REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project: Take the following Actions:
a. Find that the Proposed Actions are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15308;
b. Adopt a Resolution to Establish Lower Density Residential Objective Design Standards for Single-family Dwellings, Two-family Dwellings and Dual Urban Opportunity (DUO) Housing Developments, and Repeal the Single-Family Home Design Techniques;
c. Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code Title 19 (Zoning) to Amend Chapter 19.32 (Building Heights, Lot Coverages and Floor Area Ratios) and Repeal and Replace Chapter 19.80 (Design Review) to Implement the Lower Density Residential Design Standards, and to Amend Chapter 19.79 (Accessory Dwelling Units [ADU]) to Conform with New State ADU Laws;
d. Adopt a Resolution to Update and Adopt the Green Building Tables for 2026; and
e. Repeal City Council Policy 1.1.12 Maximum Standards for Small Lot Single-family Residential Developments.
Location: Citywide
File #: PLNG-2024-0517
Project Planner: Aastha Vashist, (408) 730-7458, avashist@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission considered this item on April 27, 2026. No members of the public spoke on the item. The Planning Commission commented that the design standards would help to simplify and streamline the process for staff and applicants. Planning Commissioners also asked questions about applicability for tiny homes, tree preservation, and further relaxing permit thresholds. An excerpt of the meeting minutes is in Attachment 8.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously for Alternative 2 (6-0, with Commissioner Figone absent) to approve the staff recommendation with the following modifications:
* Staff to consider updates to related design guideline documents to ensure compliance with the revised design review thresholds.
* Add clarification to images in Appendix A that architectu...
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