Staff Report.200 Hernandez Avenue
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Planning Manager
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/20/2024
ITEM NO: 1
DATE: November 15, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Exterior Alterations to a Pre-1941 Single-Family
Residence on Property Zoned R-1:12. Located at 200 Hernandez Avenue.
APN 510-21-003. Request for Review Application PHST-24-018. Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Property
Owner/Applicant: Vaishali Singh-Sood. Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
BACKGROUND:
On September 25, 2024, the Historic Preservation Committee discussed the above request and
continued consideration, providing the following direction to the applicant:
• Consider a barrel tile roof style more consistent with the existing architecture with
consideration of alternative materials, including composite or metal;
• Provide documentation describing why the existing roof structure is not capable of
supporting a clay barrel tile roof; and
• Provide a comparison of the fire-resistant characteristics of the standing seam metal roof
and a metal or composite barrel tile roof system.
On October 23, 2024, the Los Gatos Historic Preservation Committee continued consideration
of the above request, providing the following direction to the applicant:
• Provide documentation from a licensed structural engineer opining on the weight capacity
that can be supported by the existing roof structure;
• Provide documentation from a licensed structural engineer opining on whether the existing
roof structure can support roofing examples provided through the Committee (attached);
and
• Return to the Committee with a revised roof that includes either: 1) Barrel style roofing
along the eaves of the residence, or 2) Barrel style roofing on the entire roof. Materials
alternative to traditional barrel tiles is acceptable.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant submitted a letter responding to the Committee’s direction provided at the
October 23, 2024, meeting (Attachment 9).
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 200 Hernandez Avenue/PHST-24-018
DATE: November 15, 2024
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 4.4.8 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines offers recommendations
specifically for the roofing material for Mission Revival or Mediterranean style structures
(Attachment 5).
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for exterior alterations (roof replacement) to a pre -1941
single-family residence on property zoned R-1:12 located at 200 Hernandez Avenue. Should the
Committee find merit in the request, a recommendation of approval should be forwarded to
the Community Development Director. The proposed work would be completed with a Building
Permit and would not return to the Committee for further review.
ATTACHMENTS:
Previously received with the September 25, 2024, Staff Report:
1. 1990 Anne Bloomfield Survey
2. Sanborn Map Exhibit
3. Letter of Justification
4. Project Description
5. Section 4.8.8, Residential Design Guidelines
6. Exterior Photo
Previously received with the October 23, 2024, Staff Report
7. Additional information regarding metal roofing
8. Image of Mediterranean style residence with metal roof
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 200 Hernandez Avenue/PHST-24-018
DATE: November 15, 2024
ATTACHMENTS (continued):
Received with this Staff Report:
9. Applicant Response Letter
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