CITY OF SUNNYVALE
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
MINUTES
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
2004-0441 – Application for related proposals on a 4,615 square-foot site located at 206 East California Avenue in an R-1.5 (Low-Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. (APN: 204-48-034) DO
· Design Review to allow the placement of a two-story house on an existing lot, and
· Variance from SMC (Sunnyvale Municipal Code) section 19.34.030 to allow a front yard setback of 10 feet where 20 feet is required for the main house and a rear yard setback of 0 ft. where 10-feet is required for the detached garage, and
· Use Permit to allow a detached garage greater than 450 square feet.
In attendance: Terry Hawkins, Applicant; Dick Smith, Marc Wood, Gerri Caruso, Administrative Hearing Officer; Diana O’Dell, Project Planner; and, Gloria Barron, Recording Secretary.
Ms. Gerri Caruso, Administrative Hearing Officer, on behalf of the Director of Community Development, explained the format that would be observed during the public hearing.
Ms. Caruso announced the subject application.
Diana O’Dell, Project Planner, presented the staff report. She summarized the subject application and recommended approval of the Design Review, Variance, and Use Permit subject to the Conditions of Approval recommended by staff.
Ms. Caruso asked staff where the house is currently located. Staff responded that the house is at 160 North Sunnyvale which, is next door to the crematory site. She noted that the site will be redeveloped to include four townhomes. She also added that because the house is a Heritage Resource it was required to be advertised in the paper for 60 days than it could be moved or relocated. Ms. Caruso asked staff if the original porch on the house was going to be removed. Staff responded that due to the way the porch was constructed it is not movable. Staff noted that the actual house is closer than 20 feet to the front yard.
Ms. Caruso opened the public hearing.
Terry Hawkins, Applicant, received and reviewed a copy of the staff report. He referred to Condition of Approval #6 and stated that he would prefer the height of the garage be 18 feet high which would match the surrounding heights throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Hawkins submitted a map showing all the different garages in the neighborhood which have heights in the 18 to 20 foot height. Ms. Caruso asked Mr. Hawkins if the dormer would be used primarily for light. Mr. Hawkins responded yes and it would also be used as an attic. Mr. Hawkins then referred to Condition of Approval #7 and asked if he could get a waiver on the under grounding due to it being a hardship. Ms. Caruso asked Mr. Hawkins if he had spoken to PG&E about what it would take to under ground. Mr. Hawkins responded that he did some research on it. Ms. Caruso noted that she could take action on the item and a waiver could later be granted through a Miscellaneous Plan Permit application. Staff also noted that in order to grant a waiver specific findings need to be met and collecting the information which would support a waiver would be helpful.
Ms. Caruso asked staff how the front setbacks for the house next door became so narrow. Staff responded that California Avenue was widened into a larger street in the late 60’s or early 70’s.
Dick Smith, Property Owner, thanked staff for always being positive about the move of the house. Mr. Smith stated that he owned the house for 35 years and advertised it for more than six months. Mr. Smith then stated that the house is very attractive both inside and out and is in support of the project.
Mr. Hawkins agreed with Mr. Smith and thanked staff for preparing a good report.
Ms. Caruso closed the public hearing.
Ms. Caruso approved the Variance to accommodate the house on the small lot and to meet the general plan standards that are listed in the findings in addition to saving a heritage house within Sunnyvale. Ms. Caruso also approved the Use Permit for the garage allowing the garage to be 18 feet as proposed due to other garage structure throughout the neighborhood that meet the height of the house. Ms. Caruso stated that condition #7 will currently stand but noted that the applicant has the ability to provide additional information for staff to consider the waiver of the under grounding prior to getting the building permits for the project. Ms. Caruso also noted that the windows in the garage can remain.
Ms. Caruso stated that the decision is final unless appealed during the 15-day appeal period.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:21 p.m.
Minutes approved by:
Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner