Staff Report.4 Tait Avenue
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Community Development Director and Town Attorney
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 406-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/10/2025
ITEM NO: 6
DATE: December 5, 2025
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Approval for a Zone Change from C-2:LHP (Central
Business District with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) to
R-1D:LHP (Single-Family Residential Downtown with a Landmark and Historic
Preservation Overlay) and a General Plan Amendment to Change the Land
Use Designation from Central Business District to Medium Density
Residential, for Property Located at 4 Tait Avenue. APN: 510-44-054.
Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061
(b)(3). Zone Change Application Z-25-002 and General Plan Amendment
Application GP-25-002. Property Owner/Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.
Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval for a zone change from C-2:LHP (Central Business District with a
Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) to R-1D:LHP (Single-Family Residential Downtown
with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) and a General Plan Amendment to change
the Land Use Designation from Central Business District to Medium Density Residential, for
property located at 4 Tait Avenue.
PROJECT DATA:
General Plan Designation: Central Business District
Zoning Designation: C-2:LHP (Central Business District with a Landmark and
Historic Preservation Overlay)
Applicable Plans & Standards: General Plan, Town Code
Parcel Size: 0.27 Acres
PAGE 2 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
CEQA:
The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation
of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3), in that it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed amendments to the Town Code and
General Plan will have a significant effect on the environment, because the project does not
include any modification that would affect the historic significance of the building.
FINDINGS:
▪ As required, pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, there is no possibility that this project will have a significant
impact on the environment; therefore, the project is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3).
▪ As required by the General Plan, the proposed zone change is consistent with the General
Plan and its Elements in that the proposed zoning is consistent with the proposed General
Plan designation.
▪ As required by the General Plan, the General Plan amendment is internally consistent with
the existing goals and policies of the General Plan and its corresponding elements.
ACTION:
The Planning Commission will provide a recommendation to the Town Council who will render
the final decision on the proposal.
BACKGROUND:
The subject parcel is owned by the Town and located at the northeast corner of Tait Avenue
and West Main Street in the Broadway Historic District (Exhibit 1). The property is developed
with an approximately 2,525-square foot primary building and an ancillary outbuilding originally
constructed as a fire station and later used as a museum. The museum use was discontinued
several years ago. The primary building and outbuilding are currently unoccupied.
Surrounding Area
Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning
North Residential Medium Density Residential R-1D
East Commercial Medium Density Residential and
Central Business District
R-1D and C-2
South Residential Medium Density Residential R-1D:LHP
West Residential Medium Density Residential R-1D
PAGE 3 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
On August 4, 2020, the Town Council authorized the Town Manager to execute a long-term
lease agreement with Tait Firehouse LLC for the subject property. The agreement allowed the
property to remain in Town control, maintained the historic value of the property, required no
monetary resources from the Town, and provided a potential annual revenue stream to the
Town.
On April 20, 2021, the Town Council introduced an ordinance to rezone the property from
R-1D:LHP (Single-Family Residential Downtown with a Landmark and Historic Preservation
Overlay) to C-2:LHP (Central Business District with a Landmark and Historic Preservation
Overlay) and adopted a resolution approving a General Plan amendment to change the land use
designation from Medium Density Residential to Central Business District (Exhibits 2 and 3).
These changes were requested by the applicant at the time to allow the tenants of the building
to lease the existing building for commercial uses. To date, a viable commercial tenant for the
space has not been secured and the property remains unoccupied.
On January 21, 2025, the Council adopted a resolution declaring the property to be exempt
surplus land pursuant to the Surplus Land Act [Government Code Section 54221(f)(1)(B)] and
authorizing the Town Manager to pursue disposal of the property (Exhibit 4).
On October, 7, 2025, the Council approved an agreement for brokerage services for the
disposition of the property.
Given the challenges experienced in trying to secure a viable commercial tenant for the
property, the Town now seeks to return to the residential designation of the property by
changing the zoning from C-2:LHP to R-1D:LHP, and a General Plan amendment to change the
Land Use designation from Central Business District to Medium Density Residential.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Location and Surrounding Neighborhood
The subject parcel is located at the northeast corner of Tait Avenue and West Main Street in
the Broadway Historic District (Exhibit 1). The property is developed with an approximately
2,525-square foot primary building, constructed in 1927, originally built as a fire station and
later used as a museum. An accessory building is located in the northeast corner of the
property. The museum use was discontinued several years ago. The primary building and
accessory building are currently unoccupied.
The subject parcel is surrounded by parcels with a Medium Density Residential General Plan
Land Use designation and R-1D:LHP zoning designation to the north, south, and west
(Exhibit 1). The parcel to the east has a Central Business District Land Use designation and
C-2 zoning designation.
PAGE 4 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
B. Project Summary
The Town seeks to return to the residential designation of the property by changing the
zoning from C-2:LHP to R-1D:LHP and a General Plan amendment to change the Land Use
designation from Central Business District to Medium Density Residential.
