|
|
Community Meeting
December 4, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Vineland Branch Library
1450 Blossom Hill Road
San José, CA 95118
|
|
|
Distinctive Neighborhood Program
In the 2008/2009 fiscal year budget the City Council Rules and Open Government Committee approved funding for the development of a “Distinctive Neighborhood Program” that would add further protection and enhancement to San Jose's unique residential neighborhoods. The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement has been directed to develop this program, conduct outreach, and have a recommendation for City Council by June 2009.
For questions or comments please contact Hadasa Lev, Distinctive Neighborhood Program Planner at 408-535-7838 or hadasa.lev@sanjoseca.gov
If you would like to be informed about the Distinctive Neighborhood Program including upcoming meetings and updates please subscribe at the following link: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/development/subscription/email_updates.asp
- Defining the characteristics of distinct neighborhoods based on input from community groups, neighborhood associations, the development community, and other interested parties
- Reviewing existing protections and proposing potential revised and/or new protection options including identifying potential Municipal Code or other policy changes
- Identifying other steps and resources that would be needed to implement a
Distinctive Neighborhood Program
- Conducting community outreach at key milestones in the development of the program and
- Bringing the proposal to City Council for its consideration.
To view the outreach presentation please clicks here.
If you have input regarding the presentation please contact Hadasa Lev, Distinctive Neighborhood Program Planner at 408-535-7838 or hadasa.lev@sanjoseca.gov
|
 |
|
Initial Outreach: |
October - December 2008 |
Report outreach results to Council: |
January 2009 |
Evaluation of Policy Options: |
January-May 2009 |
Public Outreach on policy options and recommendations: |
April – May 2009 |
Recommendation to City Council and hearing: |
June 2009 |
In 2000, the City Council amended part 9 of the Zoning Code to include design review of proposed modifications to existing single-family houses in certain instances. A Single-Family House Permit is required if:
- The new construction exceeds 30 feet or 2 stories in height, or
- The floor area ratio (F.A.R.) of the house exceeds 0.45.
Planning staff uses design guidelines entitled Single-Family Design Guidelines (approved by City Council in 1999). These guidelines are intended to help maintain the high quality of San Jose’s neighborhoods by providing guidance for the design of new houses, additions and/or remodels in existing neighborhoods. Or,
- The house or site is a historic resource, listed on the City's Historic Resources
Inventory or is located within a Historic Conservation Area.
Physical changes to historic homes and neighborhoods listed on the Inventory are regulated by the City through the Historic Single-Family House or Historic Preservation Permit process, as applicable. The Permit process intends to ensure that the distinctive qualities of historic homes and neighborhoods remain intact. Planning staff evaluate their applications using historic design guidelines entitled "Your Old House: Guide for Preserving San Jose Homes"(approved by the City Council in 2003). These guidelines are not intended as a rigid set of rules; however, they do establish a general framework for various appropriate ways to address the restoration or rehabilitation of older/historic homes.
If no Planning Permit is required, the property owner may proceed to the Building Division for building permits.
The City's Municipal Code allows physical changes including demolition to facilitate new construction that can substantially alter homes and, over time through the cumulative effect of many individual demolitions and remodels, alter the character of entire neighborhoods. The Distinctive Neighborhood Program intends to explore options to provide further protection to San Jose's distinctive residential neighborhoods.
|
