03-09-05 Minutes - GPCTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (408) 354-6872
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
SUMMARY MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, MARCH 9, 2005 HELD IN THE TOWN
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER, 110 EAST MAIN STREET, LOS GATOS,
CALIFORNIA.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Phil Micciche.
ATTENDANCE
Members present: Mike Burke, Diane McNutt, Phil Micciche, Tom O’Donnell, Jane Ogle, Mark
Sgarlato, Barry Waitte
Members absent: Steve Glickman
Staff present: Bud Lortz, Director of Community Development; Randy Tsuda, Assistant
Community Development Director; Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ITEM 1 RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Bud Lortz introduced the item and noted that the consultant has yet to be chosen. Larry Cannon
is a candidate.
Diane McNutt commented on key neighborhoods identification. Bud Lortz said the question is
what is a key neighborhood that can be identified. One example that comes to mind is the
Belgatos neighborhood. There are also many micro neighborhoods. Descriptions that allow
narrowing block to block or by different sides of the streets can be used. The goal is to make it
as defined as it can be, with flexibility as needed.
Mark Sgarlato said he didn’t see much reference to infrastructure. Certain neighborhoods have
fewer improvements than others and perhaps that should be addressed.
Barry Waitte asked about the goal and the authority of the new standards. Bud Lortz explained
that the goal of the document is ti provide guidance and information to homeowners about what
they can do to their house. The General Plan guides this document, and it is an implementation
measure. The authority of the document once its adopted is use by deciding bodies to evaluate
projects. The more comprehensive the standards are the better. We’re trying to create as much
certainty in the process as possible.
Jane Ogle thinks it is a good document. There are some items that appear to be opinions such as
discouraging cantilevered chimneys.
Tom O’Donnell had no comments.
Mike Burke had no comments, but noted that it is a complete and well thought out document.
Mark Sgarlato asked how the historic preservation fits in with the residential standards. Bud
Lortz explained that there are several historic districts as well as Pre-1941 Guidelines that will be
wrapped into the document.
Diane McNutt asked about the approach on design standards and guidelines and whether these
documents may be award worthy in the future.
Committee consensus was to forward the scope of work to the Council with a recommendation
for approval.
ITEM 2 COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Bud Lortz introduced the item explaining the relationship between ordinances and resolutions.
An ordinance is adopted through a very specific process that is prescribed by state law that
includes public hearings. Randy Tsuda noted that it is a very deliberate, formal process because
it is law. Bud Lortz noted that where ordinances don’t work well is when it is more general,
such as the General Plan. What we’ve done as a model in this community is to take a set of
ideas and adopt and ordinance with empirical aspects, and then adopt a resolution that includes
supporting details or standards. This was done for the Below Market Price Program and the
Telecommunications Ordinance. Staff has developed a document that better defines adverse
impact and substantial departure. The resolution will augment the proposed ordinance on
conditional use modification.
Mike Burke commented on the noise standard and asked for clarification. Bud Lortz suggested
modifying the language to state that an increase in noise levels that would exceed the Town
standards, or what was reasonably anticipated at time of approval.
Tom O’Donnell said the resolution gives good examples.
Barry Waitte, Mark Sgarlato and Diane McNutt had no comments.
ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Diane McNutt noted that the unidentified woman noted in the minutes is an applicant for General
Plan Committee. This may help aid in her identification.
General Plan Committee
Regular Meeting of March 9, 2005
Page 3 of 3
Barry Waitte made a motion to approve the minutes of February 23, 2005. The motion was
seconded by Mike Burke and passed unanimously (7-0).
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, March 23, 2005 at 5:30 pm.
Prepared By:
___________________________
Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
N:\DEV\SUZANNE\GeneralPlan\GPC\2005minutes\GPC-3-09-05.wpd