Item 3 - Staff Report with Attachments 1 through 5.17121 Wild Way
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: 11/20/2024
ITEM NO: 3
DATE: November 15, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Construction of Exterior Alterations (Window and
Door Replacement) to a Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned
R-1:20. APN 424-30-080. Located at 17121 Wild Way. APN 424-30-080.
Request for Review PHST-24-022. Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines,
Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Property Owner: ALG Homes, LLC.
Applicant: Erik Zang. Project Planner: Maria Chavarin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval for construction of exterior alterations (window and door
replacement) to a pre-1941 single-family residence on property zoned R-1:20 located at 17121
Wild Way.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1931 per County Assessor’s Database
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: N/A
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? No
4. Is structure in a historic district? No
5. If yes, is it a contributor? N/A
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the north side of Wild Way approximately 225 feet from the
intersection with Winchester Boulevard (Attachment 1). The property is developed with a two-
story single-family residence and accessory dwelling unit. The County Assessor indicates that
the residence was constructed in 1931. This property was not included in the 1990 Anne
Bloomfield survey nor the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps.
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SUBJECT: 17121 Wild Way/PHST-24-022
DATE: November 15, 2024
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BACKGROUND (continued):
Town records include a 1993 Building Permit for dry rot/termite repair around an existing
fireplace in the family room (Attachment 2). A floor plan included with this permit notes that
the attached garage was converted to a family room in the 1970s. Town records also include a
1985 Secondary Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace the iron windows and doors with fiberglass
windows and doors (Attachment 3). In their Project Description letter, the applicant indicates
that that the existing original iron windows and doors have deteriorated, resulting in rust and
corrosion that have compromised their structural integrity and functionality. The applicant
notes that the new windows and doors will be custom made to closely replicate the appearance
of the original windows and doors including color, muntin pattern, and style in efforts to
maintain the historic character of the building. The new windows and doors will be installed
within existing openings, without increasing the size or modifying the shape of the existing
windows or doors (Attachments 4 and 5).
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 exceptions 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 th e building.
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SUBJECT: 17121 Wild Way/PHST-24-022
DATE: November 15, 2024
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Way.docx
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval for construction of exterior alterations (window and door
replacement) to a pre-1941 single-family residence. Should the Committee find merit in the
request, the recommendation would be forwarded to the Community Development Director
and the project would be completed with a Building Permit. The project would not return to the
Committee.
FINDINGS:
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.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Parcel Report
2. Town Records
3. Project Description Letter
4. Property Pictures
5. Development Plans
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