05-11-05 Minutes - GPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, MAY 11, 2005 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 5:30 pm by Chair Mark Sgarlato.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Steve Glickman, Phil Micciche, Tom O’Donnell, Jane Ogle, Mark Sgarlato
Members absent: Mike Burke, Diane McNutt, Barry Waitte
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Randy Tsuda, Assistant
Community Development Director; Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner; Joel Paulson, Associate
Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM 1 FORMULA RETAIL
Bud Lortz introduced the item, noting that Economic Vitality Manager Danielle Surdin will
present information on small regional chains.
Danielle Surdin provided some examples of small businesses with more than one store or
location. Examples included Twig (two stores), Ambiance (three stores), Patrick James (16
stores), Benefit Cosmetics (five stores), and Black Sea Gallery with11 locations.
The Committee discussed the issue and had the following comments:
· objective is to allow small boutique type stores (not owned by a corporation)
· businesses should have an appropriate look and feel for the Town
· prevent small business owners from having to go through CUP process
· should it be defined based on ownership or appearance
· distinction based on number of stores in the Bay Area versus nation-wide
Motion by Mark Sgarlato to forward this to the Planning Commission and Town Council for
consideration. The recommendation is to allow businesses with up to seven stores/locations
without a CUP. The motion was seconded by Steve Glickman and passed unanimously.
ITEM 2 HILLSIDE TECHNICAL DEMOLITIONS
Bud Lortz noted that the draft policy was prepared to be used in the interim period before the
matter can be brought to the Commission and Council for consideration of amendments to the
HDS&G.
Motion by Steve Glickman to adopt the policy as written. The motion was seconded by Phil
Micciche and passed unanimously.
ITEM 3 ADDITIONS TO HILLSIDE HOMES
Bud Lortz introduced the item, explaining that when the Town adopted FAR regulations, a
number of residents with homes already at the maximum requested to add small amounts of
square footage for things like a closet or bow window. A policy was developed that allows up to
30 square feet to be added to homes or second units at the discretion of staff.
The Committee discussed the issue and had the following comments:
· needed for functionality of the home
· improvements to architectural design
· capacity for more people a concern: larger amount of floor area than 30 sq. ft. ok
provided it doesn’t increase the intensity of use
· only applies to existing homes
· over 50 sq. ft. - goes to Planning Commission
· between 30 and 50, Community Development Director’s discretion
Staff will return with an administrative policy for the Committee’s consideration.
ITEM 4 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Bud Lortz introduced the item and commented on several businesses that had added awnings that
were considered inappropriate. When the Commercial Design Guidelines was discussed by the
Town Council, staff recommended adding provisions discouraging striped awnings. Issues are
size, stripes/patterns and uplighting. Patterned or striped awnings may be acceptable if
compatible with the building, but generally don’t work. A building permit is required for an
awning as they need to be inspected for compliance with building code and staff can ensure that
Committee consensus is that patterned or striped awnings should be discouraged.
ITEM 5 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jane Ogle made a motion to approve the minutes of April 13, 2005 as submitted. The motion
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of May 11, 2005
Page 3 of 3
was seconded by Steve Glickman and passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 pm by Mark Sgarlato. The next meeting of the General Plan
Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 5:30 pm.
Prepared By:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
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