Staff Report.202 University Avenue
PREPARED BY: SEAN MULLIN, AICP
Associate Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/28/2021
ITEM NO: 56
DATE: April 20, 2021
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Preliminary Review of a Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations and a
Second-Story Addition to Exceed Floor Area Ratio Standards to a Contributing
Single-Family Residence in the University-Edelen Historic District on Property
Zoned R-1D:LHP Located at 202 University Avenue. APN 529-04-001.
Property Owner: Tyler and Kristine Shewey. Applicant: Jay Plett, Architect.
Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a preliminary review of a request for construction of exterior alterations and a second-
story addition to exceed floor area ratio standards to a contributing single-family residence in
the University-Edelen Historic District on property zoned R-1D:LHP located at 202 University
Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1898 (effective year built 1930) per County Assessor’s
Database; 1870s per Bloomfield Survey
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: +, historic and intact, worthy of special note
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? Yes
4. Is structure in a historic district? Yes, University-Edelen
5. If yes, is it a contributor? Yes
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
DISCUSSION:
The existing Italianate Victorian single-story residence is approximately 22 feet tall with the
main floor located above a crawl space that projects above grade. The applicant is requesting a
preliminary review of a proposal for construction of exterior alterations and a second-story
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DISCUSSION (continued):
addition to the residence. The proposal would exceed the floor area ratio (FAR) standards for
the subject property (Attachments 1 and 5).
The applicant proposes to demolish the exterior walls at the rear elevation and portions of
those on the front elevation facing University Avenue and the north side elevations. An
addition to the first floor would be constructed at the rear of the residence and a new covered
deck is proposed off the north side elevation. The existing roof would be removed to allow for
the construction of a new second-story addition to the existing one-story residence. The height
of the proposed residence with the second-story addition would be 30 feet. The new second
story is proposed to continue the architecture of the existing residence utilizing consistent
forms, materials, and details. A new second-story porch is proposed on the front elevation,
which would create a covered porch at the front entry. The existing crawl space would be
improved to create living space. New light wells located on the north side of the residence
would provide secondary egress from the new living space.
Additional improvements showed on the proposed site plan include a detached garage with an
attached covered carport, a new swimming pool, an improved driveway, and new six-foot tall
fencing (Attachment 5, Sheet A-1).
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is seeking preliminary feedback from the Committee on the proposal. The
proposed project would respond to the feedback and return under an Architecture and Site
application for a recommendation to the deciding body.
CONSIDERATIONS:
A. Considerations
Sec. 29.80.290. Standards for review.
In evaluating applications, the deciding body shall consider the architectural style, design,
arrangement, texture, materials and color, and any other pertinent factors. Application s
shall not be granted unless:
In historic districts, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of the
application, nor adversely affect its relationship, in terms of harmony and
appropriateness, with its surroundings, including neighboring structures, nor adversely
affect the character, or the historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value of the
district.
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SUBJECT: 202 University Avenue
DATE: April 20, 2021
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CONSIDERATIONS (continued):
B. Residential Design Guidelines
Section 4.9 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines offers recommendations for
additions to historic resources through reference to Section 3.9 (Attachment 4).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Project Description
2. 1990 Bloomfield Survey
3. Sanborn Map Exhibit
4. Section 3.9, Residential Design Guidelines
5. Development Plans