Attachment 02TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 07/25/2018
ITEM NO: 4
DESK ITEM
DATE: JULY 25, 2018
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: JOEL PAULSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: ARCHITECTURE AND SITE APPLICATION S-18-002. PROJECT LOCATION:
15921 ROCHIN TERRACE. PROPERTY OWNER: PATRICK HANCIR AND
MONICA ZAUCHA. APPLICANT: DAVIDE GIANNELLA, ACADIA
ARCHITECTURE. REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR DEMOLITION OF AN
EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON PROPERTY ZONED R-1:8. APN 523-25-009.
REMARKS:
Exhibit 13 includes a letter to their neighbors from the applicant and signatures gathered during
the applicant's neighborhood outreach efforts. Exhibit 14 includes additional public comment
received between 4:01 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018 and 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018.
EXHIBITS:
Previously received with July 20, 2018 Staff Report:
1. Location map (one page)
2. Required Findings and Considerations (one pages)
3. Recommended Conditions of Approval (11 pages)
4. Project Data Sheet (one page)
5. Letter to the Planning Commission from the applicant (one page)
6. Architectural Consultant Report dated January 22, 2018 (four pages)
7. Applicant's Letter of Justification received May 9, 2018 (five pages)
8. Architectural Consultant Report dated May 15, 2018 (six pages)
9. Applicant's Letter of Justification received June 21, 2018 (two pages)
10. Summary of neighbor outreach by applicant (one page)
11. Public comment received by 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2018
12. Development Plans received July 9, 2018 (23 pages)
PREPARED BY: SEAN MULLIN, AICP
Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Planning Manager and Community Development Department Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 • 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
ATTACHMENT 2
PAGE 2 OF 2
SUBJECT: 15921 ROCHIN TERRACE/S-18-002
DATE: JULY 25, 2018
Received with this Desk Item Report:
13. Letter to neighbors from the applicant Planning Commission from the applicant (two pages)
14. Public Comments received between 4:01 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018 and 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
N:\DEV\PC REPORTS\2018\Rochin Terrace, 15921 - 07-25-18 DESK.docx 7/25/2018 12:18 PM
Dear Neighbors,
We are the owners of 15921 Rochin Terrace. We would love to meet with you to show
you our preliminary design plans. We very much value and appreciate your input. We
will be at the house on Tuesday 11/14 from 12:30-1:30pm, so please stop by if you are
available. If are unable to make it, then please feel free to give Monica a call at 408-
688-7749 any time.
Thank you very much!
Patrick, Monica, Skylar, and Sydney
RECEIVED
JUL 2 4 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
EXHIBIT 13
Dear City of Los Gatos Planning Department,
We met with many of our neighbors. We showed them our preliminary house design and asked for
their thoughts and ideas. The following neighbors would like to show their support for our proposal.
Thank you very much i
Patrick Hancir and Monica Zaucha
15921 Rochin Terrace
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RECEIVED
JUL 242018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
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Sean Mullin
From: Janae <janaecopper@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 3:15 PM
To: Sean Mullin
Subject: APN 523-25-009 15921 Rochin Terrace
Hello Sean
My name is Janae Copper and I am neighbors with Monica Zaucha, who is in the process of remodeling 15921 Rochin
Terrace. (APN 523-25-009) My family has lived in the neighborhood for 17 years at 15930 Rochin Terrace. We are in
support of the changes that her and her family would like to make to the house. The neighborhood has a variety of
different housing at the moment and many properties are also in transition. Their contemporary design seems to go
along with the upcoming trends in Los Gatos and I think the change would be a good addition to both the neighborhood
and town. Their low house profile is respectful of the neighbors and we are supportive of their plans.
Please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions.
Thanks,
Janae
Cell 408-828-1781
RECEIVED
JUL 2 0 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
EXHIBIT 14
Vida Parsi and Shahram Abdollahi
15908 Rochin Ct
Los Gatos, CA 95032
408-656-2772
vidaparsi@yahoo.com
7/18/18
Mr. Sean Mullin
Associate Planner
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main St,
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mr. Sean Mullin:
We are reaching out to you in response to the notice we received from the planning department
regarding the proposed plans for the demolition and construction at 15921 Rochin Terrace.
