[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6592764,"mediaKeyId","2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42","parentId",2774846,"title","Council upholds Planning Commission: variance denied for unpermitted backyard studio; staff lists compliance options","audioSeconds",3571,"startMs",15079000,"endMs",18650000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42&start=15079&end=18650","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42/thumbnail_15079000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6592764/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-upholds-Planning-Commission-variance-denied-for-unpermitted-backyard-studio-staff-lists-compliance-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592764-89e4e0704b6f5c9c2453d993f26785ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177533&Signature=BKgW2K0soo0mlpItCAfh5fb2emNizfqv9~7tiEdPtddnWvNKZXY6ygtYv2d0728U9yAmx6NKEjNNwm9~7w1NyZBNkbp4NVs2zPnRAD1XoSjNUzCXLeGpvDuWJJay2d8K9dgy3SfwzlHD3xM0KfcIHqb4LEJcnBuho2vuF9rxp7ghEthGWQwPCRCLFidMoNapQiT9pTSqglORBGpyZiDOK0iL8fN-lrLehgzhbZCUPkxsg~NSF8x1w0T5sc-VzKS5Y-eBg82nWa39b6yhCs8jvpcRbqOb5JTpxZAVo5ow8vZxeMa-YoDTurPb5ZDpAE6PTPjQzBGTvHzuuR-jDhgr0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-26T12:39:34.133Z","article","The City Council voted 7–0 on March 25 to deny an appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of a variance seeking to legalize a 112‑square‑foot detached accessory structure located close to property lines on a single‑family lot in the Washington Park area.

Staff described the structure as a conditioned, detached home office with electrical and air conditioning that was constructed without permits. The accessory building has a 2‑foot‑5‑inch side setback and a 2‑foot‑2‑inch rear setback while code requires 4‑foot side and 10‑foot rear setbacks for structures taller than 8 feet. The structure’s roof slopes to a peak of 9 feet‑11 inches and therefore exceeds the 8‑foot height that would otherwise exempt small detached accessory structures from setback requirements.

Senior planner staff explained the variance criteria and why staff recommended denial. Staff told council it could not confirm the building met health and safety requirements because the structure was constructed without opening walls or other permit inspections; staff also said a detached home office is not the same as an ADU and that ADU rules and affordability goals do not automatically justify waiving setback and height standards for other accessory structures.

The applicant, Scott McLennan, said the studio was intended to be a modest home office on a narrow lot and argued the rules push homeowners toward building larger ADUs when smaller studios would meet the same needs with less tree and neighborhood impact. McLennan said he consulted neighbors and submitted letters of support from adjacent property owners; he also said he would secure required safety approvals if council allowed the variance.

Several public speakers offered opposing views. A nearby resident urged the council to uphold the zoning rules and require corrective action for unpermitted construction; another resident argued the applicant had built in good faith and urged compassion and a policy study to allow similar structures in future.

Staff outlined three compliance options available if the variance was denied: lower the structure so its maximum height is 8 feet (which would exempt it from setbacks), relocate the structure to meet the 4‑foot/10‑foot setback requirement, or expand and convert the building into an ADU (ADUs require 150 square feet minimum and must include habitable spaces and plumbing, and state law allows conversion of existing structures into ADUs under specified conditions). Staff emphasized that any option that results in habitable space or electrical service requires formal building permits and inspections.

Council discussion focused on precedent, the need to apply variance‑finding standards consistently, and options to revisit accessory‑structure rules through a formal study issue. Council member Mellinger framed the council’s role as quasi‑judicial, saying the council must “apply the law” and could not make the variance findings staff identified as required. Several council members encouraged staff to consider a study‑issue review of detached accessory‑structure standards so the city can evaluate whether a new policy framework is warranted.

