R-2021-021, RM-2021-014, TR-2021-027 Action Letter CITY OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3308 • FAX: (408) 777-3333
CUPERTINO CUPERTINO.ORG
December 5, 2021
Aditi Mukhekjee
1148 S. Stelling Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
SUBJECT: TWO STORY PERMIT, MINOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT, AND TREE
REMOVAL PERMIT ACTION LETTER—Application R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-
027
The letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on
November 30, 2021 approving a Two-Story Permit (R-2021-021) to allow for the
construction of a 7,219 sq. ft. two-story single family residence with an ADU; a Minor
Residential Permit (file number RM-2021-014) to allow for a second floor balcony, and a
Tree Removal Permit TR-2021-027 to allow for the removal and replacement of two
protected trees (one Deodar Cedar and one Live Oak);with the following conditions:
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
The approval is based on a plan set entitled "New Two Story Residence with Detached
ADU for Alok Kirpal and Nandini Seshadri,22381 McClellan Road Cupertino, California
95014", consisting of 15 sheets labeled as Al-A9, LP, GB1, and 1 prepared by Aditi
Mukerkjee,and arborist report prepared by Sean Curry(WE-10636a)dated April 29,2021,
except as may be amended by conditions in this resolution.
2. ANNOTATION OF THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
The conditions of approval set forth shall be incorporated into and annotated on the
building plans.
3. ACCURACY OF THE PROTECT PLANS
The applicant/property owner is responsible to verify all pertinent property data
including but not limited to property boundary locations, building setbacks, property
size, building square footage, any relevant easements and/or construction records. Any
misrepresentation of property data may invalidate this approval and may require
additional review.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC WORKS CONFIRMATION FORM
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 2 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
The project shall comply with the requirements indicated on the Public Works
Confirmation form dated March 29, 2021, including, but not limited to, dedications,
easements, off-site improvements,undergrounding of utilities, all necessary agreements,
and utility installations/relocations as deemed necessary by the Director of Public Works
and required for public health and safety.The Public Works Confirmation is a preliminary
review and is not an exhaustive review of the subject development. Additional
requirements may be established and implemented during the construction permitting
process. The project construction plans shall address these requirements with the
construction permit submittal, and all required improvements shall be completed to the
satisfaction of the Director of Public Works prior to final occupancy.
5. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS
The applicant is responsible to consult with other departments and/or agencies with
regard to the proposed project for additional conditions and requirements. Any
misrepresentation of any submitted data may invalidate an approval by the Community
Development Department.
6. TREE REPLACEMENT
The required replacement tree is one (1) 36-inch box oak tree, one (1) 24-inch box
Disopurys Kaki tree, and one (1) 24-inch Pistacia Chinesis box tree. The applicant shall
provide the Department of Community Development adequate documentation,including
but not limited to photographs, receipts, or invoices, to verify that the replacement trees
have been planted.
In the event the applicant is unable to plant the approved replacement trees,the applicant
may propose alternative adequate tree replacements for trees proposed to be removed.
The final number,location, size, and type of trees shall be reviewed and approved by the
Director of Community Development,in consultation with the City's Consulting Arborist,
prior to tree planting.
7. PRIVACY PLANTING
The final privacy planting plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division
prior to issuance of building permits. The variety, size, and planting distance shall be
consistent with the City's requirements.
8. PROTECTED TREES
The applicant understands that replacement trees may not be removed without a Tree
Removal Permit and that they shall be responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance
and care of the tree. The applicant shall also disclose the location and species of all
replacement trees on site upon sale of the property.
9. PRIVACY PROTECTION COVENANT
The property owner shall record a covenant on this property to inform future property
owners of the privacy protection measures and tree protection requirements consistent
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 3 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
with the R-1 Ordinance, for all windows with views into neighboring yards and a sill
height that is 5 feet or less from the second story finished floor. The precise language will
be subject to approval by the Director of Community Development. Proof of recordation
must be submitted to the Community Development Department prior to final occupancy
of the residence.
10. FRONT YARD TREE
The applicant shall indicate on site and landscape plans the location of a front yard tree
to be located within the front yard setback area in order to screen the massing of the
second story.The front yard tree shall be a minimum 24-inch box and 6 feet planted height
and otherwise be consistent with the City's requirements.
11. FRONT YARD TREE COVENANT
The property owner shall record a covenant on this property with the Santa Clara County
Recorder's Office that requires the retention and maintenance of the required front yard
tree. The precise language will be subject to approval by the Director of Community
Development. Proof of recordation must be submitted to the Community Development
Department prior to final occupancy of the residence.
