City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes  
Planning Commission  
Monday, October 14, 2024  
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. STUDY SESSION  
Call to Order  
Vice Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  
Roll Call  
Present: 6 -  
Chair Nathan Iglesias  
Vice Chair Galen Kim Davis  
Commissioner Martin Pyne  
Commissioner Michael Serrone  
Commissioner Neela Shukla  
Commissioner Ilan Sigura  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Chris Figone  
Commissioner Figone arrived at 6:05 PM.  
Study Session  
Proposed Project: Related applications on a 2.2-acre site:  
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: to consider the  
redevelopment of a shopping center with a 46-unit, three-story  
townhouse development; and,  
A.  
24-1036  
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP: to subdivide the existing lot into 7 lots  
and 4 parcels, and create 46 condominiums.  
Location: 1040-1060 East El Camino Real (APN: 313-04-026)  
File #: PLNG-2023-0880  
Zoning: ECR-MU24 (El Camino Real Mixed Use)  
Applicant / Owner: Balboa Retail Partners (applicant) / Brfii Bell Llc  
(owner)  
Environmental Review: No additional review required as per CEQA  
Guidelines 15168(c)(2) and (4) - environmental impacts of the project  
are addressed in the El Camino Real Specific Plan (ECRSP)  
Environmental Impact Report (EIR).  
Project Planner: Momo Ishijima, (408) 730-7532,  
mishijima@sunnyvale.ca.gov  
Adjourn Study Session  
7 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chair Iglesias called the meeting to order at 7:23 PM.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Chair Iglesias led the salute to the flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present: 7 -  
Chair Nathan Iglesias  
Vice Chair Galen Kim Davis  
Commissioner Chris Figone  
Commissioner Martin Pyne  
Commissioner Michael Serrone  
Commissioner Neela Shukla  
Commissioner Ilan Sigura  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
Chair Iglesias announced that recruitment is underway for the City’s Charter Review  
Committee. He provided some details on the Committee and the application and  
interview processes.  
There were no public speakers for this agenda item.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
There were no public speakers for this agenda item.  
MOTION: Commissioner Shukla moved and Commissioner Pyne seconded the  
motion to approve the Consent Calendar.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
Chair Iglesias  
Vice Chair Davis  
Commissioner Figone  
Commissioner Pyne  
Commissioner Serrone  
Commissioner Shukla  
Commissioner Sigura  
No: 0  
Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2024  
1.  
24-1008  
Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2024 as  
submitted.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
Proposed Project:  
Introduce an Ordinance to:  
2.  
24-0955  
Amend Article 5 (Special Housing Issues) of Title 19 (Zoning) of  
the Sunnyvale Municipal Code to Allow Safe Parking as a  
Primary or Ancillary Use at Specified Sites, other related Zoning  
Code Amendments, and related Amendments to the Peery Park  
Specific Plan Land Use Table and Direct Staff to Pursue  
Implementing a Safe Parking Pilot Program on Public Land.  
Location: Citywide  
File #: PLNG-2024-0645  
Zoning: C-4, MP-02, M-S, M-3, PPSP-IE, and PPSP-MIC and Place of  
Assembly - Community Serving us sites  
Environmental Review: Class 1 (California Environmental Quality Act  
[CEQA] Guidelines Section 15301), Class 4 (Section 15304), and Class  
11 (Section 15311) Categorical Exemptions and Section 16061(b)(3)  
Project Manager: Amanda Sztoltz, (408) 730-7451,  
asztoltz@sunnyvale.ca.gov  
Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan presented the staff report with a  
slide presentation.  
Commissioner Serrone spoke in support of the Safe Parking Program and noted the  
need for one. He and Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan discussed  
the program in detail, including services it would provide, applicable regulations, its  
funding sources, and its associated costs. In response to a question about on-street  
parking RVs, Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan indicated that the  
Department of Public Safety is currently working on a Study Issue regarding  
on-street parking regulations.  
At Commissioner Serrone’s request, Director of Community Development Trudi  
Ryan explained why amendments to the Peery Park Specific Plan Land Use Table  
are required.  
Commissioner Serrone confirmed with Director of Community Development Trudi  
Ryan that a trash collection program is being considered for unhoused residents  
and that an ordinance is not required for it to take effect.  
At Vice Chair Davis’ request, Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan  
defined the term “referral only” as it pertains to best practice operating standards for  
Safe Parking Program sites.  
At Commissioner Pyne’s request, Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan  
provided information on the requirements for public hearings for Safe Parking  
Program sites in such cities as Mountain View, Fremont, Palo Alto, and San Jose.  
Commissioner Pyne confirmed with Homeless Services Manager Amanda Sztoltz  
that the Planning Commission will likely not review a proposed Safe Parking  
Program’s policies and screening procedures. She added that applicants will be  
contractually obligated to meet applicable requirements before a program’s  
operations may begin. Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan added that  
the ordinance outlines the permit application materials that the Planning  
Commission will review.  
Commissioner Figone confirmed with Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz that there  
are agencies that provide mobile health visits to Safe Parking Program sites. She  
added that such services are limited for animals.  
Commissioner Figone questioned whether City residents may be prioritized for Safe  
Parking Programs. Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz explained that the City may  
prioritize the eligibility of those who reside or work in the City and/or those who have  
children in a City school district for programs that are fully funded by the City.  
Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan added that the City may have  
limited discretion to determine eligibility for programs that receive additional funding  
from other sources.  
Commissioner Figone asked whether private security will be in place at Safe  
Parking Program sites. Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz responded that while  
this will not be a requirement due to its costliness, an on-site 24/7 program operator  
or roving security to visit various sites will be considered instead.  
At Commissioner Figone’s request, Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz explained  
how the success for Safe Parking Programs might be measured.  
Commissioner Shukla confirmed with Director of Community Development Trudi  
Ryan that while it may take longer than six months for the City’s Safe Parking Pilot  
Program to be implemented, overnight programs might be implemented by places of  
worship much sooner.  
Commissioner Shukla noted that some Safe Parking Program sites may receive  
opposition. Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan responded that the  
Planning Commission must consider the strength of arguments made as well as  
concerns raised by the public when considering whether to approve permits for Safe  
Parking Programs.  
Commissioner Sigura asked how the length of time that a safe parking program  
could operate will be administered. Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan  
explained that Safe Parking Programs will be approved to operate for one year and  
an extension will be considered upon review of the programs’ success.  
At Commissioner Sigura’s request, Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan  
explained the process for verifying whether candidates are City residents or have  
worked in the City to prioritize them for program eligibility.  
Commissioner Sigura received clarification from Homeless Services Manager  
Sztoltz regarding how the unhoused community will benefit from the case  
management and social services they will receive through the Safe Parking  
Program.  
Commissioner Serrone confirmed with Director of Community Development Trudi  
Ryan that WeHOPE services are available to those who are unhoused.  
Commissioner Serrone asked about the number of people who are living in their  
vehicles and are employed. Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz answered that the  
County may have this data.  
Chair Iglesias confirmed with Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz that existing Safe  
Parking Program sites have not experienced an increase in crime.  
Chair Iglesias confirmed with Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz that it is unlikely  
for a successful City Safe Parking Program to attract unhoused individuals from  
other jurisdictions.  
At Chair Iglesias’ request, Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz explained why both  
overnight and 24/7 Safe Parking Programs will be permitted in the City.  
Chair Iglesias and Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz discussed how residents of  
Safe Parking Programs will receive food in instances where a kitchen facility is not  
accessible on-site.  
At Chair Iglesias’ request, Homeless Services Manager Sztoltz highlighted the  
distinction between the Safe Parking Program’s approach of helping the unhoused  
transition to more permanent housing and the alternative of simply covering the cost  
of their rent as a form of assistance.  
Chair Iglesias opened the Public Hearing.  
