07-09-03 Minutes - CDACTOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 354-6872
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SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS FOR July 9, 2003 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 4:40 P.M. by Chair Sandy Decker
ATTENDANCE
Members Present: Sandy Decker, Steve Glickman, Paul Dubois, Jeanne Drexel, Joanne
Talesfore
Absences: None
Staff Present: Bud N. Lortz, Director of Community Development; Suzanne
Davis, Associate Planner; Sandy Baily, Associate Planner
Others Present: Jeff Smith, Errico; Rodger Griffin, Paragon Design; Keith
Kolker, Cupertino Development; Ken Barker, project manager;
Sandy & Mary Harris, property owners; Tony Jeans, designer;
Rich Tso, Kier & Wright; Holly Danell; Lynn O’Brien
ITEM 1: 17443 Farley Road
Conceptual Development Application CD–03-4
Requesting preliminary review to amend a Planned Development to remove the
existing single family residence and its proposed detached garage at the rear of
the property and to construct a one story storage facility, which will be detached
from the approved two story storage facility on properties zoned LM:PD. APNS:
424-27-006, 007, 008
PROPERTY OWNER\APPLICANT: BMS Space Partnership
Rodger Griffin explained that there have been some tenant problems on the site.
The house that was approved at the rear of the site is somewhat isolated and
not a desirable living place. As an alternative, they would like to reduce the
middle building and add new building at the rear in place of the house.
In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Griffin clarified that the only
unit that would be eliminated was the house at the rear. The apartments would
still be part of the project and that there will be no overlap with morning school
traffic.
Comments:
· Loss of one unit/reduction of the Town’s housing stock (3)
· Important to meet with neighbors (there may be a concern about having a
light industrial use directly behind
· Visibility to neighbors
· Impacts to bordering neighbors (noise, traffic in and out of site)
· Hours of operation (least impact to neighbors)
ITEM: 2 Shady Lane Properties
Conceptual Development Application CD-03-3
Requesting preliminary review of plans for a 34 lot subdivision on five parcels
totaling 115 acres on property zoned HR-2½. APNS 527-09-001, 527-09-004,
527-12-001, 527-12-002 & 527-17-007.
PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: Sandy Harris
Sandy Harris explained that he currently owns a 44 acre property. He is working
on joining contiguous parcels of 22, 36 and 13.5 acres to the project (the cumulative
size being about 115 acres). Access would be provided to Francis Oaks residents
and would mitigate a safety concern due to narrow road and no second point of
access. The development proposal would dedicate about 60% of the land to open
space. A water system that would serve residents outside the development would
be installed. The water storage tank would be located at the highest point of
the property (southeast corner of the Greiner parcel). Proposed home sites would
impact the least number of trees. Where possible, trees that would need to be
removed will be relocated on the property. If the 22 acre parcel is included,
it will be reforested as is being done on the adjacent Hailey property.
Architectural controls would be put in place (colors, roofing, retaining wall
facing, etc.).
Tony Jeans said they would like input on whether the access roads should be emergency
access only or through roads. They would also like input on whether the entire
area should be part of the project, or if only the 44 acre site should be developed
at this time.
Bud Lortz said staff identified issues include ingress and egress (Shady Lane
access needs to be demonstrated), density exceeds slope density, community benefit
is an essential element (maintenance is a concern), amount of impervious coverage
(can houses be located closer to road to reduce driveway length, need for turnaround
and grading), constraints analysis needed, biotic issues associated with creek
Conceptual Development Advisory Committee
July 9, 2003
Page 3 of 3
crossing, road widening, and general development, Gum Tree Lane access may require
an amendment to the Hillside Specific Plan.
Comments:
· Commission will want a constraints map that identifies riparian corridors,
steep slopes (greater than 20%), trees, easements and geologic constraints
that may preclude development
· Density may be too great
· Open space is a positive aspect
· Access to other neighborhoods - get input from residents on those roads
· Spreading the access around rather than having it only from Shady Lane is
desirable
· There are some real community benefits here (water system/improved water
pressure and fire service and open space)
· Additional access points are desirable if they can be worked out
· Sensitivity to trees and animals is good
· Soils, because of slopes, a concern
· Consider lessening the number of homes
· Project phasing - not desirable to have construction spaced out over a long
period of time
· Working with the neighbors is a very good thing
· Geologic analysis needed
· Limit retaining walls
· If the 22 acre parcel is not included, the amount of open space goes down
substantially
· Density is very high without the 22 acre parcel being included since it
is proposed to be open space
· House size - would like to see an average of 4,000 square feet
· The 22 acre parcel is key to the project working and truly benefitting the
community
· Consider an agreement with the Town for a time frame for completion of
construction
***Committee consensus: bring this item back when a constraints map has been
prepared and CDAC members have visited the site.***
ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. The next regular meeting of the
Conceptual Development Advisory Committee
July 9, 2003
Page 4 of 3
Conceptual Development Advisory Committee is Wednesday, August
13, 2003.
Prepared by:
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Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner
cc: Planning Commission Chair
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