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03-23-22 Minutes - HPC 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874 www.losgatosca.gov TOWN OF LOS GATOS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 23, 2022 The Historic Preservation Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on March 23, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with Town Council Policy 2-01 entitled Town Agenda Format and Rules and Town Resolution. In accordance with Town Policy and Resolution, the public may only view the meeting online and not in the Council Chamber. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 4:00 PM ROLL CALL Present: Chair Timothy Lundell, Vice Chair Barry Cheskin, Planning Commissioner Kylie Clark, Planning Commissioner Steve Raspe VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS Susan Burnett - Because of SB9, two towns (Pasadena and Palo Alto) are trying to protect areas by trying to designate Historic homes and establish Historic districts, but it is too late. Los Gatos is different since she worked on an ordinance for the Glenridge District. The Town was already requested by Ann Bloomfield to make these districts into historic districts. She has the ordinance, photos, and research. The Committee could help. The Glenridge District fulfills 3 of 4 State requirements. Can add this to the other already established districts. CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION) 1. Approval of Minutes – February 23, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Chair Lundell. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. PAGE 2 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. 307 Johnson Avenue Consider a Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 532-28-018. PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: Anamaria Walker. PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty Ryan Safty, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Anamaria and Bill Walker, Owner/Applicant - According to photos, the original roofline and siding has been totally changed. Comparing photos of the original home to the existing home, it appears the historic integrity is gone. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Photos shows that nothing is intact. Looks like an ‘80s remodel structure. • Any historic significance or architectural detail has been lost. • It’s difficult to see any relationship between before and now photos. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Approve a Request to Remove a Pre- 1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1:8. Located at 307 Johnson Avenue. Seconded by Vice Chair Cheskin. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 3. 246 Almendra Avenue Architecture and Site Application S-21-033 Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director on a Request for Construction of a New Two-Story Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-14-019. PROPERTY OWNER: Gary Filizetti APPLICANT: Brett Brenkwitz PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty PAGE 3 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 Ryan Safty, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Brett Brenkwitz, Applicant - The proposal is to replace an existing parking lot with a new home and rear detached garage. To lessen the massing impact, they are setting the second story forty feet back from the front property line. Also, the main upper roofline slopes upward towards the rear. The front setback is fifteen feet to the porch. The porch is six feet deep. The total is twenty-one feet from the front property line to the front door. To determine the proposed front setback to the porch, they averaged the space between the house and the neighboring house, as well as to the commercial property on the other side. The garage is placed to the rear corner of the parcel for a reduced visual impact. - The proposed project would use gable roof forms common to the neighborhood. Additionally, they are proposing to use similar colors and materials to fit in with the neighborhood: such as wood, siding, stucco, and stone; to fit in with the neighborhood. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Brett Brenkwitz, Applicant - Regarding height questions, there are a few other two-story homes in the neighborhood. - According to staff: the proposed home size at 2,084 square feet would be the seventh largest in FAR. It’s on the smaller side for the immediate neighborhood. - There is a shadow study included in the plan set to address shade concerns. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • More compatible than a parking lot. • They followed every recommendation of the consulting architect. • Analysis was thorough and well-reasoned. • The FAR is not maxed out. • The second story is set back. • Troubled by the setback issue. Other residential properties have greater front setbacks. The commercial property is the outlier on the street. The other homes have larger front setbacks. • Further analyze the proposed front setback in relation to the other residences in the surrounding neighborhood to verify neighborhood compatibility. PAGE 4 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Clark to Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director to Approve a Request for the Construction of a New Two-Story Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District at 246 Almendra Avenue, with a recommendation for an increased front setback taking into consideration both the adjacent homes and rear garage. Seconded by Commissioner Raspe. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 4. 315 W Main Street Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-014 Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director on to approve a Request for Construction of a Detached Accessory Building and Single-Story Addition to an Existing Single-Family Residence in the Broadway Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-45-003. PROPERTY OWNER: Nadav Buzi APPLICANT: Michael Rowe. PROJECT PLANNER: Savannah Van Akin Savannah Van Akin, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Michael Rowe - Front elevation: 2D Drawing doesn’t show the depth of the projection on the left side of the home. - The six and a half feet high fence will remain. - Will take off the 1979 T-111 siding and do 360 architecture. - The right side projection, that is visible from the front, is a bay window. - Addition is visible on both sides from the street but mitigated by the fence. - Reverting from 1979 to 1905 style by matching the siding, shingles, and windows. Only the front two windows, one on left, and one on the right are original. Can match windows to the addition, but the existing windows are single-paned aluminum. PAGE 5 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Michael Rowe - Will consider matching the side windows to the front windows. - Will consider adding matching shutters. - Proposed windows can match stylistically but unlike the originals would also be operable. Committee members discussed the matter. • Adding more square footage makes sense, if parking is preserved, • Stylistically match windows and shutters to ameliorate the front view. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director to approve a Request for Construction of a Detached Accessory Building and Single-Story Addition to an Existing Single-Family Residence located at 315 W Main Street with the further recommendation that the street-facing portion of the addition have windows and shutters to match the two existing windows and shutters at the front of the house. Seconded by Chair Lundell. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 5. 