Exhibit 5 - Letter of Justification3360 De La Cruz Blvd. | Santa Clara, CA 95054 | 408-648-4500 | CA Lic 443949 | www.ba-builders.com
REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION
Town of Los Gatos
Community Development Department
110 E. Main Street | Los Gatos, CA 95031
www.losgatosca.gov
Plan Check: S-24-045
Architecture and Site Development Application
Address: 16511 Cypress Way | Los Gatos, CA
Description: Garage & Breezeway Replacement
LRV Exceeding 30
The colors, textures and materials will match the primary structure. The scale of the structure is within
zoning height limitations and complies with the Hillside Development Standards. Other attributes are
discussed further in detail in the section above including architectural style, height, bulk, scale, roofs,
windows, materials, architectural features, privacy, sustainable design and fire-life safety. An exemption
has been requested for the LRV exceeding 30 since the intent for the proposed garage assembly is to have
the same materials, textures and colors to match the existing residence for what is already established on
site.
The colors, textures and materials will match the primary structure.
Exterior cladding is stucco and will match the main residence
Roof is asphalt shingle tiles and will match the main residence
Trim, gutters and facia will match the main residence
Doors will match the stucco color
Lattice and breezeway wall will match the existing nearby bbq terrace
EXHIBIT 5
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3360 De La Cruz Blvd. | Santa Clara, CA 95054 | 408-648-4500 | CA Lic 443949 | www.ba-builders.com
Cut and Fill Exceeding Maximum Allowed
Maximum grade cuts are based upon the existing terrain, preserving natural features and drainage and
utilizing the existing garage location. Note that the garage foundation level is being maintained in the
addition thus the noted maximum cut noted in the garage line item.
A request for exemption is requested due to existing conditions on site. The garage is maintaining the
same pad elevation as the existing removed. Due to the existing site configuration and constraints, cutting
an additional 5.5’ is necessary to maintain the same pad elevation. Elevating the garage would require
significantly more grading and asphalt modifications. The same is true for the additional 7’ of cut for the
miscellaneous hardscape and additional 3’ of cut for the landscaping.
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3360 De La Cruz Blvd. | Santa Clara, CA 95054 | 408-648-4500 | CA Lic 443949 | www.ba-builders.com
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3360 De La Cruz Blvd. | Santa Clara, CA 95054 | 408-648-4500 | CA Lic 443949 | www.ba-builders.com
Additional Trees Removed & In Lieu Fee Request
Tree removal is necessary to accommodate the new garage size with the grading and drainage required.
The Town’s Arborist report identifies 4 trees to be removed, however this was based upon the original
submittal before comments were received. The resubmittal has shown a total of 8 trees to be removed
in order to comply with the requirements in the Hillside Development Standards for retaining walls limited
to 5-foot high and WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) requirements through AMMC (25-0417). The site is
located in a very high fire hazard severity zone (VHFHSZ).
Tree replacement is not being proposed due to WUI requirements as planting new trees will result in a
greater fire hazard than the original condition, especially when the trees are fully mature. Tree canopies
in Zone 1 shall not touch in order to accommodate a reasonable fire break. Planting any new tree would
not accommodate this. In-lieu fees are being requested instead of planting any new trees.