THE CITY AS PART OF A REGION
GOAL R1 PROTECT AND SUSTAIN A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE IN SUNNYVALE BY PARTICIPATING IN COORDINATED LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN THE REGION.
Policies
R1.1 Advocate the City’s interests to regional agencies that make land use and transportation system decisions that affect Sunnyvale.
R1.2 Support coordinated regional transportation system planning and improvements.
R1.3 Promote integrated and coordinated local land use and transportation planning.
Action Statements
R1.3.1 Participate in intergovernmental activities related to regional and sub-regional land use and transportation planning in order to advance the City’s interests.
R1.3.2 Promote shorter commute trips and ease congestion by advocating that all communities provide housing and employment opportunities.
R1.3.3 Monitor significant land use and transportation decisions pending in other communities to ensure that Sunnyvale is not adversely affected.
TRANSPORTATION
Policies
R1.4 Achieve an operating level of service (LOS) "E" or better for all regional roadways and intersections, as defined by the City functional classification of the street system.
R1.5 Maintain a functional classification of the street system that identifies Congestion Management Program roadways and intersections, as well as local roadways and intersections of regional significance.
R1.6 Preserve the option of extending Mary Avenue to the industrial areas north of U.S. Highway 101.
R1.7 Contribute to efforts to minimize region-wide average trip length, and single-occupant vehicle trips.
Action Statements
R1.7.1 Locate higher intensity land uses and developments so that they have easy access to transit services.
R1.7.2 Support regional efforts which promote higher densities near major transit and travel facilities, without increasing the overall density of land usage.
R.1.7.3 Cooperate in efforts to study demand management initiatives including congestion-pricing, flexible schedules, gas taxes, and market-based programs.
R1.8 Support statewide, regional, and subregional efforts that provide for an effective transportation system.
Action Statements
R1.8.1 Endorse funding to provide transportation system improvements that facilitate regional and interregional travel.
R1.8.2 Advocate the preservation of railroad lines for both commuter and freight transit.
R1.8.3 Advocate improvements to state and county roadways serving Sunnyvale.
R1.8.4 Support efforts to plan and implement effective inter-jurisdictional transportation facilities.
R1.9 Support flexible and appropriate alternative transportation modes and transportation system management measures that reduce reliance on the automobile and serve changing regional and City-wide land use and transportation needs.
Action Statements
R1.9.1 Support state and regional efforts to provide High Occupant Vehicle (HOV) lanes, ridesharing, mass transit service, bicycling, and Intelligent Transportation Systems.
R1.9.2 Promote modes of travel and actions that reduce single occupant vehicle trips and trip lengths.
LAND USE
Policies
R1.10 Support land use planning that complements the regional transportation system.
Action Statements
R1.10.1 Encourage a variety of land use types and intensities on a regional level while maintaining and improving regional transportation service levels.
R1.10.2 Support alternative transportation services, such as light rail, buses, and commuter rail, through appropriate land use planning.
R1.10.3 Encourage mixed uses near transit centers.
R1.11 Protect regional environmental resources through local land use practices.
Action Statements
R1.11.1 Participate in state and regional activities to protect the natural environment.
R1.11.2 Protect and preserve the diked wetland areas in the Baylands, which serve as either salt evaporation ponds or holding ponds for the wastewater treatment plant.
R1.12 Protect the quality of life for residents and businesses in Sunnyvale by actively participating in discussions and decisions on potential uses of Moffett Federal Airfield.
Action Statements
R1.12.1 Comprehensively review any proposed aviation services at Moffett that could increase aviation activity or noise exposure.
R1.12.2 Encourage appropriate uses that best support business and residents’ desire in Sunnyvale.
R1.12.3 Pursue annexation of that portion of Moffett Federal Airfield within Sunnyvale’s sphere of influence.
THE CITY
Community Character
GOAL C1 PRESERVE AND ENHANCE AN ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY, WITH A POSITIVE IMAGE AND A SENSE OF PLACE, THAT CONSISTS OF DISTINCTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS, POCKETS OF INTEREST, AND HUMAN-SCALE DEVELOPMENT.
Policies
C1.1 Recognize that the City is composed of residential, industrial and commercial neighborhoods, each with its own individual character; and allow change consistent with reinforcing positive neighborhood values.
Action Statements
C1.1.1 Prepare and update land use and transportation policies, design guidelines, regulations and engineering specifications to reflect community and neighborhood values.
C1.1.2 Promote and achieve compliance with land use and transportation standards.
C1.1.3 Require appropriate buffers, edges and transition areas between dissimilar neighborhoods and land uses.
C1.1.4 Require that commercial activities be conducted primarily within a building.
C1.2 Encourage nodes of interest and activity, such as parks, public open spaces, well planned development, mixed use projects, and other desirable uses, locations and physical attractions.
Action Statements
C1.2.1 Promote downtown as a unique place that is interesting and accessible to the whole City and the region.
C1.2.2 Encourage development of diversified building forms and intensities.
C1.2.3 Encourage development of multi-modal transportation centers.
C1.2.4 Maintain public open space areas and require private open space to be maintained.
APPROPRIATE HOUSING
GOAL C2 ENSURE OWNERSHIP AND RENTAL HOUSING OPTIONS IN TERMS OF STYLE, SIZE, AND DENSITY THAT ARE APPROPRIATE AND CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THE SURROUNDING AREA.
Policies
C2.1 Provide land use categories for and maintenance of a variety of residential densities to offer existing and future residents of all income levels, age groups and special needs sufficient opportunities and choices for locating in the community.
Action Statements
C2.1.1 Ensure consistency with the City’s Housing and Community Revitalization Sub-Element.
C2.1.2 Permit and maintain a variety of residential densities; including:
· Low density (0-7 dwelling units per net acre)
· Low-Medium density (7-14 dwelling units per net acre)
· Mobile home park (up to 12 mobile home dwelling units per net acre)
· Medium density (14-27 dwelling units per net acre)
· High density (27-45 dwelling units per net acre)
· Very high density (45-65 dwelling units per net acre)
C2.1.3 Promote the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing housing.
C2.1.4 Support the transition of Industrial to Residential (ITR) areas as opportunities to increase housing variety and stock.
C2.1.5 Study housing alternatives; including, co-housing, live-work spaces, and transitional housing options to serve a changing population.
C2.2 Encourage the development of ownership housing to maintain a majority of housing in the city for ownership choice.
C2.3 Maintain lower density residential development areas where feasible.
Action Statements
C2.3.1 Study the potential rezoning of properties in the R-4 and R-5 zoning districts to other zoning districts.
C2.3.2 Promote and preserve single-family detached housing where appropriate and in existing single-family neighborhoods.
C2.3.3 Monitor the progress of the remediation efforts for Futures Site 5 (General Plan Category of ITR for Low Medium Density Residential) to determine if and when conversion to residential use is appropriate.
C2.4 Determine appropriate density for housing based on site planning opportunities and proximity to services.
Action Statements
C2.4.1 Locate higher density housing with easy access to transportation corridors, rail transit stations, bus transit corridor stops, commercial services, and jobs.
C2.4.2 Locate lower density housing in proximity to existing lower density housing.
EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION
GOAL C3 ATTAIN A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT IS EFFECTIVE, SAFE, PLEASANT, AND CONVENIENT.
Policies
C3.1 Achieve an operating level-of-service (LOS) of "D" or better on the City-wide roadways and intersections, as defined by the functional classification of the street system.
Action Statements
C3.1.1 Maintain and update a functional classification of the street system.
C3.1.2 Monitor the operation and performance of the street system by establishing a routine data collection program and by conducting special data collection as the need arises.
C3.1.3 Require roadway and signal improvements for development projects to minimize decline of existing levels of service.
C3.1.4 Study and implement physical and operational improvements to optimize roadway and intersection capacities.
C3.1.5 Promote the reduction of single occupant vehicle (SOV) trips, and encourage an increase in the share of trips taken by all other forms of travel.
C3.1.6 Study the use of density, floor area limits, parking management, peak hour allocations, and other techniques to maintain or achieve acceptable levels of service on existing roadways.
C3.1.7 Minimize the total number of vehicle miles traveled by Sunnyvale residents and commuters.
C3.2 Integrate the use of land and the transportation system.
Action Statements
C3.2.1 Allow land uses that can be supported by the planned transportation system.
C3.2.2 Minimize driveway curb cuts, and require coordinated access when appropriate.
C3.2.3 Encourage mixed use developments that provide pedestrian scale and transit oriented services and amenities.
C3.2.4 Continue to evaluate transportation impacts from land use proposals at a neighborhood and City-wide level.
C3.2.5 Study potential transit station mixed use development.
C3.3 Optimize city traffic signal system performance.
Action Statements
C3.3.1 Maintain the signal system and respond quickly to signal breakdowns.
C3.3.2 Monitor traffic signal control performance.
C3.3.3 Interconnect groups of traffic signals where practicable.
C3.3.4 Make appropriate hardware and software improvements to traffic signals.
C3.3.5 Make the traffic signal system responsive to all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
C3.3.6 Install and remove signals when warranted and establish an implementation schedule.
C3.4 Maintain roadways and traffic control devices in good operating condition.
Action Statements
C3.4.1 Inventory and monitor roadway conditions and implement a regular program of pavement maintenance.
C3.4.2 Install permanent and painted pavement markings.
C3.4.3 Implement programs for repair of roadbeds, barriers, and lighting.
