REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
File #: 2014-7624
Location: 1026 Lois Avenue (APN: 198-34-011)
Zoning: R-0
Proposed Project:
Appeal by a neighbor of a Planning Commission Decision approving a DESIGN REVIEW to allow construction of a new two-story home with a total floor area of 2,993 square feet (2,566 square feet living area and a 427-square foot garage) resulting in 49.8 percent floor area ratio (FAR).
Applicant / Owner: BO Design (applicant) / Haiyan Gong (owner)
Environmental Review: A Class 1 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act provisions and City Guidelines.
Project Planner: Sh?tal Divatia, (408) 730-7637, sdivatia@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
General Plan: Residential Low Density
Existing Site Conditions: Single-family residence
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Single-family residence
South: Single-family residence
East: Single-family residence
West: Single-family residence
Issues: Neighborhood compatibility, Floor Area Ratio
Staff Recommendation: Deny the appeal and uphold the Decision of the Planning Commission to Approve the Design Review, subject to recommended Conditions of Approval.
BACKGROUND
Single family homes with Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 45 percent or greater require approval of a Design Review from the Planning Commission (SMC 19.32.020, 19.80.040). The proposed project at 49.8 percent FAR required approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission reviewed a prior design on October 13, 2014, and denied the project (Attachment 8). At that hearing, the Commission noted that the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) allows a two-story home in this zoning district, but concluded the proposed design had neighborhood compatibility issues, and recommended that the applicant redesign the proposal to address these issues (Meeting Minutes - Attachment 8).
The applicant modified the design to address concerns and comments noted at the public hearing and sub...
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