REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Rezoning and Minor Modification located at 554 Saratoga Avenue
Report
BACKGROUND
On March 9, 2018, Jane Armstrong filed an application to rezone an 8,500 square foot property located at the northwest corner of Scott Boulevard and Saratoga Avenue from Professional Office (OA) to Single Family Zoning District (R1-6L) in order to allow residential use of the property. The existing OA Zoning District does not allow single-family residential dwellings as a permitted or conditional use under Santa Clara City Code (“SCCC”)Chapter 18.30. Rezoning of the site to R1-6L would also allow a single-family use and a dwelling that would be in conformance with the R1-6L development standards, with the exception of two existing substandard setbacks; a 16’ 3” front yard setback (20 feet required) and a 4” 9” interior side yard setback (5 feet required). A Zoning Minor Modification would need to be approved concurrent with the rezoning to permit the existing non-conforming setbacks if the rezoning is approved by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
The project was considered at a noticed public hearing by the Planning Commission on June 13, 2018. There were no community members speaking for or against the project at the hearing. After some clarifying questions to the applicant, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project as proposed, subject to Conditions of Approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City for processing the requested application other than administrative staff time and expense typically covered by processing fees paid by the applicant.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Section 15303, new construction or conversion of small structures. Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
On June 29, 2018, a notice of public hearing of this item was posted in at least three conspicuous locations within 300 feet of the project site and mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the project site. Planning Staff has not received public comments for this application during the preparation of this report.
Public contact was made by posting the Council 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 at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve the rezoning and approve a Minor Modification of the property at 554 Saratoga Avenue from Professional Office (OA) to Single Family Zoning District (R1-6L), subject to conditions of approval.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission Staff Report of 06/13/2018
2. Excerpt of Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of 06/13/2018
3. Project Data Sheet
4. Letter of Intent to Rezone
5. Development Plans
6. Resolution to Approve the Rezoning and Minor Modification
7. Conditions of Rezoning Approval