Staff Report.310 Johnson Avenue
PREPARED BY: Sean Mullin, AICP
Planning Manager
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 11/19/2025
ITEM NO: 8
DATE: November 14, 2025
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider a Request for Approval to Construct Exterior Alterations to an
Existing Pre-1941 Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8. Located
at 310 Johnson Avenue. APN 529-39-006. Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Section
15301: Existing Facilities. Request for Review Application PHST-25-024.
Property Owner/Applicant: Sumit Ahluwalia. Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a request for approval to construct exterior alterations to an existing pre-1941 single-
family residence on property zoned R-1:8, located at 310 Johnson Avenue.
PROPERTY DETAILS:
1. Date primary structure was built: 1900 (effective year built 1920) per County Assessor’s
Database
2. Bloomfield Preliminary Rating: N/A
3. Does property have an LHP Overlay? No
4. Is structure in a historic district? No
5. If yes, is it a contributor? N/A
6. Findings required? No
7. Considerations required? Yes
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located on the south side of Johnson Avenue, approximately 65 feet
south of intersection with Foster Road. The County Assessor reports that the residence was
constructed in 1900, with an effective year built of 1920. The Anne Bloomfield Survey does not
include the property. The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps cover the area beginning in 1891;
however, the current lot configuration and existing residence is not reflected until 1928
(Attachment 1). The footprint of the residence remains consistent between the 1928 and the
1956 maps. Town records include a permit for rehabilitation in 1983 and a permit to
repair/replace earthquake damage to the fireplace in 1990. Building Permits were also issued to
PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: 310 Johnson Avenue/PHST-25-024
DATE: November 14, 2025
the applicant in 2025 for foundation replacement and an interior remodel to reconfigure the
floor plan with no exterior alterations.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant submitted Letter of Justification indicating that non-original brick siding and
wainscoting detached from the residence and collapsed during the permitted foundation
replacement work, revealing the original wood siding beneath (Attachment 2). With the scope
of the permitted project expanding to address the failed brick siding, the applicant proposes
exterior alterations, including:
• Expanding the front porch;
• Relocating the front entry door; and
• New window locations.
Attachment 2 details the proposed design and materials. Additionally, the applicant provided
details on proposed exterior materials (Attachment 3), existing and proposed elevations, and a
proposed floor plan (Attachment 4). Staff provided an exhibit showing the existing and
proposed floor plan at a consistent scale in Attachment 5.
In summary, the existing wood siding beneath the failed brick would be repaired/replaced in-
kind (Attachments 4 and 5). The existing front entry door, now hidden from view, would be
replaced with a window and a new entry door would be created at the center of the front
façade to provide a clear entry. The existing window beneath the failed brick would be
expanded into three window set to match the existing windows and detailing. The existing front
porch would be expanded across the front façade, served by new entry stairs.
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:
X 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.
PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: 310 Johnson Avenue/PHST-25-024
DATE: November 14, 2025
CONCLUSION:
The applicant is seeking a recommendation of approval from the Committee to construct
exterior alterations to an existing pre-1941 single-family residence on property zoned R-1:8,
located at 310 Johnson Avenue. The proposed project, if not triggering a technical demolition,
would be processed through a Building Permit application. Should the Committee find merit in
the request, the recommendation would be forwarded to the Community Development
Director. If confirmed through Planning review to be in substantial conformance with the
Committee’s review and recommendations, the application would not return to the
Committee.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Exhibit
2. Letter of Justification
3. Project Details
4. Development Plans
5. Floor Plan Exhibit
6. Repair Photos
7. Door Example
8. 1941 Tax Assessment Record
9. Neighborhood Photos
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