Sunnyvale official approves variance for Fairbree Swim Club shade structures

Zone Administrator Julia Klein approved a variance on Jan. 14 allowing Fairbree Swim Club to install two accessory shade structures that, together with an existing storage shed, total about 1,874 square feet — more than double the 800-square-foot accessory structure limit for R-1 single-family zones.

In a staff presentation, the project planner, Sheila, said the site is over one acre and has operated as a swim and racket club since 1961. "Staff supports the requested variance, due to the large parcel size and the recreational use," Sheila said, noting the two proposed pergolas measure roughly 1,300 square feet (near the pool) and 450 square feet (near the tennis courts), and that the structures occupy about 3.8% of the lot.

Klein said the property's long-standing recreational use and large parcel justify relief from the accessory-structure limit. "The strict application of the 800 square foot accessory structure limit ... doesn't quite make sense given this athletic facility use," she said, adding the open, low-profile design and placement of the shade structures minimize visual and privacy impacts to nearby single-family homes.

The zone administrator approved the project under "alternative 1" with the recommended findings and conditions in the staff attachments; staff included a condition requiring removal of the existing storage shed from the public utility easement. Klein noted that the decision may be appealed to the planning commission within 15 calendar days.

The applicant team, represented by Luke Bollinger, president of Habitat Architects, said the project scope is primarily shade structures intended to provide more shade for club users. No members of the public spoke during the item.

The decision resolves planning permit PLNG2025-0699 for the property at 696 Sheraton Drive (APN 202-09-020).