08 Staff Report - Residential GuidelinesDATE:
TO:
FROM:
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
October 2,2008
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
GREG LARSON,TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE:10/6/08
ITEM NO:0
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:UPDATE AND MERGE THE PRE-I94I DESIGN GUIDELINES AND THE
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL SINGLE FAMILY
AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS IN ALL ZONES EXCEPT THE
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND HILLSIDE RESIDENTIAL ZONES;
INTRODUCE ORDINANCES AMENDING ZONING CODE CONSISTENT
WITH DESIGN GUIDELINES.
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT A-08-00I.
HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION APPLICATIONS HD-08-0I,
HD-08-02,HD-08-03 AND HD-08-04.
APPLICANT:TOWN OF LOS GATOS
RECOMMENDATION:
1.Hold the public hearing and receive public testimony;
2.Close the public heming;
3.Take the following actions:
a.Residential Design Guidelines
Adopt the resolution with modifications as outlined in this report and/or discussed at this
meeting to the Residential Design Guidelines (Attachment 6).(MOTION REQUIRED)
b.Town Code Amendment
•Accept repOli in the form of meeting minutes from the Planning Commission
regarding the Town Code amendment.(Attachment 2)(MOTION REQUIRED)
•Direct the Clerk Administrator to read the title of the ordinance.(NO MOTION
REQUIRED)
•Move to waive the reading ofthe ordinance.(MOTION REQUIRED)
•Make the required finding that the proposed Town Code amendment is consistent
with the General Plan.(MOTION REQUIRED)
BUD N.LORTZ .p.~tJ
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
N:\DEV\CNCLRPTS\2008\Resguidelines.2.2.doc
Reviewed by:__Assistant Town Manager ~Town Attorney
__Clerk Administrator __Finance ~COlmnunity Development
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
October 2,2008
•
•
Introduce the ordinance to effectuate the Town Code amendment (Attaclunent II).
(MOTION REQUIRED)
Direct the Clerk Administrator to publish the ordinance within IS days after adoption.
(NO MOTION REQUIRED)
c.Historic District Ordinance Amendments
•Direct the Clerk Administrator to read the title of the four HistOlic District
ordinances.(NO MOTION REQUIRED)
•Move to waive the reading of the ordinances.(MOTION REQUIRED)
•Make the required finding that the proposed Ordinances are consistent with the
General Plan.(MOTION REQUIRED)
•Introduce the ordinances (Attaclunents 7 through 10).(MOTION REQUIRED)
•Direct tlle Clerk Administrator to publish the ordinances within IS days after
adoption.(NO MOTION REQUIRED)
BACKGROUND:
Town Council considered this matter on August 4,2008 and continued the matter willi directions
to:
I)Incorporate the changes directed by Council in the Draft Residential Design Guidelines
(RDG),and
2)To inform architects who have done work in Los Gatos,that the current draft of the
Residential Design Guidelines is available for review and to encourage the architects to
review the document and to provide input to Town staff.
The matter was scheduled to be heard by Council on September 15,2008 but was continued
williout discussion due to the length ofthe agenda.
DISCUSSION:
A.Summary of Changes
TIle Draft RDG incorporates the changes as directed by Council discussed in the August 4,
2008 report on this matter.The guidelines also incorporate the following changes as directed
by Council.
•Solar Panels -First bullet of Section 3.11.4 on page 37 has been modified to
eliminate the comment regarding inconspicuous locations of the panels and now
discusses how to design the panels.
•Compliance with historic preservation -On page 54,Section 4.10,the bullet sections
were modified to be less negative and easier to read.
Staff also modified the incorporation of a native plant list in the draft RDG.The native plant·
list used by the Town of Los Gatos is specifically for properties located in the Hillside Area
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
October 2,2008
and therefore,would not be applicable to the RDG.To meet the intent of this direction,the
side bar on page 20 references a web site of the Santa Clara Valley Water District which lists
recommended water wise and native plantings for the County.
B.Notice to Architects
Letters were sent to architects who have done work in Los Gatos,informing them that the
cunent draft of the RDG is available on the Town's web site.The architects were
encouraged to review the document and provide input to Town staff.Three letters were
received (Attachments 16,17 and 18).Staff does not believe that the comments wanant any
changes to the RDG.Following is a summary of the comments with a response from staff:
•Architects need more latitude on window style,building materials and architectural
elements.Staff Note:The guidelines require window styles and elements to be
compatible with the architectural style of the house which is a design quality that the
Town strives for.As for materials,the guidelines state that wood windows are
common in Los Gatos and are desired.The guidelines allow for simulated wood
materials and metal windows for modern style homes,
•Roofpitches should be allowed to be varied in neighborhoods.Staff Note:The
guidelines do not prohibit varied neighborhood roof pitches.
•Concern that hillside guidelines will be used for certain non-hillside area properties.
Staff Note:There are numerous hillside lots in Town that are not subject to the
Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines (HDS&G).There are no criteria for
these parcels to evaluate site constraints,visibility,grading,drainage,and retaining
walls.The Town's current regulations also do not address the maximum house size
permitted on lots greater than 30,000 square feet for properties outside of the hillside
area.Therefore,the proposed guidelines require that parcels with an average slope of
10%or greater outside of the Hillside Area be govemed by the proposed RDG and
specific sections of the HDS&G.In addition,it is proposed that lots larger than
30,000 square feet be subject to the gross floor area requirements of the HDS&G.
•Basement and cellar definitions should be revised to be consistent with Building Code
definitions.Staff Note:This is not possible since the Town has different definitions
which allow exemptions to the FAR.
•Define when the Town's Consulting Architect is required or eliminate this
requirement and require all plans to be prepared by a licensed architect.Staff Note:
Staff does not recommend this change for two reasons:
1)To provide propeliy owner flexibility in design services.selection and 2)to
ensure the availability of independent professional design review for staff,the
Planning Commission and the Council.
•The neighborhood assessment worksheet adds additional time to the application
process.Staff Note:This is cOiTect,however,the worksheet is intended to assist the
application process,not hinder the process.The worksheet requires property owners
and design professionals to focus their attention on important neighborhood pattems
which Town staff and the deciding bodies will use when reviewing the
appropriateness of design proposals in regards to neighborhood compatibility.
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
October 2,2008
o Need clarity regarding landscape requirements.Staff Note:Discussed below.
STAFF COMMENTS:
Subsequent to Council's review on this matter,Council discussed the regulation of ornamental
landscaping and the use of architectural copper.Based on these discussions,it is recommended
that Council review the following sections of the draft RDG to ensure the wording is acceptable.
If Council detennines that the language should be modified,the specific changes should be
included as pari of the motion.
Landscaping
The sidebar on page 20 contains the following wording regarding landscaping:
Landscaping decisions are largely left to the discretion of the individual property owner.
However,residents are encouraged to be aware and respectful of the landscape
character oftheir neighborhood.The following are suggested guidelines.
New landscaping should:
o Respect the character defining landscape elements of the lot and adjacent
neighborhood.
o Preserve mature trees and hedges whenever possible.
o Respect the tree and planting patterns ofthe block front.
o Equal or exceed the quality and density oflandscaping ofthe blockfront.
o Limit the amount ofhardscape paving in the front setback.
•Use materials (e.g.,lawn)similar to other homes along the blockfront.
o Utilize a similar degree offormality or informality as seen on other district lots.
o Drought tolerant and native plantings are encouraged to reduce water consumption.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Santa Clara Valley District's Water-wise
Plant List at www.valleywater.org/Water/Water conservation/In the home/Water-wise
plant list.shtm
Architectural Copper
The sidebar on page 32 contains the following wording regarding architectural copper:
The use of Architectural Copper is discouraged because of its potential to contribute·
pollution to surface waters and the San Francisco Bay through urban runoff.Industrial,
municipal and some other users are required to follow regulations and obtain permits for
discharge under the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES)permit program,which controls water pollution by
regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters ofthe United States.
PAGE 5
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
October 2,2008
Although individual homes that are connected to a municipal system,use a septic tank,or
do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit,the potential for water
contamination from copper is ofconcern to all Bay Area communities.
The major uses ofarchitectural copper in residential construction are rooft,gutters,and.
copper-treated composite shingles.
Ifarchitectural copper is proposed,mitigation measures may be required which could
include the following:
•Use another roofing material of similar appearance,such as,coated steel or pre
patinated copper.
•Cover the copper feature with a clear coating.
•Avoid use of chemicals that are applied at the construction site to accelerate copper
patina development.
The sidebar discussion was not previously translated into a specific guideline.Consequently,it is
recommended that the following bullet be added at the end of Section 3.8.1 if the Council
concurs that architectural copper should be discouraged.
•The use of architectural copper is discouraged.The mitigation measures contained in
the sidebar may be required as detennined appropriate by the deciding body on a
case-by-case basis.Refer to sidebar.
Cellars
The Planning Commission has recently requested Council direction about cellars.Policy L.P .2.3
of the General Plan states "Encourage basements and cellars to provide "hidden"square footage
in-lieu of visible mass".Some of the Commissioners interpret this to mean that an applicant
should not maximize the allowable footage and propose a cellar although the structure has been
designed so that the bulk and mass is compatible with the neighborhood.Section 3.3.2 of the
draft RDG (page 23)attempts to clarify this issue by stating "Applications with cellar space will
be carefully evaluated to ensure that substantial efforts have been made to reduce visible mass to
ensure compatibility with the site's immediate neighborhood".Until the General Plan is updated
to clarify the intent of Policy L.P.2.3,it is recommended that the following be added to the end
of the sentence from the RDG noted above,"...and the floor area of the cellar shall not be
evaluated or included in reviewing the overall floor area of the structure".
Since there is no clmification of Policy L.P.2.3 for parcels in the hillside area,it is recommended
that the resolution to adopt the RDG include the following statement:
Fmiher Resolved,the Town Council has determined that the intent of Policy L.P.2.3 of
the General Plan relating to cellars,as defined in the Residential Design Guidelines,shall
be incorporated in futUl'e updates of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines,
the Grading Ordinance and the Cellar Policy for consistency.
PAGE 6
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT:RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
October 2,2008
CONCLUSION:
The RDG will provide up-to-date and comprehensive regulations to assist property owners and
developers through the development review process.It is recOlmnended that Council discuss the
comments noted above.Additional changes directed by Council will be incorporated in the final
document.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
It has been determined that these proj ects could not have a significant impact on the
environment;therefore,the projects are not subject to the Califomia Environmental Quality Act·
(Section 15061 (b)(3)).
FISCAL IMP ACT:None.
Attachments:
Previously Submitted to Town Council:
1.Draft Single and Two Family Residential Design Guidelines.
2.Excerpt of the Planning Commission meeting minutes of April 23,2008.
3.Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of April 23,2008.
4.Excerpt of the Planning Commission meeting minutes of February 27,2008.
5.RepOli to the Planning Commission for the meeting of February 27,2008 (Exhibits 1 through
6 and 8 and 9 removed and incorporated as Attachments 1 and 6 through 10 and 12 and 13.
6.Draft Council Resolution.
7.Draft Ordinance amending the Almond Grove Historic District Ordinance.
8.Draft Ordinance amending the Broadway Historic District Ordinance.
9.Draft Ordinance amending the Fairview Plaza Historic District Ordinance.
10.Draft Ordinance amending the University/Edelen Historic District Ordinance.
11.Draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment.
12.Matrix of key changes.
13.Gross Floor Area Chart from the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.
14.Letter from the State Office of HistOlic Preservation,dated April 30,2008.
New Submittals
15.Draft #3 of the Single and Two Family Residential Design Guidelines,dated September 5,
2008.
16.Lctter from Gary Schloh (one page)received September 10,2008.
17.Letter fi'om Terry Martin (two pages)received September 12,2008.
18.Letter from Chris Spaulding (one page)received September 15,2008.
Distribution:
Larry Cannon,Cannon Design Group,180 Harbor Drive,Ste 219,Sansalito,CA 94965
BNL:SLB:mdc
ATTACIIMENT 15
Adopted by the
Los Gatos Town Council
xxxx xx,2008
Town of Los Gatos
Community Development Department
110 East Main Street
P.O.Box 949
Los Gatos,CA 95031
(408)354-6872
(408)354-7593 fax
www.1osgatosca.gov
Town of Los Gatos
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
2 NEIGHBORHOOD PATIERNS
3 BUILDING DESIGN
4 HISTORIC RESOURCES
5 GLOSSARY
APPENDICES
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
CONTENTS
Applicability .5
Relationship to other plans 6
Purpose .•.••••.•....•.•.••.....•.••.•.....•.•••.••••.......•.•.•.•....•....•••.....•6
Setting .7
Community Expectations •.••.••.......••.••••.••.....••..•••.......••.•.•10
Historic Preservation ..............................•.........................10
How to Read Your Neighborhood 11
General Design Principles 11
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 12
Design Review Process ..•.••••••.•..•••.••.....•....•..•..•...•.•.•••..•...12
General Neighborhood Design Principles 13
Street Presence 14
Form and Mass ...•........................•..................................15
Garages 18
Site Development..20
General Building Design Princi pies 21
Architectural Style 22
HeightlBulk/Scale 23
Garages 25
Roofs 27
Entries 29
Windows 30
Materials 32
Additions/Accessory Buildings/Secondary Units 33
Architectural Detail 35
Privacy and Solar Access 36
Sustainable Design 38
Application/Enforcement 39
Historic Preservation 39
Approval Process for Historic Resource Alterations 41
Historic Distriets 43
Building Classifications 43
Demolitions 43
Pre-1941 Structures 46
Protected Exterior Elements 46
RestorationlRehabilitation/Reconstruction .•.....................47
Additions/Accessory Buildings/Secondary Unltss 54
New Construction 54
Noncontributing Structures 55
Research Resources 56
Definitions 57
Appendix A
How to Read Your Neighborhood Workbook
Appendix B
Historic Districts
AppendixC
Cella,Policy
Appendix 0
Sustainable Design
Appendix E
Historic Resources Status Codes
3
Town of Los Gatos
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
TOWN COUNCIL
Barbam Spector
l\ffire Wasserman
Steve Glickman
Diane McNntt
Joe Pirzynski
Mqyor
Vice-Mqyor
PLANNING COMMISSION
Joanne Talesfore Chair
D.lYIichael Kane Vice Chair
John Bourgeois
Philip lYIicciche
Thomas O'Donnell
Stephen lYL Rice
Marico Sayoc
GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE
John Bourgeois PkmlJbzg Commission
Tom O'Donnell Plant/bIg Commission
Joanne Talesfote Planning Commission
Joe Pirzynski Town Coulldl
Barbara Spector Town Coundl
Ba1:bara Cardillo Commlt1Jity Serdces Commissioll
Marcia Jensen Public fupresCIltative
Jane Ogle Public fuprese1,tative
1vlargaret Smith Business Represmtative
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Kendra Burch Chair
Len Pacheco Vice-Chair
Bob Cowan
Philip iYIicciche
Marico Sayoc
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008-
TOWN STAFF
Greg Larson
Pamela Jacobs
OrryKorb
Bud Lortz
Randy Tsuda
Sandy Baily
Larry Cannon
TOWIl MaJlager
Assistant ToJV1l Manager
Towll Attorney
Communi!J Development Director
Assistant Community Development Director
h-sociate Planner
Town Architect /CantlOll Design Group
Town of Los Gatos
INTRODUCTION
The Town of Los Gatos has a great diversity of neighhorhoods and
residential structures constructed over a span of almost a century
and a halE Many homes have grown and adapted over time to the
changing needs of Los Gatos families,as well as to larger social trends
and architectural fashions.Homes have grown larger in size,new
types of interior spaces have become common,and parking needs
have increased.Yet,a certain scale and ambience has been retained
throughout the community that allows this wide diversity of homes
and neighhothoods to coo.";'st comfortahly within a fahric readily
recognizahle as the Town of Los Gatos.
\Vhile many of the changes in home size and fashions have
evolved over a fairly long time frame,the recent economic pros-
perity of the San Francisco Bay Area and the increased desirahility
of attractive communities located neat employment centers has
stimulated more rapid changes in residential architecture.Larger
homes with Great Rooms,cellars,home offices,media centers,and
large master bath suites are increasingly common.Given the limited
number of undeveloped lots within the Town,much of this growth
is occurring as additions to older and.smaller homes or as demoli-
tions and.new home construction on lots within older,established.
neighbothoods.
The Town recognizes and.welcomes the need for change,but
desires that change occur in a manner that is respectful of the scale,
texture,and character of the community's individual neighborhoods
and.unique natural setting.These guidelines contain a clear state-
ment of community expectations to assist property owners and.
their design professionals in meeting the needs of individual families
in a manner that is sensitive to and.respectful of their respective
neighborhoods.
1.1 APPLICABILITY
These design guidelines will be used by the Town staff,DRC,Plan-
ning Commission,Historic Preservation Committee,and Town
Council in evaluating changes to -existing structures and for new
construction.They are applicable to all residential development
within the Town that requires a discretionary approval or a building
permit except for:
a.Parcels within the Town of Los Gatos Hillside Area which
will be governed by the Hillside Development Standards and Guide-
lines.
b.Parcels containing mote than 30,000 square feet which
shall be subject to the gross floor area tequirements of the Hillside
Development Standards and Guidelines.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
INTRODUCTION
1
5
•
--INTRODUCTION
1
6
..-::To"-'wccn"-"ofc:L"'o:::s-=:G::::a:::to:::s
c.Parcels with an average slope of 10%or greater outside of
the Town of Los Gatos Hillside Area which shall be governed by
these guidelines and the following sections of the Hillside Develop-
.ment Stiiidafdsii.ilirGUidelliies*'·
Constraints Analysis and Site Selection excluding the
staudards for the visibility from off site and ridge line
view protection.
•Site Phuming for:
-Grading
-Drainage
-Driveways and Parking
-Geologic Safety
Site Elements for Retaining Walls
*The use of the Hillside Development Stantlards and Cuidelbm
(HDS&Gt)is illtended to intplemellt the Town of Los Catos'visioll state-
met/tfOr its hillside and to ensure that all development is in compliance with the
goals,policies,and intplementing .rtrategies oj the Gmera/Pian.In reDiclviog an
applicatinn IlSitlg hoth the Resitlelltial Desigll Cuidelilles alld the HDS&G t,
the standards aMguidelines of the HDS&G shall hoth be discr'tiollary.The
dedt/bzg botfy JviU need /0 take itlto aero/tnt the character of the sJ/mJunding
lleighborhood and el1vironmenf when implemetlling a strategy or gnideline.
1.2 PURPOSE
The guidelines contained in this document are intended to accom-
plish the following:
•Provide guidance to Town staff,property owners and their
desigu professionals in desiguing new houses and remodel-
ing existing structures.
Provide a greater degree of project review and approval
predictability.
Ensure that new development is compatible with its sut-
roooding neighborhood.
•Establish a high level of design quality.
Reinforce the special qualities of the Town's visual charac-
ter.
Streamline the development review process by more clearly
communicating community expectations to property own-
ers and developers.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
1.3 SETTING
The Town of Los Gatos'unique qualities ate a result of its lovely
natural setting,long development history,and residents'pride in
home and neighborhood.Each neighborhood is unique unto itself,
and the size and style of homes vary throughout the co=unity
from small cottages to much larger and mor~formal homes.And
yet,Town tradition and a concerted effort by the Town's staff,elected
officials,and appointed boards have resulted in an environment and
a.collection of neighborhoods with a strong sense of community.
