Attachment 6 - Section 4.8.4, Residential Design GuidelinesResidential Design Guidelines48
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES4
•New materials should identically match original materials
in shape, size, dimension, texture and pattern. Metal used
as flashing, screening, gutters, and utility services and other
traditional elements are acceptable.
•Composite, synthetic, metal, vinyl, plastic or fabricated/
imitation wood products, painted brick or imitation used
brick will generally not be approved. However, some ex-
ceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis when the
decision making body determines that the replacement is
consistent with the appearance of the original material, and
that a lay person would be unlikely to discern the difference.
The burden of proof will reside with the applicant. Mate-
rial samples, photographs and specific locations where the
material may be seen in use will all assist in the evaluation
of alternative materials.
•The decision making body may approve an acceptable alter-
native to the original building material if use of the original
material is not feasible due to unreasonable cost and com-
mercial availability, or health and safety considerations.
4.8.3 Doors
•Original doors should be retained and restored.
•New replacement doors for Victorians should not be flush,
but of raised or flat panel design.
•Front doors generally should be painted, not stained.
Not applicable to Mission Revival/Mediterranean style structures.
•Screened doors should be real wood framed of simple de-
sign unless patterns can be shown to fit the existing style.
4.8.4 Windows and Glass in doors
•Original windows, glass and window decorations should be
retained and restored.
•Replacement of only the deteriorated portions of the win-
dows is recommended rather than the replacement of the
entire window.
•New or replacement windows should be wood-sashed and
muntined if applicable.
•Sills, lintels, frames, sashes, muntins, and all decorations
should be identically replaced.
•All elements of new windows should be identical in size,
shape, proportion, and dimensions as the original windows
of the building, or consistent with traditional sizes, propor-
tions and dimensions of buildings of the same architectural
style, design and era.
•Windows should be constructed of real glass, and window
Simulated divided lite windows
may be considered on a case-by-
case basis
True divided lite windows are encouraged
when appropriate to the original structure
Original doors and windows should be
retained and repaired
ATTACHMENT 6
Residential Design Guidelines 49
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES4
frames should be constructed of real wood - not vinyl,
metal or plastic. Wood sashes may be vinyl or metal clad if
the window frame and dressing is designed consistent with
the historic context of the building.
• All lites (panes of glass) should be true divided lite, not
artificial or snap-in grids. Simulated Divided Lite windows
are permitted when the details of the window provide
projecting muntin elements on the exterior and interior of
the window along with a spacer muntin between the panes
of glass (See example to the left).
• New arched, angled, and/or octagonal windows are discour-
aged.
• Large expanses of blank exterior walls without windows
are discouraged.
4.8.5 Bay Windows
• Size, shape, proportion, dimension, type of foundation, and,
roof material and style of bay windows, whether restored
or of new construction, should be identical to the original
or existing bay windows of the structure.
• New bay windows may be added to the building in loca-
tions where no bay windows previously existed. These new
bay windows should be identical to and replicate the style,
design, size, shape and proportion, type of foundation and
roof of other bay windows existing on structure. If there are
no existing bay windows on the structure, new bay windows
should be built in the same size, shape, dimension, propor-
tions, material and type of foundation and roof typical of
the architectural style. Metal frame kitchen garden windows
are prohibited.
• Generally, traditional architectural styles will require either a
foundation to the ground or substantial supporting brackets
below a bay window. Floating windows without support, as
shown for the bow bay window example to the right, are
rarely appropriate.
• New bay windows are permitted only when the applicant
proves to the Deciding Body that they are consistent with
existing style, design and character of the structure.
4.8.6 Chimneys
• Wood-framed chimneys are prohibited unless their exteri-
ors are covered with brick or river rock veneers. Masonry
veneers may be used. However, they should be detailed
exactly as the solid construction that they are emulating.
• Stucco Mission Revival or Mediterranean style houses may
have stucco covered chimneys.
Match bay windows to the architectural style
of the house
Some window styles, such as this bow bay
window, would have very limited applicability
for use on a historic resource structure
Wood clad chimneys are prohibited
Masonry and stucco chimneys are
preferred