addressed the Committee. He stated that they had hoped to be
able to install a photovoltaic system at this project and was disappointed to find out the
buyback period was so long. He was not a~n~are that there was a separate requirement
for a solar stem to heat the pool. His understanding was the project was only required
to install a solar energy system as long as the buyback period met the time line. He then
re-read the conditions of approval from the City Council meeting. Chairperson Giefer
told the applicant that a solar heating system for a pool has always been a requirement
of the Planning Commission. This conditior? would've carried through to the Council
and been incorporated into their decision. If he wanted a review of the solar condition,
he would need to take the application back t~~ the City Council for another hearing. The
applicant said that he did want clarification on Item #29 of the Council's conditions of
approval. He feel that the intent of the condition is a requirement to only install solar
systems if they can meet the 10 buyback time period. Staff member Chao said that he
would get clarification if the applicant needed to be heard again at both the Planning
Commission and City Council or can just be re-hear at City Council. Chairperson Giefer
moved the discussion forward with the understanding that they would only be
discussing the photovoltaic system requirement. She thanked the applicant for
providing 2 estimates. She did ask for clarification as to why they chose the vendors
they did for the estimates. One of the companies who gave an estimate has a very
expensive product that does not provide a great return on the investment. The applicant
stated that he was not aware of the particul~irs of the systems or very familiar with the
vendors. Chairperson Giefer asked why the owners of the property would not be able
to take advantage of the Federal tax credits. He stated that the financial situation of the
owners does not allow for any additional tax write-offs. There was a discussion about
calculating the State of California's rebates into the estimates. Commissioner Rose asked
if they would like to re-consider their decision to go back to hearing for clarification on
the requirement of the solar system for heating the pool. The applicant said that they
will contact other owners in the City who h;~d to install solar heating systems for their
pools to see how they managed the cost of installation.
3 Design Review Committee
December 4, 2008
Commissioner Rose moved to approve the rE~quest to amend the conditions of approval
of the application to remove the requirement to install a photovoltaic system to provide
power for the recreation room and leasing oi~fice since it would not meet the 10 year or
less buyback condition. This motion does not remove the requirement to install a
passive solar system to heat the pool.
MOTION: Commissioner Rose moved to approve ASA-2008-03
SECOND: Chairperson Giefer
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes120408