Agnes Veith, Sunnyvale resident and Livable Sunnyvale member speaking on her  
own behalf, posed questions regarding sections of the ordinance. They are as  
follows:  
1) Will the public be notified when a notice specifying the reason for revocation is  
mailed to a Safe Parking Program operator and property owner? Will the  
subsequent hearing be a public hearing that will allow for public comment?  
2) Will City staff be required to respond within a specific timeframe from the date the  
permit application is submitted?  
3) What is the minimum number of days’ notice that individuals participating in a  
rotational program will be given before they must move to another approved site?  
Chuck Fraleigh, speaking on his own capacity, spoke in support of Safe Parking  
Programs and shared his concern that places of worship are limited to operating  
strictly as a small site. Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan noted that  
places of worship may operate a large safe parking site that is ancillary to the place  
of worship use, regardless of the zoning district.  
Rita Welsh, Sunnyvale resident speaking on her own behalf, voiced her support of  
Safe Parking Programs.  
Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan responded to questions posed by  
Agnes Veith. A notice of revocation would be sent to the operator and property  
owner, but not to the general public. The applications for Safe Parking would be  
subject to the same timeframes and procedures for processing any Planning permit  
application. The rotational programs are typically set up with participants knowing at  
the beginning what the rotational schedule is.  
Chair Iglesias closed the Public Hearing.  
Vice Chair Davis expressed his desire to prioritize the eligibility of households with  
children in all school districts within the City for the City’s Safe Parking Programs.  
Director of Community Development Trudi Ryan emphasized that this would be the  
City’s intention.  
MOTION: Commissioner Serrone moved and Vice Chair Davis seconded the motion  
to recommend Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 to the City Council: 1) Introduce an  
Ordinance to Amend Article 5 (Special Housing Issues) of Title 19 (Zoning) of the  
Sunnyvale Municipal Code to Allow Safe Parking as a Primary or Ancillary Use at  
Specified Sites, other related Zoning Code Amendments, and related Amendments  
to the Peery Park Specific Plan Land Use Table (Attachment 2 to the report) and  
Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)  
pursuant to the Class 1, Class 4, and Class 11 Categorical Exemptions and Section  
16061(b)(3); 2) Direct Staff to Pursue Implementing a Safe Parking Pilot Program on  
Public Land and return to Council with program details; and, 3) Direct staff to  
prepare a Budget Issue for consideration with the FY 2025-2026 Budget for a  
General Fund grant for a nonprofit or faith-based organization to provide a Safe  
Parking Program on private land.  
Commissioner Serrone voiced his support of the motion and explained why.  
Vice Chair Davis stated his support of the motion and expressed his gratitude for the  
City staff and organizations involved in advocating for Safe Parking Programs within  
the City.  
Commissioner Sigura spoke in support of Safe Parking Programs and expressed his  
interest in any feedback on programs implemented within the City at a later time.  
Commissioner Pyne expressed his support of the motion and his gratitude for City  
staff efforts.  
Commissioner Shukla confirmed that she is in support of the motion.  
Commissioner Figone noted his support of the motion and Safe Parking Programs.  
He emphasized the importance if utilizing feedback to continuously improve City  
programs.  
Chair Iglesias recognized the staff presentation as compelling, compassionate, and  
consistent with City values. He proposed ways to strengthen this presentation as  
well.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 7 -  
Chair Iglesias  
Vice Chair Davis  
Commissioner Figone  
Commissioner Pyne  
Commissioner Serrone  
Commissioner Shukla  
Commissioner Sigura  
No: 0  
Planning Officer Shaunn Mendrin indicated that the Housing and Human Services  
Commission would consider this item on October 23, 2024. The recommendations  
will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration at the November 12, 2024  
meeting.  
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES  
None.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
None.  
Planning Commission Proposed Study Issues, Calendar Year: 2025  
(Information Only)  
3.  
24-1009  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS  
-Commissioner Comments  
None.  
-Staff Comments  
Planning Officer Mendrin informed the Planning Commissioners that the joint  
meeting of City Council with Board and Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs will be  
held on November 19, 2024.  
ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Iglesias adjourned the meeting at 8:50 PM.