REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Design Guidelines for mixed-use projects, known as the Toolkit for Mixed-use Developments; Find that the project is exempt under CEQA pursuant to Guidelines 15060(3) and 15378(b)(5) (Study Issue)
Project Planner: Andrew Miner, (408) 730-7707, aminer@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2010, the City Council sponsored a study issue to address mixed-use projects due to concerns that effective guidelines were not available for the mixed-use projects that were submitted for review at the time. The City does not have specific guidelines or policies to address mixed-use projects, and all parties were interested in better defining the expectations the City has for these types of development. The study issue was ranked above the line, but due to financial concerns and the cost to prepare the Toolkit, the study was suspended. In 2012, the City included the Toolkit into the grant application for the Lawrence Station Area Plan, which includes a mixed-use recommendation for that area.
The Toolkit is a part of the contract the City has with Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the Lawrence Station Area Plan, but it is intended to address mixed-use projects throughout the City, including El Camino Real, downtown, and other areas. The Toolkit is a set of guidelines, and not zoning standards, and is meant to augment zoning, the General Plan and other City policy.
Although the Study Issue paper (Attachment 1) describes an "analysis of appropriate square footage for mixed-use, especially along El Camino Real," that type of information will be included in the updates of the Land Use and Transportation Element of the General Plan and Precise Plan for El Camino Real.
The City Council is scheduled to consider this item on April 28, 2015.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan:
From Land Use and Transportation (LT):
GOAL LT-2 Attractive Community - Preserve and enhance an attractive community, with a positive ima...
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