Attachment 2 - Applicants Request Dated 04.07.2025
To
Town of Los Gatos
Historic Preservation Committee
SUBJECT: Request for removal of a Pre-1941 Property from Historic Resources Inventory
for the Property Zoned R-1D .
Address: 446 San Benito Ave
APN 410-16-051.
Dear CommitteeMembers,
This is regarding a request for removal of the house at 446 San Benito Ave from the
Historic Resource Inventory. As outlined in the Historic Research Worksheet, the required
research was conducted and the following documents reviewed:
● Sanborn Maps – Attached as Annexure 1 & 2 along with the HRC worksheet.
● 1941 Tax Assessment – Attached as Annexure 3 along with the HRC worksheet.
● 1989 Ann Bloomfield Historic Resource Survey Form – Attached as Annexure 4
along with the HRC worksheet.
● Polk Directories – Attached as Annexure 5 along with the HRC worksheet.
● Historic Property Collection and Tour Books – Nothing could be found in the
Historic property Collection as outlined in the HRC worksheet.
● Telephone Directories – Included with Polk Directories.
In addition following documents were also relied upon:
● Santa Clara County records -No records were available in the county for this
property. The replies from the county are attached as Annexure 6 & 7 with the HRC
Worksheet.
● Permit history of the house from City Computer Records: As per Annexure 8
attached with HRS worksheet.
● Town of los Gatos Parcel Report: As per Annexure -9 attached with HRC
worksheet.
● Home inspection report: attached herewith as Annexure 13.
Our research has determined that the structure has neither any historic significance nor any
architectural merit:
● It is believed that the home may have been built in 1905.
○ The home was not constructed with any defined architectural style and has
been modified from the original design.
■ The house does not have any perimeter foundation. Refer Page 8 of
the Home Inspection report attached herewith as Annexure 13.
■ The front porch has clearly been modified. The ridge board of the
porch is not provided as seen in plan sheet A6.7. Thus the porch roof
is not structurally sound.
ATTACHMENT 2
■ Unpermitted additions have been made to the house. The height in
bedroom 2 is less than 7’-0”, the minimum admissible height.
■ A wall has been constructed between bedroom 1 & closet which is
abutting the middle of the window as seen in Sheet A6.17 of the plan
set attached as Annexure 10 along with HRC worksheet.
■ The existing windows of the bedroom are not egress compliant as per
the current code requirement etc.
■ The vinyl windows are not original and of the time of its construction,
and may not be in their original locations.
■ The windows and front door do not reflect the architectural style nor
materials used in that era.
■ The architectural design of the house is very simple- a rectangular box
with front porch enclosed on all sides and no uniqueness is noticed in
the architectural details/design.
■ Further due to alteration to window & porch etc, the original design is
no longer existing.
○ Our research indicates that no person of any significant importance nor
anyone associated with the Town’s founding or history has ever owned or
lived in the property.
○ While the home was built prior to 1941, it is not included in historical records,
is not located within any historic district, and has no redeeming architectural
qualities.
○ In its current condition under modern codes, it may be deemed uninhabitable.
The above details, along with the specifics provided in the HRC worksheet demonstrate
that all five required findings have been proven:
1. The structure is not associated with events that have made a significant contribution
to the Town;
2. No Significant persons are associated with the site;
3. There are no distinctive characteristics of type, period, or method of construction or
representation of the work of a master;
4. The structure does not yield information to Town history; or
5. The integrity has been compromised such that the structure no longer has the
potential to convey significance.
Based on the evidence provided above, we strongly believe that this structure should be
removed from any historic list.
Encl: 1. HRC Worksheet along with Annexures 1 to 12.
2. Home inspection report as Annexure -13 -Page 8 for foundation condition.
Devendra Deshwal
Homeowner
446 San Benito Ave
out
0410712025