REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on the Architectural Review (PLN25-00417) for an Approximately 236 Square Foot First Floor Addition and a New Approximately 960 Square Foot Second Story Addition to an Existing Single-Story Single-Family Residence Located at 1855 De La Pena Avenue. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA per Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Report
File No.: PLN25-00417
Location: 1855 De La Pena Avenue
Applicant: Meiying Zhang
Owner(s): Thomas Rutkowski and Juan Lin
Request: Architectural Review for an approximately 236 square foot square foot first floor addition and a new approximately 960 square foot second story addition to an existing single-story single-family residence.
PROJECT DATA
The Project Data and Compliance Table is included as Attachment 2.
POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
• The project site is located along the northside of De La Pena Avenue between Moreno Lane and Fallon Avenue. The surrounding area is a single-family neighborhood with primarily single-story residences. See Vicinity Map in Attachment 1.
• The project site currently contains an approximately 1,441 square foot one-story single-family residence with an attached garage. The existing single-family residence appears to be a minimal traditional architectural style.
• The proposed project involves an approximately 236 square foot first floor addition and an approximately 960 square foot second story addition. The first-floor addition adds approximately 155 square feet to the rear of the residence and approximately 81 square feet to the front of the residence. The new approximately 960 square foot second story seeks to add three bedrooms and three bathrooms to the single-family residence. The proposed architectural style is a change from the minimal traditional architectural style, but it remains traditional in nature with traditional exterior materials and roof pitches.
• Pursuant to the Santa Clara City Code 18.120.020(D)(1)(d), the request requires Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing
• The proposed project is subject to the adopted Single-Family and Duplex Design Guidelines (2014). The proposed project is found to be consistent with the design guidelines in that:
o A stepback is provided from the second-floor exterior wall to the first-floor exterior wall for most of the single-family residence,
o The second-floor square footage is approximately 60% of the first floor square footage, which is less than the 66% noted in the design guidelines,
o The project includes high sill windows on the second story, reducing privacy impacts to adjacent neighbors,
o The project includes exterior materials found in the neighborhood, and
o The project includes a front porch, which complements the neighborhood.
• 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 proposed project is an addition to an existing single-family residence located in a single-family neighborhood and satisfies the requirements of the Zoning Code as noted in Attachment 2. The proposed project satisfies the development standards, incorporates an attached two-car garage, and complies with the design guidelines.
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 an addition to an existing single-family residence located in a single-family zoning district and General Plan designation, both of which allow single-family residences. The proposed project is not anticipated to generate additional traffic and is designed to limit privacy impacts to adjacent properties.
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:
• While the neighborhood is primarily single-story residences, the proposed project is designed to complement the neighborhood by incorporating similar materials, reducing the massing by incorporating building step backs, including a front porch, and proposing an architectural style that complements the neighborhood.
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 project is an addition to an existing single-family residence located in a single-family zoning district and general plan designation, both of which allow single-family residences. The proposed project is found to comply with the design guidelines and complements the neighborhood.
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:
• As described above, the proposed project complies with the Single-Family and Duplex Design Guidelines in that the project:
o Incorporates a step back from the second-floor exterior wall to the first-floor exterior wall for most of the single-family residence,
o Proposes a second-floor square footage of approximately 60% of the first-floor square footage, which is less than the 66% noted in the design guidelines,
o Includes high sill windows on the second story, reducing privacy impacts to adjacent neighbors,
o Includes exterior materials found in the neighborhood, and
o Includes a front porch, which complements the 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 categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(a) (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion
of Small Structures), in that the proposed project involves an addition to an existing single family
residence in a residential zone.
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 61 property owners and tenants within a 300-foot radius of the project site on August 6, 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) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(a) (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion
of Small Structures), and Approve the Architectural Review for an approximately 236 square foot square foot first floor addition and a new approximately 960 square foot second story addition to an existing single-story single-family residence, located at 1855 De La Pena Avenue, subject to the findings and conditions of approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Tracy Tam, 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