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10-26-22 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 OCTOBER 26, 2022 The Historic Preservation Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on October 26, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. This meeting 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, and Committee Member Susan Burnett. Absent: None. VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS None. CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION) 1. Approval of Minutes – September 28, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Cheskin to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Burnett. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. PAGE 2 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. 114 Wilder Way Architecture and Site Application S-22-030 and Variance Application V-22-002 Request for Demolition of an Existing Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence to Exceed the Floor Area Ratio Standards, and a Variance to the Front Yard Setback Requirements and the Parking Requirements on Property Located in the Almond Grove Historic District Zoned R- 1D:LHP. APN 510-17-072. PROPERTY OWNER: Alvaro Anzoategui APPLICANT: David Kuoppamaki PROJECT PLANNER: Jocelyn Shoopman Continued from September 28, 2022. Jocelyn Shoopman, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. David Kuoppamaki, Applicant - As a result of the Committee’s feedback, they made minor changes to the finishes on the front and now show the floor area ratio of the neighborhood on the plans. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. - Which garage door design will be used? Does it have extra lites? David Kuoppamaki, Applicant - The garage door design has changed from a diagonal to a vertical pattern. The 3D rendering shows more lites than the architectural drawings. It shows rows of two on top. If the Committee prefers, they can use 12 lites design which looks similar to the old half doors. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. - The Committee appreciated the changes made based on the last meeting’s comments. - Concerned about the second floor massing. But walked through the neighborhood again and saw that the form is consistent with the other homes in the area. - The changes were helpful. The design has been much improved. - The garage door and trellis help minimize the massing. PAGE 3 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Raspe to Recommend Approval to the Community Development Director on the Request for Demolition of an Existing Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence and Construction of a New Single-Family Residence to Exceed the Floor Area Ratio Standards, and a Variance to the Front Yard Setback Requirements and the Parking Requirements on Property Located in the Almond Grove Historic District Zoned R-1D:LHP. Making all the Required Findings. Provided that applicant includes in the garage door design the 12 lite version. Seconded by Member Burnett. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. 3. 16600 Cypress Way Request for Review PHST-22-017 Request to Remove a Pre-1941 Property from the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned HR-2½. APN 532-23-107. PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: Scott Watson PROJECT PLANNER: Ryan Safty Ryan Safty, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Scott Watson, Owner - They bought the house 10 years ago. They remodeled the interior but not the exterior. The historic 1915 original house exists in the middle. But in the 70’s changes were made to the windows into an aluminum slider or single paned, large view windows. The architecture is disjointed as seen in the mix of roof pitches. They hope for removal from the inventory as they plan to reroof and paint the exterior. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. MOTION: Motion by Member Burnett to Remove a Pre-1941 Property From the Historic Resources Inventory for Property Zoned HR-2½. Making the Necessary Findings. Seconded by Commissioner Raspe. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. PAGE 4 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 4. 223 Massol Avenue Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-044 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to a Detached Structure in Front of an Existing 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 PROJECT PLANNER: Jennifer Armer Jennifer Armer, Planning Manager, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Jay Plett, Architect - They want to add a gable roof to the accessory building above the garage. The windows will stay the same. It will become an ADU. The gable roof would continue over an added bathroom. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Jay Plett, Architect - The owners have spoken to the neighbors about the ADU. The neighbors are in support. Committee members made comments. - The gable roof is a significant improvement. - The current flat shed roof looks out of place. - The design reflects the original structure and is more consistent with the other roofs. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. - The change is an improvement and returns to its original form. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Clark to Forward a Recommendation of Approval of the Above Request to the Community Development Director. Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to a Detached Structure in Front of an Existing Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R- 1D:LHP at 223 Massol Avenue. Seconded by Member Burnett. PAGE 5 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. 5. 126 University Avenue Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-22-042 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations to an Existing Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the University-Edelen Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 529 02 016. PROPERTY OWNER: Jean-Philippe Persico APPLICANT: Davide Giannella PROJECT PLANNER: Savannah Van Akin Savannah Van Akin, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Davide Giannella, Architect - They are not modifying the exterior that is visible. The changes are in the rear by replacing some of the windows and doors to provide natural light. They will enlarge the lightwell to rear yard and basement. It will become an outdoor seating area. A bedroom will be added downstairs with a lightwell for egress. The side lightwells will be flush to the house. The house’s footprint will remain the same. The additions will match the existing exterior finishes and materials. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Davide Giannella, Architect - Yes, all the new windows will be framed in wood. - We chose the glass roof to connect the two volumes. An all glass roof will bring in more light down into the basement. - It is not part of the egress. They can walk out the doors for egress. - The rear doors are multiple sliding glass doors. Closed Public Comment. PAGE 6 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 Committee members discussed the matter. - Most of the changes are not visible to passerbys. - The plans do not alter the footprint. - Being a historic structure, a shingled versus glass roof would fit in with the existing roof. - Prefer using swinging French doors to keep it as authentic as possible. - The changes are tastefully done. - There are no changes to the front. - Natural light is important in a bedroom. - It is in a historic area and all sides should be considered. Swinging French doors are preferred and not a glass roof in the rear. - Could support either option. - The Committee should try to be strict and stick to the guidelines. Otherwise, it will be hard to go back. - Staff: There is some flexibility. In general, the Town guidelines state that additions and modifications should be consistent with the home. The top priority is the front and side. There can be some flexibility in the back side. - Match the doors for consistency. - Need to check if other homes have similar sliders. The rear elevation is not original. It was remodeled and changed. The basement was partially added. Bifold doors are also an option. Glass roof is the more important feature. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Davide Giannella, Architect - Yes, there are currently French doors. MOTION: Motion by Chair Lundell to Forward a Recommendation of Approval to the Community Development Director of the Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations to an Existing Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the University-Edelen Historic District on Property Zoned R- 1D:LHP With the Condition to Replace the Glass Roof with a Shingle Roof Similar to the Existing Structure. The Glass Doors at the Rear be French Doors Instead of Sliders. Seconded by Vice Chair Cheskin. VOTE: Motion passed unanimously. Appeal rights were recited. PAGE 7 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 6. 113 Wilder Avenue Minor Development in an Historic District HS-22-043 Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations, a First Floor Addition, and an Addition of Less than 100 Square Feet to the Existing Second Story to an Existing Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. APN 510-18-011. PROPERTY OWNER: Gary Filizetti APPLICANT: Brett Brenkwitz PROJECT PLANNER: Erin Walters Erin Walters, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Opened Public Comment. Applicant presented the project. Brett Brenkwitz, Architect - Their goal was to retain the historic architecture and feel of the 1910 house. Any changes made were tucked into roof or placed in the rear. The main changes viewed from the street will be the reorientation of the front stairs and the use of brick instead of concrete for the paving. There will also be a low picket fence with entry gates. Safer and energy efficient windows will be used. They will replace the various material windows to matching wood. No changes to exterior. The basement will be repurposed into heated space. Copper gutters sympathetic to Dutch Colonial Revival style will be used. Materials will match to the existing house. Committee members asked questions of the applicant. Brett Brenkwitz, Architect - We will match the exact dimensions of the existing windows. Lugs will be used. Matching bottom rails of 3 ½ inch and stiles 1 ½ inch. Low roof slope shed dormer. It sits below the dormer so it doesn’t dominate the dormer. Trying to avoid an awkward step from the vertical wall to the lower dormer. Closed Public Comment. Committee members discussed the matter. - It is an interesting project. It increases the historic integrity of the property. - The changes are thoughtfully done. A lot of attention given to the things the Committee would be looking at. - Building into the existing dormer and hiding it, are very clever and consistent. PAGE 8 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022 - The changes are diminutive and cleverly done. Reassured that they went to great lengths on the materials. MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Cheskin to Forward a Recommendation of Approval to the Community Development Director for Construction of Exterior Alterations, a First Floor Addition, and an Addition of Less than 100 Square Feet to the Existing Second Story to an Existing Contributing Single-Family Residence Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. Seconded by Commissioner Clark. 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 5:00 p.m. This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the October 26, 2022 meeting as approved by the Historic Preservation Committee. /s/ Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager