R-2021-059 RM-2021-043 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 16, 2022
Nghi Le
875 O'Farrell St. #104A
San Francisco, CA 94109
SUBJECT: TWO STORY PERMIT AND MINOR RESIDENTIAL PERMITACTION
LETTER—Application R-2021-059, RM-2021-043
This letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on
February 16, 2022, approving a Two-Story Permit (R-2021-059) to allow for a new 3,490
square-foot two-story single-family residence and a Minor Residential Permit (RM-2021-
043) to allow a second-story balcony, located at 7625 West Hill Lane, with the following
conditions:
1. APPROVED EXHIBITS
The approval is based on a plan set entitled "Vairavan(N)Residence 7625 West Hill Lane
Cupertino, California", consisting of 13 sheets labeled "A0, A0.1D, Al, A1A, A1B, A1C,
A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, L-01, and 1," 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
The project shall comply with the requirements indicated on the Public Works
Confirmation form dated November 15, 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
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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. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
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
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. 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
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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.
11. 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
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.
12. NOISE MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION
At least 10 days prior to commencement of construction activities, the applicant/property
owner shall post a sign at the entrance(s)to the job site,clearly visible to the public,which
includes permitted construction days and hours, as well as the telephone numbers of the
City's and contractor's authorized representatives that are assigned to respond in the
event of a noise or vibration complaint.In addition to the posted sign,the project applicant
shall send notices of the planned activity by first class mail to off-site businesses and
residents within 250 feet of the project site at least 10 days prior to the start of any
demolition, ground disturbing, or construction activities. If the authorized contractor's
representative receives a complaint, they shall investigate, take appropriate corrective
action, and report the action to the City within three business days of receiving the
complaint. The applicant shall provide all documentation required to determine
compliance with Cupertino Municipal Code Section 17.04.050.
13. AIR QUALITY
Prior to issuance of Building Permits, the applicant/property owner shall submit
documentation verifying compliance with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Basic Control Measures included in the latest version of BAAQMD's CEQA Air Quality
Guidelines to control fugitive dust during demolition, ground disturbing activities,
and/or construction.
14. 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.
15. DUST CONTROL
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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.
16. 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.
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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
17. 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.
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 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
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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.
Please note that if this permit is not vested within a year,it shall expire on February 16,
2023.
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.
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 R1-6 (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.
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Any potential adverse impacts on adjoining properties have been reasonably mitigated
through installation of a front-yard tree and privacy plantings to screen second-story
windows with sill heights of 5-feet or less and the second-story balcony with views into
adjacent rear or side-yards as required by the R-1 Ordinance.
Also, please note that an appeal of this decision can be made within fourteen (14)
calendar days from the date of this letter (Wednesday, March 2, 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.cupertino.org/plannin fg orms.) 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,
AJ Haase
Assistant Planner
City of Cupertino
Enclosures:
Approved Plan Set
CC: Kannan Vairavan, 7625 W Hill Ln, Cupertino, CA 95014