Item 4 - Staff Report with Attachments 1 through 4.50 Hernandez Avenue
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Planning Manager
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/18/2024
ITEM NO: 4
DATE: December 13, 2024
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Modification (Roof Material) of a Previously
Approved Project on an Existing Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence on
Property Zoned R-1:8. Located at 50 Hernandez Avenue. APN 510-20-003.
Request for Review Application PHST-24-024. Exempt Pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Property Owner: Richard
Archuleta and Chrissy Klander. Applicant: Jay Plett, Architect. Project Planner:
Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Requesting approval for modification (roof material) of a previously approved project on an
existing pre-1941 single-family residence on property zoned R-1:8, located at 50 Hernandez
Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1903 (effective year built 1920) per County Assessor’s
Database
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: Unknown
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:
On January 26, 2022, the Committee conducted a preliminary review of a proposal to demolish
portions of the residence behind the front façade and construct additions to the residence, and
provided feedback to the applicant, including:
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SUBJECT: 50 Hernandez Avenue/PHST-24-024
DATE: December 13, 2024
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• Prefer matching the existing house roof material instead of using standing metal roof
material; and
• Be mindful of privacy and shadow issues for the neighbors.
A Minor Residential Development application for the project was submitted to the Town on
February 23, 2022. The development plans provided with the application were consistent with
those presented during the preliminary review and the applicant responded to all
recommendations of the Committee. On March 23, 2022, the Committee recommended
approval of the Minor Residential Development application, which was subsequently approved
by the Community Development Director on June 27, 2022. Building Permits for the project
were issued on October 31, 2023, and the project is currently under construction.
On October 25, 2023, the Committee reviewed and approved a request for modification to the
approved project for changes to the front porch and trellis, as well as window materials.
On March 13, 2024, the Committee reviewed and approved a request to enlarge a window on
the front elevation.
On October 23, 2024, the Committee reviewed a request for replacement of the existing siding.
The Committee recommended approval of the request, which was approved by the Community
Development Director on October 25, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant has returned to the Committee requesting approval to change the roofing
material from the approved composition roofing to standing seam metal for a portion of roof
over the deck at the rear elevation (Attachments 1 and 2). The applicant’s request letter
indicates that the change is needed due to the low slope of the roof (1.5/12) and the inability to
obtain a warranty from roofing companies for a composition roof on a slope of less than 2/12
(Attachment 3). The builder on the project has also provided a letter to this effect (Exhibit 4).
The applicant provides that the slope of the roof cannot be increased without impacting the
existing windows to remain above and the remainder of the roof on the residence would be a
composition material as previously approved. The portion of roof in question is partially visible
from the street above.
Section 4.8.8 of the Residential Design Guidelines offers the following guidance relative to roof
materials:
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SUBJECT: 50 Hernandez Avenue/PHST-24-024
DATE: December 13, 2024
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Roofs, Gables, Eaves and Overhangs
• For original roofs with wood shingles or shakes, coverings of fireproof composition
materials and dark colors in a heavy profile are acceptable where they are made to
resemble wood, if they are compatible with the architectural style of the building.
• Mission Revival or Mediterranean style structures should have tile roofs of a color, texture,
thickness and shape to look like the original clay roof tile.
• Clay and concrete tiles should be avoided on structures with wood or shingle siding.
• Plastic and modern style tiles are prohibited.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is seeking a recommendation of approval from the Committee to change the
roofing material from the approved composition roofing to standing seam metal for a portion
of roof covering the deck at the rear elevation. Should the Committee find merit in the request,
the Committee should forward a recommendation of approval for the request to the
Community Development Director. Once approved, Building Permit revisions could be
approved by the Town and the project would not return to the Committee.
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:
X 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. Photo Exhibit
2. Highlighted Elevations
3. Request Letter from Applicant
4. Letter from Mehus Construction
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ATTACHMENT 1
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ATTACHMENT 2
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JA/FLEET
50 HERNANDEZ AVE.
ARCHULETA KLANDER
HPC REQUEST-ROOF MATERIAL
HPC:
WE ARE REQUESTING APPROVAL OF THE USE OF METAL
ROOFING FOR THE LOWER-LEVEL ROOFING AT THE REAR
OF THE HOUSE.
IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT ROOFING COMPANIES WILL NO
LONGER WARRANTY COMPOSITION SHINGLE ROOFING
APPLIED TO ROOF SLOPES LESS THAN 2/12 ROOF PITCH.
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE EXISTING HISTORIC WINDOW
SIZES, WE MUST USE A 1.5/12 SLOPED ROOF, NECESITATING
THE USE OF METAL ROOFING AT THIS LOCATION. THE
ENTIRETY OF THE MAJORITY OF THE REMAINING ROOF WILL
REMAIN COMPOSITION SHINGLE AS APPROVED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
JAY PLETT ARCHITECT
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ATTACHMENT 4
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