Staff Report
PREPARED BY: RYAN SAFTY
Associate Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/16/2020 ITEM NO: 2
DATE: December 10, 2020
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of a Detached Garage Exceeding 450
Square Feet on a Non-Contributing Property in the Almond Grove Historic
District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP Located at 221 Almendra Avenue. APN
510-14-044. Minor Residential Development Application MR-20-006.
Property Owner: Gary Filizetti Applicant: Brett Brenkwitz. Project Planner:
Ryan Safty
RECOMMENDATION:
Forward a recommendation of approval to the Director on a request for construction of a
detached garage exceeding 450 square feet on a non-contributing property in the Almond
Grove Historic District on property zoned R-1D:LHP located at 221 Almendra Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1900 per County Assessor’s Database
2. Town of Los Gatos Preliminary Historic Status Code: None
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? Yes
4. Is structure in a historic district? Yes, Almond Grove Historic District
5. If yes, is it a contributor? No
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Clara County Assessor’s estimated construction date for the residence is 1900. The
property owner is requesting approval to construct a new 484-square foot detached garage in
the rear yard (Attachment 4).
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BACKGROUND (continued):
The HPC previously approved a proposal for a remodel, second-story addition, and exterior
modifications to the main residence at 221 Almendra Avenue on February 27, 2019. The 2019
plans showing the approved addition and modifications to the main residence are included as
Attachment 3.
A Minor Residential Development application, required because the project proposes a
detached accessory structure greater than 450 square feet, was submitted on July 17, 2020.
Should the HPC find merit in the request, the project would continue through the Minor
Residential Development application process and the project would not return to the HPC.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed project includes construction of a new 484-square foot detached garage at the
rear of the lot. There is an existing driveway on the western edge of the property, which will
serve as access to the new garage. The proposed detached garage would be 12.5 feet in height
with the garage door oriented to the north, facing the existing driveway. The applicant is
proposing exterior plaster siding and wood windows with exterior aluminum cladding to match
the approved main residence.
The Development Plans (Attachment 4, sheet 5) show a, “future ADU above garage under a
separate permit”. This Minor Residential Planning Application is for only the detached garage.
The future accessory dwelling unit (ADU) would require a separate ministerial Planning
application, not reviewed by the HPC.
CONSIDERATIONS:
A. Considerations – related to the request for approval of detached accessory structure in an
Historic District.
X In evaluating applications, the deciding body shall consider the architectural style,
design, arrangement, texture, materials and color, and any other pertinent factors.
Applications shall not be granted unless:
2. In historic districts, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of
the application, nor adversely affect its relationship, in terms of harmony and
appropriateness, with its surroundings, including neighboring structures, nor
adversely affect the character, or the historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or
value of the district.
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CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for construction of a new detached garage greater than
450 square feet on a non-contributing property in the Almond Grove Historic District. Should
the HPC find merit in the request, the recommendation of approval would be forwarded to the
Community Development Director and the project would continue through the Minor
Residential Development application review process as required for projects that include
accessory structures greater than 450 square feet. The project would not return to the HPC.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Project Description Letter
2. Property Pictures
3. Main Residence Approval Plans - 2019
4. Development Plans