Staff Report.179 Loma Alta Avenue
PREPARED BY: SEAN MULLIN, AICP
Senior 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: 02/28/2024
ITEM NO: 6
DATE: February 23, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Window
Replacement) to an Existing Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence on Property
Zoned R-1:8. Located at 179 Loma Alta Avenue. APN 532-29-037. Request
for Review PHST-23-024. Property Owner: Linda Van Mouwerik.
Applicant: Hilda Ramirez, Renewal by Andersen.
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval for construction of exterior alterations (window replacement)
to an existing pre-1941 single-family residence located at 179 Loma Alta Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1900 per County Assessor; 19th century per Anne
Bloomfield Survey
2. Town of Los Gatos Preliminary Historic Status Code: ‘+’ – Historic and intact, worthy of
special note
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? No
4. Is structure in a historic district? N/A
5. If yes, is it a contributor? No
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the northeast side of Loma Alta Avenue, approximately 100
feet southeast of Alta Heights Court. The County Assessor indicates that the residence was
constructed in 1900 and the 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey indicates a construction date of the
19th century (Attachment 1). Town records indicate that the property was once the site of the
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SUBJECT: 179 Loma Alta Avenue/PHST-23-024
DATE: February 23, 2024
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BACKGROUND (continued):
Market Street School from 1894 to 1917. Town records also indicate that a new foundation,
new windows, and an addition were complete in 1990 , and a second-story addition was
completed in 1992.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace one existing wood window with a wood
composite window (Attachment 2). The window to be replaced is a fixed window located on
the front elevation under the gable end to the right of the front entry (Attachment 3). The new
window would be the same size, operation, location, and style as the existing window. The
applicant indicates that the existing window is not original and has been replaced five times
previously. The applicant also notes that the wood composite windows would preserve the
architectural style and historic appearance of the home against what currently exists.
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
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SUBJECT: 179 Loma Alta Avenue/PHST-23-024
DATE: February 23, 2024
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DISCUSSION (continued):
window frame and dressing is designed consistent with the historic context of the
building.
The proposed wood composite material was not available when the Guidelines were written,
and it is silent on its use. The Guidelines emphasize the use of wood windows 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 th e
appearance of the original material where it would be unlikely to discern the difference. The
applicant requests approval of the alternative window materials and provided a Letter of
Justification and details on the proposed windows (Attachments 2 and 4).
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
CONCLUSION:
The applicant requests approval to replace one existing wood window with a wood composite
window (Attachment 2). The new window would be the same size, operation, location, and
style as the existing window. Should the Committee find merit in the request, the project
would be completed with a Building Permit. The project would not return to the Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey
2. Letter of Justification
3. Photos
4. Window Specifications
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