Action: Council member Srinivasan moved, and Council member Mellinger seconded, to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission. The motion passed 7–0.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council voted 7–0 on March 25 to deny an appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of a variance that would have legalized a 112‑square‑foot unpermitted detached accessory structure with reduced side and rear setbacks.","taxTitle","Sunnyvale , Santa Clara County, California","taxId",2858,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6592773,"Sunnyvale staff propose streamlined special‑events permits, larger grants and one full‑time events manager",1582,3817000,5399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42&start=3817&end=5399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42/thumbnail_3817000.jpg","/articles/6592773/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-staff-propose-streamlined-specialevents-permits-larger-grants-and-one-fulltime-events-manager","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592773-f10a2fd37bc39b772293f33a3b22e159/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177533&Signature=cjNf5zw9qDVSSG4G-AeOWHUez2mCBkbX-5FrT7nROdUKVA8TEAJXA71CbAaGoW8XdrZkWrOuOaNt1ME-dsPQZgzSEeHq-z-IxWFFD1OMpiC12DZvlLX1N4G0X3gNqqLRL5qxXVDg0c749xMTIr48JcRRX2Gh4yvgPc2as3jhXOMaLbw1U0oxrl9Vnm3mNAeaG9QaRMCuDc1FfBW-RQUSB~1uSvxEPmq~vSk-zkFE6vAFWT-SY4gSgosRRPQWceNI1idk9FPZYqpv5t2T2u3PqSfljU7vOxbLcKdjkup4lpQ813hjdad696o7WqNj7ErzEXkaqU1UlfwfFshOUZP-eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michelle Pereira, Director of Library and Recreation Services, told the City Council on March 25 that the city is proposing changes to make it easier and less costly for community groups to hold special events in Sunnyvale.

Pereira told the council, “what we wanna do tonight is really give you an overview of the special events permit process,” and reviewed a set of changes staff has already implemented and several staff recommendations that would require budget approval.

The recommendations are intended to reduce the paperwork and expense for event organizers and to lower staff time spent troubleshooting recurring issues. Key items staff proposed included a redesigned online application with an optional one‑page “starter” form for new organizers, kickoff meetings for large events, prebuilt site templates for popular park locations, expansion of the city’s pilot “city‑sponsored” coverage for insurance and waste pick‑up, and a full‑time Recreation Manager to shepherd permits and coordinate departments.

Notable details from the presentation:
- Applications: a new online form that auto‑skips irrelevant pages and a one‑page “10‑40 EZ” starter that routes applicants to staff help. Staff said they currently require an eight‑week lead time on most events but will continue to review whether lead times can be adjusted by complexity.
- Grants and fee relief: staff asked council whether to increase the Community Events & Neighborhood Grants (CENGP) program from $48,000 to a round figure such as $100,000–$200,000; Pereira said that increase could allow roughly 7–15 additional grants depending on event size and that recipients would be covered under city insurance and waste contracts if CENGP funds them.
- Waste management and insurance: the city’s environmental services contract now covers waste management for 10 city‑sponsored events and staff said negotiations were under way to add about 15 more events to that coverage. Human Resources said city sponsorship covers insurance for city‑sponsored events; staff proposed expanding the set of events that receive that coverage.
- Staffing: staff recommended hiring a full‑time Recreation Manager plus part‑time or overtime liaison hours in other departments to ensure timely inspections, signage, and field services.
- Streamlining: for events with fewer needs (for example block parties), staff highlighted the existing single‑page block party process (10‑day notice; $35 fee) and said templates and kickoff meetings for larger events can reduce back‑and‑forth and last‑minute complications.

Council members and community stakeholders generally welcomed the changes and pressed staff on implementation details. Council member Nava praised the plan’s focus on reducing costs and improving partnerships with organizers. Council members asked for clearer guidance on advertising for third‑party events, how fee waivers would be administered and how insurance requirements would be handled. Christina Kozinski of the Sunnyvale Downtown Association asked for specifics on which insurance costs would be covered; Catherine F., speaking for the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, said public‑safety costs can make some large events financially marginal and urged further work on expense reduction.

Staff told council the next steps would be to: (1) return with budget language (staff proposed presenting the grant and staffing requests in the 2025–26 budget process); (2) continue negotiations with the waste contractor to expand coverage; and (3) publish updated online guidance, including the preapproved templates and kickoff meeting scheduling. City Manager staff noted the likely funding source for the proposed enhancements would be the council service‑level set‑aside and that formal budget decisions will come later in the budget cycle.

Why it matters: the recommendations affect neighborhood block parties, community festivals and large downtown events that draw residents and businesses. If council funds the proposals, more events would receive city insurance and waste support, the application experience would be faster for organizers, and a dedicated staff position would aim to reduce late‑breaking problems that can cause events to be canceled.

