2020-039 - Approving Amendments to Chapter 3 of the Residential Design Guidelines in Regards to Outdoor LightingRESOLUTION 2020-039
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 3 OF THE RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
GUIDELINES IN REGARDS TO OUTDOOR LIGHTING.
WHEREAS, the Residential Design Guidelines were adopted by the Town Council in
October 2008; and
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2019, the Town Council Policy Committee held a public
hearing to consider possible changes to the current regulations on outdoor lighting and
prohibition of "shoestring lights." The Policy Committee continued the matter to November 28,
2019, and directed staff to bring back possible modifications to Town Code and the Residential
Design Guidelines for further discussion; and
WHEREAS, staff prepared draft modifications for the Policy Committee's consideration;
and
WHEREAS, on November 28, 2019, January 28, 2020, and July 28, 2020, the Policy
Committee held public hearings to consider modifications to Guideline 3.11.5 of the Residential
Design Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, this matter was regularly noticed in conformance with State and Town law
and came before the Planning Commission for public hearing on August 26, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to
consider modifications to Guideline 3.11.5 of the Residential Design Guidelines. The Planning
Commission recommended that the Town Council approve the modifications; and
WHEREAS, this matter was regularly noticed in conformance with State and Town law
and came before the Town Council for public hearing on October 6, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the modifications are consistent with the
General Plan and its Elements and that the modifications are exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos adopts the modifications to
Guideline 3.11.5 of the Residential Design Guidelines as follows:
3.11.5 Minimize exterior lighting impacts on neighbors
• All permanent exterior light fixtures should utilize shields so that no bulb is
visible and to ensure that light is directed to the ground surface and does not
spill light onto neighboring parcels or produce glare when seen from nearby
homes.
• Decorative residential Tight fixtures are preferred should be chosen rather than
strictly utilitarian security lighting fixtures.
2. The decision constitutes a final administrative decision pursuant to Code of Civil
Procedure section 1094.6 as adopted by section 1.10.085 of the Town Code of the Town of Los
Gatos. Any application for judicial relief from this decision must be sought within the time
limits and pursuant to the procedures established by Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6, or
such shorter time as required by state and federal Law.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos, California, held on the 6th day of October 2020 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Rob Rennie, Marico Sayoc, Barbara Spector, Mayor Marcia Jensen
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
7
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: Ott Zie C)
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: *7/2°