REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Title 19 (Zoning) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code related to General Procedures and noticing requirements; Adopt a Council Policy to Increase Public Awareness of Development Proposals (Study Issue, 2014-7261); and make a Finding that the Proposed Project is Exempt from the Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15061(b)(3)
(Study Issue, Planning File number: 2014-7261)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
This study combines two study issues that were ranked highest on the list of 2014 study issues for the Community Development Department (CDD). The original titles of the Study Issues are: Methods of Posting Public Notices on Development Projects; and, Increase Noticing Distance and Related Submittal Requirements for Large Projects (Study Issue Papers, Attachment 1). The study issues were sponsored by the City Council as a result of public comment on a few recent major development projects where some members of the community felt detached from the development review process.
The California Government Code has minimum noticing requirements for planning and land use permits decided through a public hearing; however, many cities choose to increase the amount of public noticing in order to keep their communities informed. Public noticing is addressed in Chapter 19.98 (General Procedures) of Title 19 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC). As a standard practice, many of Sunnyvale's noticing efforts go beyond State minimums and are not part of the Municipal Code or adopted policy. A broader discussion involves exploring additional techniques to inform the public about pending projects and to provide options to increase involvement during the project development review.
The Planning Commission considered this item on August 11, 2014 and recommended in accordance with the staff recommendation with one modification-to use a 2,000 foot noticing radius...
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