DRC 01-03-08Design Review Committee
January 3, 2008
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON January 3, 2008
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present:
Committee Members absent:
Staff present:
Staff absent:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:
None
Marty Miller, Chairperson
David Kaneda, Commissioner
None
Leslie Gross
Aki Snelling
None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
None
ORAL COMMUNICATION:
None
CONSENT CALENDAR:
None
PUBLIC HEARING:
Application No.(s): ASA-2007-19
Applicant: Li-Sheng Fu (Huang residence)
Location: 10640 Merriman Rd.
Architectural and Site Approval for a new two-story 3,676 duplex
Design Revieza Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff member Gross explained that the site is a lot whereby the existing single story residence
will be demolished and replaced with a duplex. The proposed duplex meets all FAR, set back,
lot area and will incorporate a landscape privacy protection plan. Staff supports the application
as it meets all the development requirements and is consistent with the surrounding uses in the
area. Chairperson Miller asked about the front setback measurements and if there were any
slope or grading concerns. He also commented that the proposed development had a lot of
hardscape and that the lots were of substandard size. Staff member Gross confirmed that the lot
sizes had already been established with a prior subdivision and that there are several sub-
2 Design Review Committee
January 3, 2008
standard lots in the area. She explained that with the new construction, some of the hardscape
elements would be replaced with pavers. The architect, Mr. Fu, confirmed that the parking and
turnaround areas are to be constructed with permable pavers. The additional landscaping will
help with any drainage issues. There is also a dry well in the back of the property which will be
used to manage any excess rain water. Chairperson Miller expressed concern about using a dry
well to manage drainage issues. Commissioner Kaneda stated that the Public Works
department should review the site plan to make sure the dry well is sufficient. The architect
wanted to know if it would be possible to make a design change to widen the front unit's
second story balcony. A resident, Jennifer Griffin, spoke about the east side wall. She felt is was
a large stucco wall that needed some elevation features to break it up visually in case the
commercial use space adjacent ever becomes residential. She also said that there should not be
any changes to the balcony without re-noticing the application to the neighbors since balconies
are a controversial topic in the City. The owner, Mr. Huang, said that he was not in favor of
adding rear elevation features just in case the space behind the property ever changed usage
type. The discussion continued regarding the necessary screening of the balcony area. Trees will
need to be planted for privacy mitigation, so the parking space along he west side of the house
will need to be modified. Commissioner Kaneda agreed with the resident's statement regarding
the west side wall. He felt something should be added to break up the stucco block look of that
wall. The architect agreed to that. Commissioner Kaneda moved to approve the applications
with the following added conditions; privacy planting needed to be added along the south
property line to provides screening for the balcony, the eastern elevation shall be modified to
add a roofing element or some other relief over the two patio doors, the Public Works
department shall review the application for potential site drainage issues and the owner has
permission to work with Staff to widen the balcony in a northerly direction.
MOTION: Commissioner Kaneda moved to approve ASA-2007-19 with the above listed
conditions
SECOND: Chairperson Miller
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 2-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes010308