City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes  
Planning Commission  
Tuesday, May 27, 2025  
6:00 PM  
Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,  
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086  
Special Meeting: Study Session - 6:00 PM | Public Hearing - 7:00 PM  
6 P.M. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING (Study Session)  
Call to Order  
Chair Iglesias called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  
Roll Call  
Present: 4 -  
Absent: 3 -  
Chair Nathan Iglesias  
Commissioner Martin Pyne  
Commissioner Michael Serrone  
Commissioner Neela Shukla  
Vice Chair Galen Kim Davis  
Commissioner Chris Figone  
Commissioner Ilan Sigura  
Chair Iglesias announced Vice Chair Davis’ recusal from the study session item  
since his property is adjacent to the proposed project site.  
Study Session  
Proposed Project: Related applications on a 0.77-acre site:  
USE PERMIT: to allow construction of a replacement groundwater  
extraction well at approximately 800 to 1,000 feet below the  
ground surface, an approximately 56,000-gallon and 24-foot-tall  
water storage tank, chemical storage cabinets, and associated,  
equipment, utility and right-of-way improvements.  
VARIANCE: to allow 24 feet height, where 17 feet maximum is  
permitted.  
A.  
25-0636  
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT: Adopt a Resolution to  
Certify the Environmental Impact Report, adopt a Statement of  
Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting  
Program.  
Location: 800 Carlisle Way (APN: 309-12-013)  
File #: 2022-7041  
Zoning: R-0/S (Low Density Residential/Single Story)  
Applicant & Owner: California Water Service  
Environmental Review: Environmental Impact Report (State  
Clearinghouse #2023020080)  
Project Planner: Mary Jeyaprakash, (408) 730-7449,  
mjeyaprakash@sunnyvale.ca.gov  
Adjourn Special Meeting  
7 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chair Iglesias called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Chair Iglesias led the salute to the flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present: 5 -  
Chair Nathan Iglesias  
Vice Chair Galen Kim Davis  
Commissioner Martin Pyne  
Commissioner Michael Serrone  
Commissioner Neela Shukla  
Commissioner Chris Figone  
Commissioner Ilan Sigura  
Absent: 2 -  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
Chair Iglesias announced that the Human Relations Commission is hosting an  
Allyship Community Event and provided relevant details on the event.  
There were no public speakers for this agenda item.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
There were no public speakers for this agenda item.  
MOTION: Commissioner Pyne moved, and Vice Chair Davis seconded the motion to  
approve the Consent Calendar.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 -  
Chair Iglesias  
Vice Chair Davis  
Commissioner Pyne  
Commissioner Serrone  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Commissioner Figone  
Commissioner Sigura  
Abstained: 1 - Commissioner Shukla  
Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2025  
1.  
25-0633  
Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 12, 2025 as submitted.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
Proposed Project: Related applications on the 0.69-acre site:  
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT: Amend the General Plan land use  
designation from Low Density Residential (up to 7 du/acre) to  
Low-Medium Density Residential (7-14 du/acre).  
REZONE: Rezone from Low Density Residential (R-0) to Low-Medium  
Density Residential (R-2) with a Planned Development (PD) combining  
district.  
2.  
25-0523  
Location: 781 S. Wolfe Road (APN: 211-05-009)  
File #: PLNG-2024-0344  
Zoning: R-0 (Low Density Residential)  
Applicant / Owner: Dahlin Group (applicant) / Forrest Mozart (owner)  
Environmental Review: Negative Declaration  
Project Planner: Aastha Vashist, (408) 730-7458,  
avashist@sunnyvale.ca.gov  
Senior Planner Aastha Vashist presented the staff report with a slide presentation.  
Commissioner Pyne asked about how state housing laws apply to the proposed  
Planned Development (PD) combining district. Principal Planner George Schroeder  
explained that where a PD combining district is concerned, the developer may  
request deviations from zoning standards rather than a variance or waivers and  
concessions through the State Density Bonus Law.  
Commissioner Pyne reinforced that changing the zoning designation for the subject  
parcel and not a Special Development Permit (SDP) is what is currently being  
considered by the Planning Commission.  
Commissioner Serrone confirmed with Senior Planner Vashist that upon approval of  
the rezoning for the subject parcel, the developer may submit a proposal for a  
redevelopment that differs from the current conceptual development plan.  
At Commissioner Serrone’s request, Senior Planner Vashist explained that a  
proposed project for the subject parcel that includes seven or more residential units  
will be subject to Below Market Rate (BMR) inclusionary requirements. In such an  
instance, the State Density Bonus Law may also apply.  
Commissioner Serrone received clarification from Senior Planner Vashist regarding  
the number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and junior ADUs that are permitted  
on the subject parcel depending on its zoning designation.  
Commissioner Serrone confirmed with Principal Planner Schroeder that since the  
subject parcel is not near a major transit node, it would need to meet minimum  
parking requirements.  
Commissioner Serrone expressed concerns about how the lack of sufficient parking  
spaces for residential developments and ADUs on the subject parcel may result in  
parking overflow onto adjacent streets.  
Commissioner Serrone proposed that a correction be made to page 126 of  
Attachment 8 to indicate that a measure for the construction of a new Main Library  
was not approved by voters.  
Commissioner Serrone commented on the length of the Initial Study/Negative  
Declaration for the proposed rezoning, and Principal Planner Schroeder responded  
that since this report is required to cover various topics, it is lengthy.  
Vice Chair Davis confirmed with Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin and Principal  
Planner Schroeder that when the application for the proposed rezoning was  
submitted, the City’s Housing Element had already been adopted. Planning Officer  
Mendrin added that the proposed rezoning is not subject to the Builder’s Remedy.  
Vice Chair Davis confirmed with Senior Planner Vashist that since the subject parcel  
size is less than one acre, the maximum number of dwelling units allowed is eight.  
Chair Iglesias stated that the subject parcel may be split under Senate Bill (SB) 9.  
Principal Planner Schroeder provided additional details on this matter.  
Chair Iglesias opened the Public Hearing.  
Forrest Mozart (owner/developer) and Justin Doull (Principal/Senior Planner at  
Dahlin Group) presented additional information on the proposed project.  
Commissioner Shukla confirmed with Senior Planner Vashist that if eight residential  
units are developed on the proposed project site, 1.2 of those units will need to be  
below market rate. She clarified that while one BMR unit will be included in this  
instance, an in-lieu fee may be paid to meet the requirement for the remaining .2  
units.  
Sue, Sunnyvale resident, shared concerns regarding the increase in traffic within  
the neighborhood and the use of the no parking zone if the applicant’s conceptual  
site plan is brought to fruition. She also advocated for the proposed development  
project’s entry and exit points to be located on Wolfe Road.  
David Pearson, Sunnyvale resident, acknowledged the need for additional housing  
on Wolfe Road. He also stressed the importance of the access point for the  
proposed residential developments to be located on Wolfe Road rather than  
Lusterleaf Drive.  
Simran Kaur, Sunnyvale resident, spoke of the negative impact to the peace and  
safety of existing residents on Lusterleaf Drive if that road will serve as the vehicle  
access point for the proposed residential developments. She added that while she  
is supportive of the additional housing that the proposed development offers, the  
access point for these developments should be located on Wolfe Road.  
Goma, Sunnyvale resident, echoed concerns raised by previous speakers. She also  
asked that the transition between the zoning designation of the subject parcel and  
adjacent parcels will be considered to mitigate safety and traffic concerns.  
Neelam Paradkar, Sunnyvale resident speaking on behalf of Firethorn Terrace  
residents, shared comments regarding the existing traffic and speeding on Wolfe  
Road.  
Mr. Mozart provided closing comments on the proposed project.  
Vice Chair Davis confirmed with Mr. Mozart that no unsolicited offers have been  
received for the subject property.  
Chair Iglesias closed the Public Hearing.  
Commissioner Pyne received clarification from Senior Planner Vashist that the Initial  
Study/Negative Declaration is for the proposed rezoning and associated density and  
that consideration will be given to whether a subsequent environmental review or  
compliance checklist is required once an application for a development project is  
submitted.  
Commissioner Serrone and Senior Planner Vashist discussed how state law permits  
up to three ADUs per single family lot on the subject parcel and how these ADUs  
would not be subject to minimum parking requirements. Commissioner Serrone  
highlighted the negative impacts of maximizing the number of ADUs on this parcel.  
MOTION: Vice Chair Davis moved, and Commissioner Pyne seconded the motion to  
recommend Alternative 1 to the City Council to take the following actions for the  
parcel at 781 S. Wolfe Road:  
a. Make the Findings required by CEQA (Attachment 3 to the report) and Adopt the  
corrected Negative Declaration (Attachment 10 to the report);  
b. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment 4 to the report) to Amend the General Plan Land  
Use Designation for the site from Low Density Residential to Low-Medium Density  
Residential;  
c. Make the Finding that the General Plan Amendment and Rezoning is deemed to  
be in the public interest (Attachment 3 to the report); and  
d. Introduce an Ordinance (Attachment 5 to the report) to Rezone the site from Low  
Density Residential (R-0) to Low Medium Density Residential (R-2) with a Planned  
Development (PD) combining district.  
Vice Chair Davis spoke in support of the motion, commended the developer for  
considering the concerns of neighboring residents, and emphasized the importance  
of integrating new developments into existing neighborhoods.  
Commissioner Pyne spoke in support of the proposed pedestrian access between  
Lusterleaf Drive and Wolfe Road, stated that the City’s Department of Public Safety  
should enforce the no parking zone by the subject parcel, noted that the  
maximization of density on a project site is not the norm, and commented that the  
proposed density for the subject parcel is reasonable. He also voiced his support of  
the motion.  
Commissioner Shukla confirmed her support of the proposed rezone, conceptual  
development plan, and the motion.  
Chair Iglesias reiterated that approval of the proposed rezoning is being considered  
and not the approval of the conceptual development plan. He also stated that, in his  
opinion, the addition of eight residential units on the subject parcel will not pose a  
significant impact to the surrounding neighborhood and that the proposed  
development plan will bring value to that neighborhood.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 5 -  
Chair Iglesias  
Vice Chair Davis  
Commissioner Pyne  
Commissioner Serrone  
Commissioner Shukla  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Commissioner Figone  
Commissioner Sigura  
This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration at the  
July 1, 2025, meeting.  
Review Planning Program Budget and Fees for FY 2025/2026.  
3.  
25-0621  
Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin presented the staff report.  
Vice Chair Davis and Planning Officer Mendrin discussed staffing needs. Planning  
Officer Mendrin noted that assistance with program implementation in the Moffett  
Park area will be needed.  
Vice Chair Davis confirmed with Planning Officer Mendrin that staff will be  
reevaluating the Zoning Code to streamline the project review process.  
Commissioner Serrone asked whether there has been an increase in funds spent  
for consultants to assist with staff workload. Planning Officer Mendrin advised that  
managing a consultant also requires staff time, but the Planning Division currently  
staffs one consultant. He added that there is some funding available for assistance  
with housing programs through salary savings.  
Commissioner Serrone asked about the cost of California Environmental Quality Act  
(CEQA) studies. Planning Officer Mendrin responded that one might be $85,000.  
Chair Iglesias opened the Public Hearing.  
There were no public speakers for this agenda item.  
Chair Iglesias closed the Public Hearing.  
Commissioner Pyne expressed his excitement for the Park Dedication In-Lieu Fee  
project that the Planning Commission will be reviewing soon.  
MOTION: Vice Chair Davis moved, and Commissioner Pyne seconded the formal  
recommendation of the recommended fiscal year 2025/2026 budget for the Planning  
Program to the City Council.  
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Pyne proposed a friendly amendment to  
ensure that all instances of “Peery Park” are spelled correctly throughout both  
volumes of the Recommended Budget. Vice Chair Davis accepted the friendly  
amendment.  
Vice Chair Davis commended City staff for their work on the budget and commented  
that an increase in the budget may be requested next year due to staff’s large  
volume of work.  
Commissioner Pyne advocated for a faster project review process and stated that  
the proposed budget seems appropriate given other fiscal constraints and the  
uncertain economic climate.  
Commissioner Shukla stated that she will be abstaining from voting and explained  
why.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 -  
Chair Iglesias  
Vice Chair Davis  
Commissioner Pyne  
Commissioner Serrone  
No: 0  
Absent: 2 -  
Commissioner Figone  
Commissioner Sigura  
Abstained: 1 - Commissioner Shukla  
The City Council will complete their annual review of proposed fees and charges for  
fiscal year 2025/2026 on June 3, 2025. On June 17, 2025, the City Council will  
consider the adoption of the fiscal year 2025/2026 budget.  
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES  
None.  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS  
-Commissioner Comments  
Commissioner Serrone confirmed with Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin that the  
Planning Commissioners would be in violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act if more  
than three members attended an outreach meeting for a proposed project.  
-Staff Comments  
Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin announced that Commissioner Pyne will facilitate  
the Planning Commission meeting on June 23, 2025, since Vice Chair Davis and  
Chair Iglesias will both be absent.  
Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin informed the Planning Commissioners that a joint  
meeting between the City Council and the Charter Review Committee is scheduled  
for June 3, 2025. At the same meeting, the City Council will review and provide  
direction on the fiscal year 2025/2026 budget. This budget will be considered for  
adoption by the City Council on June 17, 2025.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
None.  
Planning Commission Proposed Study Issues, Calendar Year: 2026  
(Information Only)  
4.  
25-0634  
ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Iglesias adjourned the meeting at 8:23 PM.