05-03-22 Minutes - DRC
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
COMMITTEE REPORT
MINUTES OF THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
MAY 3, 2022
The Development Review Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular
Teleconference Meeting on May 3, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.
This meeting was conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with
State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19
pandemic and was conducted via Zoom. All committee members and staff participated from
remote locations and all voting was conducted via roll call vote. In accordance with Executive
Order N-29-20, the public could only view the meeting online and not in the Council
Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Present: Jennifer Armer, CDD Planning; Roy Alba, CDD Building; Corvell Sparks,
PPW Engineering; and Kenny Ip, SCCFD.
Absent: None.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:00 AM
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS
1. Approval of Minutes – April 19, 2022
MOTION: Motion by Jennifer Armer to approve the consent calendar. Seconded
by Corvell Sparks.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 335 Johnson Avenue
Architecture and Site Application S-21-040
Requesting Approval for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence,
Construction of a New Single-Family Residence with Reduced Front and Side Setbacks,
and Site Improvements Requiring a Grading Permit on Nonconforming Property Zoned
R-1:8. APN 532-28-011.
PROPERTY OWNER: Nicholas and Julia Burg
APPLICANT: Bess Wiersema, Studio Three Design
PLANNER: Sean Mullin
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Bess Wiersema, Studio Three Design
- The project fixes an eyesore in the neighborhood. They have satisfied all the requirements.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Kenny Ip to approve with required findings and recommended
conditions of approval. Seconded by Roy Alba.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
3. 15974 Stephenie Lane
Architecture and Site Application S-21-011
Requesting Approval for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence,
Construction of a New Single-Family Residence, and Site Improvements Requiring a
Grading Permit on Property Pre-Zoned R-1:8. APN 523-25-034.
PROPERTY OWNER: Ron and Daphne Watson
APPLICANT: Bess Wiersema, Studio 3 Design
PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin
The project planner presented the staff report.
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Opened Public Comment.
Bess Wiersema, Applicant
- They have worked with staff to satisfy the complex Fire and Public Works requirements.
The project has been well received by the neighborhood. The existing mailbox location in
the fire turnaround needs to be discussed and clarified for them and the neighbors. They
are concerned if they can submit for building permits and wait for building permit and demo
while waiting for annexation. Also concerned about re-permitting the ADU.
Sean Mullin, Staff
- Applicant may submit plans and begin the building permit plan check process. However,
the Town cannot issue permits for building, grading, or demolition until the annexation is
complete. The ADU needs a permit with the Town since it was originally permitted through
the County. There is no additional cost. Need to submit paperwork to establish a permit
number for the ADU with the Town. Town wants to see mailboxes on private property.
Applicant should reach out and coordinate with the neighbors.
Kenny IP, SCCFD Staff
- Shared mailboxes should not be in the firetruck turn around. No parking or other
obstruction should be in the turnaround.
Opened Public Comment.
Allen Bettner, Neighbor
- His tenants work at home and have concerns about the proposed project. When will the
construction begin and for how long? Will there be a fence put up to reduce noise and
dust?
Bess Wiersema, Applicant
- The project timeline is unknown. They are not sure how long the annexation will take to
process. The site will be tidy and organized. The site workers parking and port-a-potty
location will be approved by their general contractor according to the Town’s standards.
The mailboxes will not be in the fire truck turnaround. Need to discuss any leeway
regarding the driveway shape in the garden design. They will be using modular permeable
paver.
Ron Watson, Owner
- He does not want to put the neighbor’s tenants under undue duress. He is available to
neighbors or their tenants to address their concerns and how the work is going.
Sean Mullin, Staff
- As noted at the beginning of this application a circular driveway is not consistent with the
Residential Design Guidelines. If pursued later, staff may not be able to support one.
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Bess Wiersema, Applicant
- Plans for the front yard landscaping and path of travel are unknown. They do not want to
hold up the approval process. Since a circular driveway exists now hoping to work out
details.
Sean Mullin, Staff
- Would need to discuss with Planning Manager and Director if it is in substantial
conformance with any approval. If not, it would require a modification to the A&S and may
not be supported by staff.
Bess Wiersema, Applicant
- The mailboxes are individual boxes nailed to a centrally located wooden rail. If annexed,
and the Town requires mailboxes be placed on private property, they would want support
from the Town about what is not allowed.
Sean Mullin, Staff
- The mailboxes must be on private property. You need to coordinate with neighbors on the
design and location. Fire will not allow the mailboxes in the firetruck turnaround. The
Town will not want mailboxes in the public right-of-way. These conditions can be added to
the motion.
Jennifer Armer, Staff
- If more time is needed to resolve mailbox location, the project can continue to another
DRC meeting.
Bess Wiersema, Applicant
- No, they want to proceed, wanted to clarify the guidelines for their discussion with the
neighbors.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Roy Alba to approve with required findings and recommended
conditions of approval. Adding a condition that the mailboxes should be
located outside the required firetruck turnaround space as shown on the
plans. Seconded by Kenny Ip.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
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OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned 10:35 a.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
May 3, 2022 meeting as approved by the
Development Review Committee.
Prepared by:
________________________________________
/s/Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager