City Projects

Development Activity Report — Summer 2010
City Projects 

Green Building Ordinance
Location: Citywide
Project Manager: Aki Honda Snelling

Description: Consider adoption of a Green Building Ordinance possibly based upon Phase II Recommendations from the Santa Clara Cities Association’s Green Building Collaboration. Application MCA-2010-04.

Status: 

• On November 24, 2009, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt a Green Building Ordinance process framework.
• On January 19, 2010, the City Council adopted an alternative Green Building Ordinance process framework consisting of: 
      - Use of up to $25,000 from the unused portion of the existing Green Building Certification fund. 
      - Review of Phase II recommendations. 
      - Limited outreach including 2 focus group meetings and 2 public hearings. 
      - Limited consultant assistance to facilitate focus group meetings. 
      - One city-wide mailed notice 
• In May 2010, the City began seeking interested parties to participate in Green Building Focus Groups to help the City through the process of developing a draft Green Building Ordinance. 
• On June 7, 2010, the City held its first kick-off focus group meeting at De Anza College’s Kirsch Center. Over 65 participants attended. The meeting consisted of a tour of the LEED Platinum Kirsch Center, a presentation by Global Green, the City’s green building consultant, and group discussions.
• On July 13, 2010, the Planning Commission held a green building educational workshop to provide additional educational resources to the public. Presentations were provided by Shiloh Ballard of Silicon Valley Leadership Group and David Kaneda, Cupertino Planning Commissioner, regarding overviews of the Santa Clara County Cities Associations’ Phase II recommendations, LEED and Green Point Rated rating systems, and the upcoming Cal Green building codes. 
• July 29, 2010, the City held its final Green Building Ordinance Focus Group meetings. Key components of the draft Green Building Ordinance were discussed. The City received valuable comments and suggestions from the participants. 
• Staff is currently working with green building consultant, Global Green, to develop a draft Green Building Ordinance that will incorporate the participants’ comments and suggestions. 
• The tentative Planning Commission public hearing date to review the draft Green Building Ordinance is September 28, 2010. 
• Updated information on the City’s Green Building Ordinance process can be obtained by visiting www.cupertino.org/greenbuilding or contacting Aki Honda Snelling at (408) 777-3313 or by email at akis@cupertino.org. 

Visual: Citywide postcard to be mailed to all Cupertino residents on May 12, 2010 

Development Permit Process Updates
Location: Citywide
Project Manager: Piu Ghosh

Description: Community outreach with regard to potential changes the City’s documents and processes to improve the Development Permit Process. Application CP-2010-01.

Status:

• The Planning Commission reviewed the Matrix Consulting Groups report from November 18, 2009 on April 13, April 27 and May 11, 2010. Planning Commission forwarded its recommendations on May 11, 2010. 
• The City Council heard the item on May 18, 2010 and directed staff to conduct additional outreach.
• Over 5,200 notices were sent to property owners and permit seekers in the last 5 years at the end of June notifying them about community meetings. In addition, notices were published in the Cupertino Courier, Cupertino Scene and the City’s website. 
• On July 28, 2010, a community meeting at the Quinlan Community Center was attended by 19 residents and 4 Planning Commissioners. The meeting was facilitated by Ken Rodrigues of Ken Rodrigues and Partners. 
• A second community meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2010 at the Cupertino Community Hall at 6:00 p.m.
• Updated information on the Development permit Process Update can be obtained by visiting www.cupertino.org/dpp or contacting Piu Ghosh at (408) 777-3277 or by email at piug@cupertino.org. 

Visual:  June 11, 2010 Cupertino Courier Advertisement