12. LANDSCAPE PROJECT SUBMITTAL
Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a full Landscape
Documentation Package, per sections 14.15.050 A, B, C, and D of the Landscape
Ordinance, for projects with landscape area 500 square feet or more or elect to submit a
Prescriptive Compliance Application per sections 14.15.040 A, B, and C for projects with
landscape area between 500 square feet and 2,500 square feet. The Landscape
Documentation Package or Prescriptive Compliance Application shall be reviewed and
approved to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development prior to issuance
of building permits, and additional requirements per sections 14.15.040 D, E, F, and G or
14.15.050 E, F, G, H, and I will be required to be reviewed and approved prior to final
inspections.
13. DARK SKY COMPLIANCE
Prior to issuance of Building-Permits, the applicant/property owner shall submit final
plans in compliance with the approved lighting plans to comply with development
standards of Cupertino Municipal Code Section 19.102.040 Outdoor Lighting
Requirements. In the event changes are proposed from the approved plans, said changes
must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development or their
designee. The applicant shall provide all documentation required to determine
compliance with the Municipal Code.
14. EXTERIOR BUILDING MATERIALS/TREATMENTS
The final building exterior plan shall closely resemble the details shown on the original
approved plans. Final building exterior treatment plan (including but not limited to
details on exterior color, materials, architectural treatments, doors, windows, lighting
fixtures, and/or embellishments) shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 4 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
Community Development prior to issuance of building permits to ensure quality and
consistency. Any exterior changes determined to be substantial by the Director of
Community Development shall either require a modification to this permit or a new
permit based on the extent of the change.
15. DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS
All demolished building and site materials shall be recycled to the maximum extent
feasible subject to the Building Official. The applicant shall provide evidence that
materials were recycled prior to issuance of final demolition permits.
16. DUST CONTROL
The following construction practices shall be implemented during all phases of
construction for the proposed project to prevent visible dust emissions from leaving the
site:
a) Water all exposed surfaces areas (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles,
graded areas, and unpaved access roads) at least twice daily and more often
during windy periods to prevent visible dust from leaving the site; active areas
adjacent to windy periods; active areas adjacent to existing land uses shall be kept
damp at all times, or shall be treated with non-toxic stabilizers or dust palliatives.
b) All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be
covered.
c) All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using
wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power
sweeping is prohibited.
d) All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.
e) All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon
as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless
seeding or soil binders are used.
f) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use
or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California
airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of
Regulations [CCR]). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at
all access points.
g) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance
with manufacturer's specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified
mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation.
h) Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the
Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take
corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District's phone number shall also be
visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
i) The applicant shall incorporate the City's construction best management practices
into the building permit plan set.
17. GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION HOURS AND NOISE LIMITS
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 5 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
a. All grading activities shall be limited to the dry season(April 15 to October 1),
unless permitted otherwise by the Director of Public works.
b. Construction hours and noise limits shall be compliant with all requirements
of Chapter 10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
c. Grading, street construction, underground utility and demolition hours for
work done more than 750 feet away from residential areas shall be limited to
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to
6 p.m. Grading, street construction, demolition or underground utility work
within 750 feet of residential areas shall not occur on Saturdays, Sundays,
holidays, and during the nighttime period as defined in Section 10.48.053(b)of
the Municipal Code.
d. Construction activities shall be limited to Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8
p.m.and Saturday and Sunday,9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Construction activities are not
allowed on holidays as defined in Chapter 10.48 of the Municipal Code. Night
time construction is allowed if compliant with nighttime standards of Section
10.48 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
e. Rules and regulations pertaining to all construction activities and limitations
identified in this permit, along with the name and telephone number of an
applicant appointed disturbance coordinator, shall be posted in a prominent
location at the entrance to the job site.
f. The applicant shall be responsible for educating all contractors and
subcontractors of said construction restrictions.
The applicant shall comply with the above grading and construction hours and noise limit
requirements unless otherwise indicated
18. INDEMNIFICATION
As part of the application,to the fullest extent permitted by law,the applicant shall
agree to indemnify, defend with the attorneys of the City's choice, and hold
harmless the City, its City Council, and its officers, employees, and agents
(collectively, the "indemnified parties") from and against any liability, claim,
action, cause of action, suit, damages, judgment, lien, levy, or proceeding
(collectively referred to as "proceeding") brought by a third party against one or
more of the indemnified parties or one or more of the indemnified parties and the
applicant related to any Ordinance, Resolution, or action approving the project,
the related entitlements, environmental review documents, finding or
determinations, or any other permit or approval authorized for the project. The
indemnification shall include but not be limited to damages, fees, and costs
awarded against the City, if any, and cost of suit, attorneys' fees, and other costs,
liabilities, and expenses incurred in connection with such proceeding whether
incurred by the Applicant, the City, or the parties initiating or bringing such
proceeding.
The applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City its actual
attorneys' fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. Such attorneys' fees
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 6 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
and costs shall include amounts paid to the City's outside counsel and shall
include City Attorney time and overhead costs and other City staff overhead costs
and any costs directly related to the litigation reasonably incurred by City. The
applicant shall likewise agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
indemnified parties from and against any damages, attorneys' fees, or costs
awards, including attorneys' fees awarded under Code of Civil Procedure section
1021.5, assessed or awarded against the indemnified parties. The Applicant shall
cooperate with the City to enter a Reimbursement Agreement to govern any such
reimbursement.
The Applicant shall agree to (without limitation) reimburse the City for all costs
incurred in additional investigation or study of, or for supplementing, redrafting,
revising, or amending, any document (such as an Environmental Impact Report,
negative declaration, specific plan, or general plan amendment)if made necessary
by proceedings challenging the project approvals and related environmental
review, if the applicant desires to continue to pursue the project.
The Applicant shall agree that the City shall have no liability to the Applicant for
business interruption, punitive, speculative, or consequential damages.
19. NOTICE OF FEES,DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER EXACTIONS
The Conditions of Project Approval set forth herein may include certain fees, dedication
requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government
Code Section 66020(d) (1),these Conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the
amount of such fees, and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other
exactions. You are hereby further notified that the 90-day approval period in which you
may protest these fees, dedications, reservations, and other exactions, pursuant to
Government Code Section 66020(a),has begun. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-
day period complying with all of the requirements of Section 66020, you will be legally
barred from later challenging such exactions.
Please note that if this permit is not vested within a year, it shall expire on November
30,2022.
Staff has made all the findings that are required for approval of a Two-Story Permit and
Minor Residential Permit as required and no additional conditions were placed as a
condition for approval by Cupertino's Municipal Code, Chapter 19.28.140 (A) and (B).
1. The project is consistent with the Cupertino General Plan, any applicable specific plans,zoning
ordinances and the purposes of this title.
The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan as the project is within the Low-
Density land use area. There are no applicable specific plans that affect the project. The
project has been found to be consistent with the requirements of Cupertino Municipal
Code Chapter 19.28 Single Family(R-1) Residential.
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 7 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
2. The granting of the permit will not result in a condition that is detrimental or injurious to
property improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or
welfare.
The granting of the permit will not result in a condition that is detrimental or injurious to
property improvements in the vicinity, and will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety or welfare as the projects is located within the R1-10 (Single Family Residential)
zoning district and will be compatible with the surrounding uses of the neighborhood.
3. The proposed project is harmonious in scale and design with the general neighborhood.
The proposed project is located in a residential area consisting of single-family homes.
The proposed project maintains the single-family home scale found compatible with the
general neighborhood.
4.Adverse visual impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated.
Any potential adverse impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated
through the privacy protection plantings and installation of a front-yard tree as required
by the R-1 Ordinance.
Staff has made the necessary findings that the trees restricts the economic enjoyment of
the property by severely limiting the use of property in a manner not typically
experienced by owners of similarly zoned and situated property, and the applicant has
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the approval authority that there are no reasonable
alternatives to preserve the tree(s), per Cupertino Municipal Code Section 14.18.180 (A)
(2); and that the mature specimen trees are single trunk between 12-inches DBH and 24-
inches DBH and will be replaced by planting replacement trees per CMC Section 14.18.180
(A) (3). No additional conditions were placed.
Also, please note that an appeal of this decision can be made within fourteen (14)
calendar days from the date of this letter(Tuesday,December 14,2021 at 5:00 p.m.). If
this happens,you will be notified of a public hearing,which will be scheduled before
the Planning Commission. Please find a copy of the appeal form attached for your
convenience and to ensure your health and safety during the COVID pandemic (also
available online at: www.cupertino.org/planningforms.) The completed appeal form and
filing fee must be received by the deadline to appeal and may be submitted in one of the
following ways:
1. Preferred:Email the completed form to cityclerk@cupertino.org and call (408)
777-3223 between 7:30AM-5:30PM (M-Th) and 7:30AM-4:30PM(F) to arrange
for payment by credit card.
2. Other options:
a. Mail the completed form and a check in the amount of$344 to Attn: City
Clerk, City of Cupertino, 10300 Torre Avenue, CA 95014.
22381 McClellan Rd. Page 8 of 8
R-2021-021,RM-2021-014,TR-2021-027
b. Obtain an appointment to file the appeal by contacting the City Clerk by
email or phone (see contact information above).
Please contact the City Clerk's office for additional guidance and instructions on how to
file.
Sincerely,
/s/
Erick Serrano
Senior Planner
City of Cupertino
Enclosures:
Approved Plan Set, Arborist Report
CC: Alok Kirpal&Nandini Seshadri 18637 Bucknall Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070