CITY OF SUNNYVALE
ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
MINUTES
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
2004-0755 - Application for a Variance from Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Section 19.34.030 on a 5,940 square-foot site to allow a 10.5-foot combined side-yard setback where 12 feet is required. The property is located at 767 Lakebird Avenue in an R-0 (Low-Density Residential) Zoning District. (APN: 110-20-047) KD
In attendance: Dean Ritchie, Owner/Applicant; Gerri Caruso, Administrative Hearing Officer; Kelly Diekmann, 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.
Kelly Diekmann, Project Planner, presented the staff report. Staff summarized the subject application and was unable to make the required Findings and recommended denial of the Variance.
Ms. Caruso opened the public hearing.
Dean Ritchie, Owner/Applicant, stated that he received the incorrect staff report in the mail.
Ms. Caruso allowed Mr. Ritchie time to read and review a copy of the correct staff report and proceeded with the next item on the agenda.
Resume 2:31 p.m.
Ms. Caruso re-opened the public hearing.
Ms. Caruso stated that staff was unable to find the extraordinary circumstances needed in order for staff to recommend approval of the Variance and asked Mr. Ritchie if he had any comments. Mr. Ritchie referred to Finding #1 and explained that he is trying to add a family room but cannot locate it in the back because of other rooms there. He stated that his original plan was to build a second story but due to the controversy with second stories and after speaking to his neighbors he opted to proceed with the one story addition. Mr. Ritchie outlined what he was trying to accomplish with the addition and stated that taking out 1 ½ feet from the room would result in a crowded room. Mr. Ritchie then referred to Finding #3 and stated that the room would not be able to be viewed through the back. Ms. Caruso reviewed the dimensions of the addition with Mr. Ritchie. Mr. Ritchie added that a lot of near by residents have done illegal additions that make the neighborhood look bad. He stated that he would like to have a house that looks pleasant from the front view and would like to keep the 1 ½ foot.
No one else was present to speak on the item.
Ms. Caruso closed the public hearing.
Ms. Caruso took the item under advisement until Tuesday, November 2, 2004 to allow time for a site visit.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:41 p.m.
Addendum
Ms. Caruso visited the site on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. The Variance was denied due to the inability to make the required Findings. The applicant was informed on Wednesday November 3, 2004.
The decision is final unless appealed during the 15-day appeal period.
Minutes approved by:
Gerri Caruso,
Principal Planner