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18 Addendum - Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards• COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: September 11, 1997 TO: MAYOR AND TO FROM: TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: REMARKS: MEETING DATE: 9/15/97 ITEM NO. / U ADDENDUM CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE, ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE, AND PLANNING COMMISSION, AND CONSIDERADOPTING RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN .AND DESIGN STANDARDS. NEGATIVE DECLARATION ND-96-21. INITIATED BY: TOWN OF LOS GATOS The attached letter was received after the staff report regarding this matter was prepared for Council. Attachments: 5. Letter from Lany Paulding, received September 11, 1997 Distribution: Agenda only- 1. General Plan Committee 2. Architectural Standards Committee Dennis Burrow, Architect LEB:KS:sm N:IDEVICNCLRPTSILGBL• VD.ADD PREPARED BY: LEE E. BOWMAN PLANNING DIRECTOR Reviewed by: Q Attorney Finance Revised: 9/11/97 11:30 am Reformatted: 10/23/95 Members of the Town Council: Meeting on September 15, 1997 i'VED SEP 1 1 1997 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DEPARTMENT Sy September 11, 1997 297 Carlton Way Los Gatos CA 95032-2606 (408) 356-3848 Re: Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards On August 4, 1997 1 wrote a letter to all members of the Planning Commission meeting on August 13, 1997 and sent a copy to all members of the Town Council. One copy of the letter was given to the Planning Department to be included with the Planning Commission packet. The letter stated my support for the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards and my concern that the boulevard plan does not adequately protect the interests of residents living adjacent to proposed commercial development, redevelopment or high -density housing on the boulevard. Several days later I received a telephone call from Mayor Benjamin requesting that I compile a list of concerns that I felt would help to protect the interests of residential property owners adjacent to proposed commercial development. I don't feel that I can adequately suggest an all- inclusive recommendation. However, I will make suggestions that relate the concerns my neighborhood had plus the experience 1 had representing my neighborhood before and during the Office Depot approval process. It is reasonable to believe that any residents living adjacent to or near commercial or other than R1 property would expect that at some time or another that property would be developed or redeveloped. It is also reasonable to believe that these same residents would have a good feel for development that would be compatible with their surroundings and neighborhood. Suggestions: 1. Building height adjacent to R1 zoned residential property should be limited to a maximum of 25 feet. A. In the Appendix of A Vision for Los Gatos Boulevard published by the Town of Los Gatos late 1994 - early 1995, 10 pages of the Appendix were devoted to letters from my neighbors concerning the height of a proposed 35-foot 3-story housing project. This project was subsequently abandoned and eventually developed into the Office Depot project. B. Reprints of several newspaper articles published in the Appendix of A Vision for Los Gatos Boulevard expressed residents' concerns about building height. 2. Back -lighted, neon, and front -lighted signs facing residential property, even though across parking Tots, should not be allowed. On May 12, 1995 I wrote a letter to Mayor O'Laughlin for a suggested change to the sign ordinance. I also presented the matter to the Town Council. The council referred the matter to the Planning Department Re: Council Referral 95-42 - Signs for Office Depot. 3. Fences between residential property and proposed development: Residents should be allowed to determine the style and height within legal limits. ATTACHMENT 5 4. Buffers between residential property and proposed development: If landscaping is proposed as a buffer, the landscaping at the time of installation should be of sufficient size to obscure the proposed development from the line of sight of all residents' first story windows. 5. To insure that residents have sufficient time to make inquiries, obtain documents, study issues, consult with one another, make decisions, and prepare responses the following suggestions are made. A. If necessary, disclosure procedures or regulations should be changed to insure that residents adjacent to development are given adequate advanced notification of proposed development: B. At the developer's expense, either the Planning Department or the developer should be required to immediately notify all residents within 300 feet upon developers submitting initial development proposals and all subsequent meetings with the Planning Department, any town committee, commission or council. (1) Residents should be informed of the following: - Time, location, length and name of all meetings. - The scope of the meeting. - Names, titles, addresses and telephone numbers of the people officiating at the meetings including the developer and architect. - List of documents and drawings to be discussed at the meeting and where residents may obtain copies of these documents. - All concerned residents should be allowed adequate time at meetings to address their concerns. - If residents are unable to attend meetings in person, they should be informed that they may submit their concerns in writing. They should be informed of the deadline if they wish their concerns to be published with the appropriate packets. (2) Residents should be informed that the Planning Department has a file on all developed and proposed parcel development by street address. Residents should be informed that they may review these files at the Planning Department. (a) Developers should be required to cover the expense of a reasonable number of copies requested by residents. C. Developers should be required to sign a release allowing concerned citizens to have copies, at the developer's expense, of all drawings submitted to the Planning Department. Note: My experience has been that the Planning Department refused to give me copies of drawings which I needed to communicate information to my neighbors. The rationale for not allowing me to have copies of the drawings was that the drawings were proprietary information. This rationale on the part of the developer is ridiculous. It is highly unlikely that a resident opposing a developer's plans would want them for commercial reasons. Copyright laws protect proprietary information from commercial exploitation and also allow copyrighted material to be copied for the purpose of library laws and study. D. Residents should be ; rmed that a proposal on the Planning nmission or Town Council's agenda cannot be discussed by Commission or Council members. However, the residents should be told that at this point they may submit their concerns in writing. They should be informed of the deadline if they wish their concerns to be published with the appropriate packets. Residents should also be informed that they may write directly to Planning Commission or Town Council members at this point provided they send duplicate copies to all members of the Commission or Council. 6. Members of the Planning Department, committees, commissions and councils, when allowed by law, should volunteer any information to their knowledge that might help concerned residents with their cause. Example: studies, reports, articles, precedents, similar existing developments, procedural methods, etc. 7. Speakers before any committee, commission or council should be heard in a pro -con -pro - con order in order that neither side is able to dominate the speaker's podium by loading their group immediately around the podium. Neither side should be allowed to take the podium and then, after speaking, introduce the next speaker thereby controlling the podium with a chain of speakers. 8. Residents should not be required to provide an overwhelming amount of evidence, statistics, etc. to be persuasive. Developers should understand that residents may object to any given proposal and should be prepared to submit alternate proposals that might be more favorable to the residents. 9. Developers should be required to meet with residents prior to submitting preliminary proposals to the Planning Department. Developers should be attentive to residents' concerns and prepared to meet those concerns. Note: My experience has been that developers representatives will present their project to various town committees, discuss concerns with residents following the meetings and appear to be genuinely concerned. However at follow-up meetings, the same proposal will be resubmitted without consideration of the residents' concems. Sincerely, Larry 9 Copy: All members of the Town Council Blvd Plan Ur (Council) DEPTMENT: AGENDA ITEM: INTERNAL TRACKING /167y, RESO/ORD NUMBER: DDi Q19/P J 3 #.1 rl LIST IN BOOK ON DISC OR SHARE. FORM SENT TO DEPT. PUBLISH IF REQUIRED - Date of Publication ORDINANCES ONLY WHEN SIGNATURE AND /s/ COPY (1 EACH) returned, LIST ON SIGNATURE TRACKING & SEND TO MAYOR MAIL TO DISTRIBUTION LIST NO.of COPIES: PROOF OF MAILING PREPARED �, .- SIGN BY CLERK/SEAL ENTER INTO ECM ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION FILE ° r-, r a --F, j"y FILE IN VAULT CODIFICATION IF ORDINANCE clk:d16:\otherlordres2 .,FFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK - ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS ORIGINATING DEPT: COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: SUBJECT: Number: 9 12- IS- 3 OA L c 81 vb PLaan RESOLUTION Icq- ►.3� Date of Adopt: 0 ' is-- ' 9 r% PUBLICATION REQUIRED: Number: Date of Intro: Date of Adopt: ZONE CHANGE: COUNCIL ACTION: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: T'';°\1/ ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS NAMES: Randy Attaway, Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton, Jan Hutchins, Mayor(or Chairman) LINDA LUBECK ORDINANCE ORDINANCES and RESOLUTIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO TOWN CLERK BY WEDNESDAY AT 12 NOON. ORDINANCES MUST BE READY FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION TC: D7: RESO-ORD .-.FFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK - ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS ORIGINATING DEPT: COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: SUBJECT: Number: Date of Adopt: 12. i5.17 8a ti(Vb chAn5 Art► e n d . RESOLUTION 1997- 13g PUBLICATION REQUIRED: Number: Date of Intro: Date of Adopt: ZONE CHANGE: COUNCIL ACTION: AYES: (D-ZiLI'Lv' NAYS: VJ:2 ,(urrvwu��ru ABSENT: (� ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS NAMES: ORDINANCE de/ ;)'0 (o"1/\ Randy Attaway, Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton, Jan Hutchins, Mayor(or Chairman) LINDA LUBECK ORDINANCES and RESOLUTIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO TOWN CLERK BY WEDNESDAY AT 12 NOON. ORDINANCES MUST BE READY FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION TC: 07: RESO-ORD RESOLUTION 1997-138 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING AMENDMENT No. 1 TO THE LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN REGARDING LANE WIDTH WHEREAS, the Town Council conducted public hearings for consideration of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan on September 15, 1997 and December 1, 1997, and adopted the Plan on December 15, 1997; and WHEREAS, during these hearings, the Town Council considered public input on the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan; and WHEREAS, the Town has in good faith worked with residents, merchants and property owners to address their concerns, and WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend the plan to address public concerns about bike lanes; and WHEREAS, the Public Improvements section of the Plan will not include addition of bike lanes to the right-of-way. RESOLVED, the Town Council finds that the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan will not have a significant environmental impact and makes the Negative Declaration. RESOLVED, the new striping plan shall be evaluated by the Town one year after the striping is completed. FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council amends the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan Public Improvements Policies as follows: * ** II.D.5 Right-of-way width gained by narrowing traffic lanes and redesigning on - street parking shall be used for enhanced driveway, transit turnouts, sidewalks, landscaping, nodes and street furniture where permitted. * * * II.D.9 The width of traffic lanes on Los Gatos Boulevard and up to one street off the Boulevard on Blossom Hill Road shall be reduced to a minimum of 11 feet wide. * * * FURIHER RESOLVED, the Town Council amends the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan Public Improvements Implementation Measures as follows: * * * VII.A.2 Develop and implement funding and construction plans to narrow traffic lanes, reconfigure on -street parking, complete landscaping improvements, and enhance pedestrian, transit and bicycle areas. * * * FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos hereby adopts the amended Los Gatos Boulevard Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 15th day of December 1997, by the following vote: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: Randy Attaway, Jan Hutchins, Mayor Linda Lubeck NAYS: Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SIGNED: /s/ Linda Lubeck MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA ATTEST: /s/ Marian V. Cosgrove CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 2 RESOLUTION 1997-136 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS MAKING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING THE LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN AND DESIGN STANDARDS WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos has completed a major study of Los Gatos Boulevard; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Committee approved Resolution No.1997-1 recommending Town Council adoption of the Draft Los Gatos Boulevard Plan on November 12, 1997; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing for consideration of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards on August 13, 1997; and WHEREAS, the Town Council conducted public hearings for consideration of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards on September 15, 1997 and December 1, 1997; and WHEREAS, during these hearings, the Planning Commission and Town Council considered public input on the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Committee, Architectural Standards/Hillside Committee, and Planning Commission recommended approval of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards; and WHEREAS, the Town has in good faith worked with residents, merchants and property owners to address their concerns, and WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish a plan and design standards to provide direction to decision makers, architects, designers, engineers and developers; and WHEREAS, the Public Improvements Section of the Plan does not include policy involving bike lanes north of Blossom Hill Road or narrowing travel lanes. RESOLVED, that the Town Council finds that the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards will not have a significant environmental impact and makes the Negative Declaration. FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos hereby adopts the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards attached hereto as Exhibits A and B respectively. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 15th day of December 1997, by the following vote: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: Randy Attaway, Joanne Benjamin, Steven Blanton, Jan Hutchins, Mayor Linda Lubeck NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SIGNED: /s/ Linda Lubeck MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA ATTEST: /s/ Marian V. Cosgrove CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA 2 Town Council Redevelopment Agency lutes of December 15, 1997 Los Gatos, California LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN AND DESIGN STANDARDS (08A.46) NEGATIVE DECLARATION/RESOLUTION 1997.136 Motion by Mrs. Benjamin,� eT�e TOVVMI�i • QL®n , GATQS MAado\pItGRT oHlutiNG'9A9Tj1� entitled, RESOLLTION 0 m T ne r_ATA RnTTT.FVARD PLAN AND I)ESJGI D C �u smrny AyD APPROVT�LCx SI DARDSA Carried. unanimously. TC; D9; MM 121597 4 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN C. Land Use 1. Encourage replacement of vacated business south of Los Gatos Almaden Road with neighborhood commercial, multi -family, or office uses. 2. Amend the General Plan and rezone properties as needed to accomplish policies. 3. Establish development standards for all types of uses, incorporating guidelines for pedestrian access for clear direction to future developers. 4. Explore use of "air space" over Seven Mile Reservoir for auto storage or recreational purposes. 5. Encourage new or relocating auto -related businesses to relocate to available property north of Los Gatos -Almaden Road. 6. Amend Zoning Ordinance to allow Development Review Committee approval of all exterior changes to buildings, when consistent with Los Gatos Boulevard Design Standards. D. Gateways 1. Locate a gateway at Samaritan Drive. 2. Architectural Standards Committee shall establish locations and standards for gateways at other main entrances to Town. 3. Architectural Standards Committee shall develop design standards for gateways that take into account visibility, location, maintenance and durability. 4. Conduct an open design competition that includes public and private professional judges to recommend the final gateway design(s). E. Funding The Town shall establish a committee comprised of three (3) property/ business owners, one Planning Commissioner and one Council member to explore funding alternatives for the construction of public improvements, development of nodes'and creation of gateways. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN I3 Opportunities: Guidelines serve as a mechanism to gain developers' cooperation in enhancing link from public right-of-way to private land with nodes/ gathering places. Constraints: • No mechanism for underdeveloped land to reach potential use intensity as designated in Boulevard policy. B. Goals The Design Standards for Los Gatos Boulevard have been developed and adopted to achieve the goals set forth below: 1. To preserve and protect the Town's scenic beauty through careful planning. 2. To encourage site and building design that is particularly suited to the site and contributes to the Town's unique character, natural beauty and openness. 3. To ensure new development will enhance the use, enjoyment and value of neighboring residential and commercial property. 4. To encourage a compatible relationship between proposed and existing development. C. Policies Through the Los Gatos Boulevard Design Standards, the Town of Los Gatos adopts the following policies: 1. Proposals shall be designed to fit the natural conditions of a site and respect scenic corridors. 2. Proposals should be designed to enhance the Boulevard through excellence in architectural design. 3. Proposals shall be designed to minimize interference with the privacy, quiet and views of surrounding residential properties. 4. Standardized building plans or corporate designs shall be discouraged. 5. Building and site design shall reflect the historic, natural and architectural setting unique to Los Gatos. 6. Pedestrian access to buildings and sites shall be encouraged. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 11 1. Auto related uses currently existing shall be allowed to remain indefinitely. 2. New and relocating auto -related businesses shall be located a)north of Los Gatos Almaden Road, b) adjacent to existing auto dealerships, or c) on a vacant site previously used for permitted auto sales. 3. Neighborhood commercial, multi -family residential and office uses shall be concentrated south of Los Gatos Almaden Road. 4. Uses on Los Gatos Boulevard south of Shannon Road shall be residential or office; existing non-residential uses shall not be intensified and existing vacant property and residential uses shall be developed as Single Family Residential. 5. Commercial and mixed use development north of Lark shall be in keeping with the Route 85 element of the General Plan and shall provide/incorporate Boulevard, Downtown and regional transit access accordingly. 