Next steps and timeline: staff asked council for direction during the study session; any increases to the grants program or new permanent staff will be considered through the annual budget process.","Michelle Pereira, Director of Library and Recreation Services, told the City Council on March 25 that the city is proposing changes to make it easier and less costly for community groups to hold special events in Sunnyvale.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6592767,"Council introduces rewrite of Sunnyvale ADU rules to reflect recent state laws",762,11644000,12406000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42&start=11644&end=12406","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2774846-d486d3aedb271fb697057723c3c1cf42/thumbnail_11644000.jpg","/articles/6592767/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-introduces-rewrite-of-Sunnyvale-ADU-rules-to-reflect-recent-state-laws","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592767-17ce4eff7063ee634dec864cd78d192b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177533&Signature=AIjIlfnfPcw9t5Q3G5Vlzy-2MdYa1YXTJiNWfMuuMyLRje3N1USQDGGB44oHUdYRaEPkdZBi9vScjXLwxmTXqgczNy9VAHTE0ermmjKLu-JMU7LZtB1gmW38Lq8Q3Qbb54itWkAE2uDxw99HFCuThSvS-PwHce~qA~TcsLZoq4eOPdkV4mCzGrmnhRCf76lqPNEjbpseS19NSFHSvtOrxLp8ep-5pI6TyQQme7Q0j9l2rUxWWHnaEX05KzsOtRO~TwTfOkdHi2JNRmhFUlAEnuq2DBPBE-wsCq4mRVuVt2AxITbC7DmxJH6aw2I0~pZco1aRtsux0G~R9kpc9CuQZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Astha (senior planner) presented the City Council with a draft ordinance on March 25 that would repeal and readopt chapter 19.79 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code and amend related zoning definitions to align local ADU rules with state law.

\"Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units… are considered an essential form of housing by the state,\" Astha said during her presentation, and she walked council through recent state bills that change ADU treatment and local options.

Staff said the proposed rewrite is intended to (1) ensure compliance with new state laws; (2) improve readability and navigation for applicants; and (3) clarify objective development standards such as setbacks, mechanical equipment and solar analysis. The biggest substantive changes included:
- Increased ADU counts: single‑family lots would be allowed up to three ADUs total (up from two under current local code). For existing multifamily properties, detached new‑construction ADUs allowed would increase from two to eight, consistent with state changes.
- Streamlining expansion: additional ADU types would be eligible for ministerial (streamlined) review — for example, attached or detached new‑construction ADUs up to 800 square feet on single‑family lots, detached ADUs on multifamily lots regardless of size, and basement ADUs.
- Definitions and deed restrictions: the rewrite adds and revises definitions to match state law and expands deed‑restriction language for junior ADUs (JADUs), including prohibitions on separate sale of JADUs from the main residence.
- Trees and heritage resources: after consulting the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), staff revised the ordinance so that local tree‑replacement requirements (one 15‑gallon replacement tree per removed protected tree) would apply only to non‑streamline ADUs; staff removed an automatic requirement that resource alteration permits be required for locally designated heritage resources, noting state law allows objective protection for resources on the California Register but not for locally designated resources.

At the conclusion of staff presentation the council voted 7–0 to introduce the ordinance on first reading. Planning Commission had reviewed the draft and recommended the staff‑preferred alternative. Staff said HCD will review the ordinance after adoption and that some state options (for example, allowing separate sale of ADUs under Assembly Bill 1033) were not elected because staff concluded those options could produce administrative complexity or unintended consequences such as parcel‑map requirements and potential encouragement of corporate investment.

Why it matters: ADU rules determine what homeowners and multifamily property owners can build to add rental units or accessory living space. The proposed rewrite both implements state mandates and changes some local allowances (notably unit counts and streamlined categories) that could increase housing supply while clarifying which local protections (for trees and heritage resources) can apply.

Council action: Vice Mayor Selle moved to introduce the ordinance; Council member Mellinger seconded. The council then read the ordinance title and voted 7–0 to introduce the ordinance for a second reading and adoption per the council’s rules; second reading and final adoption will follow the council’s regular ordinance schedule.","City staff presented a substantial rewrite of Title 19 zoning rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to align Sunnyvale code with several new state laws, expand some streamline ADU categories, and to clarify definitions, tree‑replacement rules and applicability; council introduced the ordinance on first reading, 7–0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council upholds Planning Commission: variance denied for unpermitted backyard studio; staff lists compliance options

Sunnyvale staff propose streamlined special‑events permits, larger grants and one full‑time events manager

Council introduces rewrite of Sunnyvale ADU rules to reflect recent state laws