Staff Report.354 Bachman Ct
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Planning Manager
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 02/26/2025
ITEM NO: 3
DATE: February 21, 2025
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Approval to Construct Exterior Alterations (Window
Replacement) to a Non-Contributing Single-Family Residence in the Almond
Grove Historic District on Property Zoned R-1D:LHP:PD. Located at 354
Bachman Court. APN 510-58-004. Request for Review Application HS-25-008.
Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301: Existing Facilities.
Property Owner: John Haas. Applicant: Renewal by Andersen/Hilda Ramirez.
Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval to construct exterior alterations (window replacement) to a
non-contributing single-family residence in the Almond Grove Historic District on property
zoned R-1D:LHP:PD located at 354 Bachman Court.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1987 per County Assessor
2. Town of Los Gatos Historic Status Code: N/A
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? Yes
4. Is structure in a historic district? Yes, Almond Grove Historic District
5. If yes, is it a contributor? No
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located in the north portion of the Bachman Avenue Planned
Development (PD), which was approved in 1985. The existing residence was constructed in
1987.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to replace 12 existing vinyl-clad wood double hung
windows and a sliding patio door with wood composite double hung windows and sliding patio
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 354 Bachman Court/HS-25-008
DATE: February 26, 2025
door (Attachment 1). The applicant indicates that the new windows and door would match the
existing windows and door. The applicant wishes to replace the windows to improve energy
efficiency, safety, and noise. The applicant 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
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 the
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 1 and 2).
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 354 Bachman Court/HS-25-008
DATE: February 26, 2025
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:
In historic districts, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of
the application, nor adversely affect its relationship, in terms of harmony and
appropriateness, with its surroundings, including neighboring structures, nor adversely
affect the character, or the historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value of the
district.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant requests approval to replace 12 vinyl windows and a sliding door with wood
composite windows and doors (Attachment 1). The proposed windows and door would match
the size, operation, and appearance as the existing windows. Should the Committee find merit
in the request, a recommendation of approval 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.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Letter of Justification
2. Window Specifications and Photos
3. Site Plan
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