We oppose the current plans as the flat -roof architectural design does not represent the quaintness
that characterizes our town and our neighborhood. Most people associate such structures with
industrial, corporate, or hospital buildings. This look is certainly not in harmony with our
neighborhood.
It is unfortunate that some lots on our adjacent street are in unincorporated Santa Clara County and
hence exempt from Town of Los Gatos building regulations. Owner of one such lot has added a flat -
roof structure to the existing pitched roof building. However, this anomaly cannot justify the same
to be done on a parcel within the town boundaries. As residents and tax payers of Town of Los
Gatos, we respectfully request the planning department to do their diligent work to protect the
charm the residents of this neighborhood associate with Rochin Court and Rochin Terrace and ask
the applicants to revise their plans. We are otherwise excited for the new owners and are looking
forward to welcoming them to the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Vida Parsi and Shahram Abdollahi
RECEIVED
JUL 202018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
Sean Mullin
From: wendy chan <wingyee.chan04@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 23, 2018 6:06 AM
To: Sean Mullin
Subject: 15921 Rochin Terrace Recommendation
Greetings Mr.Mullin,
Below is a letter of recommendation for the 15921 Rochin Terrace proposed home:
I have lived in Rochin Terrace for the past 18+ years, grown up going to Blossom Hill, Fisher, and Los Gatos High School. I
highly recommend the 15921 Rochin Terrace proposed modern new home. The proposed home is not only beautiful but
mindfully designed with major considerations of the existing environment. Patrick and Monica have been very open and
communicative during this process and it truly shows what a great addition their family and new home will be to the Los Gatos
Community. I look forward to the addition of the modern architecture in the neighborhood bringing in merit and diversity.
Kind Regards,
Wendy Chan
RECEIVED
JUL 232018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
Sean Mullin
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Patrick Hancir <Patrick.hancir@intusurg.com>
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 2:04 AM
Sean Mullin; Joel Paulson
FW: Fw: House
Sean and Joel,
Here is an email chain that we had with one of our next door neighbors (15931 Rochin Terrace).
They had privacy concerns and questions about how their view would change.
We exchanged these emails and then I talked to them in person for about an hour.
We discussed options and were able to reach a resolution together.
They then wrote a letter of support for the design to the Commission, and Wendy is going to try to make it to the
meeting in person.
Thank you very much,
Patrick Hancir
From: Monica Zaucha [mailto:bogini@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 12:36 AM
To: Patrick Hancir
Subject: Fw: Fw: House
From: Monica Zaucha <bogini@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2018 12:16 AM
To: wendy chan
Cc: maggie.cheung@comcast.net; raymond.chan.usa@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: House
Wendy,
Patrick will stop by tomorrow around 3:30pm to discuss the house if that works for you.
Thank you,
Monica
From: wendy chan <wingyee.chan04@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2018 6:30 PM
To: Monica Zaucha
Cc: maggie.cheung@comcast.net; raymond.chan.usa@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: House
Afternoon Monica,
Thank you for your detailed and thorough response.
RECEIVED
JUL 24 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
I do appreciate the offsets proposed, as you can imagine, it is still quite a change from the views from the
bedroom windows from being mostly open sky for the past twenty years to a two story building.
Regarding the second story front deck, is it possible to consider not having access to the deck or removing it? I
am concerned the angle and the height creating high visibility into the master bedroom when someone is on
the deck.
It would truly be appreciated if Patrick is available to stop by this weekend to discuss the new home. Please
text us before he comes, we should be around this weekend both days. My father's number is 408.888.2738.
Thank you for all your time and energy during this process, it is genuinely appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Wendy
On Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 12:04 AM Monica Zaucha <bogini@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hey Wendy,
We are definitely very happy to answer any questions and concerns you might have. This has been a very
long and difficult process, and we have definitely spent a lot of time with our architect in making sure the
second story impacts our neighbors (you in this case and also Paul) as little as possible. We very much are
trying to be considerate of your needs.
We created side offsets in the second story to preserve as much open space between the houses and lessen
shadows as much as possible. In fact, the offset is largest toward the back of the house (6 foot offset) where I
think 2 of your bedrooms are. It may be difficult for story poles to capture these features, so there is actually
more open space there than it appears. The house also has a very low profile due to our sloped roofs and the
ground level being a few feet below yours. We reduced the overall height of the house from our original
design, so now the house roofline is only a few feet above yours. Also, the house has its L-shape because the
arborist said that there must be a 30 foot clearance from the very tall redwood tree in our backyard.
Concerning your suggestion of moving the master bedroom to where the front patio is, it is actually the
Planning Department that wanted a large second story front offset. They do not like large "front masses",
since it makes houses seem oversized. We actually had to shift the whole second story back from the front
because of this.
There is one window on the first floor facing your property which is below the fence line. We will not be able
to see you from it and you will not be able to see us. There are two small windows on the second floor facing
your property from the master bathroom. They will be frosted so you can't see in and we can't see
out. Looking out toward our backyard, there is a window on the right side of the master bedroom and a
window in one of the girl's bedroom, which is fully in the center of the house. I honestly don't know how
much of your backyard we would be able to see from these windows since they are pretty central, the grade
of our property is several feet below yours and there is a 6 ft fence. We would be willing to discuss putting
up a higher fence if you at any point feel that would give you more privacy.
The front deck covers about half the distance of the current garage. Since the front of our garage is several
feet closer to the street than your house is, we will be looking primarily at your front yard and roofline.
Please let me know if you would like Patrick to stop by this weekend to discuss.
Thank you,
Monica
From: wendy chan <wingyee.chan04@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2018 1:01AM
To: Monica Zaucha
Cc: maggie.cheung@comcast.net; raymond.chan.usa@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Fw: House
Greetings Monica,
Thank you for your speedy response.
The concern is less with the shadows caused by the new construction, but more with the fact that currently
the view outside the bedroom windows are of mostly sky making the rooms feel bigger and more open. This
feeling will be significantly reduced once the new construction is up since the view will be mostly of the
second story creating a more constricted feeling. Photos are attached of the new view from the bedroom
windows in the previous email.
I am also wondering how the windows on the side of the new home facing our home, the second floor
windows of the back of the house, and front of the house deck will affect the privacy we currently have in the
backyard and side bedrooms.
Overall I am in support of updating the home as it is greatly needed, I would truly appreciate a consideration
to these concerns.
Thank you for your time and energy during this process.
Kind regards,
Wendy
On Jul 17, 2018 12:08 PM, "Monica Zaucha" <bogini@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hey Guys,
I talked to Patrick (my husband) and he would be more than happy to stop by this weekend with the paper
copy of the shadow study and answer any questions that you may have. Please let me know some times
either Saturday or Sunday afternoon that would work for you. I'm on call and working myself so won't be
able to attend.
He also doesn't know much about the exact procedures involved in demolition. But as you may imagine, and
as you may know from your personal remodel experience, there are extensive rules for everything in Los
Gatos. This includes guidelines for demolition. And we also have two small children so obviously the last
thing we want is to expose them to anything deleterious. I can definitely keep you guys posted on this as we
go through the process and find out more.
Please let me know.
Thank you,
Monica
408-688-7749
From: Monica Zaucha <bogini@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 2:56 AM
To: Raymond Chan; maggie.cheung@comcast.net; wendy chan; yanyan
Subject: House
Guys,
Attached is a shadow study taken at various times throughout the year. Due to the geographical orientation
of the street and its houses the shadow line is mostly from your house and it falls on ours. This is most
noticeable on December 12 at 9 am where you have the longest shadow falling from your house on ours. The
only time that there is a small sliver of shadow going from our house to yours is June 21 at 5pm. and then it
only touches the front corner of the house. There is never any direct shadow falling from our house to yours
so there shouldn't be any light blockage from entering the bedrooms. I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Monica
From: Monica Zaucha <bogini@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 2:43 AM
To: Monica Zaucha
Subject:
Get Outlook for iOS
NOTE THAT THIS EMAIL ORIGINATED FROM OUTSIDE OF INTUITIVE SURGICAL..
Be alert for fraudulent emails that spoof internal "@intusurg.com" email addresses. Report these or other security threats to:
ITHelpNow@intusurg.com.
Sean Mullin
From: Patrick Hancir <patrickhancir@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 2:10 AM
To: Sean Mullin; Joel Paulson
Subject: Fwd: 15921 Rochin Terrace
Sean and Joel,
Here is the email chain I had with one of the owners of 15911 Rochin Court.
He and his wife each wrote a letter of opposition to the design.
I explain the history of our outreach to them in great detail in the presentation.