C3.4.4 Respond quickly to sign damages and losses.
C3.4.5 Develop and implement a program for long term transportation infrastructure replacement.
C3.4.6 Manage on-street parking to assure safe, efficient traffic flow.
C3.4.7 Conduct periodic analyses of roadway facilities and collision data in order to assure traffic safety.
C3.5 Support a variety of transportation modes.
Action Statements
C3.5.1 Promote alternate modes of travel to the automobile.
C3.5.2 Require sidewalk installation in subdivisions of land and in new, reconstructed or expanded development.
C3.5.3 Support land uses that increase the likelihood of travel mode split.
C3.5.4 Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
C3.5.5 Implement the City of Sunnyvale Bicycle Plan.
C3.5.6 Support an efficient and effective paratransit service and transportation facilities for people with special transportation needs.
C3.5.7 Ensure safe and efficient pedestrian and bicycle connections to neighborhood transit stops.
C3.5.8 Work to improve bus service within the City, including linkages to rail.
C3.6 Minimize expansion of the current roadway system, while maximizing opportunities for alternative transportation systems and related programs.
Action Statements
C3.6.1 Develop clear, safe, and convenient linkages between all modes of travel; including, access to transit stations and stops, and connections between work, home, and commercial sites.
C3.6.2 Promote public and private transportation demand management.
C3.7 Pursue local, state and federal transportation funding sources to finance City transportation capital improvement projects consistent with City priorities.
Action Statements
C3.7.1 Develop alternatives and recommendations for funding mechanisms to finance the planned transportation system.
C3.7.2 Develop a funding mechanism where new and existing land uses equitably participate in transportation system improvements.
STRONG ECONOMY
GOAL C4 SUSTAIN A STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY THAT CONTRIBUTES FISCAL SUPPORT FOR DESIRED CITY SERVICES AND PROVIDES A MIX OF JOBS AND COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Policies
C4.1 Maintain a diversity of commercial enterprises and industrial uses to sustain and bolster the local economy.
Action Statements
C4.1.1 Permit a variety of commercial and industrial uses, including:
· Neighborhood Shopping
· General Business
· Central Business Office
· Industrial/Research and Development
C4.1.2 Encourage businesses that provide a range of job opportunities.
C4.1.3 Promote commercial uses that respond to the current and future retail service needs of the community.
C4.1.4 Create a strong, identifiable central business district that provides regional and Citywide shopping opportunities.
C4.1.5 Study the feasibility of requiring residential developments to incorporate telecommuting infrastructure.
C4.2 Balance land use and transportation system carrying capacity necessary to support a vital and robust local economy.
Action Statements
C4.2.1 Permit industrial FARs up to 35% (and allow warehouse FARs up to 50%), and permit higher FARs in the Futures intensification areas.
C4.2.2 Study criteria to allow industrial FARs up to 45% by Use Permit in 35% zones, considering at a minimum including:
· the effect of the project on the regional or City-wide roadway system (e.g. strategies for reducing travel demand, proximity to transit centers, peak hour traffic generation)
· minimum development size
· redevelopment and/or lot consolidation
· that the project is intended primarily for a single user or has common/shared management
· mitigation of housing impacts
· the development will result in an overall positive community benefit
C4.2.3 Develop incentive programs to reduce parking demand, support alternative transportation, and reduce peak period traffic.
C4.3 Consider the needs of business as well as residents when making land use and transportation decisions.
C4.4 Encourage sustainable industries that emphasize resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and the prevention of pollution and waste.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS
GOAL N1 PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY CHARACTER OF SUNNYVALE’S INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS BY PROMOTING LAND USE PATTERNS AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONCEPT.
Policies
N1.1 Protect the integrity of the City’s neighborhoods; whether residential, industrial or commercial.
Action Statements
N1.1.1 Limit the intrusion of incompatible uses and inappropriate development into city neighborhoods.
N1.1.2 Foster the establishment of neighborhood associations throughout Sunnyvale to facilitate community building.
N1.1.3 Use density to transition between land use, and to buffer between sensitive uses and less compatible uses.
N1.1.4 Anticipate and avoid whenever practical the incompatibility that can arise between dissimilar uses.
N1.1.5 Establish and monitor standards for community appearance and property maintenance.
N1.2 Require new development to be compatible with the neighborhood, adjacent land uses, and the transportation system.
Action Statements
N1.2.1 Integrate new development and redevelopment into existing neighborhoods.
N1.2.2 Utilize adopted City design guidelines to achieve compatible architecture and scale for renovation and new development in Sunnyvale’s neighborhoods.
N1.2.3 Develop specific area plans to guide change in neighborhoods that need special attention.
N1.3 Support a full spectrum of conveniently located commercial, public, and quasi-public uses that add to the positive image of the City.
