1987-202-Concerning The Display Of Temporary Signs In The Town PlazaRESOLUTION NO. 1987 -202 -A
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS CONCERNING
THE DISPLAY OF TEMPORARY SIGNS IN THE TOWN PLAZA
WHEREAS, Section 3.31.170 of the Los Gatos Zoning Ordinance defines tempo-
rary signs as a sign usually constructed of cloth or fabric, cardboard
wallboard, wood or other light materials intended to be displayed for a short
period of time, and
WHEREAS, Section 3.34.030 of the Los Gatos Zoning Ordinance provides that
only the Town Council can issue permits for signs on public property, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has always been very protective of its parks and
open space and very selective in allowing signs in the public right -of -way, and
WHEREAS, during the last several years the Town has received numerous
requests from local organizations as well as outside groups to post signs in
the Town Plaza.
RESOLVED: The Town Council hereby adopts as policy that the display of
temporary signs in the Town Plaza is restricted to Los Gatos organizations and
events only.
FURTHER RESOLVED: Under no circumstances should temporary signs be allowed
to be displayed from the Bell Tower.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the
Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos held on the 21 day of
December , 1987, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Joanne Benjamin, Thomas J. Ferrito Robert
L. Hamilton, and Mayor Eric D. Carlson
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS Brent N. Ventu
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ATTEST:
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF L S GAT
VIOL -.TC BANNERS
RESOLUTION NO. 1987 -202
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN
OF LOS GATOS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DOWNTOWN ZONE
WHEREAS, The Town Council discussed this matter at a public meeting on
December 7, 1987.
WHEREAS, The Development Standards are to be used by the Planning Commis-
sion and Planning Director when reviewing plans for new residences and
additions /remodeling of existing residences located in the R -1D Zone.
RESOLVED: The Town Council finds that the standards reflect the Town's de-
sire for architectural excellence and hereby adopts the design standards
attached as Exhibit A.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos at
a _ regular meeting held this 7 day of December
1987, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS Joanne Benjamin, Thomas J. Ferrito Robert
L. Hamilton, Brent N. Ventura and Mayor Eric D Carlson
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS
SIGNED: _� _�__� -•
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ATTEST: 2�
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLN01:TC 12/7 #12
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DOWNTOWN ZONE (R -1D)
INTENT
These development standards shall be used in conjunction with the Architectural
and Site approval process as set forth in Section 5.20.020 et seq of the Zoning
Ordinance. The standards are designed to compliment the considerations
established in Sections 4.34.080, 5.20.040 and 5.20.045 for review of
Architecture and Site approval applications for single family residences located
in the R -iD zone. The standards shall also be used by the Planning Director when
reviewing plans for additions and /or the remodeling of existing residences.
OBJECTIVES
To establish standards for use by the Planning Commission, Town Council, Planning
Director and property owners that provide for the health, safety, welfare and
environmental quality of residential neighborhoods located in the R -1D zone.
To provide owners of property in the R -iD zone with specific standards that may
be used by architects and engineers to prepare plans for consideration by the
Town.
To preserve and protect the architectural heritage of the Single Family
Residential Downtown Zone in the Town of Los Gatos as manifested in its many
historically significant buildings.
HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS
A residence that is historically designated or is located in a historic district
must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Committee prior to Planning
Commission consideration if review is required by the designating ordinance.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
I. SITE DEVELOPMENT
A. GENERAL
1. The Planning Commission /Planning Director shall assess the
residence's overall effect and compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhood. Does the size, height, style or color conflict with
other structures in the neighborhood? The appearance of the
residence should blend with the character of the neighborhood.
- 1 - EXHIBIT A
2. The design will be evaluated on its contribution to the Town's
unique character and to the Town's beauty and openness, and on
its suitability for its location. Stock building plans may not
be acceptable, due to the lot configuration and topography.
3. The Planning Commission /Planning Director shall protect and
enhance residential structures that have historic value by virtue
of architectural character and historic association. For
example, the design must have respect for the style of the
historic structure and the surrounding neighborhood, especially
its relationship to the pattern of existing development
(streetscape).
4. The residence should not impair - directly or by the possible
total effect of several new residences - the use, enjoyment, and
value of neighboring public and private property.
5. The location of driveways and parking areas shall be designed to
avoid impacts on adjacent properties and the natural environment.
6. The design of the proposed residence or addition should
complement the site. For example, are interior spaces oriented
to take advantage of outward views, and are there usable outdoor
play areas for children? Are natural topography and trees
retained?
B. SITE PLANNING
1. Suiting the site:
A residence should be designed to fit a site's natural
conditions, rather than alter a site to accommodate a stock
building plan. Existing topography should be preserved. The
Town will consider proposals to make minor modification to
existing topography where it contributes to good appearance or
where necessary, to correct unacceptable construction conditions
(grading, drainage, etc.). Natural grade and vegetation should
be retained to the maximum extent practicable. Excessive cuts
and fills must be avoided. Unretained cuts or fills will not be
permitted. The site layout should take into consideration the
project's effect on adjacent properties and neighborhoods.
