Exhibit 8 - Consulting Architect's Report, dated October 28, 2024October 28, 2024
Ms. Suray NathanCommunity Development DepartmentTown of Los Gatos110 E. Main StreetLos Gatos, CA 95031
RE: 14341 Browns Lane
Dear Suray:
I reviewed the drawings, evaluated the neighborhood context and prepared a review letter for staff in June.
Substantial changes have been made to a portion of the structure that warrant a second review.. My comments
and recommendations on the revised design are as follows:
NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT
The site is located on a short and narrow cul-de-sac in an older neighborhood of mostly one and two story
homes with a range of traditional architectural styles. Photos of the site and its surrounding neighborhood are
shown on the following page.
EXHIBIT 8
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 2
View down Browns LaneSite to leftTHE SITE
House immediately to the left House immediately to the right
Nearby house across Browns LaneHouse immediately across Browns Lane
Nearby house Nearby house
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 3
PROPOSED PROJECT
Front Elevation
Rear Elevation
Right Side Elevation
Left Side Elevation
PREVIOUS DESIGN CURRENT DESIGN
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 4
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
The originally proposed home submitted in June was well designed in a traditional architectural style. While
the proposed two story structure would be taller than immediate neighbors, the design emphasized one story
eave heights and a scale that were compatible with the surrounding smaller homes. Only a few recommen-
dations for changes were made. The applicant made changes to the design as recommended, but also made
major changes to the garage and second floor bedroom wing that are very much in conflict with the previ-
ous design, the overall design of the home and other homes in its immediate neighborhood. Specific changes
included the following:
1. The garage and bedroom wing were moved back from the front face of the main house form.
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 5
2. The roof slopes for the garage/bedroom wing where changed to a much lower slope than the main roof
forms which would not be consistent with Residential Design Guideline 3.5.1.
3.5.1 Unify roof pitches
• Utilize the same slope for all primary roofs.
• Roof slopes for porches may be lower than the primary roof slope, depending on the architectural style.
• Dormer roof slopes may sometimes be steeper than the primary roof slope, depending on the architectural
style.
3. The eave heights of the garage/bedroom wing has been raised substantially which has greatly reduced this
portion of the home’s integration with the main body of the house.
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 6
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 7
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Restore the previously proposed garage/bedroom wing roof slopes and match its ridge and first floor eave
heights to those of the main part of the house
2. Widen the roof dormer to provide more interior volume in the bedrooms.
3. Match the dormer roofing material to the nearby main structure roofing.
14341 Browns Lane
Design Review Comments
October 28, 2024 Page 8
Suray, please let me know if you have any questions or if there are any issues that I did not address.
Sincerely,
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
Larry L. Cannon