6. New development must be designed in order to minimize adverse impacts upon adjacent residential areas. V. GATEWAYS A. Overview A "Gateway" can be considered a major entry feature located at a prominent entry point to the Town or Los Gatos Boulevard specifically. An example of a gateway and its importance is the entryway at Los Gatos Boulevard and Route 85; the sense of entry that can be created there by a gateway feature is important because it is a prelude to the Boulevard and the Town of Los Gatos. Gateways can express the character of the Town and create landmarks. B. Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities: • Chance to distinguish entryways to both Los Gatos and the Boulevard which welcome residents and visitors. • May create landmarks and heighten the sense of place on the Boulevard. • May involve private corporations and individuals in the design process. Constraints: Town right-of-way may not be adequate to create "Gateways," resulting in a need to use private land. Town funding not currently available. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN The type and quality of development at a node will leave a strong impression. Development at these points should create anticipation and be distinctive. This can be achieved with a strong sense of architecture, a coherent spatial form, and amenities such as public pedestrian enclaves, plazas, water features, pedestrian connections, public art and pocket parks. B. Opportunities/ Constraints Opportunity: • Nodes can establish visual and activity focal points. Constraints: • Locations identified as nodes may remain vacant or underdeveloped; the opportunity for establishing a node on private property is contingent upon receipt of applications to develop that property. Town funding may not be available for node development on public right-of-way. C. Goals The Goals for Nodes along the Boulevard are listed below. Nodes may be developed in the public right-of-way and on private property separately, or on a combination of both. 1. To encourage pedestrian activity at and movement across Los Gatos Boulevard at key points along the Boulevard. 2. To establish the perception of Los Gatos Boulevard as people friendly. 3. To connect, improve and unify the streetscape on both sides of Los Gatos Boulevard. 4. To establish activity focal points on private and public property- along Los Gatos Boulevard. D. Policies The policies for Nodes in the public right-of-way and private land are: 1. Each node site shall have a clearly identifiable character as reflected through its hardscape, landscaping and street signage. 2. Crossing surfaces, paths and signal timing shall be conducive to and encourage pedestrian crossing and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety-. 3. Each node site shall serve as a circulation and visual focal point along Los Gatos Boulevard. 9 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 7 II. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS A. Overview Early in the public workshop process, participants envisioned Los Gatos Boulevard as a true "Boulevard" - a broad, landscaped thoroughfare which is traditionally thought of as a major community shopping and social gathering place. This concept should guide public improvement policy and development. B. Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities: Majority of Boulevard currently has existing landscaped medians in the center. Street trees are planted along sidewalk in most cases; upon site redevelopment a condition of approval is to plant/ replant street trees on Boulevard frontage. On -street parking in certain areas could be substituted with wider sidewalk and bike lane. Constraints: • No funding in 1996-2001 Capital Improvement Program for the improvement of Boulevard design or median improvement/construction. C. Goals The Goals for Los Gatos Boulevard Public Improvements are: 1. To reduce the speed of automobile traffic on the Boulevard and at major intersections while maintaining a safe, smooth and efficient flow to both local and through traffic, including emergency vehicles. 2. To make the Boulevard attractive and conducive to neighborhood and bicycle access along and across it. 3. To enhance and coordinate landscaping and amenities. 4. To provide attractive and convenient transit facilities that encourage their use. 5. To facilitate and promote access to commercial and residential uses along the Boulevard. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 5 In 1993, the Boulevard Community Alliance was formed consisting of Los Gatos Boulevard business and property owners with the goal of enhancing and promoting the Boulevard. In March 1994, the Town Council directed the General Plan Committee to study alternatives and make recommendations for improving the appearance and commercial viability of the Boulevard. On September 6, 1994 the Council approved the General Plan Committee's recommendation to sponsor community forums to solicit public input. To maximize public participation, the Town Council agreed to fund two public forums. The Boulevard Community Alliance sponsored a third, follow up forum. D. Public Forums The first forum on October 27, 1994, served as a public information and education seminar. Noted architect and urban designer Michael Freedman shared a two-hour slide presentation with approximately 150 Town residents and business leaders. Prepared with both good and bad examples from communities in the Bay Area, Freedman demonstrated that good design is not "rocket science" and that development can enhance a community when residents and local businesses are involved. The second forum on November 12, 1994 was an all day design "charrette" organized and hosted by the Town of Los Gatos and the American Institute of Architects, Santa Clara Valley Chapter. "Charrette" comes from the French word for cart, coined when design students would frantically work as the cart would come by and mercilessly collect their sketches. Today, a charrette is an intensive, collaborative design effort that includes professional planners, architects and the community working together over an extended period to reach consensus. The Los Gatos Boulevard Charrette drew considerable public support and participation. Over 80 businesses contributed food and services. An estimated 125 participants broke into nine teams put pen to paper to create nine unique visions for the Boulevard. As a result of the interest generated by the two design forums, a third forum entitled "Share the Vision" was sponsored by the Boulevard Community Alliance on February 15, 1995, at the Neighborhood Center. Team leaders from the charrette presented their vision for the Boulevard. A panel of community representatives addressed questions from the audience and shared their views on Boulevard development. This event was attended by an estimated 150 members of the community. E. Plan Objectives Subsequent to the public forums, the Town Council adopted Resolution 1995-88, establishing the Mission, Goals and Objectives of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan. The Plan Objectives were established as follows: Gateways Major entrances to the Boulevard will have special landscaping, architecture, and/or artistic displays that announce Los Gatos as a distinct area. Legencl Land. Use ■ ■ ■ ■ a Mixed Use Cc:ran-ie^ciai Office Auto Related Business Utility Vaca..t Residential Agricu -•zre Park/Open. Space fl SCALE 0 500 1000 1500 2000 1 LAND USE STUDY Los Gatos Boulevard harnora Road to Route 85 N ` AC.;.•,!-DSCa7C5 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 3 I. INTRODUCTION A. Vision Statement The Los Gatos Boulevard Plan has been created and adopted in order to establish a partnership among residents, businesses, property owners and the Town government to develop the Boulevard as a distinct place that enhances the quality of life of the people of Los Gatos through its economic vitality, beauty, and community. To realize this Vision, the overall Goals of the Plan are to: • Preserve and project the essence of Los Gatos' history, individuality, character, and natural environment. • Promote commercial activity that complements the whole Town. Provide a dependable source of income, employment opportunities, goods and services. • Provide for attractive, easy and effective access to, from and through the Boulevard. • Provide effective links and interfaces between neighborhoods and commercial areas. The purpose of the Plan is to establish short, medium and long range goals, policies and implementation measures including priorities for Boulevard improvements. B. Study Area and Conditions The Los Gatos Boulevard Plan Study Area extends for approximately 1.8 miles between the Route 85 interchange to the north and Spencer Road to the south. Land use in this area consists primarily of mixed use commercial, neighborhood shopping centers, auto sales and repair and office. Existing zoning provides for the broadest range of mixed use commercial and residential uses excluding industrial and manufacturing. The following vicinity maps illustrate 1) the study area location in relationship to downtown Los Gatos, and 2) the land uses along Los Gatos Boulevard as of June 1997. Several events have combined to lead to the current conditions along Los Gatos Boulevard: construction of Highway 85, relocation of several businesses leaving large vacant lots and buildings, and a message from both business owners and residents for a re-examination of the development and public improvement goals for the Boulevard. These events were the catalyst for the Town's re-evaluation of the Boulevard development goals. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN TOWN OF LOS GATOS OFFICERS AND STAFF Town Council Joanne Benjarnin, Mayor Linda Lubeck, Vice Mayor Jan Hutchins Randy Attaway Steven Blanton Planning Commission Michael H. Abkin Sandy Decker, Vice Chair Marcia Jensen, Chair Kathryn Morgan Laura Nachison Leonard Pacheco General Plan Committee Michael H. Abkin, Chair Jan Hutchins Linda Lubeck Sandy Decker Marcia Jensen Gary Ehlert Joe Pirzynski Elizabeth Smith Steve Boersma Town Staff David Knapp, Town Manager Jim Piper, Assistant Town Manager Lee Bowman, Planning Director Bud Lortz, Senior Planner Sandy Baily, Associate Planner Trish Duarte, Sr. Engineering Tech Kristine Syskowski, Assistant Planner Erwin Ordonez, Assistant Planner Ryan Bane, Planning Technician Chris Lane, Planning Technician Martin Alkire, Planning Tech/Code Compliance ks4\lgblvd\draft.pin Revised: July 3, 1997 0 n n n LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS 2. Texture and Materials Exterior colors should be subdued and used to complement the architecture and natural setting. A color should be used with an - awareness of the surface size to which it is applied. Building materials shall be used to enhance the architectural style of the structure. Materials shall "wrap" around corners and not be discontinued or altered on outside edges or flat planes.(Fig. 5) A proposal's exterior colors and materials shall reflect the natural setting of Los Gatos. A proposal's materials and colors shall be sensitive to adjacent commercial structures and residential properties and promote visual continuity along Los Gatos Boulevard. Buildings shall have visual order. Buildings shall be designed to create patterns of texture, light, color and materials. (Fig. 6) A building shall be articulated with changes in building planes, colors, material and rhythm. (Fig. 7) 7. Building Articulation 5. E:rerior .Lfateriais 6. Visual Order 1 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS III. USE SPECIFIC STANDARDS When a proposed use is not addressed in the following sections, the Planning Director shall determine the Design Standards for the use in question by analogy to the listed uses. A. COMMERCIAL l . Neighborhood Commercial and Shopping Centers Neighborhood Commercial development and Shopping Centers should have an integrated, cohesive design the reads as a whole building form. The overall design should allow for harmony between individual storefronts yet still allow identifiable tenant entrances. Pedestrian amenities - low level lights, benches, trees, umbrellas - should be installed along the frontage of the center to make it a safer and more pleasant place to shop and eat. • An identifiable architectural entrance sign may be installed to project a unified image. • Pedestrian pathways from residential areas located to the rear or side of the center shall be established. The pathways shall be encouraged where the rear or side of a center is abutting a residential street rather than residential property. Landscaping shall be consistent with the architectural style of the center. Shade trees should be installed as an amenity and to help define travel lanes. "Orchard" planting is recommended to maintain visibility from the road. New lights with a pedestrian character should also be installed where possible. • Exterior materials and finishes shall be consistent throughout the entire development. • Commercial centers shall not have a rectangular "big - box" design. 