07-22-15 Minutes - HPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos , CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR JULY 22, 2015, HELD IN THE
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS , 110 E MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS , CALIFORNIA.
The meeting was called to order at 4:00P.M. by Chair Len Pacheco .
ATTENDANCE
Members Present: Len Pacheco, Michael Kane, Bob Cowan, Kathryn Janoff, Tom O 'Donnell
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Jennifer Savage, Senior Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Tom O 'Donnell moved to approve the minutes of May 27,2015 and June 24 , 2015. The motion
was seconded by Michael Kane and approved unanimously.
ITEM2
ITEM3
14316 MULBERRY DRIVE
Jose (applicant) and Juan Carlo Navarro (applicant) were present and explained
the proposal.
Kathryn Janoff asked about the infonnation provided by the applicants.
Bob Cowan asked about evidence of the age of the structure and commented that
the structure appeared to be built after 1941 .
The Committee and the applicants discussed the age of the structure.
Bob Cowan moved to recommend approval of the request to demolition the
existing single-family residence finding that the structure appeared to be built in
the 1950s or 1960s, and that there is no evidence of historic or architectural
significance or work of a master. The motion was seconded by Tom 0 'Donnell
and approved unanimously.
140 FOSTER ROAD
Rob Weiner (property owner) was present and summari zed the history of the
Historic Preservation Committee
July 22, 2015
Page 2 of4
ITEM4
property.
Michael Kane and Len Pacheco stated they had trouble finding the site.
Kathryn Janoff commented that the research does not support demolishing the
structure, the structure does not appear to be irreparable or not restorable , and
there is enough history to warrant at least a closer look at the structure.
Michael Kane commented that the pictures should the structure is m poor
condition but hi storic evidence may warrant a clo ser look at the structure.
Rob Weiner commented they are trying to create a rustic looki ng structure.
Tom 0 'Donnell commented that the pictures appear to warrant that the structure
be tom down but historic evidence may warrant a closer look at the structure.
Bob Cowan agreed that the photographs show the structure is in poor condition.
The new structure should be traditional ranch architectural style.
L en Pacheco agrees with all of the Co mmittee 's comments and that the new
structure should have the feeling of the traditional architecture.
The Committee agrees to continue the matter and rev iew the request on a special
meeting on the August 12 at 4:00pm.
194 VILLA A VENUE
Kip Rolle (property owner) and Jay Plett (architect) were p resent and described
the project.
Michael Kane asked about the west side setback and expressed his appreciation
for the property owner's work to get the current plans.
Jay Plett confirmed the project will meet required five foot side setback on the
west side.
Kathryn Janoff commented that she is not in favor of locating the chimney in the
center of the structure. She also commented that using a cap wo uld be more
consistent with the architectural style.
Bob Cowan commented that the plans look a lot better and better illustrate what
the property owner was thinking.
Historic Preservation Committee
July 22 , 2015
Page 3 of4
ITEMS
L en Pacheco commented that the plans are an improvement from the last set of
plans and deal with the issues of balance and dormers . He supports the proposed
design.
Michael Kane moved to recommend approval the requested second story, with the
required findings and considerations, in that the work will not adversely affect the
exterior architectural characteristics or other features of the property, and with the
condition that the centrally-located chimney be no more than two feet above the
ridge. The motion was seconded by Kathryn Janoff, with the option that the
Committee would support moving the house forward (north) up to 10 feet and that
no parking the front shall not be located in the front (along Villa Avenue), and
approved unanimously.
Kathryn Janoff commented that the option to move the structure forward would
provide the opportunity to provide parking in rear of the property (along Oak Hill
Way).
OTHER BUSINESS
a. Historic Demolition Penalties
The Committee discussed:
• When HPC approves plans, and the construction occurs inconsistent
with the plans, does that warrant fines ?
• Los Gatos fines are unusual compared to other California cities.
• Other cities had option to restore .
• Other cities had misdemeanors to unlawful demolition where the court
decides.
• Proposed/drafted new language should allow discretion for a range of
penalties .
• Maintaining penalties but allowing an intennediate step to assess the
need for demolition and provide recommendations for restoration.
• Mismatch of penalty versus final construction result.
• Applicants should be able to take the structure down and put it back
like for like.
• If repair is required, that repair should be not be subject to fines .
• If the applicant makes the building better and keeps the exterior
appearance, the Town should allow that.
Historic Preservation Committee
July 22 , 2015
Page 4 of4
• Should restoration be required and the penalties and the amount of the
penalty be discretionary?
The Committee decided on the following direction:
• Committee will merge both proposed language changes and consider
the entire ordinance.
• Staff should provide written analysis of proposed language, including
whether staff sees any potential issues.
ITEM6 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 26,
2015 , at 4:00p.m.
Prepared by:
Chair
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