12-20-22 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
DECEMBER 20, 2022
The Development Review Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular
Teleconference Meeting on December 20, 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; Robert Gray, CDD Building; Corvell Sparks,
PPW Engineering; and Kenny Ip, SCCFD.
Absent: None.
Staff: Jocelyn Shoopman, CDD Planning; Ryan Safety, CDD Planning; Erin Walters, CDD Planning.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:02 AM
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
- None.
CONSENT ITEMS
1. Approval of Minutes – November 22, 2022
MOTION: Motion by Robert Gray to approve the consent calendar. Seconded by
Corvell Sparks.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 14339 Oka Lane
Certificate of Compliance Application M-22-006
Requesting Issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 424-
44-012.
PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: DBI Construction, Nick Gera
PROJECT PLANNER: Erin Walters
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Terry Szewczyk, Applicant
They agree with the Town’s decision and will move to the next phase of their project.
Sudhanshu Bagora, Neighbor
They are wondering what this application means and how their neighborhood would
change with this project being next door to them.
Jega A, Neighbor
They want to understand the process of what the Certificate of Compliance means and
how it will affect them as they are a neighbor of the project.
Pramod Kumaresan, Neighbor
They would like the developer to share what their next steps are for this project.
Nick Gera, Applicant
They have three existing legal lots, and they plan to build a structure on each lot. While
they don’t have anything designed yet, they will work with the Town and community to review
the designs.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
Erin Walters, Project Planner
This Certificate of Compliance application is to formally verify that there are three (3)
legal lots associated with the subject parcel. This application does not include a proposed lot
line adjustment or modification to existing structures or any proposed new residences. At this
time the Town has not received applications for a lot line adjustments or an Architecture and
Site application for new single-family homes. If the applicant applies for future planning
applications, the public will be notified and may participate in the public hearing process.
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MOTION: Motion by Robert Gray to approve with required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by Corvell Sparks.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
3. 407 University Avenue
Architecture and Site Application S-21-022.
Requesting Approval for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence and
Construction a New Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1D. APN 529-07-
041.
PROPERTY OWNER: Ivan Pinedo
APPLICANT: Jeff Guinta
PROJECT PLANNER: Jocelyn Shoopman
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Jeff Guinta, Applicant
While the site has been difficult, they are happy with the final product. There is a public
comment received today by a neighbor with concerns that their view of the hillside will be
disrupted. The Applicant is asking if there are any guidelines for the potential concern by the
neighbor.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
Jocelyn Shoopman, Project Planner
The Town Code does not consider views a protected right.
MOTION: Motion by Kenny Ip to approve with required findings and recommended
conditions of approval. Seconded by Corvell Sparks.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
4. 15415 Santella Court
Architecture and Site Application S-22-011.
Requesting Approval for Construction of a New Single-Family Residence and Site
Improvements Requiring a Grading Permit on Vacant Property Zoned HR-2 ½:PD. APN
527-09-022.
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PROPERTY OWNER: Paul Nuytten
APPLICANT: Amy Felix
PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Carla Bernal, Applicant
She is happy to be here and is excited for the project. Her clients have been flexible
with the project based on community comments and Town guidelines.
Robert Abrams, Neighbor and HOA Board Member
They look forward to reviewing the project more closely and want to stress the lack of
parking in the area and to be mindful when construction starts.
Carla Bernal, Applicant
They will review the parking with the homeowner.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Robert Gray to approve with required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by Kenny Ip.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
OTHER BUSINESS
- There will not be a DRC meeting on December 27, 2022, due to the Town Closure, but we
will have a meeting on January 3, 2023.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned 10:32 a.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
December 20, 2022 meeting as approved by the
Development Review Committee.
Prepared by:
________________________________________
/s/ Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager