|
Previous Council Item |
Next Council Item | Corresponding Agenda |
| List of Council Meetings | List of Reports to Council | Sunnyvale Home Page |
November 9, 1999
SUBJECT: City of Sunnyvale:
Application for an approximately 2.75 acre site located on the north side of Evelyn Avenue opposite the terminus of South Frances Street in a C-3/PD (Commercial-Regional Business/Planned Development) Zoning District. (APN: 209-06-055 (portion), 067, 068 and 078 (portion) LRL (Mitigated Negative Declaration)Motion 1999-0628 - Special Development Permit to allow the construction of a 3-story 400-car public parking structure on an existing parking lot and related multi-modal transit station improvements.
REPORT IN BRIEF
|
Existing Site Conditions |
Caltrain Station and surface parking |
|
Surrounding Land Uses |
|
North |
Single and Multiple Family Residential (Across Railroad lines) |
South |
Retail and Public Parking (Downtown Specific Plan Block 1) and Murphy Avenue Heritage District |
East |
Murphy Square Building |
West |
Train Station Parking |
|
Issues |
Traffic and Noise |
|
Environmental Status |
A Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with California Environmental Quality Act provisions, as amended, in Resolution #193-86. |
|
Planning Commission Recommendation |
Affirm the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the Special Development Permit with the added condition that the clock tower portion of the project return to the Planning Commission for architectural review and approval. |
|
Staff Recommendation |
Support Planning Commission Recommendation |

PROJECT DATA TABLE
|
|
|
Required/ Permitted |
|
|
General Plan Category |
Commercial- Central Business |
Same |
-- |
|
Zoning District |
C-3/PD |
Same |
-- |
|
Type of Project |
Caltrain Station |
Parking Structure, Ticketing Facility and related surface improvements |
-- |
|
Project Size (acres) |
Approx. 2.75 ac |
Same |
-- |
|
Project Size (sq. ft.) |
119,790 sq. ft. |
Same |
-- |
|
Gross Floor Area (sq. ft.) |
N/A |
103,237 sq. ft.* |
|
|
No. of Bldgs. On-Site |
1 |
2 |
By SDP |
|
Building Height (ft.) |
N/A |
76 ft. |
75 ft. max. |
|
Distance Between Bldgs. (ft.) |
N/A |
44 ft. |
-- |
|
No. of Stories |
N/A |
3 |
8 max. |
|
Setbacks |
|||
|
a. Front |
N/A |
20 ft. |
70 ft. min. |
|
b. Left Side (facing property) |
N/A |
-- |
-- |
|
c. Right Side (facing property) |
N/A |
10 ft. |
-- |
|
d. Rear |
N/A |
40 ft. |
-- |
|
Landscaping (total sq. ft.) |
N/A |
35,400 sq. ft. |
23,958 sq. ft. min. |
|
a. Percent of Net Lot Area |
N/A |
29.5 % |
20% min. |
|
Total No. of Parking Spaces |
351** |
568** |
395 min. |
|
a. No. of Compacts |
0 |
0 |
-- |
|
c. No. of Standards |
343 |
556 |
-- |
|
d. No. of Handicaps |
8 |
12 |
9 min. |
*
As defined by Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 19.04.070 (4), the area devoted to covered parking in nonresidential areas shall be excluded from the gross floor area (requirements).** These counts represent the number of parking spaces for both the Caltrain project and the existing Murphy Square Building. For a full discussion see Parking, Traffic and Circulation, below.
ANALYSIS
Background
The existing Caltrain station was constructed circa 1955. This structure is not listed on any City, state or federal registries of historic structures. In July of 1993 the City Council adopted the Sunnyvale Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). The DSP identifies the subject site as an appropriate location for public structure parking (Figure 7-4, DSP). There are no previous planning applications related to the subject site.
The subject proposal was heard by the Planning Commission on October 25, 1999. At that hearing the Planning Commission voted unanimously (5 – 0) to recommend approval of the proposed project to the City Council with the added condition that the clock tower portion of the project return to the Planning Commission for architectural review and approval.
Description of Proposed Project
The applicant proposes to demolish an existing Caltrain station and construct a 3-story 400-space parking structure, Caltrain ticketing facility and related improvements. The proposed project will be constructed in two phases, allowing the existing Caltrain station to operate during construction of the new parking structure and ticketing facility.
Phase I of the proposed project will include the parking structure and ticketing facility. A transit plaza is proposed including a gateway roof structure or vault connecting the parking structure and the ticketing building.
