City adopts two sets of community policies
By Jana Seshadri
At its April 30 meeting, the Sunnyvale City Council unanimously adopted policies that will set new guidelines for two different community issues-- parking lot landscaping standards and the street renaming policy.
Last November, the council adopted an ordinance stipulating that parking lots should provide 50 percent shading in 15 years. However, the council directed staff to prepare a set of guidelines and performance standards to which developers, designers and property owners could refer when they develop their properties.
On April 8, the Sunnyvale Planning Commission recommended approval of the guidelines but required further clarification from staff. The council made the same decision.
The new guidelines range from those on lane widths and alternatives to asphalt paving to a preferred tree species list and protection of existing trees with redevelopment. According to Erin Walters, associate planner for Sunnyvale, the guidelines are in accordance with the current city policies pertaining to the environment, land use and transportation.
However, the council directed staff to return in a month with more criteria for the parking lot guidelines, like the possibility of street signs being hidden by the trees and safety issues from tree debris on the sidewalks.
On Feb. 13, the city council approved the Sunnyvale Hindu Temple's request to initiate a study to rename their street from Persian to Mandir Drive, and the council directed staff to prepare a street-renaming policy.
According to Frederick Bell, principal planner, the recommendation is that the public-street renaming process consist of two steps: consideration of the initial request for a street renaming study and processing of the formal application. Requests - accompanied by the reasons for the request, a location map and a fee of $2,647 - should be provided in writing to the director of community development, upon which the process will begin.
The private-street renaming process requires a less rigorous process. An applicant can initiate the process by filing the Miscellaneous Plan Permit Application - with a fee of $423, a street map and an explanation of the reason for the change - to the director of community development.
Council members directed staff to return with guidelines regarding costs of signage for the renamed street and other criteria.
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
