04-15-2025 Minutes - DRC (PDF)
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
MINUTES OF THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
APRIL 15, 2025
The Development Review Committee of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a regular meeting on
April 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Sean Mullin, CDD Planning; Robert Gray, CDD Building; James Watson, PPW
Engineering; Kenny Ip, SCCFD, and Marlon Spencer, SCCFD.
Absent: None.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 10:00 AM
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS None.
CONSENT ITEMS
1. Approval of Minutes – March 11, 2025
MOTION: Motion by Robert Gray to approve the consent calendar with the
modification of the date within the header to be corrected. Seconded by
Marlon Spencer.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 495 Bird Avenue
Architecture and Site Application S-23-025
Consider a Request for Approval to Demolish an Existing Single-Family Residence and
Construct a New Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1D. APN 529-06-045.
Categorically Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303: New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures. Property Owner: FAST4 DEVELOPMENT LLC. Applicant:
Clara Ren. Project Planner: Ryan Safty.
The project planner presented the staff report.
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Opened Public Comment.
Hui Mi, Applicant
There was a little change this weekend based on public comments received. Updated
plans are available now to share. The neighbors are worried about the windows on the second
floor as they will have potential privacy concerns. We revised the plans to remove window 22
from bedroom four and reduce the bathroom windows (windows 23 and 26) to narrow the size
and have them sit higher on the wall. Window 24 in bedroom three will go from five feet to
three feet, six inches. There will still be tree screening between the two homes. Windows 24
and 21 will also be egress windows. This is a new two-story house with an attached ADU. With
our design, we incorporate design elements from the neighborhood. For our landscaping, we
will have to remove a few trees, but we plan to plant new trees onsite and add protective tree
fencing for the trees that are staying. We are also adding irrigation.
Martin Hasha, Neighbor
There were issues, initially, with the property line, but that has since been resolved and
we have no issues. Regarding the pepper tree, the arborist report states that it is protected, but
in poor condition. We would be okay with it being removed. If it stays, we would like damage
made by it to be covered because there have been times when branches have fallen and
damaged our property. The privet tree looks to be on our side of the boundary, so we are
wondering why it appears on the plans. There is an ancient retaining wall there that needs to
be looked at, as it might not do well structurally. The existing fence is about 30-40 feet and
there is a gap at the back wall to the further most west part of the house appears to be getting
fixed, and we are okay with that.
Lauren Scalora, Neighbor
As stated in our email, we had concerns about the south side of the home around
privacy. We want to thank the applicant for listening to our comments and modifying their
plans to help with privacy. We wanted to provide suggestions for two other tree options, a
podocarpus and laurel, aside from the cypress trees that are listed on the plans that will be
fuller. On the current plans, there are no trees at the front of the house. We recommend
adding trees to help with shade. As for the pepper tree, we are undecided about what to do
with this tree as it provides shade to the back corner of our home, and provides space for the
bees, which tend to come and go.
Wen Long, Neighbor
We got the notice last year when we moved in, and we sent an email to the contact at
that time. We want to express our concerns. We want to confirm that safety measures will be
in place during the removal of a palm tree at the property. The other concern we have is
related to the driveway and curb. We see that there is a garage being added and we want to
understand whether parking will be eliminated due to the garage addition. The front right
window is quite large. We wonder if the light pollution would cause issues to the street in the
evening.
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Hui Mi, Applicant
Regarding the retaining wall, we have agreed to demolish this and redo it if the
neighbors are okay with it. With concerns to the window, we made modifications to the best of
our abilities without lessening the value of the home. Regarding the tree type chosen, we chose
these three because it is narrow and grows quickly. It will also be easier to maintain and is
cleaner. For the palm tree removal, we have professionals doing the work, but we are
reachable if there are other concerns. We will be enlarging the driveway a little bit to the right,
but will be working with the existing driveway overall. We won’t be changing the curbs at this
time.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Robert Gray to approve with the required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by James Watson.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
3. 15310 Suview Drive
Architecture and Site Application S-24-016
Consider a Request for Approval to Demolish an Existing Single-Family Residence,
Construct a New Single-Family Residence, and Site Improvement Requiring a Grading
Permit on Property Zoned HR-2 1/2. APN 537-24-024. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15303(a): New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. Property Owner/Applicant: James and
Holly Vergara. Project Planner: Maria Chavarin.
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
James Vergara, Applicant/Owner
We are available for questions.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Kenny Ip to approve with the required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by Robert Gray.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
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4. 220 La Terra Court
Architecture and Site Application S-24-063
Consider a Request for Approval to Construct a New Single-Family Residence, Remove
Large Protected Trees, and Site Improvements Requiring a Grading Permit on Property
Zoned HR-2 ½:PD. APN 527-12-007. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15303: New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures. Property Owner: LTL6, LLC. Applicant: Gary Kohlsaat.
Project Planner: Jocelyn Shoopman.
The project planner presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Jaclyn Greenmyer, Applicant
We have removed any part of the property outside of the LRDA. We are not asking for
any exceptions on the height. We have very minimal grading exceptions for egress and light.
Although this house is considered visible, it is only visible by about one percent.
Closed Public Comment.
Committee members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by James Watson to approve with the required findings and
recommended conditions of approval. Seconded by Robert Gray.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned 10:43 a.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
April 15, 2025, meeting as approved by the
Development Review Committee.
Prepared by:
________________________________________
/s/ Sean Mullin, AICP, Planning Manager