Item 5 - Staff Report and Attachments 1 to 8
PREPARED BY: RYAN SAFTY
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: 2/23/2022 ITEM NO: 5
DATE: February 18, 2022
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Preliminary Review for Technical Demolition of a Presumptive Historic Single-
Family Residence (Pre-1941) and Construction of a New Two-Story Residence
Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP.
Located at 223 Tait Avenue. APN 510-17-004.
PROPERTY OWNER: Mark and Tammy De Mattei
APPLICANT: Jay Plett, Architect
PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a preliminary review of a request for technical demolition of a presumptive historic
single-family residence (pre-1941) and construction of a new two-story residence located in the
Almond Grove Historic District on property zoned R-1D:LHP located at 223 Tait Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1920 (effective year built 1934) per County Assessor’s
Database;
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: None
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? Yes
4. Is structure in a historic district? Yes, Almond Grove Historic District
5. If yes, is it a contributor? No
6. Findings required? Yes
7. Considerations required? Yes
DISCUSSION:
The Santa Clara County Assessor’s Database lists a construction date of 1920 for the existing
residence, with an effective year build date of 1934, indicating substantial construction
occurred to the residence. The property is not listed in the 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey. The
property is located within the Almond Grove Historic District but is not listed as a contributor.
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: 223 Tait Avenue DATE: February 18, 2022
N:\DEV\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\HPC Reports and Attachments\2022\02-23-22\Item 05 - 223 Tait Avenue\Staff Report.223 Tait Ave.docx
DISCUSSION (continued):
The Sanborn Fire Insurance maps (Attachment 3) show the subject property vacant in 1891.
The residence and detached garage are first shown in 1895, with the footprints remaining
consistent through 1908. The 1928 map shows a rear addition, which is shown consistently
through the latest map update from 1928-1956.
The existing 1,841 square foot single-story residence is located on the west side of Tait Avenue
and has an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) along the front façade. Pictures of the
subject property and surrounding neighborhood are included as Attachment 2. An
investigation of Town records indicates that the garage was replaced in 2000 (Attachment 5)
and that the rear of the residence was remodeled in 2002 (Attachment 6). The Committee
reviewed the garage replacement application prior to building permit submittal and provided
recommended conditions of approval related to the garage door, siding, and trim materials
(Attachment 4).
The applicant is requesting preliminary review of a proposal for technical demolition of the
existing residence, as well as preliminary review of the proposed design for the future two-story
residence.
As noted in the applicant’s Project Description Letter (Attachment 1) and Sheet A-1 of the
Development Plans (Attachment 8), the residence has several post-1941 additions that have
removed the historic character. The residence is not of any particular style or merit as
evidenced by the omission from the Anne Bloomfield Survey. Prior to submittal of an
Architectural and Site application, the applicant team asks for confirmation that technical
demolition of the pre-1941 residence could be supported by the Committee.
Additionally, the applicant is requesting preliminary review of the design concept for the future
two-story residence. As noted in the applicant’s Project Description Letter (Attachment 1), the
design would constitute an “arts and crafts” concept of plaster and stone to blend with the
surrounding neighborhood and Almond Grove Historic District. The applicant provided a
rendering of the future front façade (Sheet A-1, Attachment 8), as well as conceptual floor plans
(Sheet A-2, Attachment 8). The conceptual floor plans would retain the ADU along the front
façade.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is seeking preliminary feedback from the Committee on the proposed technical
demolition of a pre-1941 residence within the Almond Grove Historic District, as well as
preliminary feedback on the proposed design. Should the Committee find merit in the request,
the applicant would submit an Architecture and Site application, which would return to the
Committee for a formal recommendation to the Community Development Director.
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: 223 Tait Avenue DATE: February 18, 2022
N:\DEV\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\HPC Reports and Attachments\2022\02-23-22\Item 05 - 223 Tait Avenue\Staff Report.223 Tait Ave.docx
FINDINGS AND CONSIDERATIONS:
A. Findings
Sec. 29.10.09030(c). Demolition of historic structures.
A demolition permit for a historic structure may only be approved if:
1. The structure poses an imminent safety hazard; or
2. The structure is determined not to have any special historical, architectural or aesthetic
interest or value.
Any request to demolish an historic structure shall be reviewed by the Historic Preservation
Committee. All applications to demolish an historic structure which has been identified as a
contributor to an existing historic district, a potential historic district, or is eligible for local
designation shall be accompanied by a detailed report describing all aspects of the
structure’s physical condition and shall incorporate pertinent information from the Town’s
Historic Resources Inventory describing the structure’s historical and architectural
characteristics.
B. 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. Applications
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.
C. Residential Design Guidelines
Section 4.10 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines offers recommendations for new
construction within one of the Town’s historic districts (Attachment 7).
PAGE 4 OF 4 SUBJECT: 223 Tait Avenue DATE: February 18, 2022
N:\DEV\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\HPC Reports and Attachments\2022\02-23-22\Item 05 - 223 Tait Avenue\Staff Report.223 Tait Ave.docx
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Sanborn Map Exhibit
2. Site and Neighborhood Photos
3. Building Permit Plans for garage replacement, dated October 23, 2000
4. Building Permit Plans for rear remodel, dated September 9, 2002
5. Staff Comment Letter with HPC Recommendations for new detached garage, dated April 14,
2000
6. Project Description Letter
7. Development Plans
8. Section 4.10, Residential Design Guidelines
ATTACHMENT 1
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
02.09.2022
223 tait av.215
NEIGHBOR & PROJECT HOUSE VIEWS
TAIT AV, SAME SIDE AS PROJECT HOUSE
TAIT AV, ACROSS FROM PROJECT HOUSE
217 223 PROJECT HOUSE 225 231
212 218 222 224 230
PROJECT HOUSE ELEVATIONS
LEFT SIDE REAR RIGHT SIDE
ATTACHMENT 2
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
ATTACHMENT 3
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
ALTERATIONS
TO THE
MERSEREAU
DUPLEX
LOCATED AT
221 TAIT AVE.
LOS GATOS
SHEET NJ.
t
2
3
4 s
6
7
8
9
10
t 1
12
I ' I I I I I I I
-
_.c.f:n:rCJi;::;e.-C.C'Q'f
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING O!PARTMENT
PLAN APPROVED
. .
THI �1.-.M'iNCi OI lt�I ,,,_,.. !,11/,U NOi II HHD !Q lokMU O•
10 �I At,1 .... ,nov .. t O!' IHI �Atlti .. l!Otl Of ..... � !01-'< c,
",litl U,'fl'. ----------
DESCRIPTDN
t'"J' ..... ,-,. �: r • � ;-"" l .. ' . . ; " . . '
AIIG <-
3
2002
TOWN OF LOS GATOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT '"f;o� -oo:>li&�
COVER SHEET 1111d DRAWING INDEX
SITE PLAN, SITE MAP a. OWNER/SITT ltf=D
FLOOR PLANS
FLOOR FRAMING PLAN
IIJCIFPLAN
IIJOF FRAMING PLAN
SECTDNA·t
SECTDNB-2
SECIDN C·3
OETAI.S
ELECTRIC� PLAN
GENERAL NJTES
I I I
011,,10:,
ltt ltllllA C\1NSllUCil\1N, INC.!) :, !)O Tuscarwa Ct.San .19se. CA:)!) 12.:)(100) 2.2. 7-1 100
�00010
dif0? / .
-
PltM'IN BY, lll!T
PATI!, 01/02/02
9Hl!l!T NAMI!
GOVl!R SHl!l!i
D�A.-.IH6 INDl!X
I.OIUIINI! M. Ml!ll61!1ll!AU
221 TAIT AVl!NUl!l
i-Oe6AT"6,C.A �5090
,� 1 ., -461-0-4� 1
9Hl!l!TNO
1 OF 1.2
JOl!INO 020001
I ,. I
, J, ' �·{\ [' :_.. .
ATTACHMENT 4
ATTACHMENT 5
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
JA/FLEET
DE MATTEI223 TAIT AVENUE LOS GATOS, CA 95030
TO: TOWN OF LOS GATOS - HPCFROM: JAY PLETT ARCHITECT
RE: 223 TAIT AVENUE
WE ARE SEEKING YOUR DIRECTION OF OUR PROPOSED REMODEL CONCEPT FOR 223 TAIT. THE PROJECT WILL RESULT IN THE TECHNICAL DEMO OF THE HOUSE. THE HOME CURRENTLY EXISTS WITH A SECONDARY DWELLING UNIT AND WITH OUR DESIGN, IT WILL BE MAINTAINED.
WE WOULD ALSO ASK YOUR DIRECTION OF OUR PROPOSED DESIGN CONCEPT. ANNE BLOOMFIELD FOUND THE ORIGINAL HOUSE OF NO MERIT. WE BELIEVE THE ARTS AND CRAFTS CONCEPT OF PLASTER AND STONE SHOWN ON SHEET A-1 WOULD BLEND WELL WITH NEIGHBORHOOD.
BEST REGARDS,
JAY PLETT ARCHITECT
ATTACHMENT 6
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
TREE PROTECTION MEASURES WILL BE INSTALLED AROUND
ALL PROTECTED TREES AS REQ'D BY SECTION 29.10.1005
PL 2868 323032303230 51040 3068 1/2" JOG3068 WH3067 30674867 26652665234030661103011030306830683068 510310161070286866463046306831032305030504050DNTOCELLARELECA/C A/CFPALLEYTAIT AV.SHED2'-10"2'-9"4'-11"GUTTER 4'-7"20"4'- 0"5'- 0"5'- 3"WH 1102015'- 0"20'- 10" +/-APPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATION28683230323032305104030681/2" JOG3068WH3067306748672665266523403066286866463046306831032305030504050TOCELLARELECA/CA/CFPWH11020110 30 110 3030683068
30 68
510 30
1610 70
664628683230323032305104030681/2" JOG3068 WH3067 30674867 26652665234030661103011030306830683068 510310161070286866463046306831032305030504050DNTOCELLARELECA/C A/CFP SHEDWH110206646(E) WALL TO REMAIN(E) EXTERIOR WALL TOBE REMOVEDORIGINAL EXTERIORDEMOLISHED DURINGPOST 1941 ADDITIONPOST 1941 ADDITION28683230323032305104030681/2" JOG3068 WH3067 30674867 2665266523403066286866463046306831032305030504050DNTOCELLARELECA/C A/CFPWH110206646 LEGENDLEGENDPOST 1941ADDITIONPOST 1941ADDITION DEMOLISH POST 1941 WALL ALLEYTAIT AV.SHEDGUTTERAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONGARAGEPROPOSEDHOUSE UPSTAIRS
PL
28683230
3230
323051040
30681/2" JOG
3068WH
30673067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
11030
1103030683068
3068
510310
161070
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DNTOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
ALLEY
TAIT AV.
SHED
2'-10"
2'-9"
4'-11"
GUTTER
4'-7"
20"
4'- 0"
5'- 0"
5'- 3"
WH
11020
15'- 0"20'- 10" +/-APPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATION28683230323032305104030681/2" JOG3068WH3067306748672665266523403066286866463046306831032305030504050TOCELLARELECA/CA/CFPWH11020110301103030683068
3068
51030
161070
6646
28683230
3230
323051040
30681/2" JOG
3068WH
30673067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
11030
1103030683068
3068
510310
161070
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DNTOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
SHED
WH
11020
6646
(E) WALL TO REMAIN
(E) EXTERIOR WALL TO
BE REMOVED
ORIGINAL EXTERIOR
DEMOLISHED DURING
POST 1941 ADDITION
POST 1941 ADDITION
28683230
3230
323051040
30681/2" JOG
3068WH
30673067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DNTOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
WH
11020
6646
LEGENDLEGEND
POST 1941
ADDITION
POST 1941
ADDITION
DEMOLISH POST 1941 WALL
ALLEY
TAIT AV.
SHED
GUTTER
APPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONGARAGE
PROPOSED
HOUSE
UPSTAIRS
02.09.2022
site plan
1/8" = 1'-0"223 tait av.A-1
NOR
T
H
elevation
1/4" = 1'-0"
SHEET INDEX SHEET INDEX
A-1 SITE / ELEV / GENERAL INFO
AB/D AS-BUILT DEMO / front view
A-2 FLOOR PLANS
OWNERS OWNERS
MARK DE MATTEI
1794 THE ALAMEDA
SAN JOSE, CA 95126
PHONE 408.639.3337
SITE PARTICULARS SITE PARTICULARS
APN 510-17-004
ZONING R-1 d
AREA SUMMARY AREA SUMMARY
SITE AREA 6,675 SF
ALLOWED FLOOR AREA 2,270 SF
proposed, main 1,207 sf
proposed, upper 1,063 sf
proposed, total 2,270 SF
PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROJECT DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL DEMOLITION OF A
PRESUMPTIVE HISTORIC
RESIDENCE (PRE-1941) LOCATED IN
THE ALMOND GROVE. THE HOME
HAS SEVERAL POST-1941
UNSEEMLY ADDITIONS WHICH HAVE
RESULTED IN THE TECHNICAL
DEMOLITION OF THE HOUSE AS IT
NOW EXISTS. THE HOME IS NOT OF
ANY PARTICULAR STYLE OR MERIT
AS EVIDENCED BY OMISSION FROM
EVEN A MENTION IN ANNE
BLOOMFIELD'S SURVEY. THE
PROPOSED PROJECT IS TO ADD/
REMODEL THE FIRST FLOOR AND
CONSTRUCT A SECOND STORY
ADDITION. THE RESULTING DESIGN
WILL BE WITHIN THE FAR LIMITS.
ATTACHMENT 7
02.09.2022
223 tait av.AS-BUILT / DEMO
1/4" = 1'-0"
POST-1941 ADDITIONS
1/4" = 1'-0"Ab/d
PL
23 SQ FT
2868 3230
3230
3230 51040
3068 1/2" JOG3068 WH3067 3067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
11030 1103030683068 3068 510310161070
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DN TOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
ALLEY
TAIT AV.
