Sunnyvale commission approves exterior changes for Zareen’s at 135 S. Murphy Ave.

The Sunnyvale Heritage Preservation Commission on Tuesday approved a Landmark Alteration Permit allowing exterior modifications, a new sign and rooftop equipment screening for Zareen’s, a new restaurant proposed at 135 South Murphy Avenue.

The permit vote, which accepted staff'recommended findings, passed 6-0 with Commissioner Rajkumar absent. Chair Garret called for the roll call after a motion to "accept the recommended findings and approve the motion" and a second by Vice Chair Sharma.

The applicant, identified in the record as Miss Khan, told the commission the work is largely cosmetic: removing a green awning, repainting the front and rear facades, replacing old aluminum windows and the noncompliant rear door, and updating surface tiles to Mediterranean-style Zellige. "We have this property since 2023 and it's taken so long and our customers can't wait for us to open," Miss Khan said during her presentation. She said the project also will create a kitchen in a structure that previously had none.

Commission members and staff asked about structural and operational issues. Commissioner Wawal and others asked whether the structure would be retrofitted for earthquakes; Momo, the city staff member on the record, said a building permit had already been issued and that structural reports were submitted with that permit. "There are structural reports that were submitted with the building permit," Momo said, adding she believed those reports addressed rooftop equipment weight.

Commissioners also queried what equipment would be placed on the roof and whether exhaust or hood equipment would add noise. Miss Khan and staff said the restaurant will use standard rooftop HVAC and hood makeup-air equipment similar to neighboring restaurants and did not foresee neighborhood impacts. Miss Khan said the rear courtyard will be retained, though she noted some cleanup was required after a city-reported rodent issue.

During the public-hearing portion, no members of the public submitted speaker cards. Several commissioners offered supportive remarks about the project's fit with Murphy Avenue's historic character. One commissioner noted existing guidelines for awnings on that street and said an awning might be appropriate, but Miss Khan said the current plan likely will proceed without an awning because of added cost.

A contractor speaking for the applicant described a remaining operational hurdle: a delayed PG&E gas connection. "Our contractor didn't put the PG and E application in time," the speaker said, adding that PG&E approval was obtained the same day and trenching would begin after a preconstruction meeting next week. Miss Khan said she had hoped to open for the Diwali festival on Oct. 5 but now expects to open by November if the gas work proceeds as described.

The staff presentation also noted the restaurant'sign has already been approved separately; the Heritage Preservation Commission's action covered the exterior facade changes and rooftop screening. The commission closed the public hearing before voting.

The permit action included no conditions recorded in the meeting beyond acceptance of staff findings. The motion passed unanimously among voting members present: Commissioner Wawal, Vice Chair Sharma, Commissioner Saathair, Chair Garret, Commissioner McManus and Commissioner Johnson.

Looking ahead, staff said they will continue coordination with the applicant and other city departments to finalize required building permits and utility connections before the restaurant opens.