Item 2 - Staff Report with Exhibits 1 through 7.230 La Terra Ct
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Planning Manager and Community Development Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6872
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/08/2024
ITEM NO: 2
DATE: May 3, 2024
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of a Neighborhood Identification Sign
on Property Zoned HR-2½:PD. Not Subject to CEQA Pursuant to Section
15061 (b)(3): Review for Exemption. Located at 230 La Terra Court. APN
527-12-006. Architecture and Site Application S-24-006. Property Owner:
Greenridge Terrace Development, LLC. Applicant: David Fox. Project Planner:
Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the request for construction of a neighborhood identification sign on property zoned
HR-2½:PD, located at 230 La Terra Court.
PROJECT DATA:
General Plan Designation: Hillside Residential
Zoning Designation: HR-2½:PD, Hillside Residential Single-Family Residential
Applicable Plans & Standards: Town Code, General Plan; Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines
Parcel Size: 198,030 square feet (4.55 acres)
Surrounding Area:
Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning
North Undeveloped Hillside Residential HR-2½:PD
South Residential Hillside Residential HR-2½ and HR-2½:PD
East Undeveloped Hillside Residential HR-2½:PD
West Residential and Undeveloped Hillside Residential HR-2½:PD
PAGE 2 OF 5
SUBJECT: 230 La Terra Court/S-24-006
DATE: May 3, 2024
S:\PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS\2024\05-08-2024\Item 2 - 230 La Terra Court\Staff Report.230 La Terra Ct.docx
CEQA:
The project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the adopted
Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3): A project is exempt from
CEQA when the activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA only applies to
projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it
can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question will have a
significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
FINDINGS:
▪ The project is not subject to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3): Review for Exemption.
▪ The project meets the objective standards of Chapter 29 of the Town Code (Zoning
Regulations).
▪ The project is in conformance with Planned Development Ordinance 2281.
▪ The project complies with the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.
▪ The project complies with the Hillside Specific Plan
CONSIDERATIONS:
▪ As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code for granting approval of an
Architecture and Site application.
ACTION:
The decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed within ten days.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located at the end of Santella Drive (Exhibit 1) in the La Terra
Subdivision, which was approved under the Greenridge Terrace Planned Development. The
subject property is undeveloped.
A Building Permit is currently under review for new entry gates and retaining walls in the area
of the proposed sign. The proposed neighborhood identification sign would be mounted to a
retaining wall included in the Building Permit application.
PAGE 3 OF 5
SUBJECT: 230 La Terra Court/S-24-006
DATE: May 3, 2024
S:\PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS\2024\05-08-2024\Item 2 - 230 La Terra Court\Staff Report.230 La Terra Ct.docx
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Location and Surrounding Neighborhood
The subject property is located at the end of Santella Drive in the Greenridge Terrace
Planned Development (Exhibit 1). The subject property is undeveloped. The surrounding
properties are existing residential uses or undeveloped.
B. Project Summary and Zoning Compliance
The applicant proposes construction of a neighborhood identification sign. Pursuant to
Section 29.20.750 (19), the Planning Commission determines applications for neighborhood
identification signs and signs on freestanding walls.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant proposes construction of a neighborhood identification sign (Exhibit 7) located on
a retaining wall north of the cul-de-sac bulb at the terminus of Santella Drive (Exhibit 1). The
sign would be located in a landscaped area between the La Terra Court private road and a
private driveway (Exhibit 4).
The Town’s Sign Ordinance provides the intent of the ordinance (Section 29.10.105) and
standards for review of all signs (Section 29.10.125). Additionally, the Sign Ordinance
prescribes development standards for a neighborhood identification sign, limiting them to no
more than 24 square feet and providing that the location and number of signs are subject to
determination of the Planning Commission.
The applicant has provided a Project Description and Letter of Justification detailing the
project’s compliance with the intent and standards of the Sign Ordinance (Exhibit 5). The
proposed sign would be 23.13 square feet and would be mounted to a concrete retaining wall
finished with a stone veneer (Exhibit 6). The individual cut letters would be 12 inches tall, and
the logo would be 24 inches tall. The letters and logo would be cut from steel plate and
finished in a dark bronze. No lighting is proposed.
The proposed sign includes materials and colors reflective of the surrounding hillside
environment. The text and logo are simple and well-proportioned. The location of the sign and
the lack of illumination allow for it to maintain a low profile and integrate with its surroundings.
The proposed sign meets the intent and standards of the Town’s Sign Ordinance, as well as the
development standards for neighborhood identification signs.
PAGE 4 OF 5
SUBJECT: 230 La Terra Court/S-24-006
DATE: May 3, 2024
S:\PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS\2024\05-08-2024\Item 2 - 230 La Terra Court\Staff Report.230 La Terra Ct.docx
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the adopted
Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3): A project is exempt from
CEQA when the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA only applies to
projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it
can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question will have a
significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Written notice was sent to property owners and tenants within 800 feet of the subject
property. As of the publishing of this report, no public comments have been received.
CONCLUSION:
A. Summary
The property owner is requesting approval for construction of a neighborhood identification
sign located in the La Terra Subdivision at 230 La Terra Court.
B. Recommendation
If the Planning Commission finds merit with the proposed project, it should:
1. Make the finding that the project is not subject to the adopted Guidelines for the
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3):
Review for Exemption, where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
that the project may have a significant effect on the environment (Exhibit 2);
2. Make the finding that the project complies with the objective standards of Chapter 29 of
the Town Code (Zoning Regulations) (Exhibit 2);
3. Make the finding that the project is in conformance with Planned Development
Ordinance 2281 (Exhibit 2);
4. Make the finding that the project complies with the Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines (Exhibit 2);
5. Make the finding that the project complies with the Hillside Specific Plan (Exhibit 2);
6. Make the considerations as required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code for
granting approval of an Architecture and Site application (Exhibit 2); and
7. Approve Architecture and Site application S-24-006 with the conditions contained in
Exhibit 3 and the development plans in Exhibit 7.
PAGE 5 OF 5
SUBJECT: 230 La Terra Court/S-24-006
DATE: May 3, 2024
S:\PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS\2024\05-08-2024\Item 2 - 230 La Terra Court\Staff Report.230 La Terra Ct.docx
CONCLUSION (continued):
C. Alternatives
Alternatively, the Commission can:
1. Continue the matter to a date certain with specific direction; or
2. Approve the application with additional and/or modified conditions; or
3. Deny the application.
EXHIBITS:
1. Location Map
2. Required Findings
3. Recommended Conditions of Approval
4. Site Photos
5. Project Description and Letter of Justification
6. Color and Materials Board
7. Project Plans
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
SHANNO
N
R
DSHADY LNSUVIEW DRSKY LNSANTELLA DRFRANCIS OAKS WY
GREENRIDGE TESANTELLA CT230 La Terra Court
0 0.250.125 Miles
°
Update Notes:- Updated 12/20/17 to link to tlg-sql12 server data (sm)- Updated 11/22/19 adding centerpoint guides, Buildings layer, and Project Site leader with label- Updated 10/8/20 to add street centerlines which can be useful in the hillside area- Updated 02-19-21 to link to TLG-SQL17 database (sm)- Updated 08-23-23 to link to "Town Assessor Data" (sm)
EXHIBIT 1
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2024
REQUIRED FINDINGS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR:
230 La Terra Court
Architecture and Site Application S-24-006
Requesting Approval for Construction of a Neighborhood Identification Sign on
Property Zoned HR-2 1/2:PD. APN 527-12-006. Not Subject to CEQA Pursuant to
Section 15061 (b)(3): Review for Exemption. Property Owner: Greenridge Terrace
Development, LLC. Applicant: David Fox. Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
FINDINGS
Required finding for CEQA:
■ The project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to the
adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3): A project is
exempt from CEQA when the activity is covered by the common sense exemption that
CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
activity in question will have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not
subject to CEQA.
Required compliance with the Zoning Regulations:
■ The project meets the objective standards of Chapter 29 of the Town Code (Zoning
Regulations).
■ The project is in conformance with Planned Development Ordinance 2281.
Required compliance with the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines:
■ As required, the project complies with the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.
Required compliance with the Hillside Specific Plan:
■ As required, the project complies with the Hillside Specific Plan.
CONSIDERATIONS
Required considerations in review of Architecture and Site applications:
■ As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code, the considerations in review of an
Architecture and Site application were all made in reviewing this project.
EXHIBIT 2
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2024
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
230 La Terra Court
Architecture and Site Application S-24-006
Requesting Approval for Construction of a Neighborhood Identification Sign on
Property Zoned HR-2 1/2:PD. APN 527-12-006. Not subject to CEQA Pursuant to
Section 15061 (b)(3): Review for Exemption.
Property Owner: Greenridge Terrace Development, LLC
Applicant: David Fox
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Planning Division
1. APPROVAL: This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions
of approval and in substantial compliance with the approved plans. Any changes or
modifications to the approved plans and/or business operation shall be approved by the
Community Development Director, DRC or the Planning Commission depending on the
scope of the changes.
2. EXPIRATION: The approval will expire two years from the approval date pursuant to
Section 29.20.320 of the Town Code, unless the approval has been vested.
3. LIGHTING: Lighting of the neighborhood commercial sign is not permitted.
4. TOWN INDEMNITY: Applicants are notified that Town Code Section 1.10.115 requires
that any applicant who receives a permit or entitlement (“the Project”) from the Town
shall defend (with counsel approved by Town), indemnify, and hold harmless the Town,
its agents, officers, and employees from and against any claim, action, or proceeding
(including without limitation any appeal or petition for review thereof) against the Town
or its agents, officers, or employees related to an approval of the Project, including
without limitation any related application, permit, certification, condition,
environmental determination, other approval, compliance or failure to comply with
applicable laws and regulations, and/or processing methods (“Challenge”). Town may
(but is not obligated to) defend such Challenge as Town, in its sole discretion,
determines appropriate, all at applicant’s sole cost and expense.
Applicant shall bear any and all losses, damages, injuries, liabilities, costs, and expenses
(including, without limitation, staff time and in-house attorney’s fees on a fully-loaded
basis, attorney’s fees for outside legal counsel, expert witness fees, court costs, and
other litigation expenses) arising out of or related to any Challenge (“Costs”), whether
incurred by Applicant, Town, or awarded to any third party, and shall pay to the Town
upon demand any Costs incurred by the Town. No modification of the Project, any
EXHIBIT 3
application, permit certification, condition, environmental determination, other
approval, change in applicable laws and regulations, or change in such Challenge as
Town, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate, all at the applicant’s sole cost and
expense. No modification of the Project, any application, permit certification, condition,
environmental determination, other approval, change in applicable laws and
regulations, or change in processing methods shall alter the applicant’s indemnity
obligation.
5. COMPLIANCE MEMORANDUM: A memorandum shall be prepared and submitted with
the building plans detailing how the Conditions of Approval will be addressed.
Site Photos
230 La Terra Court
Sign Permit Application
EXHIBIT 4
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
April 1, 2024
Sean Mullin, Senior Planner
Community Development Department
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Project Description & Letter of Justification
230 La Terra Court Sign Application
Dear Mr. Mullin,
Greenridge Terrace Development LLC is requesting approval of a new sign at the entrance to the
La Terra subdivision on La Terra Court, a new street that will extend off Santella Drive, which
originates in the adjacent Highlands of Los Gatos subdivision. A building permit application is
currently under review for subdivision entry gates and retaining walls. A non-illuminated
individually lettered sign is proposed on the wall to the left of the second set of entry gates as
shown on the title sheet and on sheet L-1.0 of the development plans. Sign details are shown on
sheet L1.1.
The property zoning is HR-2-½:PD which is a hillside residential zone. The Sign Ordinance
specifies that a neighborhood identification sign is allowed in a residential zone for a
neighborhood with an area of three acres or more (the subdivision area is 36 acres). The total
sign area is just under 23 square feet which is compliant with the 24 square foot maximum
allowed.
The proposed sign will be consistent with applicable sign standards listed in Section 29.10.125 of
the Sign Ordinance as follows:
•Copy – the sign will include only the neighborhood/subdivision name along with a logo.
•Compatibility with surroundings – the sign will be compatible with its surroundings.
•Backs and supports – the individual letters will be attached to the wall and will be
subdued.
•Illumination – no illumination is proposed so there will not be an impact to surrounding
residences.
The sign is also consistent with Sign Ordinance Section 29.10.105(b)(5) as follows:
•The new sign will not conflict with local public values and will not relate to any
economic functions as it is for a new residential neighborhood, not a commercial use.
EXHIBIT 5
•The size of a sign is relatively small and will not overpower its surroundings, nor will it
become a determinant factor in consumer evaluation of competitive enterprises as it is not
for a commercial use or business.
•The shape of the sign will not conflict with the architectural lines of its setting as it will
consist of a logo and individual letters mounted on a stone background on a wall adjacent
to entry gates to the La Terra neighborhood. The sign will not be near any the home sites
where it would be directly compared to the architectural styles of new residences.
•The sign will not overpower its surroundings through hue, saturation, and brilliance or
close combination of incompatible colors as it will not be illuminated and will consist of
neutral colors.
•The sign will be maintained and kept in good repair.
A color and materials board has been submitted in addition to detailed plans. If you have any
questions, I can be reached by email: or phone: .
Thank you,
David Fox
Stone veneer on wall
Letters in dark bronze
Stone wall veneer
Dark bronze metal letters
Materials Board for Vistas Entry Sign
EXHIBIT 6
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
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
/2786
*5$7(:,7+02'(/ $75,80*5$7(6FRSHRI:RUN1HLJKERUKRRGLGHQWLILFDWLRQVLJQ'DWH6FDOH'UDZQ-RE2I6KHHW6KHHWV/D7HUUD6XEGLYLVLRQ/D7HUUD&RXUW/RV*DWRV &DOLIRUQLD'5)/D7HUUDSKRQHGDYLG#IR[ODQHWNRWHQEHUJ$YHQXHVDQMRVH 'DYLG5)R[ &RPSDQ\/DQGVFDSH$UFKLWHFWXUH/ 6LWH3ODQZLWK6LJQ/RFDWLRQ/ 6LJQ'HWDLOV3HUSODQFKN'5) y,//dϳ
N O R T H6DQWHOOD'ULYH
/D7HUU
D
&
R
XUW
+LJKODQG
V
RI
/
R
V
*
DW
R
V
/D7HUU
D
6
X
E
GL
YL
VL
R
Q5HWDLQLQJZDOOV8QGHUVHSDUDWHDSSOLFDWLRQ5HWDLQLQJZDOOV8QGHUVHSDUDWHDSSOLFDWLRQ(QWU\VLJQ6HHVKHHW/IRUGHWDLOV(QWU\*DWHV8QGHUVHSDUDWHDSSOLFDWLRQ(QWU\*DWHV8QGHUVHSDUDWHDSSOLFDWLRQ'DWH6FDOH'UDZQ-RE2I6KHHW6KHHWV/D7HUUD6XEGLYLVLRQ/D7HUUD&RXUW/RV*DWRV&DOLIRUQLD'5)/D7HUUDSKRQHGDYLG#IR[ODQHWNRWHQEHUJ$YHQXHVDQMRVH 'DYLG5)R[ &RPSDQ\/DQGVFDSH$UFKLWHFWXUH6LWH3ODQ6LJQ/RFDWLRQ/
'DWH6FDOH'UDZQ-RE2I6KHHW6KHHWV/D7HUUD6XEGLYLVLRQ/D7HUUD&RXUW/RV*DWRV&DOLIRUQLD'5)/D7HUUDSKRQHGDYLG#IR[ODQHWNRWHQEHUJ$YHQXHVDQMRVH 'DYLG5)R[ &RPSDQ\/DQGVFDSH$UFKLWHFWXUH(QWU\6LJQ'HWDLOV/$V6KRZQ
/HWWHUOD\RXW6XJJHVWHG3LQ3ODFHPHQW[VSDFLQJVOHHYH[66SLQ[VWHHOSODWHOHWWHU'DUN%URQ]HILQLVK7RWDOVLJQDUHD VI&RQFUHWHUHWDLQLQJZDOOFRQFUHWDLQLQJZDOOENTRY SIGN DETAIL AND LAYOUT
)RQW &RUEHW:LGHRUHTXDO[VWHHOSODWHOHWWHU'DUN%URQ]HILQLVK 1
[VSDFLQJVOHHYH[66SLQ%UD]HSLQDQGVOHHYHWROHWWHU[VWHHOSODWHOHWWHU)RQW &RUEHW:LGHRUHTXDO6XJJHVWHGSLQORFDWLRQ%UD]HSLQDQGVOHHYHWROHWWHUFRQFUHWDLQLQJZDOO'ULOOGLD[GKROHLQZDOOIRUSLQVILOOZLWKHSR[\
6XJJHVWHGSLQORFDWLRQ%UD]HSLQDQGVOHHYHWRORJRVWHHOSODWHORJRIURPVXSSOLHGDUW[VSDFLQJVOHHYH[66SLQ%UD]HSLQDQGVOHHYHWROHWWHU/RJR/HWWHUVW\SLFDOLETTERS AND LOGO23HU7RZQ E 0D[LPXPVLJQDUHDVTXDUHIHHW3URSRVHGVLJQDUHD VTXDUHIHHW3HUSODQFKN'5)
This PageIntentionally Left Blank