SHED 2'-10"2'-9"4'-11"GUTTER 4'-7"20"
4'- 0"
5'- 0"
5'- 3"
WH
11020
15'- 0"20'- 10" +/-APPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATION28683230323032305104030681/2" JOG3068WH3067306748672665266523403066286866463046306831032305030504050TOCELLARELECA/CA/CFPWH11020110 30 110 3030683068
30 68
510 30
1610 70
6646
2868 3230
3230
3230 51040
3068 1/2" JOG3068 WH3067 3067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
11030 1103030683068 3068 510310161070
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DN TOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
SHED
WH
11020
6646
(E) WALL TO REMAIN
(E) EXTERIOR WALL TO
BE REMOVED
ORIGINAL EXTERIOR
DEMOLISHED DURING
POST 1941 ADDITION
POST 1941 ADDITION
2868 3230
3230
3230 51040
3068 1/2" JOG3068 WH3067 3067
4867
2665
2665
2340
3066
2868
6646
30463068310323050
3050
4050
DN TOCELLARELEC
A/C
A/C
FP
WH
11020
6646
LEGEND LEGEND
POST 1941
ADDITION
POST 1941
ADDITION
DEMOLISH POST 1941 WALL
ALLEY
TAIT AV.
SHED GUTTERAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONAPPROXIMATE FENCE LOCATIONGARAGE
PROPOSED
HOUSE
UPSTAIRS
LIVING AREA
FRONT VIEW
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
Residential Design Guidelines54
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES4
4.9 ADDITIONS/ACCESSORY BUILDINGS/SECONDARY
UNITS
Follow the provisions set forth in Guideline 3.9 on page
33.
4.10 NEW CONSTRUCTION
This section applies only to new houses constructed within
one of the Town’s designated historic districts
•Replacement of an existing character-defining or historic
structure with a new structure is strongly discouraged.
•New structures should be built in the same style and de-
sign of contributing structures in the district. In general,
Victorian, Craftsman/Bungalow, and Mission Revival/
Mediterranean styles are the contributors to Los Gatos’
historic districts.
•Exact duplication is neither required or encouraged. How-
ever, a recognized architectural style and design in the
district is required.
•New Victorian and Craftsman style structures must accu-
rately replicate the traditional style, design and integrity of
those contributing structures in the district.
•Replacement of a noncontributing structure is accept-
able.
•The established contextual patterns and rhythms should
be respected. It is perfectly acceptable that a new “style”
be introduced, if it is in keeping with the neighborhood.
Historically that has occurred throughout the development
of the Town of Los Gatos.
•New structures should not create a false sense of the his-
torical development of the district.
•Confor m new structures to the existing and/or required
setbacks, and replace the “footprint” of the original struc-
tures if any.
•Respect the established site patterns and harmonize with
neighboring buildings and existing topography. Exceptions
might occur at corners, or where unusual existing condition
or neighboring structures create a special condition.
•Respect the street pattern created by open space.
•New construction should be in keeping with the existing
neighborhood. It should be especially sensitive to the height
and scale of the homes on immediately adjacent parcels.
Front facades should appear similar in height to those seen
historically in the block. Taller portions should be set back
further on the lot.
EXAMPLES OF SYMPATHETIC
NEW CONSTRUCTION
ATTACHMENT 8
Residential Design Guidelines 55
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES4
• When a new project has more square footage than the
surrounding structures, reduce the scale of the structure
with sensitive design treatments. Setbacks, overhangs, bay
windows, changes in roof slopes, and facade ornament are
all methods for reducing the scale of a structure.
• Floor to floor heights should match the floor to floor of
adjacent contributing structures.
• The proportion of window and door openings in new
construction should be similar to that of the existing sur-
rounding architecture.
• Porches on new structures should have proportions, ma-
terials and roof slopes similar to original porches in the
district. They should also have depths similar to contribut-
ing structures in the district which normally allows for the
placement of furniture on the porch.
4.11 NONCONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES
This section applies only to existing houses located within one
of the Town’s designated historic districts
4.11.1 Remodel to a Contributing Status
• Owners of noncontributing structures within the Town’s
historic districts are encouraged to remodel them into the
style and design of a contributing structure in the district.
• Structures most suitable for this type of remodel are
those that would likely have been classified as contributing
structures absent previous remodel work or additions that
were not sympathetic to the original architecture of the
structure.
• In some cases, it may also be possible to make changes that
would convert an otherwise non-descript structure into a
contributing structure for the district. In general, Victorian,
Craftsman/Bungalow, and Mission Revival/Mediterranean
styles are the contributors to Los Gatos’ historic districts.
• An applicant must produce photographs, counts, and docu-
mentation of the location of existing structures of that style
in the district or reference materials indicating consistency
with contributing styles in the district.
• All exterior elements subject to review should be consistent
with the proposed style.
• Remove previous additions and alternations that are not
consistent with the architectural style of the structure and
the district.
• Carry out exterior changes to the building facades and addi-
tions using the guidelines in Section 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10.