REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW HEARING
SUBJECT
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Action on the Architectural Review (PLN24-00581) for the Demolition of an Existing Residence to Construct a 4,726 Square-Foot Two Story Six Bedroom and Five Bathroom Single-Family Residence on a 9,301 square-foot lot at 3342 Allen Court.
Report
File No.: PLN24-00581
Location: 3342 Allen Court, a 9,301 square foot lot located on the west side of Allen Court, approximately 1,848 feet north of Stevens Creek Boulevard APN: 296-08-025
Zoned: Single-Family Residential (R1-6L)
Applicant: Barzin Keyhankhadiv
Owner: Ritesh Biltheria
Request: Architectural Review for the demolition of an existing residence to construct a 4,726 square-foot two story six bedroom and five-bathroom single-family residence.
PROJECT DATA
The Project Data and Compliance Table is included as Attachment 2.
POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION
• The 9,301 square-foot lot (“project site”) is developed with a residence built in 1958. See the attached vicinity map (Attachment 1) for a visual context of the project site.
• The project site is surrounded by one-story single-family residences and a public school. The single-family residences belong to the same tract built in a ranch architectural style that was common at the time. These ranch style homes have low-pitched roofs with the front of the roof eaves extending over the structure walls to serve as a front porch. The residences were all built with siding on them.
• The existing structure that will be demolished is not a potential historical structure as it doesn’t meet the Historical Resource designation criteria under Santa Clara City Code 18.130.040(A).
• The applicant will demolish an existing structure therefore, under Santa Clara City Code 18.120.020(D)(7), it will require an Architectural Review approval through a Development Review Hearing.
• The applicant intends to build a new residence in a modern vernacular architectural style with hipped roofs and a prominent entry feature. The residence will have limited articulation and material variation. The residence is utilitarian in design and form. The development plans are attached for reference (Attachment 4).
• The project is consistent with the Santa Clara Single-Family & Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (2014):
o The architectural features in the proposed residence are in scale and blend well with the neighboring properties.
o The roof and building materials work in conjunction with each other and create a consistent architectural style for the building.
o The proposed design offsets the second-floor walls from the first-floor walls on all elevations to reduce the perception of mass and bulk.
• The proposed design has a limited material variety which creates a bland structure. City staff spoke to the applicant about introducing accent materials, but the applicant chose to not add any.
• The following design changes were made since the initial submittal:
o An offset of the second-floor walls to the first-floor walls was introduced.
o Windows were aligned on the elevations and reduced the various sizes of windows proposed to provide uniformity on the facades.
o The proposed second floor area was shrunk to meet the maximum second floor area percentage requirement.
• The request meets the required findings set forth in Santa Clara City Code Section 18.120.020(F) (Architectural Review).
• There are no active City Code Enforcement cases for this property.
• A neighborhood notice was distributed within a 300-foot radius of the project site.
FINDINGS
Granting the Architectural Review approval requires, the following findings consistent with Zoning 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 request is consistent with Santa Clara City Code Section 18.38.030(D) as the proposal includes an attached two-car garage.
• The request has sufficient off-street parking for the residential building type.
• The request maintains areas surfaced with all-weather materials for vehicle parking.
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 request would not generate any traffic congestion or hazard.
• The public streets are of adequate size to accommodate a single-family residence of its size.
• The request’s design stays consistent with the scale of nearby residences and would not impair the desirability of the neighborhood.
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 request is consistent with the Santa Clara Single-Family & Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (2014) as the bulk and mass blends well with the rest of the neighborhood.
• The request meets all required development standards for the zoning district.
• The project site is a corner lot with ample space for redevelopment.
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:
• The proposed construction is consistent with the City’s Single-Family & Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (2014).
• The request complies with the R1-6L zoning districts development standards.
• The request complies with the intent of the Santa Clara General Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section 15332 (Class 32 - Infill), in that the request is being built on a project site less than five acres and within an urban area served by existing utilities.
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
On March 27th, 2025, a notice was mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the project site to informed them of the public hearing. At the time of preparing this report, the Planning Division only received one public comment on this request.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Determine the project to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) formal pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32 - Infill) and Approve the Architectural Review for the demolition of an existing residence to construct a 4,726 square-foot two story six bedroom and five-bathroom single family residence at 3342 Allen Court, subject to findings and conditions of approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Alex Tellez, Assistant Planner, Community Development Department
Reviewed by: Nimisha Agrawal, Senior 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