REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Architectural Review (PLN25-00275) for the Interior Remodel and Reconfiguration of a Bedroom to a Fifth Bathroom, Closets and Enlarged Living Areas in an Existing 2,234 Square Foot One-Story Residence located at 2655 Bonnie Drive. CEQA Status: Exempt from CEQA per Section 5301(e)(1) (Class 1 -- Existing Facilities).
Report
File No.: PLN25-00275
Location: 2655 Bonnie Drive
Applicant: Jeff Guinta
Owner(s): Pankaj and Payal Jauhar Srivastava
Request: Architectural Review for the reconfiguration of interior space within the existing 2,234 square foot single story residence to remove one bedroom, add a fifth bathroom and walk in closets, and enlarge an existing bedroom and the living room resulting in a four-bedroom five-bathroom house.
PROJECT DATA
The Project Data and Compliance Table is included as Attachment 2.
POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
• The project site is located in a single-family neighborhood with houses that are predominantly single-story ranch style. See Vicinity Map in Attachment 1.
• The site is currently a one-story 2,234 square foot residence with five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
• Per the Santa Clara City Code 18.120(D)(1b), the request to add a fifth bathroom to a single-family home requires Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing.
• The project proposal is for the reconfiguration of interior space within the existing 2,234 square foot single story residence to remove one bedroom, add a fifth bathroom and walk in closets, and enlarge an existing bedroom and the living room.
• The applicant is also proposing conversion of the existing attached garage to a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU), which will be reviewed ministerially.
• 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 There are no proposed exterior changes subject to discretionary review.
• 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 provides areas surfaced with all-weather materials for parking vehicles.
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 residence would not create traffic congestion or hazards.
• Public streets are adequate in size and design to serve the residence, and the use will not create a substantive increase in traffic.
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:
• Architectural features of the proposed design area are true to the architectural form and appropriate for the neighborhood. Surrounding properties are one to two story homes with mixed architectural styles. The applicant has not proposed any changes to the exterior that are subject to discretionary review.
• The proposed project is consistent with the scale and design found in the existing surrounding neighborhoods.
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 project is subject to the California Building Code and City Code requirements, which serve to regulate new construction to protect public health, safety, and general welfare.
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:
o The proposed project is consistent with the City’s Single-Family Design Guidelines (2014). There are no proposed exterior changes subject to discretionary review.
•
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 a small 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 property owners within a 300-foot radius of the project site on October 2, 2025. 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 reconfiguration of interior space within the existing 2,234 square foot single story residence to remove one bedroom, add a fifth bathroom and walk in closets, and enlarge an existing bedroom and the living room resulting in a four-bedroom five-bathroom house.
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. Project Data and Compliance Table
3. Conditions of Approval
4. Development Plans