01-26-05 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, JANUARY 26, 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 5:35 pm by Chair Phil Micciche.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Diane McNutt, Phil Micciche, Tom O’Donnell, Jane Ogle, Barry Waitte
Members absent: Josh Bacigalupi, Mike Burke, Steve Glickman, Mark Sgarlato
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Randy Tsuda, Assistant
Community Development Director; Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM 1 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Phil Micciche introduced the item and asked for Committee comments.
a. Policy on Minor Commercial Projects
Diane McNutt asked about the phrase “small scale additions”. It doesn’t seem to be specific
enough. Bud Lortz said an addition would be allowed provided that it doesn’t generate more than
four peak hour trips. He suggested adding language to link the two ideas together.
Diane McNutt suggested reiterating that the DRC can also refer an application to the Planning
Commission.
Diane McNutt made a motion to forward the policy to the Town Council with a recommendation
for approval. The motion was seconded by Tom O’Donnell and passed unanimously.
b. Zoning Ordinance Amendment/Modification of Use
Bud Lortz said that in making the changes, there were two objectives. One is to allow auto
dealers to make small additions and remodel without going to the Planning Commission. Under
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of January 26, 2005
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the current rules, if you add any square footage, it goes to the Commission as a modification to
the CUP. Rather than writing an exception for auto dealers, the changes were made to relax the
rules. Staff has some concerns about two phrases, “substantial departure” and “material adverse
impact”. One way of dealing with this is to prepare a resolution (parallel document) that
includes more details and explanation as is done with the BMP regulations. The resolution
process is easier to change if that needs to occur in the future. The other approach is to allow
auto dealers and others with minor projects to have use permit modifications made at the DRC
level. A draft resolution can be brought back to the Committee for input if that option is
preferred.
Discussion ensued and the Committee agreed that staff should draft a resolution for
consideration.
ITEM 2 HILLSIDE ARCHITECTURE
Bud Lortz introduced the item noting that the Planning Commission raised an issue about
Mediterranean style architecture as it was problematic on several projects. The Commission
discussed the issue and forwarded some proposed language changes to the HDS&G to the Town
Council. The Council discussed it and referred it to the Architectural Standards/Hillside
Committee (ASC). The ASC considered the proposed amendments and made some changes
that will be forwarded to the Town Council in February. He summarized the proposed changes.
Phil Micciche asked about items 2 and 3. The main concern is appearance of bulk and mass, not
whether there are two-story elements.
Diane McNutt suggested deleting the word “strongly” so it will read two story wall planes are
discouraged”. The Committee agreed.
Item 3 will be forwarded as proposed.
Committee consensus to delete items 8 and 11.
ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Barry Waitte made a motion to approve the minutes of January 12, 2005. The motion was
seconded by Jane Ogle and passed unanimously (5-0).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm by Chair Phil Micciche. The next meeting of the
General Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at 5:30 pm.
Prepared By:
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of January 26, 2005
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
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