|
Previous Council Item |
Next Council Item | Corresponding Agenda |
| List of Council Meetings | List of Reports to Council | Sunnyvale Home Page |
May 13. 2003
|
SUBJECT: |
2003-0102 - Pacific Peninsula Group [Applicant] Sun Pacific, LLC. [Owner]: Application for a 18,000 square foot site located at 759 & 775 Carmel Avenue in an R-3 (Medium-Density Residential) Zoning District (APN: 205-15-035 and 205-15-036) |
|
Introduction of an Ordinance |
Rezoning from R-3 (Medium-Density Residential) Zoning District to R-3/PD (Medium-Density Residential / Planned Development); |
|
Motion |
Special Development Permit to allow the construction of 24 attached townhouses, and |
|
Motion |
Tentative Map to subdivide 2 lots into 24 lots. |
REPORT IN BRIEF
|
Existing Site Conditions |
Multi-Family Residential (Apartments) |
|
Surrounding Land Uses |
|
North |
San Miguel Elementary School |
South |
Multi-Family Residential (Apartments) |
East |
Multi-Family Residential (Apartments) |
West |
Multi-Family Residential (Apartments) |
|
Issues |
Setbacks, lot size, frontage landscaping, height of buildings, parking |
|
Environmental Status |
A Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with California Environmental Quality Act provisions and City Guidelines. |
|
Planning Commission Recommendation: |
Approve with Conditions |
|
Staff Recommendation |
Approve with Conditions |
![]() |
PROJECT DATA TABLE
|
EXISTING |
PROPOSED |
REQUIRED/ PERMITTED |
|
|
General Plan |
Residential Medium Density |
Same |
--- |
|
Zoning District |
R-3 |
R-3/PD |
--- |
|
Lot Size (s.f.) |
38,303 |
Same |
8,000 min. |
|
Gross Floor Area (s.f.) |
12,195 |
37,764 |
max. |
|
Lot Coverage (%) |
16.3% |
32.8% |
40% max. |
|
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) |
31.8% |
98.6% |
No max. |
|
No. of Units |
24 |
24 |
21 max. 24 w/ density bonus |
|
Density (units/acre) |
27.3 |
27.3 |
24 max. |
|
Meets 75% min? |
Yes |
Yes * |
16 min. |
|
Bedrooms/Unit |
1 |
1-3 |
N/A |
|
Unit Sizes (s.f.) |
405-540 |
1,290-1,916 |
N/A |
|
Lockable Storage/Unit |
None |
300 |
300 cu. ft. min. |
|
No. of Buildings On-Site |
2 |
4 |
--- |
|
Distance Between Buildings |
25’ |
28’ |
20’ min. |
|
Building Height (ft.) |
22’ |
34’ |
30’ max. |
|
No. of Stories |
2 |
3 |
2 max. |
|
Setbacks (facing prop.) |
|||
|
32’ |
20’ |
20’ min. |
|
10’ |
6’ |
6’ min. (15 ft. combined) |
|
12’ |
6’ |
9’ min. (15 ft. combined) |
|
10’ |
12’ |
20’ min. |
|
Landscaping (sq. ft.) |
|||
|
15,460 |
12,045 |
10,200 min. |
|
644.2 |
468.5 |
425 min. |
|
644.2 |
501.8 |
400 min. |
|
32’ |
8’-32’ |
15 ft. min. |
|
Parking |
|||
|
24 |
56 |
56 min. |
|
18 |
18 |
18 Min. |
|
10 |
10 |
35% Max. |
|
0 |
2 |
2 min. |
|
0 |
28 |
28 min. |
|
0 |
24 |
24 Min. |
|
0 |
6 |
6 min. |
ANALYSIS
Background
Previous Actions on the Site: There are no previous planning actions related to the project site.
A Planning Commission study session was held on the item on March 10, 2003. At that time, the Planning Commissioners expressed concern over the following issues related to the project: parking, setbacks, height and size of the units, architecture and site design.
The item was originally continued to the April 14 Planning Commission hearing, due to concerns with design and proposed deviations of the project. The applicant requested further continuance to April 28 for additional time to address staff concerns of parking and a centralized trash/recycling enclosure. On this date, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project.
Description of Proposed Project
The proposed project consists of the demolition of the existing apartment buildings and construction of twenty-four townhouse units. The project would contain 4 one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units (two styles) and 4 three-bedroom units. The units will be located in four buildings that are three stories in height. A private street will extend the length of the site providing access to private garages for each unit. Unassigned parking provided for guests will be located in three sections of the site as noted on the site plan. The north side of the lot will be landscaped and provide backyard areas for the units at the rear of the site. The eight units of the two smaller buildings will also have private front yard areas. Since the Planning Commission Study Session, the applicant has redesigned the site to accommodate the need for sufficient parking and a centralized trash and recycling enclosure.
Environmental Review
A Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act provisions and City Guidelines. An initial study has determined that the proposed project would not create any significant environmental impacts (see Attachment 3, Initial Study).
Rezoning
Change Under Consideration: The subject property is located within the R-3 (Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. The applicant is requesting the addition of a PD (Planned Development) Combining District requiring a Rezone to R-3/PD.
Objective: This rezoning request is being made to allow the applicant to concurrently apply for a Special Development Permit (SDP) to construct the proposed 24-unit townhouse units. The purpose of the Planned Development Combining District is to provide modifications, additions and limitations to other zoning districts to meet special conditions and situations.
The project involves the subdivision of two properties into twenty-four lots, requiring deviations from the requirements of 8,000 sq. ft. per lot and 120 linear feet in lot width. These deviations will be necessary to create separate owner-occupied lots while providing good site and building design.
Discussion: The PD Combining District enables the consideration of deviations from the Code and/or imposition of more restrictive requirements. The surrounding properties are predominately developed with either apartments or varying types of multi-unit development. The PD combining district provides flexibility in formulating a project that is promotes transition and reinvestment of the neighborhood and in allowing townhouse-style ownership housing.
Special Development Permit
Use: The proposed use consists of medium density attached ownership housing. The density is 27 du/acre where 27 du/acre is the maximum allowed by the General Plan. The zoning of the site allows up to 24 du/acre with a 15% density bonus for the provision of BMR units. The Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-element has a policy that "all new residential developments should build at least 75% of the permitted zoning density." (Policy A.2)
The proposal consists of four 3-bedroom units, sixteen 2-bedroom units, and four one-bedroom units. The three bedroom units will be approximately 1,987 s.f. including a two-car garage. The two bedroom units will range from 1,470 to
1,5200 square feet including a one-car garage. The one-bedroom units will be approximately 1,328 square feet with one-car garages.
At the study session held on March 10, 2003, the Planning Commission reviewed a proposal that included four 3-bedroom units and twenty two-bedroom units. The applicant has reduced the size of four of the units by approximately 70 square feet (Floor Plan A) and has eliminated a bedroom with excess area devoted to the master bedroom. This change was initiated in an effort to meet current parking standards.
Site Layout: The applicant proposes to construct four buildings on the site. An earlier site plan had indicated three buildings. The most recent plan has the larger building broken into two smaller structures of equal size. Although, the plan indicates no loss in the quantity of units, the size of the units has been reduced and reconfigured to allow a trash/enclosure to be placed in between. This alteration allows the site to meet the centralized enclosure requirement and break up the long roof of the originally proposed building at the rear of the side. These larger buildings would be situated along the rear of the site, while two smaller buildings are situated in front of the site. A two-way driveway/street that runs through the site can be accessed from two locations along Carmel Avenue.
The proposal includes deviations from the R-3 lot size and lot width. Staff supports the reduced lot size and lot width of each individual lot in order to facilitate the townhouse development, which would create home ownership opportunities.
The proposed development meets lot coverage standards at 33%. Deviations from individual lot coverage and interior side yard setbacks are common for attached units. The project has a combined side yard setback of 12 feet where 15 feet is required. As the building and property line do not lie parallel to each other, only a corner of the building encroaches into the required setback. At the northeast corner of Building A, the structure is setback 10 ft. 6 in. See the "Site Plan" in Attachment #4 for more clarity.
The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project site design.
|
Design Policy or Guideline (Site Layout) |
Comments |
|
Site Design B9. Residential projects may have a primarily internal orientation for privacy, providing that the site is visually linked with its surroundings by appropriate use of landscaping and building siting. |
The proposed project offers private open space to each unit with internal circulation through a private street. Additional landscaping to the site will provide an attractive overall streetscape to an older neighborhood with minimal landscaping. |
Floor Plan:
The project offers four different floor plans. (See Attachment 4) Unit A is the smallest unit available with 1,328 square feet (including one-car garage) and has one bedroom. There are four units for plan B and twelve units for plan C. These units are approximately 1,470 square feet and have two bedrooms with a one-car garage. The largest floor plan is Unit D at 1,937 square feet, which includes a two-car garage and three bedrooms. There are four units with this floor plan. Many of the units include a bonus room. Staff does not consider these additional rooms as bedrooms as they do not offer a closet as defined by Building Code. These rooms are located near the garage and do not have a bathroom on the same floor.
Architecture:
The project utilizes a gable roof element throughout the proposed structure. Each gable will utilize board and batten siding. The majority of the structure consists of stucco material for siding. The roof material will consist of 50-year dimensional composition.
Varying shades of beige or brown will be utilized for each story. Brackets and window trim also add visual interest to the façade of the structures. Changes in wall plane break the massing of structure. The hipped roof element may aid the perceived building height facing Carmel Avenue.
Balconies are situated on the second story of the two buildings at the rear. Originally, the project indicated a six-foot redwood style fence in front of the Units C and D. A five-foot wood fence with decorative arbors around the gates will be utilized to improve the street presence of the site. Paved walkways will lead up to the units from the sidewalk. An elevation is provided in Attachment #3. A homeowners association will provide for any necessary repairs and maintenance of the fencing.
The height requirement for properties located in the R-3 Zoning District is 30 feet. The height of the proposed building has been reduced from 36 feet to 34 feet and 8 inches in response to the Planning Commission review of the project at their Study Session.
The following Guidelines were considered in the analysis of the project architecture.
|
Design Policy or Guideline (Architecture) |
Comments |
|
C2. In areas where no prevailing architectural style exists, maintain the general neighborhood character by the use of similar scale, forms, and materials providing that it enhances the neighborhood. |
The proposed project retains the residential character of the area in scale as well as enhancing the neighborhood of older buildings that are 40 to 50 years old. |
|
C9. Include decorative building elements in the design of all buildings. Add more interest to buildings by incorporating changes in wall plane and height, etc. |
The design of the building incorporates changes in wall plane and color to add interest. Balconies along the rear units are also utilized. |
Landscaping:
Residential uses within the R-3 Zoning District are required to provide a minimum of 425 sq. ft. of landscaping and 400 sq. ft. of usable open space per unit. The project meets that requirement with private open space (487 sq. ft. per unit) in either the front or rear of each unit. The site also has adequate landscaped area with 10,890 total square feet or 453.8 sq. ft. per unit.A tree protection and a landscaping/irrigation plan with types, quantities and sizes of trees and shrubs is recommended before issuance of a building permit (See Condition of Approval #15). The applicant has submitted a preliminary Tree and Landscaping plan that indicates a preliminary proposal for trees and other vegetation. (Attachment #4) The project includes the installation of 56 trees of varying species throughout the site. There are four cork oak street trees located at the site. Due to the proposed location of the driveway, one of these trees will be removed. This specific tree is in declining condition. However, staff requires the applicant to replace this street tree. The trees will be located at the front of the site and situated between the buildings and parking lot. Trees will also be added to the interior of the site to increase shading of the private street area. Sunnyvale Municipal Code 19.38.070 requires that a fifteen foot landscaped frontage be provided on site. This area may include sidewalks and be crossed by access drives and parking areas. The project does not meet that requirement at portions of the site. However, the site ranges from eight to thirty-four feet in certain sections of the site.