DISCUSSION:
A. Zoning
The Town is proposing a zone change from C-2:LHP (Central Business District with a
Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay) to R-1D:LHP (Single-Family Residential
Downtown with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay). The proposed zoning would
be consistent with the General Plan Land Use designation if the proposed General Plan
amendment is approved. Permitted uses in the R-1D or multiple-family residential
downtown zone include single- and two-family dwellings provided that there is not more
than one principal residential structure on a lot, family daycare homes, and small-family
residential care facilities. The subject parcel is bound by parcels with a R-1D zoning
designation to the north and west (Exhibit 1). The parcel south has a R-1D:LHP zoning
designation and the parcel to the east has a C-2 zoning designation
The proposed zone change would not affect the existing Landmark and Historic Preservation
Overlay (LHP).
B. General Plan Land Use Designations
The Town is proposing a General Plan amendment to change the Land Use designation from
Central Business District to Medium Density Residential. The Medium Density Residential
designation (5 -12 dwelling units per acre) would be consistent with the proposed R-1D
zoning and provides for multiple-family residential, duplex, and/or small single-family
homes.
The subject parcel is bound by parcels with a Medium Density Residential designation to the
north, south, and west. The parcel to the east has a Central Business District General Plan
Land Use designation.
C. General Plan Goals/Policies/Strategies
Applicable General Plan goals and policies that should be used to evaluate the proposed
General Plan amendment and zone change applications for this site include, but are not
limited to:
PAGE 5 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
Land Use Goals
▪ LU-1 To preserve, promote, and protect the existing small-town character and
quality of life within Los Gatos.
▪ LU-6 To preserve and enhance the existing character and sense of place in
residential neighborhoods.
Land Use Policies
▪ LU-1.4 Infill projects shall be designed in context with the neighborhood and
surrounding zoning with respect to the existing scale and character of
surrounding structures, and should blend rather than compete with the
established character of the area.
▪ LU-6.1 Protect existing residential areas from the impacts of nonresidential
development.
▪ LU-6.3 Protect existing residential areas from adjacent nonresidential uses by
assuring that buffers are developed and maintained.
▪ LU-6.4 Prohibit uses that may lead to the deterioration of residential neighborhoods,
or adversely impact the public safety or the residential character of a
residential neighborhood.
▪ LU-6.5 The type, density, and intensity of new land use shall be consistent with that
of the immediate neighborhood.
Community Design Goals
▪ CD-6 To promote and protect the physical and other distinctive qualities of
residential neighborhoods.
▪ CD-10 To maintain the historic character of the Downtown.
▪ CD-12 To preserve significant historic and architectural features within the Town.
▪ CD-13 To support and encourage thoughtful rehabilitation or reuse of historic
structures.
Community Design Policies
▪ CD-6.1 Reduce the visual impact of new construction and/or remodels on the Town
and its neighborhoods.
▪ CD-10.1 Encourage the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reuse, and
maintenance of existing buildings Downtown.
▪ CD-12.1 Avoid demolishing historic buildings, unless the Planning Commission finds,
based on substantial evidence, that there is no feasible means to ensure the
preservation of the structure.
▪ CD-12.2 Encourage the preservation, maintenance, and adaptive reuse of existing
residential, commercial, or public buildings.
PAGE 6 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
A project identification sign was installed on site consistent with Town policy and written notice
was sent to property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the property. At the time of this
report’s preparation, the Town has not received any public comment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation
of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3), in that it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed amendments to the Town Code and
General Plan will have a significant effect on the environment, because the project does not
include any modification that would affect the historical significance of the building.
CONCLUSION:
A. Summary
The Town seeks to return to the residential designation of the property by changing the
zoning from C-2:LHP to R-1D:LHP and a General Plan Amendment to change the Land Use
designation from Central Business District to Medium Density Residential. The proposed
zone change and General Plan amendment would be consistent with the existing pattern of
zones and land uses adjacent to downtown (Exhibit 1). Additionally, reuse of the existing
historic structure is supported by the General Plan goals and policies.
B. Recommendation
Based on the analysis above, staff recommends that the Planning Commission consider the
existing and proposed zoning and General Plan Land Use designation and forward a
recommendation for approval of the amendments to the Town Council. If the Planning
Commission finds merit with the proposed amendments, it should:
1. Make the required finding that there is no possibility that this project will have a
significant impact on the environment; therefore, the project is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15061 (b)(3) (Exhibit 2);
2. Make the required finding that the proposed zone change is consistent with the General
Plan and its Elements in that the proposed zoning is consistent with the proposed
General Plan Land Use designation (Exhibit 2);
3. Make the required finding that the General Plan amendment is internally consistent
with the existing goals and policies of the General Plan and its Elements (Exhibit 2); and
4. Forward a recommendation of approval of Zone Change Application Z-25-002 General
Plan Amendment Application GP-25-002 and to the Town Council.
PAGE 7 OF 7
SUBJECT: 4 Tait Avenue/Z-25-002 and GP-25-002
DATE: December 5, 2025
C. Alternatives
Alternatively, the Planning Commission can:
1. Continue the matter to a date certain with specific direction;
2. Provide a recommendation for approval with modifications to the Town Council; or
3. Provide a recommendation for denial to the Town Council providing findings for denial.
EXHIBITS:
1. Location Maps (showing existing and proposed General Plan Land Use designations and
Zoning)
2. Ordinance 2317
3. Resolution 2021-009
4. Resolution 2025-002
5. Draft Required Findings
6. Draft Ordinance for the Zone Change, with Exhibit A
7. Draft Resolution for the General Plan Amendment, with Exhibit A
8. Property Plans
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