2. Solar Orientation:
The design of the proposed residence or addition shall provide,
to the maximum extent possible, for passive or natural heating
and /or cooling. One example of passive or natural heating
opportunities in the project design is the design and orientation
of a residence in an east /west alignment for southern exposure.
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Another example is to design and orient the structure to take
advantage of shade or prevailing breezes. Existing trees should
not be removed solely to provide solar access.
3• Shadow Effect:
All new houses and second story additions proposed in the R -1D
zone shall, in addition to other required materials, provide a
plan showing all structures and other important features on
adjacent properties and the winter /summer shadow lines that will
result from the proposed project. The plan shall also indicate
height and number of stories of the adjacent structures.
A proposed house that is more than one story in height shall be
designed to minimize views into the windows of adjacent
structures and outdoor recreation areas. This design standard is
not intended to prohibit two story structures.
4. Easements /Dedications:
Project plans shall show all existing easements and required
dedications. Structures shall not be located across and shall
not project into any existing or proposed easements. The
Engineering Department should be contacted by the project
applicant to determine if new dedications and /or easements are
required.
II. BUILDING DESIGN
A. HARMONY /COMPATIBILITY
The proposed project must have a harmonious and compatible
relationship with the surrounding neighborhood. The factors which
contribute to the relationship include but are not limited to the
following:
1) an appropriate design theme;
2) an appropriate sense of scale;
3) a compatible roof line;
4) colors, textures, building materials and details;
5) lot coverage /setbacks which complement adjacent structures and
uses.
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In order for the Planning Commission /Planning Director to fully
analyze factors 1) through 3), all applications shall be accompanied
by a streetscape of the project vicinity both in elevation and plan
view with the proposed structure superimposed. The streetscape shall
include both sides of the street and a sufficient number of homes to
provide the Commission /Director with a thorough impression of the
neighborhood. Examples of items to be considered are:
1) the design of the elevation facing an adjacent structure as well
as a public street;
2) accessory structures, parking areas, decks, trash collection
areas and other utilitarian areas should be located in a manner
that is sensitive to adjacent structures.
B. SCALE AND MASS
Architectural features such as eave lines, roof forms, dormers, bays,
chimneys, detailing, building facade articulation and footprint shall
be effectively utilized to maintain a scale consistent with
neighboring structures. Large undifferentiated wall planes on the
street elevation will not be allowed.
C. FINISHES, TEXTURES, COLORS
Exterior treatment should be restrained - not harsh or garish - and
should be selected for durability, wear characteristics and ease of
maintenance as well as initial beauty.
D. BUILDING COMPONENTS
Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets should
be arranged and detailed to create a united architectural composition
appropriate to the character of the neighborhood. Main entrances
shall be oriented to the street and blend with the overall design of
the structure.
E. ENERGY CONSERVATION
A proposed residence or addition should be designed to minimize
mechanical heating and cooling. Sunlight should be used for direct
heating and illumination whenever possible. Natural ventilation and
shading should be used to cool the interior of the house.
III. LANDSCAPING /OPEN SPACE
A. GENERAL
Existing trees shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible in
accordance with Chapter 3.10 of the Zoning Ordinance. All proposed
landscaping shall comply with the Town's Landscaping Policies for
Applications for Zoning and Subdivision Approvals as set forth by
Resolution.
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B. PRIVATE OPEN SPACE
1) General:
Each two (2) bedroom dwelling located in the R -1D zone shall
provide a minimum of 500 square feet of private open space. The
open space shall be proportional to the number of bedrooms in the
dwelling. For each additional bedroom in excess of two (2)
bedrooms, the open space area shall be increased by 100 square
feet. (Example: A four (4) bedroom dwelling shall provide 700
square feet of open space area.) The open space provided shall
be exclusive of the required yard areas (except for the required
rear yard).
2) Screening:
Screening of the patio and outdoor activity areas shall be
reviewed for its compatibility with fencing and landscaping
requirements.
IV. MODIFICATION OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
These development standards for new residential construction and additions
or alterations to existing residences in the R -ID zone are established as
guidelines which reflect current Town policy for community design. In the
event a project might be adversely affected by these standards, the
applicant may present a written request for modification through the
Architectural and Site approval process. If the Planning Commission deems
the requested modification worthy of favorable consideration, the
modification may be allowed provided that findings are made that such
modification will not be detrimental to the health, safety, general
welfare, convenience and quality of life of the project residents and of
the surrounding neighborhood. If the modification is not allowed by the
Planning Commission, the applicant may appeal to the Town Council. No
modification of these development standards may be considered without a
public hearing.
BNL:dg
GP0I:DEV. R -ID, pgs. 4 -8
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