Attachment 3 - Project Description LetterSubmission to Conceptual Development Advisory Committee (CDAC)
for 401 Surmont Drive, formally “South End of Surmont Drive”
Preface:
A previous attempt to subdivide 401 Surmont Drive into three lots in 1980 by the former owner Russel Bate was denied “based on the inability to provide adequate water supply.”[2]. This document outlines a new plan to achieve the same goal, addressing the water supply issue and other relevant factors.
This document will address each section of the HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES [1], beginning with Section II. The plan aims to meet these guidelines, unless otherwise specified.
II. CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS AND SITE SELECTION:
The primary goal of this project is to develop three single-family homes within the Least
Restrictive Development Area (LRDA) designated in light green on the BATE 3 LOT YIELD map.
[5] Neighbor feedback was considered to ensure minimal visual impact, particularly from the
Northwest Corner of Selinda Way and Los Gatos-Almaden Road. [1]
Inquiry:
If a building doesn't project above the physical ridgeline, what proof is required, and how does
this affect building height limits?
III. SITE PLANNING
C. Driveways and parking
A previous application was denied due to insufficient water supply [2]. Attached are utility
plans, including water plans [9], and a letter from West Valley Sanitation District.
Inquiry:
Is this plan adequate to address the issues raised in the 1980s application?
Proposed roads and driveways, as depicted on the conceptual design drawing[7], will comply
with SCCFD requirements. These designs were developed in collaboration with Kenny Ip of the
SCCFD and meet 14 CCR § 1273.
Inquiry:
The design approach emphasizes the preservation of natural slopes by minimizing cutting and
filling operations. However, it is essential to determine the CDAC's flexibility regarding potential
deviations from the six-foot maximum limit for cutting and filling in Section 8 of the conceptual
design drawing, particularly when necessary to fulfill the stringent requirements imposed by the
SCCFD.
ATTACHMENT 3
V. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
No formal building placements or designs have been finalized.
Inquiry: Would the CDAC prefer similar home designs across the lots? The goal is to build on slopes less than 30% and away from roads. What are the expectations for home placements and designs in a lot subdivision?
VIII. SUBDIVISION AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
A. Purpose and intent.
Information to support a 3 lot split:
Slope density formula - Bate lot yield:
S= 37.1% a= 3.96 AC/DU A/a= 12.282/3.96 = 3.10 Units or 3 lots [3][4][5][6]
Proposed lots 2 and 3 are estimated to be approximately 1.75 acres each, with average slopes
of 42% and 38%, respectively. [7]
C. Least restrictive development areas (LRDA)
Residence locations in Submission rev1 + houses [8] are roughly placed based on the light
green LRDA areas shown in image BATE 3 LOT YIELD [5].
Inquiry:
Would the CDAC approve a larger-than-standard parking structure at the base of Lot 3, and a
trolley connecting the residence to the structure, even if the slope exceeds 30%?
References:
1.Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines - Updated January 2004
2.Subdivision application M-79-18
3.ZONING DISTRICT (Hillside Residential) Summary Handout - Updated: 12/14/2021
4.231002 401 SURMONT HR2.5 ZONING.jpg
5.231002 BATE 3 LOT YIELD.jpg
6.231002 BATE SLOPE CALC.pdf
7.Submission rev1 + leveled area.tif
8.Submission rev1 + houses.tif
9.2240145_2024-07-02 - 401 Surmont Dr - Water service (private) dwgs.pdf
10.WVSD - 401 Surmont Dr. Los Gatos.pdf