The transit plaza is proposed to include 3 automated ticket dispensers, 3 public telephones, outdoor seating, information signage, and a water fountain. Also included in Phase I is an area for secure bicycle parking to accommodate 100 bicycles.
The existing Caltrain Station is proposed for demolition as part of Phase II of the subject application. The existing station site is being proposed as a potential future retail development that is not a part of the subject application. Additional Phase II components proposed with the subject application include 100 surface parking spaces, a shuttle drop off/ queuing area, a passenger drop off zone and related surface and landscape improvements. Additionally, improvements are proposed on Frances Street to accommodate a bus stop facility with 5 bus stops and 1 rest stop for the bus drivers.
Environmental Review
A Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared by the City’s consultant Wagstaff and Associates in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act provisions, as amended in Resolution #193-86. The site is developed and therefore already disturbed.
The Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration discusses any foreseeable environmental impacts. Issues have been identified relating to visual impacts, traffic and circulation, archeological resources, liquefiable, expansive and contaminated soils, ongoing non-point source pollutants, public safety services, and potential construction issues relating to air quality that could have potentially significant impacts unless mitigation is incorported. Staff believes that with the proposed mitigation measures, the environmental impacts regarding these environmental issues will be reduced to a level of insignificance (see Condition of Approval # 28-39).
Special Development Permit
Use: A Special Development Permit is required for development on all sites that have a PD Combining District. This permit addresses the building architecture and site layout as well as specific deviations requested in the project.
Site Layout: The approximately 2.75 acre site is a long narrow strip of land composed of two parcels and portions of two additional parcels. The subject property fronts the north side of Evelyn Avenue for approximately 850 linear feet and measures approximately 170 feet wide at its widest point. The project site tapers toward the east as the south property line follows the path of the on-ramp from Evelyn Avenue to Mathilda Avenue.
The project is proposed in two Phases. Phase I includes all the proposed structural improvements, which occur toward the east side of the project site. Phase II covers demolition of the existing Caltrain station and surface improvements that occur on the west portion of the subject site and along Frances Street.
Phase I
The parking structure, ticketing office and vault will be constructed during Phase I. The proposed parking structure is located 10 feet west of the existing Murphy Square building with an approximately 20-foot setback from the Evelyn Avenue right-of-way. The 3-story structure provides 5 levels of parking which include basement and rooftop parking. Two proposed driveways allow automobile ingress and egress to the structure: one directly from Evelyn Avenue, located east of Frances Street, and the other just inside the primary project entrance at the Frances Street and Evelyn Avenue intersection.
An area to the north of the parking structure is proposed for the secure storage of 100 bicycles.
Pedestrian access is provided to each level of the parking structure by two stairways that flank the southern corners of the garage. Additional access is provided on the west side of the parking structure via an open pedestrian corridor which connects each parking level to an elevator.
The proposed elevator is housed in a 76-foot high clock tower. Windows in the elevator are proposed to allow riders a view toward the east and down into the proposed transit plaza.
The proposed transit plaza is covered with an arched gateway structure connecting the clock tower and the parking structure to the proposed ticketing facility building. The proposed gateway structure is 25.5 feet at its highest point and includes a translucent covering allowing light to pass through (see discussion below, Architecture). The vaulted gateway is aligned with Frances Street to create a visual link between the transit plaza and downtown Sunnyvale.
The proposed gateway vault is connected to the ticketing facility and parking structure. The ground floor area under the vault serves as the transit plaza. The plaza is proposed to include 3 automated ticket dispensers, 3 public telephones, a seating area and a water fountain.
Phase II
Upon completion of the Phase I ticketing facility, the existing Caltrain station will be removed. That site, which has been identified as a future retail/restaurant opportunity, will be landscaped with potted trees. South of the future retail/restaurant site is a proposed passenger drop off zone with queuing space for 4 vehicles. A shuttle drop off area is designated to the west, and includes a circular turnabout for easy circulation.
The remainder of the site to the west and south of the drop off zones is proposed for surface parking with 100 parking spaces.
To the south of the project site, on Frances Avenue, improvements are proposed for 5 bus stops and 1 bus driver rest area.
The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project site design.
|
Design Guideline (Site Layout) |
Comments |
|
B1- Locate site components such as structures, parking, driveways, walkways, landscaping and open spaces to maximize visual appeal and functional efficiency. |
The proposed project has been designed to maximize circulation of cars, taxis, and shuttles, as well as provide convenient and safe access for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles, without sacrificing visual appeal. |
|
B12- Develop focal point(s) for every project to create a sense of identification. Plazas, landscaping, changes in pavement textures and levels, and building architectural features may be combined to create focal points. |
The proposed transit plaza, which incorporates the clock tower and gateway structure, will serve as a major focal point for the downtown area and for passengers on the trains. |
Architecture:
During the initial design stages for this project, the parking structure was envisioned as an opportunity to create a new visual anchor for the downtown, with distinct architectural features and materials which separate it from other buildings in the area, including the adjacent Murphy Square Building. Staff finds the proposed project has met those objectives while maintaining a link to the Murphy Square Building by using similar massing, horizontal elements and openings as the Murphy Square Building.The architecture of the proposed structure includes rich, textured materials to emphasize the civic nature of the project that situates a multi-modal transportation facility as a gateway and anchor for downtown Sunnyvale.
The parking structure fronts Evelyn Avenue and provides a public "face" for the project. The building is scaled to create an integrated streetscape along Evelyn Avenue along with the existing Murphy Square building. The Evelyn Avenue façade is organized with a base that consists of a colonnade, middle level that includes textured brick and window openings, and top capped by a cornice. The primary materials of the structure are brick and exposed concrete. This composition of the façade along with landscaping between the building and curb helps create an appropriate pedestrian scale for the street.
The two open, decorative stairways on the parking structure give the façade a civic presence as well as provide a positive, secure experience for users of the structure. Materials for the stairway include a decorative steel grille onto which vines will be trained. The same material will be used for the north building façade, which faces the rail lines, to create a "landscaped façade" for that elevation helping screen any potential visibility of vehicles from within the parking garage.
The proposed clock tower and ticketing building will consist primarily of pre-cast concrete. The Planning Commission felt the design of the clock tower looked incomplete and requested that portion of the project return to the Planning Commission for further architectural review and approval (Condition of Approval #4).
The proposed gateway vault will consist of a translucent plastic cover supported by arched wood beams. Both automobile entrances to the structure are marked by brick arches meant to compliment the arched vault.
The following Guidelines were considered in the analysis of the project architecture.
|
Design Policy or Guideline (Architecture) |
Comments |
|
C5 – Buildings shall have three distinct components: bas; middle; and, top. Define each component by horizontal and vertical articulation. |
The Evelyn Avenue façade is organized with a base that consists of a colonnade, middle level that includes textured brick and window openings, and top capped by a cornice. |
Landscaping:
The applicant proposes to landscape 29.5 percent of the site (note: the Planning Commission report erroneously indicated 14.8 percent landscaping on the site). The landscape architectural design concentrates on three principal areas as well as overall enhancement of the existing landscaped areas.The area to the south of the parking structure includes two rows of trees to enhance the south elevation of the parking structure and soften the large expanse of brick and stone used in the building façade. Two rows of trees also provide a canopy effect for pedestrians using the sidewalk in front of the parking structure along Evelyn Avenue. The trees selected for this location will be high crowning to allow visibility of the signage along the south elevation of structure.
A row of trees is also proposed along the north elevation of the parking structure. These trees will serve to soften the building façade as well as to provide screening of vehicles potentially visible to train passengers and residents to the north of the project site.
Potted trees and specialty paving are proposed in the area to the north of the transit plaza. This location has been identified as a potential retail site to be identified at a future time.
Parking lot and perimeter landscaping are also proposed as part of the subject application. Existing peripheral landscaping, including trees, are to be saved and maintained. Staff included Condition of Approval #18 to ensure adequate and appropriate landscaping is provided.
Parking, Traffic and Circulation: A focused traffic and parking analysis for this project was conducted by Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants. This report focused on the project parking analysis, off-site traffic impacts and site access and circulation.
Parking Analysis
The parking structure is proposed to be located on an existing parking lot providing 81 spaces for the Murphy Square Building. An agreement has been reached between the City of Sunnyvale and the Murphy Square property owner to designate an undecided number of parking spaces within the parking structure to patrons and workers at the Murphy Square Building.
For this reason, the parking analysis for this project addresses the Caltrain project site as well as the entire Murphy Square site, including the City parking lot to the east of the Murphy Square Building, at the corner of Sunnyvale Avenue and Evelyn Avenue.
This City parking lot provides 53 parking spaces. An additional 15 parking spaces are proposed behind the Murphy Square Building. The remainder of the parking demand for the Murphy Square Building will be provided in the parking structure.
The proposed project will increase the amount of parking spaces from the existing 351 spaces to 568 spaces, a net addition of 217 parking spaces. The combined peak parking demand for the Caltrain site and Murphy Square, at buildout (the year 2010), is estimated to be 502 parked vehicles under Cumulative Conditions. The proposed number of parking spaces results in a surplus of 66 parking spaces under Cumulative Conditions.
All parking spaces on the proposed project will be open to the public. The 400 parking structure spaces will be available for a nominal fee. With an overall parking shortage of 153 spaces projected for the downtown area under Cumulative Conditions, it is likely that all of the spaces in the Caltrain parking structure will be utilized.
Off-Site Traffic Impacts
The proposed parking structure will not generate new traffic but will cause some diversion and redirection of traffic in the downtown area. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is the congestion management agency for Santa Clara County. The VTA indicated that only a focused analysis would be required for this project in lieu of a Transportation Impact Analysis.
Fehr & Peers, the traffic consulting firm, evaluated the operations of three intersections with level of service calculations during peak periods under Existing, Background, Project, and Cumulative Conditions, concluding the diverted/redirected traffic will not cause a noticeable change in the operations of the key intersections, and they will continue to operate at acceptable levels. Therefore, the parking structure will have a less-than-significant impact on the surrounding roadway system.
Site Access and On-Site Circulation
Fehr and Peers reviewed on-site circulation and access to the site, including queuing at the structure driveways and at the intersection of the main Caltrain station driveway with Evelyn Avenue. Several recommendations have been incorporated as mitigation measures in the Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project (see Conditional of Approval # 29-33).
The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project parking and circulation.
|
Design Policy or Guideline (Parking/Circulation) |
Comments |
|
A6 – Separate pedestrian and automobile traffic paths, and minimize conflict areas for safety. |
Pedestrian access to the site and circulation within the site have been separated from vehicular traffic to maximize safety. |
Air Quality:
Long term effects of the proposed project would improve air quality. The proposal meets two state and federal Transportation Control Measures by improving area wide transit service and improving access to rail service.Project construction activities would generate exhaust emissions from vehicles/equipment and fugitive particulate matter emmissions that would affect local air quality. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project (see Condition of Approval #28) to reduce construction level air quality impact to a level of insignificance.
Noise: Project related noise impact concerns include the compatibility to the proposed uses with the onsite noise environment, the potential for short-term construction noise impacts, and the potential for changes in noise in the offsite environment due to the operation of the project.
The site is currently used for a train station and a parking lot. The addition of a parking structure and a revised train station would not alter existing uses on the project site, and the project would be compatible with the existing noise environment.
During construction, noise levels would be temporarily elevated in areas surrounding the project site. Construction related noise impacts are short-term, unavoidable, but less than significant impacts.
Easements/Undergrounding: All necessary easements, undergrounding of existing and proposed utility lines and service drops will be completed by the applicant as required by the Public Works Department.
Compliance with Development Standards
|
Requested Deviation |
Justifications |
|
|
Staff finds that the proposed deviations from the Sunnyvale Municipal Code are justifiable and the project will be a benefit to the surrounding community by providing alternative modes of transportation than the automobile and increased parking for the downtown area, which has a deficient number of parking spaces.
General Plan
The following goals and policies were considered to determine conformance with the General Plan.
|
General Plan Sub-Element |
Goal Or Policy |
Comments |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C1.2.1 – Promote downtown as a unique place that is interesting and accessible to the whole City and the region. |
The proposal facilitates access to downtown for the whole City and the region by providing multi-modes of transportation and increased parking. The clock tower and gateway structure help establish the downtown as a unique place. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C1.2.3 – Encourage development of multi-modal transportation centers. |
The proposal is a multi-modal transportation center that accommodates travel by train, bus, shuttle, taxi, private vehicle and bicycle. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Policy C3.1 – Achieve an operating level-of-service (LOS) of "D" or better on the City-wide roadway and intersections, as defined by the functional classification of the street system. |
The proposed project encourages alternative modes of travel than the automobile. Additionally, key intersections will continue to operate at acceptable levels. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C3.2.5 - Study potential transit station mixed use development. |
The proposal identifies a portion of the project site as a future potential retail or restaurant use. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Policy C3.5 – Support a variety of transportation modes |
The proposal encourages multi-modal transportation. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C3.5.1 – Promote alternate modes of travel to the automobile |
The proposal encourages travel by train, bus, shuttle, taxi, and bicycle |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C3.5.4 – Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. |
The proposed project provides secure storage to accommodate 100 bicycles. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Action Statement C3.5.8 – Work to improve bus service within the City. |
One component of the proposed project is to provide bus facilities on Frances Street including 5 bus stops and a rest area for the bus drivers. |
|
Land Use and Transportation Element |
Policy 3.6 – Minimize expansion of the current roadway system, while maximizing opportunities for alternative transportation systems and related programs. |
The proposed multi-modal transit station improves the bus, shuttle and bicycle transportation systems. The Current roadway system is not being expanded as a result of this project. |
|
Downtown Specific Plan |
G. Gen-1 – To establish the downtown as the cultural, retail, financial, and entertainment center of the community, complemented by employment, housing and transit opportunities |
The proposed project facilitates a variety of transit opportunities including train, bus, shuttle, taxi and bicycle. |
Downtown Specific Plan
The subject site is located just outside the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) boundary but has a functional relationship with activity in the DSP area. The proposed project is consistent with the DSP which identifies the parking structure site as appropriate for structure parking and identifies the surface parking site as appropriate for surface parking (Figure 7-4, Parking Plan, DSP Page 94).
Expected Impact on the Surroundings
The proposal, as conditioned, will have a beneficial impact on the surroundings. The project encourages reduced automobile use by accommodating multi-modes of travel. Additionally, surplus parking for this project will benefit the downtown area, where an overall shortage of parking exists.
The clock tower, the gateway arch and the rich, textured materials used for the parking structure will result in the proposed project being seen as a significant landmark in the downtown area.
Findings
In order to approve a Special Development Permit, either of the following findings must be made:
(a) Attain the objectives and purposes of the General Plan of the City of Sunnyvale, or
(b) Ensure that the general appearance of proposed structures, or the uses to be made of the property to which the application refers, will not impair either the orderly development of, or the existing uses being made of, adjacent properties.
Conditions of Approval
As part of the review process, staff may recommend Conditions of Approval be placed on an application. These conditions clarify or modify the applicant's proposal in order to meet requirements imposed by the Municipal Code, policies and standards set forth by the General Plan, Special Plans and the City Council and other specifications that staff believes will enhance the visual character and/or add greater diversity to the City. The recommended Conditions of Approval are located in Attachment 2.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact other than normal fees and taxes are expected.
Public Contact
Notice of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the public hearings for this project were published in the Sun newspaper, posted on the site and mailed to the property owners within 300 feet of the project site. In addition, notices were sent to tenants and property owners in the Murphy Avenue Heritage District and the Town and Country Village tenants.
The staff report for this project was posted on the City of Sunnyvale's Website and a copy of the report was provided at the Reference Section of the City of Sunnyvale's Public Library. The Planning Commission Agenda was posted on the City of Sunnyvale's Website and recorded for SunDial.
On October 25, 1999, the Planning Commission voted unanimously (5 – 0) to recommend approval of the proposed Special Development Permit to the City Council with the recommended conditions and an additional condition that the clock tower portion of the project return to the Planning Commission for architectural review and approval.
Alternatives
Recommendation
Alternative 1
Prepared By:
Larry Longenecker
Project Planner
Reviewed By:
Trudi Ryan
Planning Officer
Reviewed By:
David S. Boesch, Jr.,
Director of
Approved By:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Findings
2. Conditions of Approval
3. Mitigated Negative Declaration
4. Site and Architectural Plans
5. Draft Planning Commission Minutes
Findings - Special Development Permit
The proposed use attains the objectives and purposes of the General Plan of the City of Sunnyvale as the project facilitates access to the downtown for the whole City and the region by providing multi-modes of transportation and increased parking. The proposal encourages travel by train, bus, shuttle, taxi, and bicycle. The clock tower and gateway structure help establish the downtown as a unique place by creating a focal point for downtown and for passengers on the trains.
Conditions of Approval - Special Development
A. General
D. Fire Prevention
Conditions of Approval Related to Mitigation Measures
Air Quality
Parking, Traffic and Circulation
Archeological Resources
Soils
Ongoing Non-Point Source Pollutants
Public Safety Services
- Provision of additional equipment (e.g., fire hose backpacks composed of 100 feet of fire hose, a wrench, and nozzle to be carried on fire apparatus);
- Provision of an elevator in the parking garage large enough to accommodate a gurney; and
- Other building construction fire safety provisions.
|
Previous Council Item |
Next Council Item | Corresponding Agenda |
| List of Council Meetings | List of Reports to Council | Sunnyvale Home Page |