REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Architectural Review (PLN25-00443) for the like-for-like replacement of windows for a property on the Historic Resource Inventory Located at 1310 Homestead Road. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA per Section 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 31 - Historical Resource Restoration / Rehabilitation).
Report
File No.: PLN25-00443
Location: 1310 Homestead Road; on the Southern side of Homestead Road;
APN#: 269-26-067; zoned R3 Medium Density Residential
Applicant: Guanghong Ou
Owner(s): Giao Nguyen
Request: Architectural Review for the like-for-like replacement of existing windows on a Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) residence.
PROJECT DATA
The Project Data and Compliance Table is not included since the project only includes window replacement.
POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
• The project site is in a residential neighborhood near downtown Santa Clara, surrounded by numerous HRI and Mills Act contract properties. See Vicinity Map in Attachment 1.
• The site is currently developed with multifamily residential uses and will continue to operate as such. A second, non-historic multifamily building is also located on the same parcel at 1340 Homestead Road.
• Per the Santa Clara City Code 18.120(D)(6), the request requires Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing. For HRI properties, these proposals receive a recommendation from the Historical and Landmarks Commission (HLC).
• The project was heard by the HLC on December 4, 2025, to ensure consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and to make a recommendation to the Development Review Hearing.
• The project proposes a like-for-like replacement of all 26 existing windows to match the current design and materials. Details regarding the proposed windows are included as Attachment 2.
• The proposed project complies with the City’s Single-Family and Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (2014). Specifically, the project is consistent with the guidelines, in that:
o The window style and proportion are similar to the existing architectural style of the building.
• The proposal preserves the property’s historic character and ensures that the new windows are compatible with the building’s existing architectural features.
• The proposed project meets the required findings set forth in Santa Clara City Code 18.120.
• There is an active code enforcement case regarding the complete interior renovation of the three units without the required permits. Interior renovations do not require a significant property alteration permit or architectural review application and will be reviewed through the Building Permit process. A neighborhood notice was distributed within a 300-foot radius of the subject site for this project review.
FINDINGS SUPPORTING STAFF’S RECOMMEDATION
Granting the Architectural Review approval requires the following findings consistent with City Code Section 18.120.020(F):
1) That any off-street parking area, screening strips, and other facilities and improvements necessary to secure the purpose and intent of this title and the general plan of the City area a part of the proposed development, in that:
• The project does not include any changes to existing off-street parking or site improvements, and therefore no adverse effects will occur.
2) That the design and location of the proposed development and its relation to neighboring developments and traffic is such that it will not impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood, will not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring developments, and will not create traffic congestion or hazard, in that:
• The project consists only of like-for-like window replacements, resulting in no changes to site access, circulation, or use.
3) That the design and location of the proposed development is such that it is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and is such as not to be detrimental to the harmonious development contemplated by this title and the general plan of the City, in that:
• The proposed window replacements are wood double-hung which will match the existing historic windows in material, configuration, operation, and appearance. Because the replacement windows replicate the historic design and detailing, the work will not diminish the architectural integrity or character-defining features of the building.
4) That the granting of such approval will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, materially affect adversely the health, comfort or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of said development, and will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injuries to property or improvements in said neighborhood, in that:
• The proposed like-for-like window replacements preserve the building’s historic character and do not alter site conditions.
• The proposed like-for-like window replacements are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
5) That the proposed development, as set forth in the plans and drawings, are consistent with the set of more detailed policies and criteria for architectural review as approved and updated from time to time by the City Council, which set shall be maintained in the planning division office. The policies and criteria so approved shall be fully effective and operative to the same extent as if written into and made a part of this title, in that:
• The proposed like-for-like window replacements are consistent with the City’s standards. The proposal preserves the building’s historic character and maintains compatibility with the scale, design, and materials of surrounding neighborhood.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Conditions of approval are proposed for the project and are contained in Attachment 3.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 31 - Historical Resource Restoration / Rehabilitation). This exemption consists of projects limited to maintenance, repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation, or reconstruction of historical resources in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Development Review Hearing agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
A public hearing notice was mailed to property owners within a 300-foot radius of the project site on November 20, 2025, to 111 property owners/tenants. As of the writing of this report, planning staff has not received public comments for this application.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Determine the project to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) formal pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 31 - Historical Resource Restoration / Rehabilitation) and Approve the Architectural Review for the removal and replacement of existing windows on a Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) residence, located at 1310 Homestead Road, subject to the findings and conditions of approval.
.Staff
Prepared by: Summer Foss, Assistant Planner, Community Development Department
Approved by: Sheldon S. Ah Sing, Development Review Officer, Community Development Department
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Window Specifications
3. Conditions of Approval
4. Development Plans