REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Moffett Park Specific Plan Pros and Cons of Taller Buildings (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
During previous City Council workshops and meetings there were questions and concerns expressed about the taller buildings contemplated for the Moffett Park Specific Plan area. Staff was requested to come back with information on the positive and negative aspects of taller buildings or "high-rises" in the plan area. Also requested was a diagram of potential shadows of the proposed height limits near Baylands Park, at the northeast edge of the plan area (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION
The comfort in taller or shorter buildings is affected by many factors. For some people taller buildings signify progress and architectural elegance while for other people taller buildings feel imposing and potentially less safe. Some people prefer more diversity in building height and others prefer more similarity. Sunnyvale has several height limits based on the zoning district. The tallest building approved in Sunnyvale is currently under construction in the Downtown Specific Plan area - a 12-story building (142 feet) with retail on the ground floor and residential units above. This Downtown building will be slightly taller than the 135-foot 8-story buildings on the Juniper Network campus in Moffett Park. Note that the height per floor is greater in office buildings than residential buildings. The tallest structure in the City is a 160-foot tall communication monopole at Fire Station 5 on Bordeaux Drive, also in Moffett Park.
The final section of this report explains the shadow analysis prepared to demonstrate potential shadows for the tallest buildings that could be built per the draft Moffett Park Specific Plan.
FOUR ADVANTAGES OF TALLER BUILDINGS
Opportunities for Green Space
Taller buildings, compared to shorter buildings with the same square footage, provide breathing room for people to move, live, work and play. Although everyday elements are clo...
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