INTRODUCTION
1
Second floors set into the roof forms and stone retaining waifs
are common in older Los Gatos neighborhoods
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 -7
--.INTRODUCTION
1
Town of Los Gams
Parking for cars is subordinate to the home in most neighborhoods
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
Larger formal homes are found in some neighborhoods
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
INTRODUCTION
1
1.4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Town of Los Gatos
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
Homes will respect the scale and character of their immedi-
;;:t~':;;;igW;;:;!hoods.---.._~-~~---.._----
Homes will maintain a friendly presence to the street.
Structutes will be designed with architectural integrity with
design and material consistency on all facades.
Structures will be constructed with high quality materials
and craftsmanship.
Attention will be given to architectural details consistent
with the individual architectural style.
All aspects of the project will respect the natural setting
and features of a site.
Mature landscaping will be preserved whenever possible.
Attention will be given to parcel landscaping that is sym-
pathetic to the neighbothood.
Homes will be designed with .respect for the views}privacy
and solar access of their neighbors.
Drought tolerant and native plantings are encouraged to
reduce water consumption (see Appendix F).
Structures will be designed to be energy and water efficient,
constructed using building materials that reduce resource
consumption,and take advantage of renewable resources
where appropriate.
------10
1.5 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
By ordinance,special :teview attention is given to demolitions,addi-
tions,renovations,and new buildings within the Town's one Com-
mercial and four residential Historic Districts.Special attention is
also given to any building consttucted prior to 1941.Projects within
historic districts and some Pre-1941 structures will require review
by the Los Gatos Historic Preservation Committee.
The general guidelines in Chapters 2 and 3 of this document
provide some basic guidance for good planning and design for
any parcel within the Town.Chapter 4 includes some additional
requirements and guidance for Pre-1941 residential structures and
for properties within the Town's Historic Residential Distticts.These
should provide a good overview of community requirements and
expectations.However,applicants with Pre-1941 properties and
those within an historic disttict should review the appropriate Town
ordinances to ensure a full understanding of the requirements.Town
staff can assist in providing these ordinances and in identifying af-
fected properties if you are unsure.
In addition to buildings,there are also other features (e.g.,stone
walls and fences)which contribute to the Town's character and
heritage.Guly a few of these are identified individually by Town
ordinance,but property owners are asked to be sensitive to these
features and to integrate them into their plans whenever possible.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
INTRODUCTION
1
11
1.6 HOW TO READ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
A special workbook has been prepared to assist property owners and
their design professional in looking at their neighborhoods when
assessing appropriate design plans,styles and details.In addition to
the neighbothood patterns and details noted in the workbook,con-
sideration must be given to ensure that privacy and shadow impacts
on properties within and outside the immediate neighborhood are
evaluated.The hope is that a greater awareness of one's immediate
neighborhood will bting increased design sensitivity to the design
of both additions and new homes.
The workbook also provides some guidance as to the context that
will be used by the deciding body in reviewing the appropriateness
of design proposals to neighborhood compatibility.The greatest
attention will be given to the immediate neighborhood where nearby
home owners ate most likely to be confronted with the new house
or addition on a daily basis,and where other residents dtiving by
are most likely to see the new structure in the context of the nearby
homes.
Recognition will be given to the fact that a house design which is
appropriate in one neighborhood may not be appropriate in another
neighborhood.Some neighborhoods have a distinctive character and
scale while others are much more mixed and transitional.In addi-
tion,some houses were constructed with little consideration to the
neighborhood architectural style or its site characteristics.Others
were remodeled with little sensitivity to the existing architectural
style.These abenations will not be considered when analyzing a
neighborhood.The presence of significantly different house styles
or large scale houses located at a greater distance from the applicant's
site will be given less weight than the immediate neighborhood.
Common sense should be used when applying the diagram be-
low to a specific site context.If in doubt,please consult with Town
staff for guidance.
The diagram below illustrates the Town's interpretation of the
immediate neighborhood in standard subdivisions.There are sev-
eral factors in determining an immediate neighborhood when this
diagram may not be applicable.These factors include,but are not
limited to,location and visibility of the building (e.g.,terrain of the
lots,lots with multiple frontages and diversity of parcel size).
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Immediate Neighborhood definition
__•••••-L----------------'·~.:'.ow=n.:'.o'-'fL"':o~s.::G~at~os
INTRODUCTION
1
12
1.7 DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
Applicants are encouraged to meet with staff prior to formally sub-
mitting -;,-.r';velopment application.staff may be able to higwJght ..
issues and concerns related to a specific site,to a neighborhood,or
to the architectural design of the house or addition.
Once a formal application is submitted,the staff will review the
application for completeness and for planning and design issues.
Development applications may be approved by the Director of
Community Development,the Development Review Committee
(DRC),or the Planning Commission,depending on the scope of
work.
For many projects,designs are also reviewed by the Town's
Consulting Architect for further evaluation of neighborhood com-
patibility and design excellence.While not conclusive,substantial
weight is given to the recommendations of staff and the DRC in
making a determination on the application.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft·#3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS
Neighborhoods in the Town of Los Gatos vary widely,reflecting
the community's growth over time.Older neighborhoods near
Downtown and along Lorna Alta and Johnson Avenues have a
regular street grid pattern along with curbs,gutters and sidewalks,
while newer neighborhoods often have a more varied street pattern.
Street patterns,parcel sizes,the presence of sidewalks and curbs,
and home designs in some neighbothoods vary gready while those
in others are much more regular and similar -often a reflection of
lots developed in the subdivisions of their day.The general types of
neighbothoods,excluding the Town's hillside neighborhoods which
are covered by other guidelines,are described in the sidebar.
Sensitive additions and new homes will vary from neighborhood
type to neighborhood type and from parcel to parcel.However,the
broad intent of these guidelines is to respect the scale and character
of each of the Town's individual neighborhoods.The emphasis is
on "neighborhood compatibility"with the recognition that some
change is inevitable and may be an improvement to the existing
structw:e and/or neighborhood.
2.1 GENERAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The following principles have been used as touchstones for the devel-
opmentof individual Neighborhood Pattern Guidelines.In the event
that the specific guidelines do not clearly address a given condition,
these ptinciples,along with the General Design Principles on page
11 should be consulted for direction.The following principles will
be used by the deciding body when evaluating projects,and when
considering the acceptability of unique proposals that vary from
the specific guidelines.
•Residential development shall be similar in mass,bulk and
scale to the immediate neighborhood.Consideration will be
given to the existing FAR's,residential square footages and lot
size in the neighborhood.
The Director ofCommunity Development has the discretion to refir
an application to the Planning Commission ifthe proposed FAR and/or
floor area is at or near the largest in the neighborhood.
•House entries shall be similar in orientation and scale to
other homes in the immediate neighborhood.
•Garages and paved driveways used for parking shall be
similar to what is most common for other homes in the im-
mediate neighborhood.
•Mature landscaping should be preserved if at all pos-
sible.
•Pursuant to Town Code,the front yard shall be landscaped
and the amount of impervious surface limited.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS
2
13
___Town of Los Gatos
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS L-----'=~==
2
existing
House
Similar front setbacks help define the street
edges
14
2.2
'l,2.1
•
•
•
•
2.2.2
•
STREET PRESENCE
-Relate-building front and-sidesetbaeks to-those-on
adjacent parcels
If setbacks along a street front are uniform,match that
setback.
In cases where serbacks are varied in the neighborhood,
new homes should match those of adjacent homes.
Where adjacent homes have differing setbacks,try placing
the home such that it uses an average of the two.
r'-'-'-'-'-r-'-'-'-'-r'-'-'-'T-'-'-'-'-f-'-'-'-'-'
i !! ! !
i !'Ill'!i !...! !!r---,
j ExistIng f ~I .-_I-II.I Exls."tl.n g
!House iIi i Hou.se
I .'1 .L--+-'I ! !...!'Ii._._.._._.!.._.__._._I_._._._._.,,!._._._._._.!,._._;,!-._._J
Do iNot No~
This Jbls ~I;t,
ExceptiofJ:Where adjacent lots have a nonconforming setback,app/j-
eantmay have the option ofconformingto the requitOed zoningsetback.
In some imtantes,a variedsetblUkftom the neighborhood pattern may
be neCeSSd1)or appt"Opriatc (such as lot constraints including topogra-
phy,trees,creeks,lot size~and architectural style).It is the applicants
responsibility to justtjj any requestfir a setback variation.The TOwn
or deciding body will evaluate the applicants rationale in conjunction
with the design guidelines and other TOwn codes andpolicies.
Provide front facade articulation similar to those
predominant in the neighborhood
If facades along a street front are generally simple,avoid
large changes in front wall planes.
Where front wall setbacks are varied in the neighborhood,
new homes should relate more to those of adjacent homes.
The width of projecting building masses aod the amount
of horizontal offsets in wall planes should also be similar.
!_._.~.-'1-'-'-'-'1---.-.-.-_._,_._.-:
!"J~~~~g r tfo~e r H~~-=e!r·I
j 0 1"1.0
!l:"""'il Ilf""'ll I Ir"-.,.....-._._._....'-'_._._.....-._._.-....._.-._.-
Do Not
This This
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS
2
2.3.1 Design two story houses in predominantly one story
neighborhoods to blend with the smaller homes.
Two-story houses may not be appropriate for every neighbor-
hood,For neighborhoods dominated by one-story homes,an effort
should be made to limit the house to one-story in height or to accom-
modated second Hoor space within the e...asting roof If a two-story
house is proposed in this type of a neighborhood,the house shall
be designed to blend with the smaller homes.