Thank you very much,
Patrick
Forwarded message
From: Patrick Hancir <patrickhancir@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 17, 2018 at 9:57 AM
Subject: Re: 15921 Rochin Terrace
To: Karl <karl@proftouch.com>
Karl,
Thank you for your response.
I hope you have a great trip.
Thanks,
Patrick
On Mon, Jul 16, 2018, 2:21 PM Karl <karl@proftouch.com> wrote:
Patrick,
RECEIVED
JUL 2 4 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
There is not much to talk about at this point. I don't have the time for a meeting....l'm getting ready to go on a huge
cross-country Aviation trip back east which I've been planning for 8+ months. Meeting with us will not change my mind
about the current design.
You've submitted the application for approval, and you've elicited feedback and the neighborhood. You should
probably let the process run it course, and it undoubtedly will take a long time to get design revisions etc. as is normal
in the Town of Los Gatos.
There are several neighbors who have the same concern about your proposed roof pitch. We would prefer if the
design be revised to match the rest of the adjoining homes on Rochin Court and on Rochin Terrace, save the one
remodel which is on Santa Clara County Land and outside of the Town of Los Gatos building regulations. There are no
flat roofed houses in the neighborhood which are in the Town of Los Gatos. I believe the standard roof pitch is 4:12,
but you can get assistance from your architect for the exact specification for that. Even the new proposed house on
Linda Ave. and all new homes on Constances Ct. have pitched roofs.
Thanks,
Karl
From: Patrick Hancir <patrickhancir(a@gmail.com>
Date: Monday, July 16, 2018 at 1:41 PM
To: Karl Ryan <karl@proftouch.com>, "bogini@hotmail.com" <bogini@hotmail.com>
Subject: 15921 Rochin Terrace
Karl and Diane,
We received the letters that you sent to the Los Gatos Planning Department. Would you be willing to discuss your
thoughts and concerns with us in more detail? We would like to work together to reach a resolution.
Thank you very much,
Patrick Hancir and Monica Zaucha
Sean Mullin
From: latjrl@verizon.net
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 11:54 PM
To: latjrl@verizon.net; Sean Mullin; Planning
Cc: shahram@stanfordalumni.org
Subject: Re: 15921 Rochin Terr. architectural plan
These emails were sent from:
Lloyd and Nancy Thompson
15906 Rochin Ct.
Original Message
From: latjr1 <latjrl@verizon.net>
To: smullin <smullin@losgatosca.gov>; planning <planning@losgatosca.gov>
Cc: shahram <shahram@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent: Tue, Jul 24, 2018 12:24 pm
Subject: Fwd: 15921 Rochin Terr. architectural plan
Original Message
From: latjr1 <Iatir1(verizon.net>
To: planing <planinq a(�losgatosca.gov>
Cc: shahram <shahram(a�stanfordalumni.orci>
Sent: Tue, Jul 24, 2018 11:57 am
Subject: 15921 Rochin Terr. architectural plan
When the owner visited me and I signed off I was not informed of the ultra modern design.
I am concerned that the house will not blend in with the vast majority of homes in the neighborhood
and will stick out like a sore thumb, especially with it's corner location.
RECEIVED
JUL 2 4 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
7/25/2018
To whom it may concern:
RECEIVED
JUL 2 4 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
My name is Lauren Swanson , and I reside at : 15910 Rochin Terrace Los Gatos , Ca 95032
Across the street from the house 15921 Rochin Terrace.
And I do not agree with the proposed construction , 1 don't think it fit's with the neighborhood,
I especially don't like the proposed roof line.
When I first met one of the new owner's I was shown a drawing of the supposed plan of the new
Home and was asked to sign that I excepted the plan , but the drawing did not show the roof, and
I would not have signed if it had .
Sincerely:
Sean Mullin
From: latjrl@verizon.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2018 10:34 AM
To: Sean Mullin; Planning
Cc: shahram@stanfordalumni.org
Subject: 15921 Rochin Terr
I hate to throw rain on the parade, but I paid special attention when driving out of the cul de sac last night, and noticed the
current one story house which sits up on an elevated piece of ground on a corner, which is imposing enough. With the
mock-up added, it looks like the new house will stand out even more and not fit in nicely with the neighborhood.
Lloyd thompson
15906 Rochin Ct.
RECEIVED
JUL 25 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION