08-15-23 Minutes - DRC (PDF)
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
AUGUST 15, 2023
The Development Review Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a regular meeting on
August 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Jennifer Armer, CDD Planning; Roy Alba, CDD Building; Corvell Sparks, PPW
Engineering; and Kenny Ip, SCCFD.
Absent: None.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:00 AM
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS
1. Approval of Minutes – July 25, 2023
MOTION: Motion by Corvell Sparks to approve the consent calendar. Seconded by
Kenny Ip.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 17200 Los Robles Way
Lot Line Adjustment Application M-23-001
Requesting Approval of a Lot Line Adjustment Application in Accordance with
California Government Code Section 66412(d) for Three Adjoining Lots on Properties
Zoned R-1:20. APNs 532-36-075, -076, and –077. Ministerial Project Approval Under
CEQA. Application is Only for Ministerial Approval of Lot Line Adjustment Pursuant to
Section 66412(d) of the Subdivision Map Act.
Property Owners: Daren Goodsell, Trustee and Mark Von Kaenel
Applicant: Tony Jeans
Project Planner: Ryan Safty
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The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Tony Jeans, Applicant
Their engineer revised the plans to address items that need to be clarified. There were
3 letters from neighbors with concerns about privacy and water drainage. These will be
addressed with a future Architecture & Site Application submittal. The frontage is shown on
the plans and is accurate; it extends 242 feet from Los Robles Way to Parcel 1.
Alison Steer, Neighbor
The existing parcels meet the criteria for a lot merger and so the determination should
be made that they have been merged. They are not in support of the lot line adjustment. The
proposed Worcester Lane access is not the principal means of access; it is Los Robles Way. The
State CEQA Guidelines only exempt four or fewer lots depending on the property slope. There
will be environmental and visual impact to the neighboring properties. The General Plan
section of the staff report cherry picks specific items, but the General Plan doesn’t allow new
housing in high fire areas. There is not enough room for a fire turnaround nor the 30 feet
setback requirements for the existing house. Lot 77 is too small, landlocked, and too steep and
narrow for a turnaround. Parcels 76 and 77 should be merged into one parcel.
Nancy Neipp, Neighbor
They have concerns that were also raised 2 years ago in an appeal. The property is in a
Seismic Landslide Hazard area. The risk is not only at the top of the hill. The 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake shifted her land into 2 sections. In addition, a neighbor’s home on Worcester Loop
has suffered flood damage. Adding impervious surfaces along the driveway will exacerbate this
flood problem. Three new homes, with potentially 3 new Accessory Dwelling Units, should not
be built in a Wildfire Hazard zone. The property should protect wildlife habitat, scenic views,
open space, public space, and the privacy of neighbors. The parcel is a narrow strip on a steep
lot with an average slope of over 26 percent, landlocked and sliding into a neighbor’s yard. All
elements of the General Plan should apply.
Tony Jeans, Applicant
There are 3 existing lots. They are not creating any additional lots. Concerns about
structures will be addressed separately when parcel 1, 2, or 3 plans are submitted. Applications
under Government Code 66412(d) must be administrative.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members asked questions of staff.
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Staff: Ryan Safty, Project Planner
The setbacks for existing houses are allowed to remain non-conforming. No
development or physical improvements are currently proposed. When development
applications are submitted, there will be a full review on environmental, seismic, fire, and flood
risks.
Staff: Gabrielle Whelan, Town Attorney
The State law provides that public entities may initiate lot mergers under specified
circumstances. The Town Code was recently amended to align with State law. The Town may
initiate lot mergers under specified circumstances. No lot merger was initiated with this
proposal. Lot line adjustments are ministerial actions, and this application is exempt from
CEQA.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Corvell Sparks to approve with required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by Roy Alba.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Appeal rights were recited.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned 10:22 a.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
August 15, 2023 meeting as approved by the
Development Review Committee.
Prepared by:
________________________________________
/s/ Jennifer Armer, AICP, Planning Manager