435 San Benito Avenue Consider a Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1D. APN 410-17-053. PROPERTY OWNER: James Holtz APPLICANT: Sandra Paim PROJECT PLANNER: Savannah Van Akin Savannah Van Akin, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Sandra Paim, Architect - This is a stand-alone request to remove the property from the Historic Resources Inventory. - There are conflicting documents on when the house was built. The Polk directory telephone records show occupancy in 1923, 1924, 1934, and 1941. The property stayed in the Truckner family in 1941. There is no record from the 1989 Sanborn Survey. Checked the PAGE 6 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 related address of 26 Montgomery Street. There was no record of that address on the Ann Bloomfield survey. - The structure is not associated with any significant event or person. - Any distinctive characteristics were greatly compromised. According to the 1941 tax assessment, there was a rustic exterior wall and the front and rear porches had covers. Changes were made to the window trim, molding, wood siding, and front porch. Entry way is keyhole. A second story was added. The front façade was altered more than 50%. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Sandra Paim, Architect - They didn’t request removal the first time in 2020 because they didn’t feel it necessary. - The owner is not planning to remodel, and asked for her help in research. - There are differences between the photos. In the 1970’s, the front porch takes up more than 50% of the front façade. The scale, character, front massing is entirely different. - Asking for removal now even though the applicant is no longer doing renovations. Any future renovations would have to go before HPC. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Once removed it would not return to HPC for review. • In an overlay zone HPC would have jurisdiction and it could not be removed. • It has not lost all historic details. • If there are no plans to remodel, why ask for removal now? • There is no clear reason given for removal. • There hasn’t been any drastic remodeling. Just roof and sewage permits. MOTION: Motion by Chair Lundell to Deny a Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned R-1D. Located at 435 San Benito Avenue. The Committee was Unable to Make the Findings for Removal. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. PAGE 7 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 6. 101 Broadway Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-013 Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director on a Request to Change the Previously Approved Window Materials on a New Single-Family Residence Located in the Broadway Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-45-041. PROPERTY OWNER: Ridhima Khurana APPLICANT: Jay Plett, Architect PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Jay Plett, Architect - The project was originally approved with use of aluminum clad windows. We have found a new fiberglass clad product with more customizable details than vinyl or aluminum. Also, the fiberglass, unlike vinyl or aluminum can be painted. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Fine with substituting with the new window product in lieu of the previously approve window material. • Would like to see the window in person. Like that it can be painted. Would consider a substitution to the original application. • The replacement windows seem reasonable. The Committee is more concerned about preserving the appearance of versus the use of a specific material. It’s a good way to maintain the historical integrity of the structure while keeping up with the times. The new materials will make the structures more durable and long lasting. MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Cheskin to Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director to Approve a Request to Change the Previously Approved Window Materials on a New Single-Family Residence Located in the Broadway Historic District on Property Zoned R- 1D:LHP. Located at 101 Broadway. Seconded by Commissioner Raspe. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. PAGE 8 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 7. 50 Hernandez Avenue Minor Residential Development Application HS-22-003 Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director on a Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations and a Second-Story Addition Greater than 100 Square Feet to an Existing Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 510- 20-003. PROPERTY OWNER: Richard Archuleta and Chrissy Klander APPLICANT: Jay Plett, Architect PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Vice Chair Cheskin recused him from Item 7, 50 Hernandez Avenue, as his residence is located within 1,000 feet of the subject property. Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Jay Plett, Architect - Followed the recommendations to lower the porch roof and to use composition roof material to match the existing house and addition. Streetscape remains since addition and remodel is in the back. Owners contacted the neighbors, who are all in favor of the project. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Jay Plett, Architect - In the front, just adding a window and moving the existing bedroom window about a foot. The front façade does not change. Just replacing front door. Susan Burnett - Why are you moving the one little window with lights? Jay Plett, Architect - That’s not a window with lights but a window behind a decorative grid screen. The grid was added post 1941 to the closet window. Susan Burnett - Can you keep it? It is unique. Jay Plett, Architect - The new second window is in a shaded area and needs to bring in more light to the bathroom. The grid was added post 1941. It is not original to the house. PAGE 9 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • Liked the design the first time with some minor tweaks. • Applicant is keeping and adding to the design to balance it out. • If we make recommendations to secure our approval and the applicant follows through, the committee should honor that action. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Forward a Recommendation to the Community Development Director to Approve a Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations and a Second-Story Addition Greater than 100 Square Feet to an Existing Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R- 1:8. Located at 50 Hernandez Avenue. Seconded by Tim Lundell. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. Vice Chair Cheskin rejoined. 8. 223 Massol Avenue Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-012 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations and Additions to an Existing Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-16-020. PROPERTY OWNER: Kevin McLarney APPLICANT: Jay Plett, Architect PROJECT PLANNER: Sean Mullin Sean Mullin, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Jay Plett, Architect - The upper front dormers will not move. They are unsightly. Moving the gable forward will lessen the view of these dormers from Massol Avenue. All the surrounding neighbors are in support of the project. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. PAGE 10 OF 10 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2022 Jay Plett, Architect - The project is within the FAR. Not asking for any setback reductions. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. • New design is an improvement on the prior design. • Additional space is within Town Guidelines. • The neighbors are in support. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to forward a recommendation to the Community Development Director to Approve the Construction of Exterior Alterations and Additions to an Existing Non-Contributing Single- Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. Seconded by Vice Chair Cheskin. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following items.) None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m. This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the March 23, 2022 meeting as approved by the Historic Preservation Committee. /s/ Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager