Attachment 7 - Structural Integrity ReportApril 29, 2025
City of Los Gatos Building and Planning
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Structural Condition Assessment
313 University Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94022
SEI Project No. 5794.00
Attention: Chief Building Official
As requested by the property owner, this letter is provided to report on the structural
integrity of a small single story residential structural (located below) totaling
approximately 850 square feet in area. The roof construction is comprised of straight
plank sheathing and sloped 2x roof framing with collar ties. The walls are constructed
with 2x studs and straight planking with no interior finishes. Currently there is no floor
and the structure is completely detached and shored in place over a partially complete
basement excavation. It is our understanding that the building was built in 1900.
ATTACHMENT 7
Exterior View East Side
Exterior View - South Side
Exterior View – West Side
Inside View - Looking North
Inside View - Looking East
Inside View - Looking South/East
Inside View looking – South/West
Observations
A close up evaluation of the existing framing reveals significant wood decay from both
termite infestation as well as on going dry rot (fungal decay) occurring in much of the
original perimeter stud framing and plank siding.
The slopping roof joists and ridge board are undersized and sagging. Proper ceiling/collar
ties are not present in the construction. As expected, this has resulted in outward bowing
of the exterior walls along the main plate line over time.
The observed shoring has been eroded with no mechanical anchorage.
Conclusions/Recommendations
The building appears to be in significant disrepair with extensive decay, water damage
and framing deficiencies. The current shoring is unstable and in eminent danger of
collapse at the soil interface. We would expect that the cost to properly repair this
structure would likely exceed the cost of replacement. In our opinion, the structure in its
current state, poses an immediate life safety risk should someone enter the interior or
stand too close to the perimeter of the excavation. We recommend that warning signs be
posted immediately and that the structure be completely demolished as soon as is
feasible.
Limitations
Our professional services have been performed using that degree of skill and care
ordinarily exercised, under similar conditions, by reputable engineers in the structural
discipline in this area. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the
professional content of this report. This report was prepared upon your request for
services and is to be used solely for this project.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Slattery S.E.
Principal
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, INCORPORATED