REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
File #: 2018-7190
Location: 1441 Norman Drive (APN: 313-14-041)
Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Project: Appeal of a decision of the Planning Commission denying a DESIGN REVIEW to allow a new two-story, single-family home resulting in 5,480 square feet (3,492 square feet living area, 825 square feet garage, 465 covered patio, and a 698 square feet attached ADU) and (59%) floor area ratio. The FAR without the ADU is 51%. Existing home to be demolished.
Applicant Team2 Architecture + Design, Shilpa Pathare
Owner: Nirmal Sharma Trustee & et al
Appellant: Nirmal Sharma (property owner)
Environmental Review: A Class 3 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions. Class 3(a) Categorical Exemptions includes construction of one-single family residence in a residential zone.
Project Planner: Teresa Zarrin, (408) 730-7429, tzarrin@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission considered this item on July 23, 2018 and voted 5-2 to deny the Design Review and provide direction to staff and the applicant where changes should be made. Specific direction was given that the proposed project should be near a 50% FAR (See Planning Commission minutes, Attachment 10).
BACKGROUND
The proposed project, at 59% FAR (floor area ratio), required Planning Commission review because single-family homes with an FAR greater than 45% or 3,600 sq. ft. require approval of Design Review by the Planning Commission. Staff recommended approval of the Design Review stating that the architecture is appropriate for the transitioning Raynor Park neighborhood and the high-quality materials and articulated design reduced the impact of the house on the neighborhood.
The Planning Commission voiced concern that at almost 60% FAR, the project would set a precedent in the neighborhood. Other design options, such as building a basement, are available to provide add...
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