Legislation Details

File #: 26-0491   
Type: Report to Board/Commission Status: Agenda Ready
Meeting Body: Heritage Preservation Commission
On agenda: 5/6/2026
Title: Proposed Project: RESOURCE ALTERATION PERMIT: to modify the existing historic resource with the development of four three-story townhomes in the rear and the retention of a 960-square foot single family house. Location: 434 Crescent Avenue (APN: 211-35-030) File #: PLNG-2024-0719 Zoning: R-3/PD (Medium Density Residential/Planned Development) Applicant / Owner: Gordon Wong, GKW Architects (applicant) /John Chao (owner) Environmental Review: A Class 32 categorical exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions. Project Planner: Margaret Netto, Senior Planner, (408) 730-7628 mnetto@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Attachments: 1. Vicinity Map and Noticing Map, 2. Recommended Findings, 3. Recommended Conditions of Approval, 4. Site and Architectural Plans, 5. Historical Evaluation by Page & Turnbull, 6. Applicant's letter, 7. CEQA Exemption
REPORT TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project:
RESOURCE ALTERATION PERMIT: to modify the existing historic resource with the development of four three-story townhomes in the rear and the retention of a 960-square foot single family house.
Location: 434 Crescent Avenue (APN: 211-35-030)
File #: PLNG-2024-0719
Zoning: R-3/PD (Medium Density Residential/Planned Development)
Applicant / Owner: Gordon Wong, GKW Architects (applicant) /John Chao (owner)
Environmental Review: A Class 32 categorical exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions.
Project Planner: Margaret Netto, Senior Planner, (408) 730-7628 mnetto@sunnyvale.ca.gov

Report
REPORT IN BRIEF

General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Existing Site Conditions: A one-story single-family home
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Multi-family residential (condominium development)
South: Single family home
East: Multi-family residential (condominium development)
West: Multi-family residential (condominium development)
Issues: Alteration of a Heritage Resource
Staff Recommendation: Approve the Resource Alteration Permit based on the Findings in Attachment 2 and subject to the Conditions of Approval in Attachment 3.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project is redevelopment of a 0.26-acre site with a three-story four-unit townhouse development, and retain the existing 960-square foot single-family home.

434 Crescent Avenue is listed as a heritage resource on Sunnyvale's Heritage Resource Inventory. The associated entitlements are a Special Development Permit and Tentative Map (PLNG-2024-0719), which will be considered by the Planning Commission tentatively scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Section 19.96.030(g) states that the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is required to review all applications for permits regarding heritage resources that involve changing use, exterior alteration, or demolition. All related en...

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