05-26-04 Minutes - GPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, MAY 26, 2004 HELD IN THE TOWN
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER, 110 EAST MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA.
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The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chair Phil Micciche.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Josh Bacigalupi, Barry Bakken, Mike Burke, Diane McNutt, Phil Micciche,
Mark Sgarlato, Morris Trevithick
Members Absent: Diane McNutt, Mark Weiner
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Suzanne Davis, Associate
Planner; Larry Cannon, Cannon Design Group
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
ITEM 1 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Los Gatos Boulevard
Larry Cannon, Cannon Design Group, led the continued discussion on Los Gatos Blvd. He
presented photographs of a number of commercial buildings and asked the Committee for
feedback on desirable styles and elements. The Committee had the following comments:
· Eclectic, but high quality architecture is desired
· LGB is a transition zone
· Don’t want it to look like Stevens Creek Blvd.
· Detailing and human scape important elements
· Color is important and should be appropriate for location
· Numerous drive-in centers don’t need as much advertisement as stand alone businesses
· Cornerstone is a model/example of what is wanted (staff will contact property owner
Beth Smith to see if she has any before and after pictures of the Cornerstone upgrades).
· Landscaping helps the design
· Fast food restaurants: work with corporate plan, but want something unique rather than
standard corporate architecture
Bud Lortz noted that a retail economist’s review of the draft Commercial Design Guidelines
might be helpful.
Screening of Roof Mounted Equipment
Bud Lortz said that the General Plan requires all roof mounted equipment to be screened.
Remodels are more difficult than new buildings. It is important to coordinate the installation of
HVAC and other systems that require roof mounted equipment so that it is ultimately easier and
more effectively screened.
Larry Cannon noted that using a screen with a different texture than the building makes it stand
out more. It looks like a hat on top of the building. Incorporating screening into the
architecture works well. Painting equipment to match its background is an option for larger
items so it blends rather than standing out.
The Committee reviewed photos showing effective and ineffective roof screening.
Bud Lortz commented on systems that are essential for the operation of the building such as
heating and cooling. The question is whether additional items such as solar panels should be
screened. Most buildings are closed systems where windows do not open. Air flow through
the building whether it be for ventilation, heating or cooling, are generally essential.
Committee comments:
· Compatible materials and colors
· Access to maintain equipment is important
· All equipment should be fully screened
· Concern about determining what equipment is “essential”
public comments:
Mr. Barry Cinnamon, Akeena Solar, said his company is a large installer of solar systems for
both residential and commercial buildings. In 1978 the Solar Rights Act was passed. It says
that a solar energy system can be installed and if the municipality or homeowner’s asso ciation
requirements cause it to be changed, the changes can’t reduce the energy output by more than
20%. The state is in the process of updating the law to make it more restrictive. He is
interested in knowing what materials are acceptable. Photovoltaic panels are typically placed on
a roof - do these need to be screened. In some cases they can be produced as roof tiles.
Larry Cannon asked if there is any rule of thumb for a 10,000 sq. foot commercial building and
the size of the panel array and the energy production. Mr. Cinnamon said there is a great deal of
variety depending on the type of building.
In response to a question from Mike Burke, Mr. Cinnamon said there is no cap for residential.
For commercial, over 30 kilowatts is handled by the PUC.
Mike Burke asked about new materials and solar panels that will help reduce their visual impact.
Mr. Cinnamon said a material called solar slate. Roof shingles are small and sun slates became
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of May 26, 2004
Page 3 of 4
prohibitive to install. The two upper limits on the size are the ability for a person to carry it up a
ladder to install and the ability of the panel to work with the roof pitch. The material should not
be reflective because the objective is to absorb sunlight rather than reflecting it away. Ty pically
panels have a matte finish.
Committee comments on solar panels/screening:
· If panels blend with the architecture they aren’t obtrusive
· Develop definitions or compatibility standards so approving body can determine if panels
or equipment needs screening
· Aesthetic concerns of the community are important
· If panels can’t be fully screened, what can be done to make them blend in as much as
possible
· Recess panels in equipment wells to hide them but still allow exposure to sun
· Solar panels that are architecturally compatible or that are improving the situation (e.g.
replacing other larger equipment thereby reducing the visual impact) should be
considered
· Every effort should be made to install solar systems in a manner that is not a vis ual
impact
· Offer some guidelines to get developer or business owner off on the right foot (standards
and guidelines to guide applicants)
· Minimize the impact; if it’s not visible that’s best, if it can be seen, do whatever possible
to reduce visual impact
· Solar panels should be architecturally compatible with building
· Should criteria be different for a retrofit versus a new building?
· Installers of solar panels should be asked to mitigate visual impact if can’t be screened
There was discussion on how to affect a change in the Town’s policy. Bud Lortz said the
General Plan Committee could make a recommendation to the Town Council to consider
studying the issue and/or to amend the General Plan to specifically address solar panels.
Larry Cannon will be preparing an outline for the design guidelines that will be considered by
the Committee tentatively on June 23, 2004.
The Committee indicated a desire to have a special meeting with some autodealers. A tentative
date of June 16 was agreed on.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 pm by Chair Phil Micciche. The next meeting of the
General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at 5:30 pm.
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of May 26, 2004
Page 4 of 4
Prepared By:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
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