2003-0491 – Moshe Mendelson and David Mark [Application/Owner] - Application for a project site located at 953 S. Wolfe Road in an R-3 (Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. (APN: 211-50-001).

• Rezone from R-3 (Medium Density Residential) to R-3/PD (Medium Density Residential/Planned Development)
• Special Development Permit to allow the development of 7 townhomes
• Tentative Map for the subdivision of one lot into 7 townhouse lots and one common lot.

Fred Bell, Principal Planner, presented the staff report. He provided a summary of the proposed application highlighting the density, the Planned Development request, use, site layout, architecture, the requested height deviation, landscaping, parking, open space. He noted that staff finds the deviation being requested to be reasonable and that there is no negative impact to the surrounding neighborhood. He reported that staff was able to make the required Findings and recommended adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration, approving of the Rezone, the Special Development Permit and Tentative subject to Conditions of Approval.

Comm. Swegles asked staff whether the four designated uncovered guest parking spaces are sufficient for the seven units. Staff responded that the project meets the parking requirements and whether four spaces are adequate is up to the Planning Commission to determine. However, he noted that there is street parking north of the project site but not near or south of the site.

Chair Babcock asked staff how the project is able to accomplish the proposed height deviation compared to other projects. Staff responded that it all depends on the floor plan design and he noted that the additional two feet is possible with the proposed design.

Bruno Marcelli, architect, thanked the staff for helpful and receptive assistance. He also thanked the Planning Commission for their comments at the Study Session resulting in an improved design. He highlighted the modifications since the project was presented to the Commission such as full articulation of the eaves, enhanced and varying colors, with green doors and color tiles. He noted that the project's architecture and mass is compatible with the immediate and surrounding neighborhood. He further noted that the project has footprints with three offsets with roofs broken up and he described the details of the floor plan. He urged the Commission to approve the project.

Comm. Simons asked Mr. Marcelli what is the scale of trees intended for landscaping. Mr. Marcelli responded that the scale of trees has not been discussed.

Comm. Swegles asked the speaker if there is room for extra storage to avoid using the garage as storage area. Mr. Marcelli responded that there is a bonus room that could be used as storage. He also noted that the 400 square foot garage has enough room for storage.

Vice Chair Moylan commented that the project furthers the goals of the General Plan and supports increasing homeownership opportunity. He complimented staff for a well-written staff report and was pleased with the references made from the General Plan as well as highlighting the changes made in response to the comments received from the Study Session.

Comm. Chu commented that he was pleased with the project and that it adds to the housing stock in Sunnyvale. He further commented that he is not much concerned with the height deviation.

Comm. Simons commented that the project is a great addition to Sunnyvale and will help ease the housing needs in Sunnyvale. Overall, the project is nice.

Comm. Swegles agreed with Comm. Simons. He expressed his concerns about the adequacy of guest parking for the seven townhomes. However, he agreed that it is a good project.

Comm. Lee echoed his fellow Commissioners and commented that the project appears to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He noted that surely parking is going to be an issue and hopefully it would improve in time.

Chair Babcock commented that the project is very nice.

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