REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on the Architectural Review (PLN26-00121) for the Demolition of an Existing One-Story Residence and the Construction of a new 4,829 Square-Foot Two-Story Residence located at 108 Brookside Avenue. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA per Section 15303 (Class 3 -- New Construction).
Report
File No.: PLN26-00121
Location: 108 Brookside Avenue, a 13,700 square foot lot, located mid-block on the eastern side of Brookside Avenue between Forest Avenue and Stevens Creek Boulevard, APN: 303-22-022, Zoned R1-8L (Single-Family Residential)
Applicant: Bess Wiersema
Owner(s): Sreenath Kurupati and Rashmi Bhandari
Request: Architectural Review for the Demolition of an Existing One-Story Residence and the Construction of a new 4,829 Square-Foot Two-Story Residence with Four Bedrooms and Three and a Half Bathrooms, located at 108 Brookside Avenue.
PROJECT DATA
The Project Data and Compliance Table is included as Attachment 2.
POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
• The surrounding neighborhood mostly features original one-story single-family residences. See Vicinity Map in Attachment 1.
• The existing parcel contains the original 1940s one-story single-family residence of approximately 1,600 square-feet.
• Per the Santa Clara City Code 18.120(D)(1) ‘New or Expanded Single Family Homes’, and SCCC 18.120(D)(7) ‘Demolition of an existing structure, other than a non-habitable accessory structure’, the request requires Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing.
• The project proposes to demolish the existing one-story residence and construct a new 4,829 square-foot two-story residence with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The project proposes a unique design with curved gable roof forms, arched windows, shutters, and a porte-cochere. The project proposes to be clad in smooth warm white colored stucco, with cedar shake shingle roofing material, standing seam metal roofing material atop the porches, clad exterior wood interior windows, and a stone veneer wrap and accents around the prominent front porch.
• The project is consistent with the City’s Single-Family and Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (2014). Specifically, the project is consistent with the guidelines, in that:
o The architectural features of the proposed design should be true to the architectural form and appropriate for the neighborhood. The neighborhood is mostly larger uniquely styled homes; this project proposes a unique architectural style while complementing the size and scale of other homes in the neighborhood.
o Architectural features should be adequate and appropriate for the size of the building and should not be overstated. The curved gables reduce some of the visual impact and lessen the bulk while introducing a unique design element. The size and scale of the home due to the larger R1-8L zoned parcel is complimentary to the size of the parcel and the accents of the carriage styled garage doors, arched windows, and porte-cochere are all relative to the size of the residence itself.
o The use of high-quality construction materials for long-term durability, the project proposes cedar shake shingle roofing material, standing seam metal roofing material atop the porches, clad exterior wood interior windows, and a stone veneer wrap and accents.
o Building Materials and finishes should harmonize and blend in those found in the neighborhood, the project proposes smooth stucco, which is found on many surrounding residences, while the stone veneer highlights maintain a uniqueness to the project.
o Roof forms should avoid excessive roof ridgelines, heights, hips, and valleys.
o A prominent fort porch or entry should be provided, the project proposes a standing seem metal roof atop of front porch that is boarded by two large, stained wood post and brackets and a prominent double front door.
o The applicant will plant a 15-gallon tree in the front yard in accordance with the City Code.
• The proposed project meets the required findings set forth in Santa Clara City Code 18.120.
• There are no active City code enforcement cases for this property.
• 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 subject project proposes a two-car garage and front landscaping that are in keeping with the intent of this title and the general plan of the City.
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 proposed project is a two-story residence, like the larger surrounding residences zoned R1-8L, proposes high-quality construction materials, and meets all design guidelines which will not impair the desirability of the neighborhood nor unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring developments.
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 project proposes the redevelopment of a parcel by removing the current aging original residence with a newer residence that meets all zoning code and design guidelines. The resulting project will not be detrimental to the harmonious development contemplated by this title and the General Plan.
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:
• This project is subject to all California Building Codes and City of Santa Clara Codes and Regulations which requires the project to not materially affect adversely the health, comfort, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood, nor the general public.
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 project meets all zoning code and all Design Guidelines including:
o The architectural features of the proposed design should be true to the architectural form and appropriate for the neighborhood
o Architectural features should be adequate and appropriate for the size of the building and should not be overstated.
o The use of high-quality construction materials for long-term durability
o Building Materials and finishes should harmonize and blend in those found in the neighborhood
o Roof forms should avoid excessive roof ridgelines, heights, hips, and valleys
o A prominent fort porch or entry should be provided.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Conditions of approval are proposed for the project and are contained in Attachment 3.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction), in that the project single family residence being constructed on a single-family zoned property.
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 60 property owners within a 300-foot radius of the project site on April 30th, 2026. 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 15301(e)(1) (Class 1 - “Existing Facilities”), and Approve the Architectural Review for the demolition of an existing one-story residence and the construction of a new 4,829 square-foot two-story residence with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, located at 108 Brookside Avenue.
Staff
Prepared by: Daniel Sobczak, Associate Planner, Community Development Department
Approved by: Sheldon S. Ah Sing, Development Review Officer, Community Development Department.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Data and Compliance Table
3. Conditions of Approval
4. Development Plans
5. Public Comment