DRC 03-21-2013 Design Review Committee
March 21,2013
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON March 21,2013
ROLL CALL
Committee Members present: Paul Brophy,Chairperson
Margaret Gong, Commissioner
Committee Members absent None
Staff present: George Schroeder
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
January 19, 2012
Minutes of the January 19, 2012 Design Review Committee meeting were approved
January 17, 2013
Minutes of the January 17, 2013 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): R-2013-08, RM-2013-05, EXC-2013-01
Applicant: Mark Bayog (Sunkara Residence)
Location: 21810 Almaden Avenue
Residential Design Review to allow a new 1,935 square foot, two-story, single family residence
with second floor side yard setbacks of 10'1" and 15';
Minor Residential Permit to allow a rear facing, second floor balcony on the new residence;
R1 Exception to allow a 10' combined first floor side yard setback where a 15' combined setback
is required
Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed.
Staff Member Schroeder explained that normally applications for Residential Design Review are
approved by the Director of Community Development but because the applicant is requesting an R1
Exception, the application is being heard by the Design Review Committee for approval. The home is
2 Design Review Committee
March 21,2013
located in the Monta Vista neighborhood which was annexed into Cupertino from Santa Clara County.
Many of the lots in this neighborhood do not meet the current City minimum lot size standards. This lot
is approximately 10 feet narrower than required. The Public Works Department is requiring that a 5 foot
easement be recorded on the property towards sidewalk and future street improvements, further
reducing the size of the lot. The Exception process exists to afford homeowners of these substandard
lots, the ability to construct "balanced" residences while maintaining a reasonable distance between
homes. The applicant is proposing to have reduced side yard setbacks of 5 feet along just the front
(garage) portion of the residence. Staff supports the exception request as the Design Review Committee
has approved similar side yard exceptions for similar lots in the past, the house is consistent with the
neighborhood, well designed, and meets all other R1 Ordinance requirements.
Chair Brophy asked about the prior approvals in the area. Staff Member Schroeder stated that the Design
Review Committee has not denied a similar exception request in this area. The lots are substandard in
size because when they were subdivided in the 1940s, the County did not have the size and garage
requirements that the City has now. Commissioner Gong asked if there had been any input from the
neighbors. One of the neighbors has expressed a concern about the width and lot size. Her primary
concern is where the lot line falls between the two houses. The plans were checked against the County's
legal record and lot description for accuracy. The plans are correct. The neighbor has been advised to this
and was instructed to contact the County and a surveyor with further concerns. Another neighbor
expressed concerns about privacy from the second story balcony. The applicant will be required to plant
fast growing trees and record a covenant stating that if the trees should fail, they will be replanted. Staff
Member Schroeder stated that both of the neighbors seemed to be fine with the responses provided.
The property owner, Mr. Sunkara, addressed the Committee to thank Staff Member Schroeder. He has
also spoken with his neighbors about his proposal and they seem to be fine with it.
Chair Brophy asked the homeowner or developer if they had any questions or concerns about the draft
Resolutions conditions of approval. They both said they were comfortable with the terms of the
approvals.
MOTION: Commissioner Gong moved to approve R-2013-08, RM-2013-05 and EXC-2013-01 per the draft
resolutions
SECOND: Chairperson Brophy
ABSENT: none
ABSTAIN:none
VOTE: 2-0-0
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
Respectfully submitted:
/1 �- C
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk