Item 4 - Staff Report with Attachments 1-3.35 Tait
PREPARED BY: SAVANNAH VAN AKIN,
Assistant Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/14/2022
ITEM NO: 4
DATE: December 9, 2022
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Front Door
Replacement) to a Presumptive Historic Residence (Pre-1941) on Property
Zoned R-1D. Located at 35 Tait Avenue. APN 510-44-004. Request for
Review PHST-22-021. APPLICANT: Dan Burnham. PROPERTY OWNERS:
Steven & Katherine Erickson. PROJECT PLANNER: Savannah Van Akin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval for construction of exterior alterations (front door
replacement) to a presumptive historic residence (pre-1941) on property zoned R-1D located at
35 Tait Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1915 per County Assessor’s Database
2. Town of Los Gatos Preliminary Historic Status Code: N/A
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? No
4. Is structure in a historic district? N/A
5. If yes, is it a contributor? N/A
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The County Assessor lists that the residence at 35 Tait Avenue was constructed in 1915. The
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map (Attachment 1) from 1908 indicates a primary structure existed
with an accessory structure in the back right under a different address, 33 Tait Avenue. The
1928 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map show the current address, 35 Tait Avenue, with a primary
dwelling unit and an accessory structure in the back left. At some point between 1928 and
1944, and Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps indicate the construction of a two-story addition to the
rear of primary dwelling unit. The building footprint remained consistent from 1944 through
1956.
PAGE 2 OF 4
SUBJECT: 35 TAIT AVE/PHST-22-021
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2022
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DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace the existing wood front door with a new
fiberglass door (Attachment 2). The new door would be installed within the existing opening,
without increasing the size or modifying the shape of the existing door frame. The front door is
not located on the front elevation of the house (Attachment 3).
The Residential Design Guidelines provides the following recommendations related to door
materials:
4.8.3 Doors
•Original doors should be retained and restored.
•New replacement doors for Victorians should not be flush, but of raised or flat
panel design.
•Front doors generally should be painted, not stained. Not applicable to Mission
Revival/Mediterranean style structures.
•Screened doors should be real wood framed of simple design unless patterns can
be shown to fit the existing style.
4.8.4 Windows and Glass in doors
•Original windows, glass and window decorations should be retained and
restored.
•Replacement of only the deteriorated portions of the windows is recommended
rather than the replacement of the entire window.
•New or replacement windows should be wood-sashed and muntined if
applicable.
•Sills, lintels, frames, sashes, muntins, and all decorations should be identically
replaced.
•All elements of new windows should be identical in size, shape, proportion, and
dimensions as the original windows of the building, or consistent with traditional
sizes, proportions and dimensions of buildings of the same architectural style,
design and era.
•Windows should be constructed of real glass, and window frames should be
constructed of real wood - not vinyl, metal or plastic. Wood sashes may be vinyl
or metal clad if the window frame and dressing is designed consistent with the
historic context of the building.
•All lites (panes of glass) should be true divided lite, not artificial or snap -in grids.
Simulated Divided Lite windows are permitted when the details of the window
provide projecting muntin elements on the exterior and interior of the window
along with a spacer muntin between the panes of glass (See example to the left).
•New arched, angled, and/or octagonal windows are discouraged.
•Large expanses of blank exterior walls without windows are discouraged.
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PAGE 3 OF 4
SUBJECT: 35 TAIT AVE/PHST-22-021
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
As previously discussed with the Committee during review of similar requests, the fiberglass
composite material was not available when the Guidelines were written, and it is silent on its
use.
The Guidelines emphasize the use of wood doors but allows exceptions for alternative
materials when they are not noticeably different from wood at a short distance, found to be
consistent with the historic context, and consistent with the appearance of the original
material where it would be unlikely to discern the difference. The applicant requests approval
of the fiberglass door materials. Photos of the existing door and proposed door have been
provided (Attachment 2). Lastly, the proposed door is not located on the front elevation of the
home, and the replacement would be in-kind in terms of shape and size, having a negligible
impact to the exterior of the residence.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for construction of exterior alterations (front door
replacement) to a presumptive historic residence (pre-1941). Should the Committee find merit
in the request, a recommendation would be forwarded to the Community Development
Director and the project would be completed with a Building Permit. The project would not
return to the Committee.
CONSIDERATIONS:
A.Considerations
Sec. 29.80.290. Standards for review.
In evaluating applications, the deciding body shall consider the architectural style, design,
arrangement, texture, materials and color, and any other pertinent factors. Applications
shall not be granted unless:
For pre-1941 structures, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of
the application.
B.Residential Design Guidelines
Sections 4.8.3, and 4.8.4 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines offer
recommendations for doors and windows on historic resources.
PAGE 4 OF 4
SUBJECT: 35 TAIT AVE/PHST-22-021
DATE: DECEMBER 9, 2022
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ATTACHMENTS:
1. Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Exhibit
2. Photos
3. Development Plans
1956
1944
ATTACHMENT 1
1928
1908
Existing Door
ATTACHMENT 2
Proposed Door
3068306889'-2"15'-7"16'-7"2'-8"
5'-3"
8'-2"
978 SQ FT
13'-9" X 12'-1"
LIVING AREA
line of second floor
Site plan 1/8"=1'
EXISTING STORAGE
Proposed 168 sq ft office
Area calculations:
existing first floor heated 975 sq ft
existing second floor heated 470 sq ft
existing first floor unheated 168 sq ft
Proposed office heated 168 sq ft
proposed total area heated 1,613 sq ft
lot size 3645 sq ft
F.A.R. 44.25%
A.P.N. 510-44-004
All work shall comply with 2019 CBC,CRC,CEC,CMC,CPC and
2019 energy code
Scope of work:
remove sloped access hatch to basement, install flat hatch cover,
install flooring for office, install
2 outlets at desk area, install 1 heat duct at floor, tie into basement
ducting, no work to exterior areas, interior sheet rock, windows and
door to remain at office no changes.
construction type V-B
Sheet index
Sheet #
A-1 site plan, existing and proposed floor plan
A-2 existing elevations
A-3 clean bay
A-4 title 24-1
A-5 Title 24-2
P.L.
Vicinity map
NBCB113
B120B60
BCB113
B120B60
8050TS30685030LS2840DH2840DH1740DH50683830LS5040LS 30683040LS2020DH30686240LS2668
2668
3668 266850682668UP
E1
P-1
E1
P-1 Elevation 1EXISTING STORAGE WITH EXIST SHEET ROCK W/C
entry
Remove
existing hatch
cover
Existing floor plan 1/4"=1'
Exist living room no work
Existing kitchen no work
Exist powder room
no work
Existing master bath
no work exist laundry no workExist master bedroom no work
down
remove sloped
concrete wall each side
of basement stairs to
provide concrete wall
flush to floor height
down
remove wood shelves
existing stairs
to remain
DN
BCB113
B120B60
BCB113
B120B60
8050TS30685030LS2840DH2840DH1723DH3830LS5040LS 30683040LS2020DH30686240LS2668
2668
3668 2668506826685068UP
WP
R
4
GFCI
3WP
SD
EP
DC
SD
DM
A
T
AV Control
C5/TVC5 TV
T
SP SP
DESCRIPTIONSYMBOL
ELECTRICAL - DATA - AUDIO LEGEND
Ceiling Fan
Ventilation Fans: Ceiling Mounted, Wall Mounted
Ceiling Mounted Light Fixtures: Surface/Pendant,
Recessed, Heat Lamp, Low Voltage
Wall Mounted Light Fixtures: Flush Mounted,
Wall Sconce
Chandelier Light Fixture
240V Receptacle
110V Receptacles: Duplex, Weather Proof, GFCI
Switches: Single Pole, Weather Proof, 3-Way, 4-Way
Switches: Dimmer, Timer
Audio Video: Control Panel, Switch
Wall Jacks: CAT5, CAT5 + TV, TV/Cable
Telephone Jack
Intercom
Thermostat
Door Chime, Door Bell Button
Smoke Detectors: Ceiling Mounted, Wall Mounted
Electrical Breaker Panel
Speakers: Ceiling Mounted, Wall Mounted
Fluorescent Light Fixture
4'
PROPOSED OFFICE
entry
Exist living room no work
Existing kitchen no work
Exist powder room
no work
Existing master bath
no work exist laundry no workExist master bedroom no work
down
Proposed floor plan 1/4"=1'
New Luci Gold aluminum
flat hatch cover with gas
assisted pistons for smooth
operation
1
1
2 floor register
2
3 engineered flooring
Key notes
3
down
Existing stairs to remain
4 verify R-19 insulation
at under floor
per title 24 report
5 Verify R-15 insulation
at exterior walls
per title 24 report
4
5
5
5
A-AA-A
A-AA-A
existing stairsexisting basement
new flat hatch cover
R-15
R-19
A-A section
new office REVISION TABLENUMBERDATEREVISED BYDESCRIPTIONSHEET:
SCALE:DRAWINGS PROVIDED BY:Dan Burnham6057 Castello DrSan Jose CA 95120408-600-9732DATE:
5/7/2021
A-1Owner:Steven Erickson35 Tait AveLos Gatos CA 950302019 California Building Code, Vol. 1 & 2
2019 California Residential Code
2019 California Plumbing Code
2019 California Mechanical Code
2019 California Electrical Code
2019 California Energy Code
2019 California Existing Building Code
2019 California Historical Building Code
2019 California Green Building Standards
2019 California Fire Code
2018 International Code for Property Maintenance
2018 International Existing Building Code*
*Chapters 9, 14 & Appendices A2, A3, A4 & A5 only
Non-bearing walls to be removed are subject to field
verification. Structural Calculations may be required by the
building inspector. CRC R301.1
Smoke detectors shall be installed in each sleeping room AND at a point
centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each separate
sleeping area. CRC R314
Carbon Monoxide Alarms shall be provided in the following locations (a)
outside of the dwelling unit sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the
bedroom(s); (b) on every level of a dwelling unit, including basements.
CRC R315
ATTACHMENT 3
existing stucco/window
Existing rear elevation 1/4"=1'
Elevation 1
Existing stucco,windows and doors
Existing right side elevation 1/4"=1'
Elevation 2
existing stucco, windows and doors
Existing left side elevation 1/4"=1'
Elevation 3
existing stucco and windows
Existing front elevation 1/4"=1'
Elevation 4 REVISION TABLENUMBERDATEREVISED BYDESCRIPTIONSHEET:
SCALE:DRAWINGS PROVIDED BY:Dan Burnham6057 Castello DrSan Jose CA 95120408-600-9732DATE:
5/7/2021Owner:Steven Erickson35 Tait AveLos Gatos CA 95030A-2
REVISION TABLENUMBERDATEREVISED BYDESCRIPTIONSHEET:
SCALE:DRAWINGS PROVIDED BY:Dan Burnham6057 Castello DrSan Jose CA 95120408-600-9732DATE:
5/7/2021Owner:Steven Erickson35 Tait AveLos Gatos CA 95030A-3
REVISION TABLENUMBERDATEREVISED BYDESCRIPTIONSHEET:
SCALE:DRAWINGS PROVIDED BY:Dan Burnham6057 Castello DrSan Jose CA 95120408-600-9732DATE:
5/7/2021Owner:Steven Erickson35 Tait AveLos Gatos CA 95030A-4
REVISION TABLENUMBERDATEREVISED BYDESCRIPTIONSHEET:
SCALE:DRAWINGS PROVIDED BY:Dan Burnham6057 Castello DrSan Jose CA 95120408-600-9732DATE:
5/7/2021Owner:Steven Erickson35 Tait AveLos Gatos CA 95030A-5