RM-2021-033 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
February 4,2022
Jack Lin
6805 Westmoor Way
San Jose, CA 95129
SUBJECT: MINOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT ACTION LETTER - Application RM-2021-
033
This letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on
February 4, 2022, approving a Minor Residential Permit (RM-2021-033) allow the
extension of a non-conforming wall line towards the front property line located at 716
Miller Ave,with the following conditions:
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
The approval is based on a plan set entitled "Mr. Xia Residence Renovation", consisting
of 16 sheets labeled "A1.1, A1.2,A2.0,A2.1,A2.2,A3.1, A3.2,A3.3, A3.4,A3.5, A3.6,A3.7,
C.0, CALG-1, CALG-2, and CBR" 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. 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.
716 Miller Ave Page 2 of 7
RM-2021-033
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
716 Miller Ave Page 3 of 7
RM-2021-033
i) The applicant shall incorporate the City's construction best management practices
into the building permit plan set.
8. GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION HOURS AND NOISE LIMITS
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
9. LANDSCAPE PROTECT 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.
10. NESTING BIRDS
Nests of raptors and other birds shall be protected when in active use, as required by the
federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Department of Fish and Game Code.
716 Miller Ave Page 4 of 7
RM-2021-033
a. Construction and tree removal/pruning activities shall be scheduled to avoid
the nesting season to the extent feasible. If feasible, tree removal and/or
pruning shall be completed before the start of the nesting season to help
preclude nesting. The nesting season for most birds and raptors in the San
Francisco Bay area extends from February 1 through August 31.
Preconstruction surveys(described below)are not required for tree removal or
construction activities outside the nesting period.
b. If construction activities and any required tree removal occur during the
nesting season (February 1 and August 31), a qualified ornithologist shall be
required to conduct surveys prior to tree removal or construction activities.
Preconstruction surveys shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the
start of tree removal,pruning or construction.Preconstruction surveys shall be
repeated at 14-day intervals until construction has been initiated in the area
after which surveys can be stopped.During this survey,the ornithologist shall
inspect all trees and other possible nesting habitats in and immediately
adjacent to the construction areas for nests.
c. If the survey does not identify any nesting birds that would be affected by
construction activities, no further mitigation is required. If an active nest
containing viable eggs or young birds is found sufficiently close to work areas
to be disturbed by these activities, their locations shall be documented and
protective measures implemented under the direction of the qualified
ornithologist until the nests no longer contain eggs or young birds.
d. Protective measures shall include establishment of clearly delineated exclusion
zones (i.e. demarcated by identifiable fencing, such as orange construction
fencing or equivalent) around each nest location as determined by the
qualified ornithologist, taking into account the species of birds nesting, their
tolerance for disturbance and proximity to existing development. In general,
exclusion zones shall be a minimum of 300 feet for raptors and 75 feet for
passerines and other birds. The active nest within an exclusion zone shall be
monitored on a weekly basis throughout the nesting season to identify signs
of disturbance and confirm nesting status.The radius of an exclusion zone may
be increased by the qualified biologist,if project activities are determined to be
adversely affecting the nesting birds. Exclusion zones may be reduced by the
qualified biologist only in consultation with California Department of Fish and
Wildlife. The protection measures and buffers shall remain in effect until the
young have left the nest and are foraging independently or the nest is no longer
active.
e. A final report on nesting birds and raptors, including survey methodology,
survey date(s),map of identified active nests(if any),and protection measures
(if required),shall be submitted to the Planning Manager,through the building
permit review process, and be completed to the satisfaction of the Community
Development Director prior to the start of grading.
716 Miller Ave Page 5 of 7
RM-2021-033
11. 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
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.
12. 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.
716 Miller Ave Page 6 of 7
RM-2021-033
Please note that if this permit is not vested within a year,it shall expire on February 4,
2023.
Staff received one public comment by phone from the public requesting information about
the proposed project and expressed concerns about the increased number of bedrooms,
the parking areas available for additional bedrooms, and separate entrance for the two
new bedrooms.
Staff emailed the applicant the project plans and responded to the applicant by phone informing
them of the project proposal and the request for a Minor Residential Permit to allow an extension
of a legal nonconforming wall line to construct a one-story addition to the front yard of the existing
primary dwelling unit. Staff provided information about the scope of work as shown on the plan
set including that there is an internal connection from the primary dwelling to the new addition,
the proposed project complies with the parking standards of the municipal code of four on-site(two
covered, two uncovered), and that there are no regulations to having a another access door to other
parts of the home as long as this is approved by the Building Division to comply with Building
Codes. At this time, staff has not received written communication from the public, thus, staff
anticipates that the phone conversation mitigated the publics concerns provided verbally abut the
project.
Staff has made all the findings that are required for approval of a 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).
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.
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 R1-6e (Single Family Residential—
Eichler) 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. Furthermore, the project design complies with the design
guidelines of Cupertino's Eichler Handbook.
716 Miller Ave Page 7 of 7
RM-2021-033
4. Adverse visual impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated.
Any potential adverse impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated
through adherence to the setback requirements of the R-1 Ordinance.
Also, please note that an appeal of this decision can be made until Wednesday,
February 18,2022,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.cul2ertino.org/121anningforms.) 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.
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/
Brianne Harkousha
Associate Planner
City of Cupertino
Enclosures:
Approved Plan Set
CC: Zhihao Xia, 716 Miller Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014