REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on the Architectural Review (PLN26-00162) for a 245 Square Foot First Floor Addition and 1,146 Square Foot Second Floor Addition to an Existing One-Story Residence Resulting in a 3,319 Square Foot Five Bathroom Four Bedroom Two-Story Residence located at 2250 Bohannon Drive. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA per Section 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities).
Report
File No.: PLN26-00162
Location: 2250 Bohannon Drive, a 5,700 square foot lot, located mid-block on the southeastern side of Bohannon Drive between Los Padres Boulevard and Juanita Drive, APN: 303-07-013, Zoned R1-6L (Single-Family Residential)
Applicant: Dream Forge LLC
Owner(s): Kunal Sunil Chawla and Pranali Bhaskar Gite Trustee
Request: Architectural Review for a 245 square foot first floor addition and 1,146 square foot second floor addition to an existing one-story residence resulting in a 3,319 square foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom two-story residence located at 2250 Bohannon Drive
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 1950s one-story single-family residence of approximately 1,900 square-feet. Since the residence was built in the 1950s, a small addition was added at the rear of the structure.
• Per the Santa Clara City Code 18.120(D)(1) ‘New or Expanded Single Family Homes’, and SCCC 18.120(D)(1) ‘A new second story, expansion of an existing second story, or five bedroom or more.’, the request requires Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing.
• The project proposes a 245 square feet addition to the existing residence and a 1,146 second floor addition for a 3,319 square foot two-story, five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence. The project proposes a contemporary design with large picture windows at the front of the residence, modest hip and gable roof forms, dark wood paneled accents carried across the front of the home, and two stone veneer columns on either side of the prominent flat roofed front porch. The project proposes to be clad in white colored stucco, with dark grey asphalt shingle roofing, a cedar wood styled garage door with window accents, and black clad exterior windows.
• 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 single-story ranch styled homes with a combination of hip and gable roof forms; this project proposes to maintain some of the ranch-style elements such as the large windows and a combination of hip and gable roof forms, while also creating a unique design that compliments the neighborhood.
o Architectural features should be adequate and appropriate for the size of the building and should not be overstated. The 3:12 slope of the roof along with the first story hip roof forms lessen the impact of a second story in a predominately one-story neighborhood. The large picture windows are at the front and rear of the residence which lessens the impact of neighbors on either side. The size and scale of the home fit the 5,700 square foot lot while also being under the Zoning Code 40% lot coverage threshold.
o The use of high-quality construction materials for long-term durability, the project proposes an asphalt shingle roof, 12mm thick aluminum clad exterior windows, a stone veneer columns, wood paneled accents, and cedar wood styled garage door with window accents.
o Building Materials and finishes should harmonize and blend in those found in the neighborhood, the project proposes stucco, which is found on many surrounding residences, while the stone and wood 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 unique flat roof atop of a front porch that is boarded by two large, stone veneered columns and a prominent wood paneled 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 which 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 constructing a first-floor addition and a second floor addition in a cotemporary style using design elements found throughout the surrounding neighborhood 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 15301(e)(1) (Class 1 -- Existing Facilities), in that the project is an addition to the existing single-family residence.
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 65 property owners and tenants within a 300-foot radius of the project site on June 4, 2026. As of the writing of this report, planning staff has received one public comment in opposition 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 a 245 Square Foot First Floor Addition and 1,146 Square Foot Second Floor Addition to an Existing One-Story Residence Resulting in a 3,319 Square Foot Five Bathroom Four Bedroom Two-Story Residence located at 2250 Bohannon Drive
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