Staff Report with Attachments 1 through 6.109 Tait Avenue
PREPARED BY: Erin M. Walters
Senior Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/23/2024
ITEM NO: 5
DATE: May 28, 2025
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Approval to Construct Exterior Alterations to a Non-
Contributing Single-Family Residence in the Almond Grove Historic District on
Property Zoned R-1D:LHP. Located at 109 Tait Avenue. APN 510-18-037.
Minor Development in a Historic District Application HS-25-009. Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. Property
Owner: Howard Labe and Jill Nakamura. Applicant: Terry J. Martin, AIA.
Project Planner: Erin Walters.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval to construct exterior alterations to a non-contributing single-
family residence in the Almond Grove Historic District on property zoned R-1D:LHP, located at
109 Tait Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1920 per County Assessor; 1940’s per Bloomfield Survey
2. Bloomfield Preliminary Rating: ‘N’ – New, probably built since 1950
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 County Assessor indicates that the residence was constructed in 1920, and the 1990 Anne
Bloomfield Survey indicates a construction date of the 1940’s (Attachment 1). The property is
included in the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps having a consistent footprint between 1928 and
1956 (Attachment 2). Town records provide a permit history including a remodel with rough
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 109 Tait Avenue/HS-25-009
DATE: May 23, 2025
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framing, new roof, new siding, new foundation, and electrical completed in 1961 (Attachment
3). Records include plumbing, lighting, and mechanical permits for a kitchen remodel and reroof
completed in 1995. The applicant provided a request letter including photographs of the
property (Attachment 4), a summary of the property research (Attachment 1), and project
plans (Attachment 6)
DISCUSSION:
The subject property at 109 Tait Avenue is located on the northwest side of Tait Avenue,
approximately 70 feet northeast of the intersection with Bean Avenue. The property is
developed with a single-story main residence and a detached garage and accessory dwelling
unit. The applicant is requesting approval to construct a new covered porch and exterior
modifications to the main residence (Attachment 6). The proposed modifications include the
following:
• Reconfiguration and simplification of the existing multiple roof pitches at the rear and side
elevations;
• Construction of a new 354-squrae foot rounded covered rear porch and deck with wood
posts and guard rails;
• The addition of five new low-profile sun tunnels on the reconfigured roof; and
• Reconfiguration of door and windows at rear and left side elevations to accommodate the
porch access.
New materials, composition roofing, wood trim, wood windows with painted mullions, vertical
wood siding and all architectural characteristics will match the existing materials and
architectural style. The proposed roof reconfiguration and rear porch addition will be located at
the rear of the residence and will not impact the elevations visible from the street (Attachment
6).
The proposed project appears to fall below the Town’s demolition thresholds for historic
residences. Staff will verify this under review of the Building Permit.
Town’s Residential Design Guidelines
The Committee should consider Section 3.9 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines, which
provides recommendations for construction of additions to existing residences (Attachment 5).
Including but not limited to the following recommendations:
• The existing built forms, components and materials should be reinforced. Heights and
proportions of additions and alterations should be consistent with and continue the original
architectural style and design.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 109 Tait Avenue/HS-25-009
DATE: May 23, 2025
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• Additions should be subordinate, and compatible in scale and proportion to the historically
significant portions of the existing structure.
• When an addition or remodel requires the use of newly constructed exterior elements, they
should be identical in size, dimension, shape, and location as the original, and should utilize
the same materials as the existing protected exterior elements.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is requesting approval to construct a new covered rear porch and exterior
modifications to an existing pre-1941 non-contributing single-family residence on property
zoned R-1D:LHP in the Almond Grove Historic District located at 109 Tait Avenue. Should the
Committee find merit in the request, a recommendation of approval would be forwarded to the
Community development Director. Once approved by the director, the project would be
accomplished through a Building Permit and would not return to the Committee.
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:
For pre-1941 structures, the proposed work will neither adversely affect the exterior
architectural characteristics or other features of the property which is the subject of
the application.
