01 Staff Report - Architectural Review ProcessrTh
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: November 8, 2002
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 11/12/02
ITEM NO.
CONSIDER STATUS REPORT ON THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
PROCESS.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report on the Town's architectural review process.
BACKGROUND:
On August 20, 2001 the Town Council instituted a pilot program utilizing an architectural firm to
critique and evaluate the architectural design of the proposed projects as part of the Development
Review Committee (DRC) process. Following a selection process, on January 7, 2002 the Town
Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with Cannon Design Group as the
primary architectural consultant, and Mark Srebnik, AIA, as the secondary or back-up architectural
consultant. The Council requested that staff report back on the process after a six month period.
After orientation meetings with staff and members of the Planning Commission and Council, the
architectural process commenced in March 2002.
DISCUSSION:
Larry Cannon of Cannon Design Group conducted his first review for the Town in March 2002.
Since the architectural review process began, Mr. Cannon has completed review of 29 projects for
the Town, and is currently working on several projects currently in the planning process. Types of
development proposals evaluated include second story additions, new residences, commercial
addition and/or remodels, multi -family and three Planned Developments. The following table breaks
the completed architectural reviews into categories:
PREPARED BY: Bud N. Lortz, Director of Community Development
N:ODEV1SUZANNE\Council Reports\FY2002-03\ArchitecturalReview.wpd
Reviewed by: PSS Assistant Town Manager (QL Town Attorney Clerk Finance
Community Development Revised: 11/8/02 2:27 pm
Reformatted: 5/30/02
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER STATUS REPORT ON ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS
November 8, 2002
IIIIIIII.r77rHITECTURAL REVIE%%
Type of Project
Number of Reviews
Approving Body
new residence (R1)
4
DRC* or Commission
new hillside residence
14
Planning Commission
second story addition
4
DRC* or Commission
Planned Developments
3
Commission/Council
multi -family (not a PD)
1
Planning Commission
commercial remodels
3
DRC*
TOTAL
29
*included notice to neighbors
The architectural consultant prepares written reports that are provided to applicants and their design
professionals, and to the Planning Commission when applicable. On occasion, meetings are held
with staff, the architectural consultant and an applicant and/or their architect to discuss
recommendations and work out solutions to design issues. The architectural review process has been
working very well, and staff does not have any recommendations for changes at this time. Feedback
on the process has been received from design professionals, residents and Planning Commissioners,
and has all been positive. The architectural review process has achieved the main objectives of
reducing the number of public hearings and freeing up the Commission's time to allow for review
of legislative actions and policy issues and conducting study sessions. The backlog of applications
waiting to be forwarded to the Planning Commission has been eliminated, and applicants no longer
have to wait three to four months to be placed on an agenda.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Council accept the report on architectural review, and that the process
continue as established.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None (architectural review is cost recovery and is paid for by applicants).
f
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER STATUS REPORT ON ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS
November 8, 2002
Attachments:
None
Distribution:
Larry Cannon, Cannon Design Group, 180 Harbor Drive, Suite 219, Sausalito, CA 94965
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
November 12, 2002/Minutes
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos met in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 110
East Main Street, at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2002, in special joint session.
ROLL CALL
Present: Sandy Decker, Steve Glickman,
Joe Pirzynski, and Mayor/Chairman Randy Attaway.
Absent: Steven Blanton.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Given by all in attendance.
CLOSED SESSION (XX.28)
Town Attorney, Orry Korb, reported that Council had met in Closed Session prior to this evening's
meeting, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, regarding Public Employee Performance
Evaluation concerning the Town Manager. Council concluded this item and will take action on a
future public agenda.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 regarding Conference with Legal Counsel regarding
Existing Litigation concerning Joel W. Dubray, et al. vs. City of Dublin, et al, Superior Court of
Alameda County, Action 2002057128. Council gave direction and there was no reportable action
taken.
STATUS REPORT ON ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PROCESS (01.31)
Council Comments:
Council commended the work involved with this program and supported the efforts to work with the
applicants needs and the community's issues noting that the Planning Department was continuing to
work on improvements throughout its development review processes. Council requested updates on
the progress of these improvements to be reviewed at its next retreat with the Planning Commission.
Motion by Mr. Pirzynski, seconded by Mr. Glickman, to accept the status report on the
Architectural Review Process. Carried by a vote of 4 ayes. Mr. Blanton absent.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no speakers this evening.
N:ICLKIA MARIAN'S FILE\MM 111202-Special-Architectural Review Process and Housing Elementwpd