10-26-22 Minutes - HPC DRAFT
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/16/2022 ITEM: 1
DRAFT
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.
PAGE 4 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
Appeal rights were recited.
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
PAGE 5 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
Located in the Almond Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-
1D:LHP at 223 Massol Avenue. Seconded by Member Burnett.
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.
Committee members discussed the matter.
PAGE 6 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
- 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.
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
PAGE 7 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
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.
- 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
PAGE 8 OF 8 MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2022
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.
Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager