Staff Report.16488 Bonnie Lane
PREPARED BY: Maria Chavarin
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: 5/22/2024
ITEM NO: 2
DATE: May 17, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of a Second-Story Addition Exceeding
100 Square Feet and Exterior Alterations to an Existing Pre-1941 Single-
Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8. Located at 16488 Bonnie Lane.
APN 532-02-014. Minor Residential Development Application MR-24-007.
Categorically Exempt Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Property Owner: Mai of
Tran 2020 Trust. Applicant: Vu-Ngan Tran. Project Planner: Maria Chavarin.
BACKGROUND:
On April 24, 2024, the Committee considered the proposal and continued the item with the
following direction to the applicant:
• Revise the floor plan on the proposed second-floor addition specifically, the angled exterior
walls on the master bath to make the design compatible to the existing residence ;
• Revise the angle of the roof line; and
• Revise the extent of the deck to eliminate visual weight on the design.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant submitted a letter of justification summarizing the revisions made in response to
the direction provided by the Committee (Attachment 7). In addition, the applicant submitted
revised plans showing the following changes:
• The angled exterior walls at the proposed second-floor bath have been replaced with a
rectangular box bay, in keeping with the traditional design of the existing residence;
• The angled roof line at the proposed second-floor addition has been changed to a more
traditional roof line reflecting the revised addition; and
• A portion of the proposed second-story deck on the south elevation was eliminated and
redesigned to limit the deck to the east elevation (Attachment 8).
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SUBJECT: 16488 Bonnie Lane/MR-24-007
DATE: May 17, 2024
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DISCUSSION (continued):
In addition to the revisions summarized above, the applicant’s letter of justification dated
September 27, 2023, is specific to the proposed window materials of fiberglass clad wood
window. However, the property owner is considering replacement of all windows with a vinyl
clad wood material.
The Residential Design Guidelines provides the following recommendations related to window
materials:
3.7.3 Match window materials to the architectural style and to the surrounding
neighborhood
• Wood windows are common in Los Gatos. Wood is still the desired choice for styles
that traditionally used wood. However, today there are some window materials, such
as vinyl clad wood windows that are not noticeably different from wood at a short
distance.
4.8.2 Building Materials
• Composite, synthetic, metal, vinyl, plastic or fabricated/ imitation wood products,
painted brick or imitation used brick will generally not be approved. However, some ex-
ceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis when the decision-making body
determines that the replacement is consistent with the appearance of the original
material, and that a lay person would be unlikely to discern the difference. The burden
of proof will reside with the applicant. Material samples, photographs, and specific
locations where the material may be seen in use will all assist in the evaluation of
alternative materials.
4.8.4 Windows and Glass in doors
• 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.
The property owner is still considering their options for new windows and is open to
suggestions the Committee finds appropriate.
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SUBJECT: 16488 Bonnie Lane/MR-24-007
DATE: May 17, 2024
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CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for construction of a second-story addition exceeding 100
square feet and exterior alterations to an existing pre-1941 single-family residence on property
zoned R-1:8. Should the Committee find merit in the request, the recommendation would be
forwarded to the Community Development Director and the application would continue
through the Minor Residential Development process. The project would not return to the
Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
Previously received with the April 24, 2024, Staff Report:
1. Anne Bloomfield Survey
2. Town Records
3. Applicant’s Submittal Packet
4. Property Pictures
5. Development Plans
6. Section 3.9, Residential Design Guidelines
Received with this Staff Report:
7. Response Letter
8. Revised Development Plans
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