Previous Actions on the Site: The following table summarizes previous planning applications related to the subject site.

The application is to allow the outdoor storage of vehicles and equipment at an existing industrial site. Currently, the business provides playground equipment and services to the surrounding community. The proposed business is relocating from an adjacent site. The proposed business plans to utilize 9,400 s.f. for warehouse space and 3,100 s.f. for office use. Existing parking spaces will be utilized for company vehicles and equipment storage. The proposed business does not propose landscape or architecture alterations to the site. A fence and gate will be constructed to help mitigate visual impacts of the use.

A Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act provisions, and City Guidelines. Class 1 Categorical Exemptions include minor additions to existing facilities.

Use: The proposed use includes outdoor storage and display area for vehicles and playground equipment. The existing building would consist of 25% office space and the remaining 75% to warehouse use, which are permitted in the M-S/ITR Zoning District. The Use Permit is required in order to allow outdoor storage in excess of 5% of the lot area.

Site Layout: The existing site currently consists of a vacant industrial building. The site was renovated two years ago, which included parking, landscaping and building façade improvements. The proposed project will create some office space within the existing building. Additionally, the new tenants will erect a six-foot chain link fence and gate in front of the parking lot. The proposed storage area will encompass approximately 6,300 square feet, (17% of lot). See Site Plan in Attachment #3 for more detail.

The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project site design.

Architecture: The building was constructed in 1972 and the façade was recently renovated in 2000. The project proposes no changes to the existing architecture. (See Photos in Attachment #4)

Landscaping: The landscaping of the site was recently upgraded in 2000 and currently meets City requirements. A six-foot fence will provide screening for the exposed equipment and vehicles in the parking lot. The existing trees will remain on site. There are no proposed changes to landscaping with this project.

The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project landscaping.

The driveway in the front parking lot will remain clear of storage items for circulation of company vehicles and visitors. The 12 parking spaces located in the east lot will not be impacted by the proposed project.

The proposed project meets current development standards, as stated in the above sections.

There is no expected impact to adjacent properties. The business is currently located next to a residential neighborhood. The new location is positioned further away from the nearby townhouses.

Staff was able to make the required Findings based on the justifications for the Use Permit.

No fiscal impacts other than normal fees and taxes are expected.

Public Contact

1. Approve the Use Permit with conditions as recommended by staff.
   
2. Approve the Use Permit with modifications.
   
3. Deny the Use Permit
   

Recommend Alternative 1.

1. The proposed use attains the objectives and purposes of the General Plan of the City of Sunnyvale as discussed below:

Land Use and Transportation Element: Policy N1.1 Protect the integrity of the City’s neighborhoods, whether residential, industrial or commercial.

The proposed use is compatible and will not cause an additional significant impact to the industrial neighborhood for which it already occupies. The current use will be able to maintain its convenient location near the Lawrence Expressway corridor. In addition, the proposed business provides a beneficial service to the City of Sunnyvale as well as the community.

Community Design Sub-Element: Action 2.5C.2c. Continue to require that sites be designed so that the building locations, driveways, parking, exterior mechanical equipment, auxiliary structures and service access areas are attractive and compatible with adjoining properties and the public right-of-way.

The mechanical equipment will be adequately screened from view and will not impair the uses of adjoining properties. The project does not propose to eliminate existing landscaping, which currently provide an aesthetic benefit to the surrounding area.

2. The proposed use is desirable, and will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property, improvements or uses within the immediate vicinity and within the Zoning District because project meets all development standards including parking and landscaping. The proposed use is compatible within the industrial area. The previous site was previously located adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The new location will greatly improve any noise or visual impact caused by the existing use in the area.

Back to Report 2002-0426

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Back to Report 02-308

Conditions of Approval - Use Permit

In addition to complying with all applicable City, County, State and Federal Statutes, Codes, Ordinances, Resolutions, the Permittee expressly accepts and agrees to comply with the following Conditions of Approval for this Permit.

1. The Use Permit shall expire two years from the date of the approval by the final review authority if not executed or if the use is discontinued.
   
2. No washing of vehicles/equipment on-site.
   
3. Any proposed increase in fence height or extension of the permitted fence shall be subject to the review and approval by the Director of Community Development.