Fences taller than three feet should be
avoided on comer lot sides
Second floor within roof form helps to relate
larger home to smaller neighbors
A low fence of approximately three feet and
good design articulation gives this house a
strong presence on the side street that is
complementary to other front facades on that
street
Relate any street visible fences and gates to the house
facades
Hold fences and gates back a minimum of 5 feet from the
front fatade.
Use materials,colors and.details that are similar to elements
on the house.
Whe~driveway gates are used,setting them
back from front facade with materials;shape
and color related to the front facade,like the
example,above is encouraged
Maintain a strong street presence on both street-
facing facades of corner lots
Provide similar design articulation and details on both fa-
cades.
Keep side yard fences low or limit the.i.t extent to the rear
yard setback.
•
•
•
•
2.3 FORM AND MASS
2.2.4
2.2.3
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 15
Town of Los Gatos
Strang one S!9ry :Slgniflcarit overhangs
roof eave emphasis .ani:l recesses
2.3.2 Avoid structures with height and bulk at front and
side setback lines which are significantly greater
than those of the adjacent homes
~.-_._,Large.dlfference fn'-bulkat front
"••""sell)ack-between-the new house
and'the adjacelitnelghbQrlng h4Juse
Design home entries that are sympathetic to others
in the neighborhood
Avoid very formal entries in neighborhoods that are more
informal (e.g.,Ranch Style)in character.
Avoid tall entries unless that is the predominant entry type
in the neighborhood.
Provide entry porches when they are common in the im-
mediate neighborhood.
•
•
•
Some techniques include:
A combination of one and two story masses.
__RQQf _§..~gw~flt~!H~p~tIDgJhe firs~~d ~~~()!l9-__.l?:0.2r fa~~_c:1.~s
as shown in the example below:
Porches with eave height similar to adjacent homes.
Second floor area contained within the roof form.
•Deep recessed entries,porches and windows.
2.3.3
-16
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS
2
In addition to common roof pitches,some
neighborhoods also have distinctive roof forms
such as the hip roofs on this house
Many ofthe older neighborhoods have
relatively steep roof pitches
in neighborhoods
characterized by
steeper roof pitches
New Home
MaIntaIn
one story
adJacent to
Two "0'"Jone"0'"
8dJs,en",.0..ExIstingtwostoryonestory
~;I;
Avoid low roof
pitches ...
Existing
two story
T
~
Minimize the mass of garages
If detached garages enst in the neighborhood,consider a
detached garage at the rear of the lot to reduce the mass
and scale of the honse (see examples in Section 2.4.1).
Generally avoid towers and turrets
Locate second floor mass to minimize impacts on
the streetscape and adjacent neighbors
In one story neighborhoods,place additions at grade level
behind the existing house whenever possible.
Place second story mass in locations appropriate to the
height of adjacent homes.
•
•
•
2.3.7
2.3.6
2.3.5 Avoid the use of tall towers or turrets unless they are
integral to the architectural style
2.3.4 Use roof forms and pitches that are similar to other
houses in the neighborhood.......---..,
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Councii Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 17
Town of Los Gatos
j~t~Hi';X!;\1ff.-c'd.L _...
NarroVi driveway .
"i~~.-·~;.~,...,,.-'.
Narrow driveways with garages at the rear
are a common pattern in many Los Gatos
neighborhoods
2.4
2.4.1
•
GARAGES
tocate·garages -to reinforce the predominant
neighborhood pattern
Along street fronts with narrow driveways and garages
located at the rear of parcels,repeat that pattern.
NOT THIS
r'-'-'~
I
I
-<C--+-j-House
Where garages near the front face of the houses are corn-
moo,a similar location is acceptable,but the garage front
should generally be set back from the front facade (See
guidelines on page 25.)
In neighborhoods with garages typically forward of the
main house facade,the use of side loaded garages is strongly
encouraged....-_._-,
r'-'-'~
.I
I
+t-j-Houslt
:Garage
Orient garages to rear alleyways where they exist and are
commouly used for parking;Match locations and setbacks
that are common along the alleyway;Uncovered surface
parking spaces should be paved with special paving (e.g.,
Grasscrete or permeable modular pavers).
DO THIS
•
•
•
e ae rom ron aea
Side loaded garages are helpful in minimizing
the visual impact of larger garages on the
streetscape of a block
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS
2
Tandem parking
should be considered
for 3 car garages
in 2 car garage
neighborhoods and for
2 car garages in 1 car
garage neighborhoods
Circular driveways like this are discouraged
Good example of some techniques to fit a
new house into an established traditional
neighborhood
Mitigate the impact of driveways on the
streetscape
Limit the width of curb cuts to the minimum size needed to
access the garage.This will reduce the amount of paving.in
the front setback,and preserve on-street parking spaces.
Utilize modular paving materials or special patterns or colors
to break up paved driveway areas in front setbacks.
"Where circular driveways are allowed,substantiallandscap-
ing should be provided along the street front,and special
driveway paving materials andlor patterns should be pro-
vided.
~"~/~~"'Q;c-;'~~'~I~~~~~.\Q~
Three car tandem garage example
Limit the use of circular driveways
Circular driveways are discouraged because they increase
the amount of paving in front setbacks.
Circular driveways may be considered for larger estate lots
.with wide street frontages where the width of the total
driveway footprint is less than 50 percent of the parcel
width.
Minimize the impact of garage doors on the
streetscape
Limit the use of 3 car wide garages to locations that are not
visible from the street or adjoining houses.
In neighborhoods where 2 car wide garages are common,a
tandem garage may be considered for a third garage space.
(Note:Tandem spaces do not count toward required park-
ing.)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.4.5
2.4.4
2.4.2
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 19
2.5
2.5;1
2.5.2
•
•
Town of Los Gatos
SITE DEVELOPMENT
~Save~mature~-tree.and ~lamh.cafJing whenever
possible
Many trees are protected by the Town's Tree Ordinance
(Section 29.10.0950 -29.10.1045 of the Town Code)which
sets forth criteria for protected tree size and species and the
procedures for their removal and replacement.A summary
is provided in the sidebar,but applicants should refer to the
full ordinance which is available from Town staff or on-line
at www:losgatosca.gov
Design with sensitivity to adjacent neighbors
Existing views are not protected as a right.Never-the-Iess,
additions to existing homes and new houses should be
planned with an awareness of the impacts which they will
have on the views,sky exposure,sun access and privacy of
neighbors (see Section 3.11 for additional gnidelines).
Design with conscious recognition of the treatment
of street and sidewalk edges in the neighborhood
Many of the older neighborhoods in Los Crltos have grade
changes at the front property line due to ground slopes.
Many neighborhoods have made this a distinctive featore
through stone or brick retaining walls.Strong consideration
should be given to repeating these elements where they add
to the quality and character of the neighborhood.
Stone retaining walls along {rant property lines are a
distinctive {eature in some neighborhoods
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
Homes in Los Gatos come in many forms,sizes and architectural
styles.This diversity is one of the features that contributes to the
Town's unique identity.Older Victorian Style homes,Spanish Eclec-
tic Style homes and new interpretations of Craftsman Style homes
often occupy the same street ftont.One-story Suburban Ranch
Style homes may occupy one street of a larger neighborhood while
newer two-story contemporary homes may occur around the corner
or down the street.While this ju.."{taposition might seem harsh if
repeated in a new community,the large amounts of mature land-
scaping and the evolution of the Town's neighborhoods over a long
period of time have allowed the co=unity to comfortably absorb
this diversity of home sizes and styles.
Perhaps more than these mitigating factors,the self-restraint of
residents and the mutual respect of one neighbors has contributed
to neighborhoods wirh a great deal of visual unity and similarity in
scale.While architectural styles often vary considerably in any indi-
vidual neighborhood,few homes stand out in marked contrast to the
predominant size and bulk of their surroundings.\Vhile there is no
formula for architectural excellence,the intent of these guidelines
is to set forth common sense techniques that have been employed
over the years to achieve this strong sense of community.
3.1 GENERAL BUILDING DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The following principles have been used as touchstones for the
development of these design guidelines.In the event that specific
guidelines do not clearly address a given condition,these principles,
along with the Basic Design Principles on page 11 should be con-
sulted for direction.The following principles will be used by the
Town when evaluating projects,and when considering the accept-
ability of unique proposals that vary from the specific guidelines.
The entire document must be applied in context when considering
the general and basic design principles.
•Selected architectural styles shall be compatible with the
snrrounding neighborhood,acknowledging that some neigh-
borhoods have a variety of architectural styles and rhat diversity
contributes to the Town's unique character.
•Design features,proportions and details shall be consistent
with the architectnral style selected.
•Materials and design details shall be suitable to rhe neigh-
borhood and consistently used on all sides of the house and
any accessory structures.
•Garages shall be subservient to entries and ground floor
living spaces.
•The use of renewable energy resources for heating,cooling
and lighting should be maximized.
•Projects should be designed to conserve energy and wa·
ter.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
BUILDING DESIGN
3
21
BUILDING DESIGN
3
Town of Los Gatos
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Design for architectural integrity
In general,it is best to select a clear and distinctive archi-
tectural style rather than utilizing geueric desigu elements
or mi.~g elements from different architectural styles.
Building massing,roof pitches,materials,window types
and proportions,design features (e.g.,roof dormers),and
other architectuIal features should be consistent with the
traditions of the selected style.
Carry wall materials,window types and architectural details
around all sides of the house.Avoid side and rear elevations
that are markedly different from the front elevation.
Develop Hoar plans that allow the location and size of
windows to match the selected architectural style.For ex-
ample,some styles emphasize the placement of windows
in a symmetrical relationship to the eutry.
Select an architectural style with sensitivity to the
surrounding neighborhood
Styles with front facade eaves at the first Hoar level will be
easier to adapt to predominantly one story neighborhoods
than styles with two story,unbroken front facades.
Styles with variations in the plane of the front facade wall
may fit more comfortably in neighborhoods with smaller
houses or with smaller building masses close to the street.
Avoid selecting an architectural style which typically has
roof pitches that are substantially different from others in
the nearby neighborhood.
Some architectural styles require Simple
shapes and formal symmetry of the doors and
windows
•
•
•
•
•
•
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
•Materials should be used to reduce the consumption of
__!l_O!!~~!!~_~ble resources an~i~p'~ov:e_~i!9.~~~__
Continuation of front facade materials and
detailing onto other walls gives this Los Catos
residence good design integrity
This style would have been more compatible
with the neighborhood shown above
22
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDINC DESICN
3
3.3
3.3.1
•
•
•
3.3.2
•
•
•
•
•
HEIGHT/BULK/SCALE
Develop the house plans and elevations together
Avoid complex floor plans that require complicated building
mass and roof forms.
Work within the traditional forms of the architectural style
selected.Unless the architectural style selected clearly sup-
ports substantial complexity,generally keep building mass-
ing and roof forms simple as is the norm for traditioual
architectut:e.
Avoid complex second floor plans and roof forms if that
is not the norm for the neighborhood.
Height and bulk at front and side setbacks
Two story houses may not be appropriate for every neigh-
borhood.For ueighborhoods dominated by one story
homes,an effort.should be made to limit the house to one
story in height or to accommodate second floor space within
the roof form as is common in the Craftsman Style.
When utilizing a cellar or extended foundation wall,avoid
setting the :first floor height at an elevation above grade that
would be significantly different than those of the adjacent
houses.
CelLlrs are defined as an enclosed llred that does not extend more
than 4feet above the existing orfinished grade,andare not counted
in the Floor Area Ratio calculations~hy Town Counalpolicy.How·
evet;ifor')part 0/a cellar is above grade,it shall be considered in
analyzing the bulk and mass ofthe strueture~even ifitis not included
in the FAR.The intent setfirth in the General Plan is "to provide
hidden square footage in-lieu ofvisible mass."
In the spirit ofthat intent.applications with cellar space will he
carefully evaluated to ensure thatsuhstantial efforts have heen made
to reduce visible mass to ensure compatibility with the site's immedi-
ate neighborhood.For text o/the Cellar Policy~see Appendix C.
Avoid eave lines and roof ridge lines that are substantially
taller than the adjacent houses.
Give special attentiou to adapting to the height aud massing
of adjacent homes.Avoid tall,Wlbroken front facades when
other nea!hy homes have more articulated front facades
with horizontal wall plaue changes.
Houses that are elevated above the street shall be designed to he
compatible in h~ight a1Jd mn;s with the other bOllses OJlthat side of the
street,nnd sholtld include desiglJ techniques to minimize the visudl mass
resllbilIgfiWlI its raised ekvation.
In ueighborhoods with small homes,try to place more of
the Hoor area on the first floor with less area on the second
Hoor.
Subsiantiallyelevated first floors like thismay
not be acceptable in neighborhoods where
they do not currently exist
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 23
__.-Town of tos Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN '---------------=--=:-====
3
•Take cate in the placement of second Hoor masses.Unless
the architectural style traditionally has the second floor front
wall at or near the first floor wall,set the second Hoor back
~~~-from the froOtEacade a minlmum or5Teet:~~
Avoid too many roof forms that overly
complicate the design
Other two story wall mitigation techniques
•
•
•
•
3.3.3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The design of two story homes constructed adjacent to one
story houses should include techniques to minimhe their
visual impact and provide transitions in scale.
Some techniques include:
Step down to one story elements neat:the side set-
backs
Provide substantial side setbacks for the entire
house
Provide substantial second floor side setbacks
Use hip roofs at the sides rather than gables
Avoid monumental scaled forms (e.g.,towers or turrets)
that contrast with the neighborhood architectural forms.
Avoid bay windows and other features that compete with
the entry as the home's focal point.
Avoid the use of too many active building forms added to
the mass of the building.An e..'"{cessive use of roof forms
is a common problem.
Corner lots need to be treated with extra care when desig-
neing a new house or an addition to soften the visual mass
ahd height and to enliven the street frontage.
Provide visual relief for two story walls
Some techniques include:
Belly bands (see photo below left)
Pop outs and bay windows
Material and color changes
Chimneys
Wide overhangs with projecting brackets
Juliet balconies (see photo below left)
Window boxes and pot shelves
Landscaped trellises and lattices
Dee~_o~erhang w~t_h bracke1;S
."L'!tAt.
This Craftsman Style house includes several features
to mitigate the visual height of the side wall
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
3.4
3.4.1
•
•
•
•
•
•
GARAGES
Limit the prominence of garages
Avoid designs that allow the garage to domioate the street
facade.
Limit the garage width to a maximum of 50 percent of the
total facade width.
Set garages back from the front facade.
Umiting the width of garages and setting them
back from the front facade can minimize their
visual impact
Recess garage doors as much as possible from the garage
facade.
Consider adding trellises with landscaping over garage doors
to soften their visual appearance.
Integrate the garage into th~house forms in a manner that
de-emphasizes the garage doors.
Recess garage doors from the facade as much
as possible
Divided garage opening with high quality wood doors
integrated into the house design helps minimize the visual
impact of this garage
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Use windows and landscaped trellises oVer
garage doors to soften their appearance
----25
26
-dL ---"To"'w"'n=of:..:L"o"'s-::G"'a"'to:'::s
3.4.2 Minimize the visual impact of larger garages
Three car garages may not be appropriate in most neighborhoods.
__~e.E..<:~!g_<:r_g~~~g<:~are cu~~ma~~~~~ropriate,steps sh~~~_
still be taken to minimize their visual impact on the house and
streetscape.
Some techniques include:
Using side loaded or split apart garages where possible
•Accommodating additional cars in tandem spaces (see
diagram on page 19)
•Separating the garage doors
•Breaking up driveway paving with landscaping and/or
special paving
3.4.3 Integrate garage doors into the design with
appropriate details
•Windows in garage doors are encouraged.
•Wood doors are encouraged.
Use wood trim similat to the house windows
.///
//
Garage door windows and trim in this Los Gatos house are
closely related to the rest of the facade
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
Some architectural styles have a different roof
pitch for attached porches
Most architectural styles maintain a uniformity
of roof pitch
Avoid excessive roof form complexity
Avoid mnltiple floor plan pop outs that produce multiple
roof gables.Where roof eave variation is desited,consider
vertical wall extensions and dormer !Oofs,as shown in the
example below.
This is a good example of roof eave variation
without excessive complexity
ROOFS
Unify roof pitches
Utilize the same slope for all primary roofs.
Roof slopes for porches may be lower than the primary
roof slope,depending on the architectural style.
Dormer roof slopes may sometimes be steeper than the
primary roof slope,depending on the architectural style.
•
•
•
•
3.5.2
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.3
•
Relate roof overhangs to the architectural style and
to the surrounding neighborhood
Some architectural styles (e.g.,Mission and Spanish Eclectic)
often come in small and large overhang versions.In those
circumstances,tailor the roof overhangs to the general
character of the surrounding homes.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 27
Town of Los Gatos
Design dormers with attention to the architectural
style and the neighborhood
Avoiddormer-sizes_thatare_outofscale-with_the_!oof and
contrary to traditional designs.
Gable dormers,single or an aggregate of multiple dormers,
should rarely exceed 50 percent of the width of the roof
Shed dormers can be wider.
Two Los Gatos homes with well scaled
dormers appropriate to their architectural
styles
•
•
3.5.4
Or use a shed dormer
Avoid large gable dormers that dominate
the roof
:~:~.'G-,f,:~;'i'
.rr~~t7lf::~.J+#
In favor of smaller gable dormers
28
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 29
Projecting entry
Entry under roof
eave -with or
without porch
Design entries with sensitivity to the surrounding
neighborhood
Avoid large and formal entries unless that is the norm for
nearby houses.It is often best to start the design consid-
eration with an entry type (e.g.,projecting or under eave
porch)that is similar to nearby homes.
Houses on cornet lots should consider using porches that
wrap around from the front to the side elevation,as shown
below.This can assist in reducing the visual height of taller
side walls,and in enlivening the side street frontage.
Entry details are encouraged
Entry columns,railing,steps,and lights are just a few ele-
ments that can be used to add individuality to a house.
ENTRIES
Design home entries with sensitivity to the
architectural style
Most architectural styles have a distinctively unique entry
type.Avoid using an entry type that is not patt of the style.
For example,avoid using projecting entries.especially those
with an eave line higher than the fitst Hoar roof,for Ranch
Style houses or in Ranch Style neighborhoods.
Provide a clear expression of entry
Orient the entry to the street front.It should be visible from
the street.
Provide a separate walkway from the sidewalk to the en try if
that is the common pattern for adjacent and nearby homes.
Avoid using the driveway as the walkway to the entry uuless
that is the norm for the neighborhood.In cases where the
driveway is used,considex the use of modular pavers or
decorative banding.
•
•
•
•
•
3.6.4
3.6.3
3.6.2
3.6
3.6.1
_•~Town of Los GatosBUIWINGDESIGN'--'-'-"C---'---"=-.c-~
3
WINDOWS
Match window types and proportions to the
architectural style and to the surrounding
neighborhood
Select window types to complement the style of the house.
Each architectural style generally has one or two window
types that are traditional to the style.Double hungwindows,
for example,are common featw:es of Victorian and Crafts-
man Styles while casement windows are seen frequently in
I\fission and Spanish Eclectic styles.
:Most architectural styles feature windows that have either
vertical or square proportions.Avoid horizontal window
proportions unless the style (e.g.,Modern or Ranch Style)
is clearly supportive of that shape.Horizontal groupings
of vertical and square windows are one means of providing
visual balance to a facade design.
Limit the number of different window types and propor-
tions to enhance the visual unity of the house design.
For second Hoor additions to existing homes,match the
windows on the originallirst floor.
Match the size and shape of window shutters to the shape
and size of the windows.Shutters that are large enough to
cover the windows,if closed,shonld be the goal.Hinges
on shutters to allow their closure are desirable.Avoid very
narrow shutters that are clearly not wide enough to cover
the window opening.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Arrange window~inpattern~-and-grolJpings€onsistent
with the architectural style and surrounding
neighborhood
Many architectural styles have individual windows that are
grouped into patterns of two,three or more windows.Be
conscious of this fact,and organize the windows to comple-
ment the style.
Match window materials to the architectural style
and to the surrounding neighborhood
Wood windows are common in Los Gatos.Wood is still
the desired choice for styles that traditionally used wood.
However,today there are some window materials,such as
vinyl clad wood windows that are not noticeably different
from wood at a short distance.They may be used if their
visual appearance matches wood.
Generally,avoid metal windows.They may be considered
acceptable fora Modern Style house,but would be strongly
discouraged for all other styles.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7
-3.7,1
Windows with some depth from
the frame to the glass are desirable
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
3.7.4
•
•
•
•
3.7.5
•
•
Design the windows with attention to matching the
traditional details of the architectural style
Most architectural styles -except lVlission,Spanish Eclectic
or Modern -should have wood trim around the windows.
The trim width should be matcbed to the style,but in gen-
era!,should not be less than 3 1/2 inches wide.Head trim
depth should be equal to or wider than the jamb casing,but
not less than one-sL"th of the opening width.
Projecting window sills and heads are strongly encouraged
unless the architectural style would not normally have those
features.
Wood trim is also encouraged on stucco houses unless the
window frames are recessed at least 6 inches from the out-
side face of the wall.The use of stucco coveted foam trim
is strongly discouraged.
Divided lights (i.e.,larger window panes broken np into
smaller pieces)are common in many home styles found in
Los Gatos.Use either vertical or square proportions for the
smaller window elements.Be consistent in the proportions
(i.e.,the ratio of the horizontal to the vertical dimension)
of the smaller panes.Do not use snap in flat grids to simu-
late divided lights.Use either true divided lights or one of
the newer window systems that have dimensional muntins
on both the exterior and interior of the glass along with a
spacer muntin between the panes of glass.Use consistently
for windows on all sides of the house.
Special window shapes and styles should be used
sparingly
Avoid EJfat.Hom.S!J'kwindows (e.g.,tall arched windows)
in neighborhoods where the homes are more modest and
informal in character.
Bay windows should be designed \vith a base element to the
ground or with snpporting brackets at the base.Sloped roofs
should be used and covered with a material that matches
the roof material or with metal.Avoid using wall materials
between the individual windows of the bay window unless
the window is large.Generally,bay windows look best when
the windows are close together and separated by wood jambs
that match wood sills and heads as shown in the example
to the right.
31
F ~111.'"Town of los GatosBUILDINGDESIGN~~~~~~~~~~~=-=-=-==
3
Composition roof shingles may be acceptable in lieu of
wood shalres.However,shingles should be selected with
a texture that is similar to other houses in the neighbor-
hood.
Use sustainable materials where appropriate.
Select materials that are sensitive to the surrounding
neighborhood
One way of fitting a new house into an existing neighbor-
hood -especially if the new house is bigger than many of
the others around it -is to use materials drawn from the
surrounding neighborhood.An all stucco house might
seem out of character in an all wood neighborhood,but
the predominant use of wood siding with some elements
of stucco can often work.Where stone accents (e.g.,chim-
neys)are common in a neighborhood,the use of stone at
the wall base and elsewhere can assist in making the new
home seem better connected to its surroundings.
When using a mix of materials,avoid using too many materi-
als -two or at most three are enough.Avoid an even split of
materials (Le.,50/50)on the facades.Ids best to have one
material as the dominant surface with the second material
playing a lesser role.The use of a two-third to one-third
ratio is a good place to start.
2/3 stucco'1/3 wood
wall surface wall surface
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Small stone base
•
•
3.8 MATERIALS
Use high quality materials
•Use materials and mixes of materials that are consistent
with the architecttml style selected.
•Traditional materials,such as wood and ston.;are most
desirable,and strongly encouraged.However,the cost of
materials and labor for many building components have
led to the development of synthetic materials that are
often hard to tell from the authenric ones.If any of these
substitutes are selected,they must pass the test of looking
like the authentic material at a distance of 3 feet if used on
the first Hoor and 10 feet if used on the second HOOL
Avoid rough textured stucco in favor of a smooth sand
finish.
3.8.2
32
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
Materials changes
Make materials and color changes at inside corners rather
than outside corners to avoid a pasted on look.
Use traditional detailing
Treat openings in walls as though they were constructed of
the traditional materia.l for the style.For .."ample,be sure to
provide substantial wall space above arches in stucco and
stone walls.Traditionally,wall space above the arch would
have heen 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 .."cept 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
architectw:a1 style (e.g.,avoid concrete roof tiles on a Crafts-
man Style house.)
Use stone or wood lintels over
openings in stone walls
II!III_~W.II-'..--"~ES Inside
4.''~APPlfe{CI+---_,~O,
,-·~at~.tJ~-'-.:-,--outside
9r-colo,r _
Inside
Outside
•
•
•
•
•
3.8.4
3.8.3
Change materials
and colors at
Inside comers
Not at
·outslde
earners
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
W"!.Garage style,form,materials...t&",and details match primary house,..-"-.---~
Additions,accessory buildings and secondary
units should match the form,architectural
style,and details of the original house
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 33
Town of Los Gatos
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.
•
•
should utilize the same materials as the existing protected
exterior elements.
__________When an a<lQi.!i2.-1;1 necessitates th~1=~n1Q~al of_a.rchi~~~tur~
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
architectore 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
struct:u!e.
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
Hoor addition within the roof form as shown in the e.~ample
to the top left.
Second floor additions which are not embedded within the
roof form should be located to the rear of the structore.
The height and proportion of an addition or a second story
should not dominate the original structore.
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.
Placing a two story addition to the rear can
minimize its impact on the historic resource
and the scale of the neighborhood
Addition incorporated into the roof .
successfully adds space while respecting the
integrity of the existing house and the scale of
the neighborhood
34
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
3.10.2 Balconies
•Avoid balconies that project more than 3 feet from the face
of the building uuless they are typical of the architectutal
style.
•Provide supporting brackets or beams that ate large enough
to clearly appear to provide structutal support for the bal-
cony.
•Railings should be designed as discussed above for porch
railings.For longer railings,intermediate posts with caps
and bases should be used to break the railing into smaller
increments.
3.10
3.10.1
•
•
•
•
•
ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL
Porches and Entries
Select columns that are traditional to the architectutal style
of the house.Take care in selecting columns with an ap-
propriate width to height ratio for the style.Except for a
very few styles,the columns should have appropriate caps
and bases with proportions typical of the style.
Provide a.well proportioned beam between the column caps
and the roof Size and detail the beam so that it looks like
a convincing structural member.It should be visible both
from inside and outside of the porch.A common problem
is to make this element of the porch too small or to face it
with a material (e.g.,siding)that would not carry the weight
above if it were structural.For most arcrutecrural styles,
molding and trim will divide the beam vertically into three
major elements of varying height.
RJUlings should generally be constructed of wood uuless the
specific architectural style allows for metal or stone.Provide
both top and bottom rails with the bottom rail raised above
the porch floor level.
Vertical balusters should be appropriate to the architectutal
style.Some are quite simple while others may have special
shapes.
Take care in designing porch stairs.They generally should
match the porch floor (e.g.,wood)or the sidewalk material
if other than concrete (e.g.,btick).
Note:Aliporches are expected to be usable aIJd have a un"lImJlllJJ depth if
6 ftet orpreftrab!J tlJore.
While others require much more refined
details
3.10.3 Brackets
•Brackets at roof overhangs,balconies and bay windows
should be designed to extend to fascia/balcony edge/pro-
jecting bay front or slightly beyond. Avoid stub brackets that
do not appear substantial enough to support the element
above.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
3.10.4 Chimneys
•Chimneys should extend to ground level.Avoid cantilevers
~--{lbov,,-the gmund.~--~--~-~-~
•Chimney materials,size,shape and height should be ap-
propriate to the architectnral style and to the scale of the
house.Avoid undersized chimneys that are too narrow and
too low.Add chimneys for gas fireplaces when the arcbi-
tectural style would normally featnre chimneys.
,.Provide chimney caps that are interesting and appropriate
to the architectnral style.
3.10.5
•
Roof flashing and vents
Paint flashing and vents to match the color of the roo£
3.10.6 Skylights
•
•
•
3.11
3.11.1
•
First,consider the use of roof dormers or clerestories
instead of skylights.
Use flat profile skylights rather than domed models.
Select glazing to avoid the feeling of roof beacons or lan-
terns that are highly visible from the street or neighhoring
p:ropetties.
PRIVACY AND SOLAR ACCESS
Minimize shadow impacts on adjacent properties
Locate structures to minimize blocking sun access to liv-
ing spaces and actively used outdoor areas on adjacent
homes.
3.11.2 Minimize privacy intrusions on adjacent
residences
•Windows should be placed to minimize views into the living
spaces and yard spaces near neighboring homes.
•When windows are needed and desired in side buildingwalls,
they should be modest in size and not direcdy opposite
windows on adjacent homes.
\Vhere possible,second floor windows that might intrude
on adjacent property privacy should have sill heights above
eye level or have frosted or textured glass to reduce visual
exposure.
Bay windows should be avoided on side walls where they
would intrude on adjacent residents'privacy.
Second floor balconies and decks should be used oolywhen
they db not intrude on the privacy of adjacent neighbors.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
BUILDING DESIGN
3
3.11.3 Design and plan for energy efficiency
Design to minimize energy costs by selecting and locating
landscaping and windows to block hot summer sun exposure
and allow winter sun exposure.
existing
one story
house
T
'Ee
II.
1'-'-'
1
1
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
1
Place landscaping in the shaded areas shown
on the diagram above to mitigate privacy
intrusions on adjacent homes
.....!.;'
O New two
.•,~-'sto~ome
",;",••...•.........
'"
Avoid placing windows in locations that
would look into adjacent neighbors'windows
or active private yard spaces
Avoid second floor masses in locations that
would block sun access to adjacent homes
As a geoexal rule,balconies and decks that are more than
two feet above grade should try to maintain a distance of
ten feet from side property lines and twenty feet from rear
property lines when the adjacent use is single family resi-
dential.
When allowed,the design of railings should be tailored to
the privacy concerns of neighbors (e.g.,balcony or deck
sides overlooking adjacent windows or actively used yard
space should be solid in form).Open railings should ouly
be used where privacy concerns are minimal.
Landscap.ing may be used to mitigate privacy concerns so
long as the landscaping does not deny sola:r access to living
spaces and actively used yard areas of neighboring homes.
Landscaping used for privacy screening purposes,should be
of sufficient size and of an appropriate species to provide
such privacy within a two year time frame.
Trees should be twenty-four inch box size.
Shrubs used to promote privacy should be fifteen gallon in
size and six feet minimum height at planting.
As a general rule,privacy landscaping should be placed with
a cone-of-vision defined by a thirty degree angle from the
side window jambs of second story windows.
•
•
•
•
•
3.11.4 Solar Panels
The Town supports the use of alternative energy sources and
provides the following advisory guidelines to reduce potential nega-
tive visual impacts of solar energy systems.
Design solar panels and any piping to be an integral part of
the architecture.
•Align solar panel faces with that of the underlying roof
slope.Avoid panels with slopes that are different than that
of the roof.
Integrate the design of panels into the design of the roof
Avoid a tacked-on appearance.
Use landscaping to minimize energy usage
".
.-"
,-
Use deciduous tree
to screen walls from
hot summer sun
~
-~-
Minimize exterior lighting impacts on neighbors
All exterior light fixtures should utilize shields so that no
bulb is visible and to ensure that light is directed to the
ground surface and does not spill light onto neighboring
parcels or produce glare when seen from nearby homes.
Decorative residential light .fixtures should be chosen rather
than strictly utilitarian security lighting fi.""'\tures.
•
3.11.5
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 37
--.-BUILDING DESIGN
3
38
Town of Los Gatos
3.12 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
_Su.stainability_aAd_th-e...conserv.a.t!9.!!...Qf natural tesources .are im_~
portant issues to Los Gatos residents.Sustainability refers to the
use of natural resources in a manner that ensures their continued
availitbility to futute genetations.
The Town believes that historic preservation is the most sensitive
path to sustainability,but recognizes that this is not always possible,
and that an emphasis on green bni/dittgcan he an effective means of
promoting the conservation of natural resources.
The term green building is often used to relate sustainability to
development.Green bnildiog addresses a broad range of techniques
to reduce the consumption of natural resources during construction
and over the lifetime of a home.These ioclude designing structutes
to be energy and water efficient,utiliziog bnildiog materials that
reduce resource consumption and improve indoor air quality,and
taking maximum advantage of renewable energy resources.
The Green Bnildiog Strategies and Materials io Appendix D
contain design strategies that:
•Maximize the use of renewable energy resources for heating,
cooling and lighting.
Conserve energy and water.
Reduce consumption of nonrenewable .resources and im-
prove air quality
•Provide a list of various sources for "green building"infor-
mation and their web sites.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
Los Gatos has a wealth of older homes that pt:Ovide a strong con-
nection to the Town's past,add to the visual richness of many
neighborhoods,and provide a diversity of home size and style.
These historic resources include many homes constructed prior
to 1941,and may be found throughout Los Gatos as well as within
the Town's four designated residential historic districts.It is Town
policy to preserve these resources whenever possible and practicable,
and to require special care in the remodeling of and additions to
them.
All Pre-194l structures have the potential to be historically sig-
nificant.Therefo.re,requests to demolish,modify,or expand these
structures must receive approval by the Town.Pre-1941 structures
determined to be significant and all construction within the historic
districts will receive additional design review scrutiny pursuant to
the Town's adopted development review process.
The following design guidelines are generally more prescriptive
than those contained earlier in this docutnent,and reflect the de-
sire to maintain the integrity of the Town's historic resources and
districts.
4.1 APPLICATION/ENFORCEMENT
These guidelines apply to all properties within the boundaries of
designated Historic Preservation Overlay Zones,Landmark Sites,
and to all residential buildings constructed before 1941.
Exception:Some Pre-1941 blli/dings m'iY be approvedfor remova/from
the Town t Histonr;Resourrcs ltltJC1/tory.
4.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Historic places help us understand and remember where we have
been and plan where we should be in the future.To this end,preser-
vation is a valuable planning tool which can increase property values,
promote and revitalize neighborhoods,and foster a sense of com-
munity pride.Recognizing the value of Los Gatos'historic resources,
the Town Council has expressed on-going support of preservation
planning in the Town's General Plan,adopted a Landmark Historic
Preservation Ordinance in 1976,and created the Town's Historic
Preservation Committee.
Historic Resources
The Town recognizes a historic resource as follows:
•Any structure/site that is located within an historic district
(Broadway,.Almond Grove,Fairview Plaza,University/
Edelen,and Downtown CommerdaD;or
..Any structure/site that is historically designated;or
Any primary structure that was constructed prior to 1941,
unless the Town has determined that the structure has no
historic significance or architectural merit.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
39
_~Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES ---------------'~-----''-'--=-'~
4
40
Inventories have been prepared which document most Town
historic buildings.This inventory includes information on the
architectw:al style and histotical facts regarding the sttuctw:e or
.site~fupecially significantbUll<futgsoIS1te;have been designited ..
Landmarks,and historic neigh~orhoodsand commercial areas have
been designated Preservation Districts.
Historic Preservation Committee
The Historic Preservation Committee consists of five members who
ate all Los Gatos residents.Three are members of the public who
ate appointed by the Town Council.The other two members ate
from the Planning Commission who ate appointed by the Planning
Commission Chair.The Committee is composed of professional and
lay members with demonstrated interest,competence or knowledge
in historic preservation.
Historic Resources Advantages to Property Owners
Owners of historic properties enjoy a number of advantages:
•State Historic Building Code
Owoers of identified historic buildings can utilize the State
Historic Building Code in lieu of the Uniform Building
Code.Use of the Historic Code allows some flexibility and
can result in a minimum.of 10%cost savings.
•Federal Income Tax Credits
From time to time,historic buildings may be eligible fot
federal income tax credits based on their rehabilitation costs.
At the present time,income producing buildings listed on
the National Register of HIstoric Places may be eligible.
Single-family residences may become eligible in the futw:e.
For more information,please consult the State Office of
Historic Preservation or yow:tax advisor.
•Technical Assistance
Routine maintenance,extensive restoration or rehabilita-
tion and additions must be done catefully to ensure that
the atchitectw:al character and therefore the value of the
building is not diminished.The Community Development
Department and the Historic Preservation Committee can
assist you with historic preservation technical assistance.
•Property Values
Landmark status carries with it a certain amount of prestige
which can lead to an increase in property value.
•Neighborhood Protection Plan
Historic designation generally conttols the size,quallty and
scale of new construction and also restricts demolition,thus
protecting the chatacter and quality of the neighborhood.
•Official Recognition
A historic designation means that your property or neigh-
bothood is recognized by the Town as a key component
of the co=unity's architectw:al heritage.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Councii Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
MINOR REPAIR
If minor repair work is proposed and the materials will be re-
placed in kind,only a building permit will be required.
MINOR EXTERIOR CHANGES
The following process is for sites that are within an historic
district or have a Landmark Designation.
Minor exterior changes include:
•Residential first floor addition
MINOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
The following process is for any historic structure.
:rviinor residential development for historic properties include:
New second story.
Second story additions exceeding 100 square feet.
Accessory structure exceeding 450 square feet.
Reduction of side or rear yard setbacks for accessory struc-
tures that are visible from the street or Victory Lane.
41
Residential addition less than 100 square feet to an existing
second story.
Residential accessory structure 450 square feet or less which
is visible from the street or Victory Lane.
Garage/carport 450 square feet or less.
Residential exterior modification.
Action:
The Historic Preservation Committee will consider the II/after at apublic
meetillg and call either approve,det[Y or trJllti!Ztle the matter.There is a
ten day appealperiod on allfinal action'taken by the Committee.Ap-
peak will be ,"",Mered by the Planning Commisrion.
Application:
An applil,;ation for JltfhlOT Deve/opltJe1lt ifI an Historic Disttict is re-
quired.
Review:
Town stt!lf will reoiew the applicati011 to Of/sure it meots Town Code.The
application will then be scheduledfor reVie11J l?J the Histont'Prucrvation
Committee.
•
•
•
4.3 APPROVAL PROCESS FOR HISTORIC RESOURCE
ALTERATIONS
Applicants of historic properties are only charged fees applicable
to non-histotic properties.There are no additional fees applied to
applications for historic properties.
Applicants are encouraged to first consult with Community
Development pillnners prior to the formal submittal of a building
permit or a development application to ensure the work proposed
meets Town Code requirements and policies.
___Town of los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES L-='-"-'--===
4
Reconstruction of a portion of a single family or two family
dwelling with a nonconforming setback.
___ARI!IiJ'-,'tIQ!!<
An applicatioll for Millor Residelltial Developmellt is required.
