2003-0771 – Bindu Madhava [Applicant] Lawrence Commercial Center [Owner] Application for related proposals on a 3.77-acre site located at 520 Lawrence Expressway in an M-S (Industrial & Service) Zoning District. (216-44-119)

• Use Permit to allow a dance studio in an existing tenant space, and;

• Variance from SMC (Sunnyvale Municipal Code) Section 19.46.020 to allow a reduction in the total number of parking spaces required to serve the use.

Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. She summarized the proposed application. She noted that this type of application is typically not reviewed by the Planning Commission. However, there is a Condition of Approval in the original Use Permit for the shopping center stating that any use that is not specifically serving or supporting the surrounding industrial area that requires a Planning Commission review. She also added that the application was originally noticed requiring a Variance; however, after further review, staff determined that there is adequate parking with the Use and that a Variance is no longer necessary. Staff was able to make the required Findings and recommended approval of the Use Permit as conditioned.

Vice Chair Moylan commented that the existing fitness center is no different than the proposed dance studio and asked staff to explain why the Use is different as noted in the staff report. Staff concurred with Vice Chair Moylan and that the staff report over-simplified the fitness center use.

Purna Prasad, representing the applicant, availed himself to Planning Commission’s questions.

Comm. Lee asked the applicant whether he has read and is comfortable with the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Prasad responded yes and he stated that there would be no parking issues.

Comm. Swegles asked the applicant what type of dance lesson is going to be offered. Mr. Prasad responded that they will offer Classical South Indian Dance.

Comm. Chu made no further comments.

Comm. Lee welcomed and thanked the applicant for bringing dance diversity to the City.