Action Statements
N1.3.1 Review development proposals for compatibility within neighborhoods.
N1.3.2 Study the adequacy/deficiency of bicycle and pedestrian access and circulation within neighborhoods.
N1.3.3 Design streets, pedestrian paths, and bicycle paths to link neighborhoods with services.
RESIDENTIAL
Policies
N1.4 Preserve and enhance the high quality character of residential neighborhoods.
Action Statements
N1.4.1 Require infill development to complement the character of the residential neighborhood.
N1.4.2 Site higher density residential development in areas to provide transitions between dissimilar neighborhoods and where impacts on adjacent land uses and the transportation system are minimal.
N1.4.3 Encourage and support home businesses that accommodate changing technologies and lifestyles, while remaining secondary to the nature of the residential neighborhood.
N1.4.4 Promote small-scale, well-designed, pedestrian-friendly spaces within neighborhoods to establish safe and attractive gathering areas.
N1.4.5 Require amenities with new development that serve the needs of residents.
N1.5 Support a roadway system that protects internal residential areas from City-wide and regional traffic.
Action Statements
N1.5.1 Have internal residential neighborhood streets adequately serve traffic that is oriented to that neighborhood.
N1.5.2 Utilize the City’s residential neighborhood "Traffic Calming" techniques to address specific neighborhood traffic concerns.
N1.5.3 Discourage non-neighborhood traffic from using residential neighborhood streets by accommodating traffic demand on city-wide and regional streets.
N1.5.4 Coordinate with adjacent communities to reduce and minimize commute traffic through Sunnyvale’s residential neighborhoods.
INDUSTRIAL/RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Policies
N1.6 Safeguard industry’s ability to operate effectively, by limiting the establishment of incompatible uses in industrial areas.
N1.7 Support the location of convenient retail and commercial services (e.g., restaurants and hotels) in industrial areas to support businesses, their customers and their employees.
N1.8 Cluster high intensity industrial uses in areas with easy access to transportation corridors.
Action Statements
N1.8.1 Require high quality site, landscaping, and building design for higher intensity industrial development.
N1.9 Allow industrial, residential, commercial, and office uses in the Industrial to Residential (ITR) Futures sites (Sites 4a, 4b, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, and 10).
COMMERCIAL/OFFICE
Policies
N1.10 Provide appropriate site access to commercial and office uses while preserving available road capacity.
Action Statements
N1.10.1 Locate commercial uses where traffic can be accommodated, especially during peak periods (e.g., lunch time and commute times).
N1.10.2 Encourage commercial enterprises and offices to provide support facilities for bicycles and pedestrians.
N1.11 Recognize El Camino Real as a primary retail corridor with a mix of uses.
Action Statements
N1.11.1 Use the Precise Plan for El Camino Real to protect legitimate business interests, while providing sufficient buffer and protection for adjacent and nearby residential uses.
N1.11.2 Minimize linear "strip development" in favor of commercial development patterns that reduce single-purpose vehicle trips.
N1.12 Permit more intense commercial and office development in the downtown, given its central location and accessibility to transit.
Action Statements
N1.12.1 Use the Downtown Specific Plan to facilitate the redevelopment of downtown.
N1.13 Promote an attractive and functional commercial environment.
Action Statements
N1.13.1 Discourage commercial uses and designs that result in a boxy appearance.
N1.13.2 Support convenient neighborhood commercial services that reduce automobile dependency and contribute positively to neighborhood character.
N1.13.3 Provide opportunities for and encourage neighborhood-serving commercial services in each residential neighborhood.
N1.13.4 Encourage the maintenance and revitalization of shopping centers.
N1.13.5 Provide pedestrian and bicycling opportunities to neighborhood commercial services.
PUBLIC AND QUASI-PUBLIC
Policies
N1.14 Support the provision of a full spectrum of public and quasi-public services (e.g., parks, day care, group living, recreation centers, religious institutions) that are appropriately located in residential, commercial, and industrial neighborhoods and ensure that they have beneficial effects on the surrounding area.
Action Statements
N1.14.1 Encourage carpooling to public and quasi-public services to minimize adverse traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods.
N1.14.2 Ensure the provision of bicycle support facilities at all major public use locations.
N1.14.3 Encourage multiple uses of some facilities (e.g. religious institutions, schools, social organizations, day care) within the capacity of the land and the roadway system.
N1.14.4 Encourage employers to provide on-site facilities such as usable open space, health club facilities, and child care where appropriate.
N1.14.5 Maintain and promote convenient community centers and services that enhance neighborhood cohesiveness and provide social and recreational opportunities.
N1.14.6 Promote co-locating government (federal, state, county, city) activities to improve access to the community-at-large.
Approved by City Council on: Report to Council No.: November 11, 1997 97-470 Deputy City Clerk Certification
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