B. Residential Design Guidelines
Section 3.9 of the Town’s Residential Design Guidelines offers recommendations for
construction of additions to existing residences (Attachment 5).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Property Research
2. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
3. Building Permit Records
4. Request Letter and Photos
5. Section 3.9, Residential Design Guideline
6. Project Plans
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
HISTORIC RESEARCH WORKSHEET
Applicants shall provide written evidence and supporting documents to justify their request for
a remodel, alteration, addition, determination of significance, or demolition of a designated or
presumptive historic resource. This worksheet is intended to assist the applicant in gathering
written evidence and supporting documents, and to assist the Historic Preservation Committee
during evaluation of the request.
Applicants shall provide written evidence and supporting documents of the historical and
architectural characteristics, regarding both structures (construction date, alteration dates,
photographic documentation) and people (owner and/or resident names). If written evidence
cannot fit on this worksheet, please attach separate sheets.
The applicant shall research the following (please check the box once you complete your
research):
1.Los Gatos Public Library (see How to Research the History of a House in Los Gatos):
□Sanborn Maps
□1941 Tax Assessment
1989 Anne Bloomfield Historic Resource Survey forms
□Polk’s Directories
□Telephone Directories
□Other
2.Santa Clara County Resources (especially helpful for properties previously located in the
county’s jurisdiction):
□Santa Clara County Planning Department records
□San Jose Public Library (California Room)
3.Community Development Department Resources:
□Sanborn Maps
□1989 Anne Bloomfield Historic Resource Survey forms
□Community Development Department property files (permit history)
Research was conducted on (please enter date): ____________________________________
Records and Documents found (please attach copies): _______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
ATTACHMENT 1
n
n
3/10/2025
Anne Bloomfield Architectural /
Cultural Survey, Los Gatos Museum Association Historic Home Survey
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Sanborn Map 1895
dd,D EdϮ
109 Tait Avenue
Sanborn Map 1904
109 Tait Avenue
Sanborn Map 1908
109 Tait Avenue
Sanborn Map 1928
109 Tait Avenue
Sanborn Map 1928 – 1944
109 Tait Avenue
Sanborn Map 1928-1956
109 Tait Avenue
ATTACHMENT 3
Labe Residence Minor Historic Development Submittal
Custom Porch Addition Written Project Description
109 Tait Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
May 19, 2025 Page 1 of 5
Terry J. Martin Associates, A.I.A.
1615 Westwood Drive, San Jose, California 95125
terry@tma-arch.com (408) 209-5152 | rebecca@tma-arch.com (408) 679-2645
Los Gatos Historic Preservation Committee
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
RE: Labe Residence
APN: 510-18-037
To Whom It May Concern:
Per the request of the Town of Los Gatos, we offer this written description of our proposed project.
Our area of work is at the rear of the historic residence at 109 Tait Avenue. At no point will we build above the
highest ridge or make any changes visible from the front of the property.
We propose to remove and replace several flat roofs that were piecemeal additions over the years; these roofs are
failing and have significant issues with leaking. In their place, we propose a more simplified roof configuration. Five
new low-profile sun tunnels will be added to bring light into the house.
In addition, we propose to build a new 354 sf covered porch at the rear of the building. Several doors and windows
will be reconfigured for porch access and will all match existing units. New materials, trim, and overall architectural
characteristics will also match the existing house. Current landscaping will remain except as necessary, and any new
plantings or hardscape will match existing.
See attached photo elevations of each side of the residence. Again, no work is proposed to be visible from the front.
We believe that the proposed work will not adversely affect the exterior architectural characteristics or any other
features of the property.
We request your consideration for approval of the proposed project.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.
Best Regards,
Terry J. Martin, A.I.A.
ATTACHMENT 4
Labe Residence Minor Historic Development Submittal
Custom Porch Addition Written Project Description
109 Tait Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
May 19, 2025 Page 2 of 5
Terry J. Martin Associates, A.I.A.
1615 Westwood Drive, San Jose, California 95125
terry@tma-arch.com (408) 209-5152 | rebecca@tma-arch.com (408) 679-2645
Existing Front Elevation:
Labe Residence Minor Historic Development Submittal
Custom Porch Addition Written Project Description
109 Tait Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
May 19, 2025 Page 3 of 5
Terry J. Martin Associates, A.I.A.
1615 Westwood Drive, San Jose, California 95125
terry@tma-arch.com (408) 209-5152 | rebecca@tma-arch.com (408) 679-2645
Existing Left Side Elevation:
Labe Residence Minor Historic Development Submittal
Custom Porch Addition Written Project Description
109 Tait Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
May 19, 2025 Page 4 of 5
Terry J. Martin Associates, A.I.A.
1615 Westwood Drive, San Jose, California 95125
terry@tma-arch.com (408) 209-5152 | rebecca@tma-arch.com (408) 679-2645
Existing Rear Elevation:
Labe Residence Minor Historic Development Submittal
Custom Porch Addition Written Project Description
109 Tait Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
May 19, 2025 Page 5 of 5
Terry J. Martin Associates, A.I.A.
1615 Westwood Drive, San Jose, California 95125
terry@tma-arch.com (408) 209-5152 | rebecca@tma-arch.com (408) 679-2645
Existing Right Side Elevation:
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Residential Design Guidelines 33
Town of Los Gatos BUILDING DESIGN3
3.8.3 Use traditional detailing
•Treat openings in walls as though they were constructed of
the traditional material for the style. For example, be sure to
provide substantial wall space above arches in stucco and
stone walls. Traditionally, wall space above the arch would
have been necessary to structurally span the opening, and
to make the space too small is inconsistent with the archi-
tectural style.
•Openings in walls faced with stone, real or synthetic, should
have defined lintels above the opening except in Mission or
Spanish Eclectic styles. Lintels may be stone, brick or wood
as suits the style of the house.
•Treat synthetic materials as though they were authentic.
For example, select synthetic stone patterns that place the
individual stones in a horizontal plane as they would have
been in a load bearing masonry wall.
•Select roof materials that are consistent with the traditional
architectural style (e.g., avoid concrete roof tiles on a Crafts-
man Style house.)
3.8.4 Materials changes
•Make materials and color changes at inside corners rather
than outside corners to avoid a pasted on look.
3.9 ADDITIONS/ACCESSORY BUILDINGS/SECONDARY
UNITS
•Site additions in the least conspicuous place. In many cases
this is a rear or side elevation - only rarely is it a rooftop.
•The existing built forms, components and materials should
be reinforced. Heights and proportions of additions and
alterations should be consistent with and continue the
original architectural style and design.
•Additions should be subordinate, and compatible in scale
and proportion to the historically significant portions of
the existing structure.
•When an addition or remodel requires the use of newly
constructed exterior elements, they should be identical in
size, dimension, shape and location as the original, and
Use stone or wood lintels over
openings in stone walls
Additions, accessory buildings and secondary
units should match the form, architectural
style, and details of the original house
ATTACHMENT 5
Residential Design Guidelines34
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN3
should utilize the same materials as the existing protected
exterior elements.
•When an addition necessitates the removal of architectural
materials, such as siding, windows, doors, and decorative
elements, they should be carefully removed and reused in
the addition where possible.
•The introduction of window and door openings not char-
acteristic in proportion, scale, or style with the original
architecture is strongly discouraged (e.g., sliding windows or
doors in a structure characterized by double hung windows
and swinging doors).
•The character of any addition or alteration should be in
keeping with and subordinate to the integrity of the original
structure.
•The amount of foundation exposed on the addition should
match that of the original building.
•Do not add roof top additions where the roof is of historic
significance.
•Second floor additions are discouraged in neighborhoods
with largely one story homes. If horizontal expansion of
the house is not possible, consider incorporating a second
floor addition within the roof form as shown in the example
to the left.
•Second floor additions which are not embedded within the
roof form should be located to the rear of the structure.
•The height and proportion of an addition or a second story
should not dominate the original structure.
•Deck additions should be placed to the rear of the struc-
ture only, and should be subordinate in terms of scale and
detailing.
•New outbuildings, such as garages, should be clearly subor-
dinate to the main structure in massing, and should utilize
forms, materials and details which are similar to the main
structure.
•Garages should generally be located to the rear of the lot
behind the rear wall of the residence. One car wide access
driveways should be utilized.
Original structure
Addition incorporated into the roof
successfully adds space while respecting the
integrity of the existing house and the scale of
the neighborhood
Placing a two story addition to the rear can minimize its impact on the historic resource and the scale of the neighborhood