12 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS D. GATEWAYS Gateways shall be treated as a prelude to a special place, a landmark to identify the Town and Los Gatos Boulevard. • Gateway elements should be compatible with the scale and proportion of the site and should emphasize transition into the Town of Los Gatos. E. NODES Each node shall be a distinctive, coherent open space laid out with features such as benches, trees, plants, and walkways. Nodes shall reflect the unique natural setting of Los Gatos through the incorporation of building and landscape materials that emphasize and complement such features as the Santa Cruz Mountains and their related viewshed. • A node shall be designed and developed to serve as a pedestrian enclave. Node site pedestrian amenities should include seating and one or more of the following: bike rack, trash receptacle, fountain, planter, trees, newspaper stand. Architectural elements shall be consistent with the architecture on site and may include trellises, pergolas and/or lattice work to provide shade and/or visual interest at each node. 1 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS B. BUILDING DESIGN 1. Mass and Scale Simple building forms derived from and complimentary to classic residential building elements and the architectural character of Los Gatos residential areas shall be encouraged. This type of building form draws from Los Gatos' residential history, establishes a sense of timelessness and relates buildings to one another in mass and scale. (Fig. 1) Building height is the most obvious indicator of scale. Building height shall be considered in its relationship to surrounding development, commensurate to the width of Los Gatos Boulevard and shall not block scenic vistas or solar access. (Fig. 2) Buildings should not overwhelm adjacent pedestrian areas. Taller two or three story buildings adjacent to pedestrian areas shall be stepped back to maintain small scale character near street Ievel. Buildings shall be articulated on. the ground level to create a human scale. (Fig. 3) 3 Hurnan Scale r/,max•••• 1. GusicForms ~~. ` J r. 0% `•., Cr 1 ► Vl is - t y-�, ��� ca C i• ' .� c! 7. T7ZI-�. 2 Relationship to Surroundings �1 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS 3. Parking Lot Layout Parking areas shall be designed in a manner which m;n;m»es the visual impact when viewed from the street and should be Located along the sides and/or behind the proposed building(s). (Fig. 5) Parking lot surfaces shall be enhanced with modular concrete pavers and the use of brick or concrete bands to divide parking lot paving into small, interrelated segments whenever possible. All parking areas shall be landscaped to reflect Los Gatos' historic and natural character, including orchard trees, river rock, etc.. (Fig. 6) Driveways and parking areas shall incorporate design and landscape elements which reduce the impacr. on adjacent residential properties and compliment the natural environment, where possible. Parking for comme-cial or multiple family residential projects may be below grade when feasible. The preferred design is to provide subterranean parking with the first floor no more than four feet above grade. (Fig. 7) Parking lot layout and Iandscaping shall be closely coordinated with the architectural design of the building(s). Loading and service areas shall not be visible from the street. Such areas Located adjacent to a residential area or street shall be appropriately screened. ' .1 It ;II•�:Illlllil Boulevard 5.%ie1voj?�rnT77: Street E`r! E E �n F.r lanced Sue:scer 7. Below Grade Parking LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS II. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES A. SITE DEVELOPMENT l . General The Planning Commission will assess any proposal based on its overall effect on Los Gatos Boulevard existing conditions as well as its compatibility with the surrounding area. The appearance of the proposal should complement the character of the surrounding area without negatively impacting existing conditions. Site design will be evaluated based upon its contribution to the Town's beauty- and openness, as well as its suitability for the location. Site plans shall be integrated with the roadway to create harmony of design and continuity along the Boulevard. Harmony is achieved when the roadway and building location together create a sense of defined space. A proposal shall include a demonstration of how the development will respect the pattern of existing development (streetscape) and natural surroundings (hillsides and trees). A proposal shall not impair - directly or through the cumulative effect of new developments - the use, enjoyment and value of neighboring public and private property. Proposals should be designed to minimize interference with the privacy, quiet and views of residential neighbors. Scenic vistas shall be protected. 4 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS • To encourage a compatible relationship between proposed and existing development. C. POLICIES Through the Los Gatos Boulevard Design Standards, the Town of Los Gatos adopts the following policies: • Proposals shall be designed to fit the natural conditions of a site and respect scenic corridors. ■ Proposals should be designed to enhance the Boulevard through excellence in architectural design. • Proposals shall be designed to minimize interference with the privacy, quiet and views of surrounding residential properties. • Standardized building plans or corporate designs shall be discouraged. • Building and site design shall reflect the historic, natural and architectural setting unique to Los Gatos. • Pedestrian friendly access to buildings and sites shall be encouraged. D. STUDY AREA The Los Gatos Boulevard Study Area spans approximately 1.8 miles, from Samaritan Drive at the north to Spencer Avenue at the south. (Map of Study Area included on next page.) 3 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD DESIGN STANDARDS TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION A. Preface B. Goals C. Policies D. Study Area II. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES A. Site Design 1. General 2. Building Location 3. Parking Lot Layout 4. Pedestrian Orientation B. Building Design 1. Mass and Scale 2. Texture and Materials 3. Architectural Elements III. STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC USES A. Commercial 1. Neighborhood Commercial and Shopping Centers 2. Regional Commercial 3. Vehicle Services, Sales and Related Activities B. Mixed Use C. Medium and High Density Residential D. Gateways E. Nodes IV. MODIFICATION OF DESIGN STANDARDS LOSGATOSBOULEVARD PLAN C. Land Use 1. Encourage replacement of vacated business south of Los Gatos Almaden Road with neighborhood commercial, multi -family, or office uses. 2. Amend the General Plan and rezone properties as needed to accomplish policies. 3. Establish development standards for all types of uses, incorporating guidelines for pedestrian access for clear direction to future developers. 4. Explore use of "air space" over Seven Mile Reservoir for auto storage or recreational purposes. 5. Encourage new or relocating auto -related businesses to relocate to available property north of Los Gatos -Almaden Road. 6. Amend Zoning Ordinance to allow Development Review Committee approval of all exterior changes to buildings, when consistent with Los Gatos Boulevard Design Standards. D. Gateways 1. Locate a gateway at Samaritan Drive. 2. Architectural Standards Committee shall establish locations and standards for gateways at other main entrances to Town. 3. Architectural Standards Committee shall develop design standards for gateways that take into account visibility, location, maintenance and durability. 4. Conduct an open design competition that includes public and private professional judges to recommend the final gateway design(s). E. Funding The Town shall establish a committee comprised of three (3) property/ business owners, one Planning Commissioner and one Council member to explore funding alternatives for the construction of public improvements, development of nodes and creation of gateways. u LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 13 Opportunities: Guidelines serve as a mechanism to gain developers' cooperation in enhancing link from public right-of-way to private land with nodes/ gathering places. Constraints: • No mechanism for underdeveloped land to reach potential use intensity as designated in Boulevard policy. B. Goals The Design Standards for Los Gatos Boulevard have been developed and adopted to achieve the goals set forth below: 1. To preserve and protect the Town's scenic beauty through careful planning. 2. To encourage site and building design that is particularly suited to the site and contributes to the Town's unique character, natural beauty and openness. 3. To ensure new development will enhance the use, enjoyment and value of neighboring residential and commercial property. 4. To encourage a compatible relationship between proposed and existing development. C. Policies Through the Los Gatos Boulevard Design Standards, the Town of Los Gatos adopts the following policies: 1. Proposals shall be designed to fit the natural conditions of a site and respect scenic corridors. 2. Proposals should be designed to enhance the Boulevard through excellence in architectural design. 3. Proposals shall be designed to minimize interference with the privacy, quiet and views of surrounding residential properties. 4. Standardized building plans or corporate designs shall be discouraged. 5. Building and site design shall reflect the historic, natural and architectural setting unique to Los Gatos. 6. Pedestrian access to buildings and sites shall be encouraged. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 11 1. Auto related uses currently existing shall be allowed to remain indefinitely. 2. New and relocating auto -related businesses shall be located a)north of Los Gatos Almaden Road, b) adjacent to existing auto dealerships, or c) on a vacant site previously used for permitted auto sales. 3. Neighborhood commercial, multi -family residential and office uses shall be concentrated south of Los Gatos Almaden Road. 4. Uses on Los Gatos Boulevard south of Shannon Road shall be residential or office; existing non-residential uses shall not be intensified and existing vacant property and residential uses shall be developed as Single Family Residential. 5. Commercial and mixed use development north of Lark shall be in keeping with the Route 85 element of the General Plan and shall provide/incorporate Boulevard, Downtown and regional transit access accordingly. 6. New development must be designed in order to minimize adverse impacts upon adjacent residential areas. V. GATEWAYS A. Overview A "Gateway" can be considered a major entry feature located at a prominent entry point to the Town or Los Gatos Boulevard specifically. An example of a gateway and its importance is the entryway at Los Gatos Boulevard and Route 85; the sense of entry that can be created there by a gateway feature is important because it is a prelude to the Boulevard and the Town of Los Gatos. Gateways can express the character of the Town and create landmarks. B. Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities: • Chance to distinguish entryways to both Los Gatos and the Boulevard which welcome residents and visitors. • May create landmarks and heighten the sense of place on the Boulevard. • May involve private corporations and individuals in the design process. Constraints: Town right-of-way may not be adequate to create "Gateways," resulting in a need to use private land. Town funding not currently available. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN The type and quality of development at a node will leave a strong impression. Development at these points should create anticipation and be distinctive. This can be achieved with a strong sense of architecture, a coherent spatial form, and amenities such as public pedestrian enclaves, plazas, water features, pedestrian connections, public art and pocket parks. B. Opportunities/ Constraints Opportunity: • Nodes can establish visual and activity focal points. Constraints: Locations identified as nodes may remain vacant or underdeveloped; the opportunity for establishing a node on private property is contingent upon receipt of applications to develop that property. • Town funding may not be available for node development on public right-of-way. C. Goals The Goals for Nodes along the Boulevard are listed below. Nodes may be developed in the public right-of-way and on private property separately, or on a combination of both. 1. To encourage pedestrian activity at and movement across Los Gatos Boulevard at key points along the Boulevard. 2. To establish the perception of Los Gatos Boulevard as people friendly. 3. To connect, improve and unify the streetscape on both sides of Los Gatos Boulevard. 4. To establish activity focal points on private and public property along Los Gatos Boulevard. D. Policies The policies for Nodes in the public right-of-way and private land are: 1. Each node site shall have a clearly identifiable character as reflected through its hardscape, Iandscaping and street signage. 2. Crossing surfaces, paths and signal timing shall be conducive to and encourage pedestrian crossing and promote pedestrian and bicycle safety. 3. Each node site shall serve as a circulation and visual focal point along Los Gatos Boulevard. 9 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 7 II. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS A. Overview Early in the public workshop process, participants envisioned Los Gatos Boulevard as a true "Boulevard" - a broad, landscaped thoroughfare which is traditionally thought of as a major community shopping and social gathering place. This concept should guide public improvement policy and development. B. Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities: Majority of Boulevard currently has existing landscaped medians in the center. Street trees are planted along sidewalk in most cases; upon site redevelopment a condition of approval is to plant/ replant street trees on Boulevard frontage. On -street parking in certain areas could be substituted with wider sidewalk and bike lane. Constraints: • No funding in 1996-2001 Capital Improvement Program for the improvement of Boulevard design or median improvement/construction. C. Goals The Goals for Los Gatos Boulevard Public Improvements are: 1. To reduce the speed of automobile traffic on the Boulevard and at major intersections while maintaining a safe, smooth and efficient flow to both local and through traffic, including emergency vehicles. 2. To make the Boulevard attractive and conducive to neighborhood and bicycle access along and across it. 3. To enhance and coordinate landscaping and amenities. 4. To provide attractive and convenient transit facilities that encourage their use. 5. To facilitate and promote access to commercial and residential uses along the Boulevard. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN i In 1993, the Boulevard Community Alliance was formed consisting of Los Gatos Boulevard business and property owners with the goal of enhancing and promoting the Boulevard. In March 1994, the Town Council directed the General Plan Committee to study alternatives and make recommendations for improving the appearance and commercial viability of the Boulevard. On September 6, 1994 the Council approved the General Plan Committee's recommendation to sponsor community forums to solicit public input. To maximize public participation, the Town Council agreed to fund two public forums. The Boulevard Community Alliance sponsored a third, follow up forum. D. Public Forums The first forum on October 27, 1994, served as a public information and education seminar. Noted architect and urban designer Michael Freedman shared a two-hour slide presentation with approximately 150 Town residents and business leaders. Prepared with both good and bad examples from communities in the Bay Area, Freedman demonstrated that good design is not "rocket science" and that development can enhance a community when residents and local businesses are involved. The second forum on November 12, 1994 was an all day design "charrette" organized and hosted by the Town of Los Gatos and the American Institute of Architects, Santa Clara Valley Chapter. "Charrette" comes from the French word for cart, coined when design students would frantically work as the cart would come by and mercilessly collect their sketches. Today, a charrette is an intensive, collaborative design effort that includes professional planners, architects and the community working together over an extended period to reach consensus. The Los Gatos Boulevard Charrette drew considerable public support and participation. Over 80 businesses contributed food and services. An estimated 125 participants broke into nine teams put pen to paper to create nine unique visions for the Boulevard. As a result of the interest generated by the two design forums, a third forum entitled "Share the Vision" was sponsored by the Boulevard Community Alliance on February 15, 1995, at the Neighborhood Center. Team leaders from the charrette presented their vision for the Boulevard. A panel of community representatives addressed questions from the audience and shared their views on Boulevard development. This event was attended by an estimated 150 members of the community. E. Plan Objectives Subsequent to the public forums, the Town Council adopted Resolution 1995-88, establishing the Mission, Goals and Objectives of the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan. The Plan Objectives were established as follows: Gateways Major entrances to the Boulevard will have special landscaping, architecture, and/or artistic displays that announce Los Gatos as a distinct area. Legend Land. Use R Mixed Use Commercial Office flute Related Busi: ess Uttli t Vacs :_ Residential Agriculture Fark..rOpert Specie SCALE 0 500 1000 1500 2000 N D USE STUDY C- .-', tcs. Boulevard Road tc Rcu.' 85 -���- N. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN 3 I. INTRODUCTION A. Vision Statement The Los Gatos Boulevard Plan has been created and adopted in order to establish a partnership among residents, businesses, property owners and the Town government to develop the Boulevard as a distinct place that enhances the quality of life of the people of Los Gatos through its economic vitality, beauty, and community. To realize this Vision, the overall Goals of the Plan are to: • Preserve and project the essence of Los Gatos' history, individuality, character, and natural environment. • Promote commercial activity that complements the whole Town. Provide a dependable source of income, employment opportunities, goods and services. • Provide for attractive, easy and effective access to, from and through the Boulevard. • Provide effective links and interfaces between neighborhoods and commercial areas. The purpose of the Plan is to establish short, medium and long range goals, policies and implementation measures including priorities for Boulevard improvements. B. Study Area and Conditions The Los Gatos Boulevard Plan Study Area extends for approximately 1.8 miles between the Route 85 interchange to the north and Spencer Road to the south. Land use in this area consists primarily of mixed use commercial, neighborhood shopping centers, auto sales and repair and office. Existing zoning provides for the broadest range of mixed use commercial and residential uses excluding industrial and manufacturing. The following vicinity maps illustrate 1) the study area location in relationship to downtown Los Gatos, and 2) the land uses along Los Gatos Boulevard as of June 1997. Several events have combined to lead to the current conditions along Los Gatos Boulevard: construction of Highway 85, relocation of several businesses leaving large vacant lots and buildings, and a message from both business owners and residents for a re-examination of the development and public improvement goals for the Boulevard. These events were the catalyst for the Town's re-evaluation of the Boulevard development goals. LOS GATOS BOULEVARD PLAN TOWN OF LOS GATOS OFFICERS AND STAFF Town Council Joanne Benjamin, Mayor Linda Lubeck, Vice Mayor Jan Hutchins Randy Attaway Steven Blanton Planning Commission Michael H. Abkin Sandy Decker, Vice Chair Marcia Jensen, Chair Kathryn Morgan Laura Nachison Leonard Pacheco General Plan Committee Michael H. Abkin, Chair Jan Hutchins Linda Lubeck Sandy Decker Marcia Jensen Gary Ehlert Joe Pirzynski Elizabeth Smith Steve Boersma Town Staff David Knapp, Town Manager Jim Piper, Assistant Town Manager Lee Bowman, Planning Director Bud Lortz, Senior Planner Sandy Baily, Associate Planner Trish Duarte, Sr. Engineering Tech Kristine Syskowski, Assistant Planner Erwin Ordonez, Assistant Planner Ryan Bane, Planning Technician Chris Lane, Planning Technician Martin Alkire, Planning Tech/Code Compliance ks4\1gblvd\draft.pin Revised: July 3, 1997 r) . 1 1 n fl 4 4