The following Guidelines were considered in analysis of the project landscaping.
|
Design Policy or Guideline (Landscape) |
Comments |
|
A4. Properly landscape all areas not covered by structures, driveways, and parking. |
The site meets the total landscaping requirement for each unit and will provide 56 additional trees throughout the site. |
|
D1. Adequately landscape all parking areas to reduce the effects of heat and glare from paving, and for visual relief. |
The project proposal is to meet the shading requirement for paved surfaces with over 50% coverage. |
Parking/Circulation:
Parking is located next to the two driveway entrances of the site and between Buildings B and C. The existing apartments do not meet current parking standards. The proposed project requires 56 parking spaces. The applicant is proposing 28 covered spaces. Originally, at the study session, the Planning Commission reviewed a proposal requiring 58 spaces, a shortage of two spaces, on site. The project would also meet the covered parking requirement in terms of number and size. The reductions of bedrooms in four units allow for two fewer spaces; therefore, 56 spaces would be sufficient. The revised plan meets the required parking and accessible spaces.Street parking will be prohibited along the private street due to the street width. Staff recommends Condition of Approval #23 requiring that all curbs along the private street and driveway be designated as "no parking" and marked as a red curb.
Trash Enclosure: Sunnyvale Municipal Code 19.38.030 states that multi-family uses require a centralized trash and recycling enclosure for the site. A previous plan requested that each unit provide individual containers for this requirement. The applicant has re-submitted a plan that would allow for a centralized enclosure that meets Municipal Code requirement for multi-family projects. The trash/recycling enclosure is located between the two larger buildings at the rear of the lot. Each unit is located no more than 150 feet from this location.
Easements/Undergrounding: A ten-foot Public Utility easement runs through the rear of the site. The easement prohibits any buildings to be constructed within this area. Development is limited to surface parking, landscaping, and fences within this area. Per Condition of Approval #12, all utilities shall be placed underground.
Tentative Map
General: The tentative map proposes the subdivision of the two existing parcels into twenty-four parcels, plus one common lot. The proposed parcels do not meet the required minimum lot size (8,000 sq. ft.) or the established frontage requirement (120 ft.) for parcels in the R-3 Zoning District. However, the proposed parcel sizes and configuration may be permitted through the PD Zoning designation. The lot sizes and configuration are consistent with similar townhouse developments found throughout Sunnyvale and are necessary to support the typical townhouse development pattern. Therefore, staff supports the requested deviations in minimum lot size and street frontage.
Access: The townhouse units are provided access through the use of a private street that runs through the middle of the site. Two driveways are provided for entering and exiting of the site to Carmel Avenue.
Staff recommends requiring the formation of a homeowner’s association and CC&R’s allowing the joint use of the private street, the guest parking spaces, common landscaping areas and common lots.
Park In-Lieu Fee: The developer will be required to pay Park In-lieu fees prior to approval of the Final Map by the Director of Public Works (See Tentative Map Planning Division Condition of Approval #6).
Tenant Relocation Plan
The property manager is currently working with the Housing Officer to provide a tenant relocation assistance plan for the residents of the existing apartment building. A proposed plan is under review and is listed in Attachment #7. Condition of Approval #7 requires that a relocation assistance plan be approved by the Housing Officer and Director of Community Development prior to issuance of building permits.
Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-Element
C.9.a Require as a part of the City’s application approval process that any land use change or rehabilitation program that displaces tenants shall include a plan stating the efforts taken by the property owner to assist relocation of tenants, including payment of relocation costs.
As stated in the Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-Element, the tenant relocation plan could include: (1) favorable rental or purchase arrangements after work is completed, (2) location of vacancies in similar housing, (3) Encourage the development of ownership housing to maintain a majority of housing in the City for ownership choice. (4) no rent increases upon application and until relocation is secured, (5) right of first purchase refusal, (6) reduced price options, and (7) assistance in locating new housing.
As proposed, the tenant relocation program would include the following assistance programs to existing tenets:
As previously noted, the City’s Housing Officer will review and approve the final relocation assistance plan. A copy of the preliminary proposal is listed in Attachment 7.
Compliance with Development Standards
|
Requested Deviation |
Justifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staff believes that the deviations will allow for the development of a high quality multi-family residential ownership project in an older primarily rental neighborhood. The project provides additional multi-family home ownership opportunities while maintaining compatibility with the scale of adjacent multi-family residential uses. The architectural detail provides some individuality in design while maintaining the overall residential character of the existing streetscape.
Expected Impact on the Surroundings
There are no significant traffic or noise impacts expected with the project. The new structure will be three stories and, therefore, the most significant impact from the street and neighboring properties will be visual. Staff believes the architectural style is suitable for the neighborhood.
Community Development Strategy
The proposed site is located within the "San Juan Action Area" as determined in the Community Development Strategy. This area is encouraged for acquisition, redevelopment, and increased homeownership opportunity.
Findings, General Plan Goals and Conditions of Approval
Staff was
able to make the required Findings based on the justifications for the Rezone, Special Development Permit and Tentative Map.Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impacts other than normal fees and taxes are expected.
Public Contact
|
Notice of Negative Declaration and Public Hearing |
Staff Report |
Agenda |
|
|
|
The applicant has sent a letter to each of the current residents of the apartment building. They have been notified of the pending project to redevelop the site. The applicant has also noticed adjacent neighbors regarding the proposed redevelopment of the site.
Alternatives
Recommendation
Recommend Alternative 1.
|
Prepared by: |
|
Reviewed by:
Trudi Ryan
Robert Paternoster |
|
Approved by: Robert S. LaSala City Manager |
|
|
|
Findings - Rezone
In order to approve a rezoning request the City Council is required by Zoning Code Section 19.92.050 to make a finding that "the amendment, as proposed, changed or modified is deemed to be in the public interest." The proposed Rezoning is consistent with this finding because it is consistent with the General Plan land use designation and assists the city in meeting its housing goals by essentially converting 24 rental housing units to ownership units.
Findings - Special Development Permit
Land Use and Transportation Element
C2.2 Encourage the development of ownership housing to maintain a majority of housing in the City for ownership choice.
The proposed project will essentially convert 24 rental units available to homeownership units. Of these units, The project meets the Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-Element Goal of providing at least 75% of the permitted number of residential units. The neighborhood is a mix of different types of multi-family housing which provide rental and ownership units. The building design and architecture will enhance a neighborhood of older and declining condition while maintaining similar density and scale to the area.
Neighborhood Conditions
Policy B.4. Ensure that new development and rehabilitation efforts promote quality design and harmonize with existing neighborhood surroundings.
The architecture and site layout of the proposed project is a significant improvement of the existing development on site. The project may encourage desirable redevelopment into an older neighborhood.
The proposed use ensures 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 as the site meets the City-Wide Design Guidelines. The project will be a benefit to the neighborhood and is compatible with the existing density and architecture of the surrounding area. The project provides internal orientation and is visually connected to surrounding properties through the proposed landscaping and building site design.
Findings - Tentative Map
The City Council or Planning Commission shall deny the Tentative Map if it makes any of the following findings:
That the subdivision is not consistent with the General Plan.
That the design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is not consistent with the General Plan.
That the site is not physically suitable for the proposed type of development.
That the site is not physically suitable for the proposed density of development.
That the design of the subdivision or proposed improvements are likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat.
That the design of the subdivision or type of improvements is likely to cause serious public health problems.
That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of property within the proposed subdivision.
The subdivision, together with the provisions for its design and improvements, is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs of the General Plan. The project, in conjunction with an approved Special Development Permit, meets the overall density allowed in the Zone and supports a land use that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The project also meets the goals and policies of the General Plan, as enumerated above.
Conditions of Approval - Special Development Permit
In addition, to complying with all applicable City, County, State and Federal Statutes, Codes, Ordinances, Resolutions and Regulations, Permittee expressly accepts and agrees to comply with the following conditions of approval of this Permit.
Below Market Rate Units
Utilities
Homeowners Association
Building Design
Landscaping and Site Plans
Parking/Access
Conditions of Approval - Tentative Map
A. Planning Division
B. Building Safety Division
C. Public Works
D. Fire Prevention
E. Other Public Agencies
|
Previous Council Item |
Next Council Item | Corresponding Agenda |
| List of Council Meetings | List of Reports to Council | Sunnyvale Home Page |