Review:
The Town}Hisfont·llisonrces Inventory (;oll/ailJS suru!]s of the majority
of Los Gatos I Pre-1941 strutilires.Each structure snroryed was rated
011d assigned a staltJS code which refer-'Is the hislorit'status 0/the sln/clure.
The rating was based on codes estahlished I?JI the 5tate Office of Histonc
Preservation at the time the illvCl,tory was taken (Appmdix E).
ApplicatiolJsfor Pre-1941 structures with a rating above 75 shall he
revie/ved !?y the Town skiff and the Histonc Preservation Committee.
Applicationsfor Pre-1941 structures with a ratillg 7S or ullder that do
1I0t have anlliP 0 verky ZOIJe shali be reviewed I?JI Town st'!lf.
Town st'!lf wi/I review the appli,'(Jtion to mSlIre it meets Town Code.If
required,the application wi/I thm he sdleduledfor review I?JI the Historic
Preservation Committee.The Historic Preservation Committee lvill con-
sider the matter at apuhlic meeting and will either reromm",d approval
or denial of tbe application or continue the mat/er.
Action:
If the application can he approved I?JI the Director of Communi!y
Development,a ''Notice of Intent to Approve"will be mailed to the
neighbon"ng residenu and property owners.If no opposition is Tuceivcd,
the application is approved.If opposition is ",.ived and the matter can-
not be resolved,the matter will be forwarded to the Plan/zing Commissiolz
fOr consideration.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
4.4 HISTORIC DISTRICTS
The Town of Los Gatos has four designated residential historic
districts.Their general locations are shown below.A larger map is
included in Appendi."'<B.
•Almond Grove Historic District
•Broadway Historic District
•Fairview Plaza Historic District
•University-Edelen Historic District
4.5 DEMOmiotlls
Demolition of any contributing sttucture in historic districts is
forbidden absent a cataclysmic-event or upon determination by the
Deciding Body that demolition is necessary for the proper restora-
tion of the structure.In the event of demolition as a result of a
cataclysmic event,the structure shall be reconstructed to match the
structure existing immediately prior to the cataclysmic event or a
previous structure on that site.Additions,alterations,and removal of
non historic additions may be approved as part of the reconstruction
process,p.rovided the contributing historic elements of the structure
are maintained,and the changes and/or additions could have been
approved if the structure had nor beeu damaged.
Note that "Demolition"is defined differently for historic struc-
tures and non-historic structures as described in the sidebar to the
left on page 42.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
43
44
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC DISTRICT RESIDENCES
Residential Design Guideiines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC DISTRICT RESIDENCES
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
---45
46
Town of Los Gatos
4.6 PRE-1941 STRUCTURES
_Pre-1514Lstnlctut",have theE-otentia!toE~historicallysignificant'
n
hut not all will necessarily be classified as historic.Applications for
removal,remodeling,or additions to structures constructed prior to
1941 will be reviewed by staff to determine their historic merit and
contribution to the surrounding neigbborhood.An initial evaluation
will be made utilizing the 1991 HistoricalRBsourtes Survey Projectflr Los
Gatos.Staff may,at the discretion of the Community Developmeut
Director,refer a project application to the Historic Preservation
Committee for its input and recommendations.
Demolition of structures deemed to have special merit or con-
tribution to the surrounding neighbothood may not be permitted.
Proposed changes to existing structures will be carefully reviewed
to ensure their compatibility with the original structure aud the
surrounding area.
4.7 PROTECTED EXTERIOR ELEMENTS
The protected exterior elements of a structure include all
elements on all of a building's elevations and roof.
•Protected e.."cterior elements are defined to include,but are
not limited to,those elements outlined in the sidebar to the
left.
•Other "-,,terior elements of a particular building may be
protected as determined by the Deciding Body.
Details
R9pf'Fonns
.Overhangs
Wail Siding
Window Tr.im
Chimneys
BayWindows
-Columns
Rii 1ttP9 s
FOlindatlons
_ROQfFO~$
Porch Details
Wlndpws
Columns
Railings
Porch Sldrts
Rock Walls
Examples of some character-defining elements
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
4.8 RESTORATION/REHABILITATION/
RECONSTRUCTION
The res/oratloll of a histonOc reSource involves the return of a slrnc·
ture to its odginalform and appeat"imce by moans of the removal of
jeatJIres from other periods in its history and the recans/nlelion of
missingfeaturesfrom the original design.
The rehabilitatiol1 of a histonc resource involves repairs,alterations,
and additions to the otjgina/strJlcture while preserving those portions
orftatures that ,;onvVJ its histotic,cultural,or architectural valucs.For
addi/lotls to a histon(;resourCD,applicants should also refir to Section
4.9:Additions to Strucmres helow.
The reconstrudioll of a his/ark resource is the act orprocess of depitt-
ing,by means of nUlU construction,the form,fiattlres,and detailing
of a non-surviving site.landscape,building,structure,or oiject for
the purpose '!f replicating its appearance at a spec/pc period '!f time
and in its histonc IOt-ation.
4.8.1 General Guidelines
•The mass and scale of building expansions of contributing
structures should be subordinate to the historically signifi-
cant elements of the original structure.
•The Neighborhood Pattern standards contained in Section
2 and the Building Design standards in Section 3 apply to
historically signtticant structures unless in conflict with more
restrictive standatds contained in this Historic Resources
section.
•All protected elements of the existing e.'{terior facade should
be retained and,if necessary,repaired.
When a remodel requires the use of newly constructed ex-
terior 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.
Any alteration of an existing structure should incorporate
and continue the form,architectural style,materials,and
details of the existing structure.
.All exterior elements including,but not limited to,roof
lines,porches,doorways,windows,trim and siding should
be consistent with and continue the architectural style and
design of the original structure
4.8.2 Building Materials
Use natural/original construction materials (e.g.,real wood
siding,rock,brick,shingles,plaster)which match and are
consistent with the existing materials of the structure.The
use of faux rocks or stone is prohibited.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
47
-.HISTORiC RESOURCES
4
Town of Los Gatos
4.8.3 Doors
4.8.4 Windows and Glass in doors
Original doors should be retained and restored.
New replacement doors for Victorians should not be Hush,
but of raised or flat panel design.
Front doors generally should be painted,not stained
Not applkable to Mission Revival/Mediterranean style stm.tHres.
Screened doors should be real wood framed of simple de-
sign unless patterns can be shown to fit the existing style.
Original windows,glass and window decorations should be
retained and restored.
Replacement of only the deteriorated portions of the win-
dows is recommended rather than the replacement of the
entire window::
New or replacement windows should be wood-sashed and
muntined if applicable.
Sills,lintels,frames,sashes,mtUltins,and all decorations
should be identically replaced.
All elements of new windows should be identical in size,
shape,proportion,and dimensions as the original windows
of the building,or consistent with traditional sizes,propor-
tions and dimensions of buildings of the same architectural
style,design and era.
Windows should be constructed of real glass,and window
New materials should identically match original materials
in shape,size,dimensIon,texture and pattern.Metal used
as Hashing,screening.gutters,and utility services and other
ttadrtiotlili--elements ate acceptable._.-------------
Composite,synthetic,metal,vinyl,plastic 6r fabricated/
imitation wood products,painted brick or imitation used
brick will generally not be approved.However,some ex-
ceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis when the
decision making body determines that the replacement is
consistent with the appearance of the original material,and
that a lay person would be unlikely to discern the difference.
The burden of proof will reside with the applicant.Mate-
rial samples,photographs and specific locations where the
material may be seen in use 'Will all assist in the evaluation
of alternative materials.
The decision making body may approve an acceptable alter-
native to the original building material if use of the original
materhLl is not feasible due to unreasonable cost and com-
mercial availability,or health and safety considerations.
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Simulated divided lite windows
may be considered on a case-by-
case basis
True divided lite windows are encouraged
when appropriate to the original structure
48
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
Chimneys
Wood-framed chimneys are prohibited uuless their exteri-
ors are covered with brick or river rock veneers.l\Iasonry
veneers may be used.However,they should be detailed
exactly as the solid construction that they are emulating.
Stucco l\Iission Revival or rvlediterranean style houses may
have stucco covered chimneys.
Bay Windows
Size,shape,propo.rtion,dimension,type of foundation,and,
roof material and style of bay windows,whether restored
or of new construction,should be identical to the original
or existing bay windows of the structure.
New bay windows may be added to the building in loca-
tions where no bay windows previously existed.These new
bay windows should be identical to and replicate the style,
design,size,shape and proportion,type of foundation and
roof of other bay windows existing on structure.If there are
no existing bay windows on the structure,new bay windows
should be built in the same size,shape,dimension,propor-
tions,material and type of foundation and roof typical of
the archirectural style.Metal frame kitchen garden windows
are prohibited.
Generally,traditional architectural styles will require either a
foundation to the ground or substantial supporting brackets
below a bay window.Floating windows without support,as
shown for the bow bay window example to the right,are
rarely appropriate.
New bay windows are permitted only when the applicant
proves to the Deciding Body that they ate consistent with
existing style,design and character of the structure.
frames should be constructed of teal wood -not vinyl,
metal or plastic.Wood sashes may be vinyl or metal clad if
the window frame and dressing is designed consistent with
the historic context of the building.
All lites (panes of glass)should be true divided lite,not
artificial or snap-in grids.Simulated Divided Lite windows
are permitted when the details of the window provide
projecting muntin elements on the exterior and interior of
the window along with a spacer muntin between the panes
of glass (See example to the left).
New arched,angled,andlor octagonal windows are discour-
aged.
Large e.."{panses of blank exterior walls without windows
are discouraged.
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Masonry and stucco chimneys are
preferred
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Residential Design Guidelines I
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
4.8.6
4.8.5
Restore porches to their original form and
detail whether simple,as above,or decorative
as below.
50
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4.8.7
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Town of Los Gatos
Painted metal stove pipe projections of less than four feet
are permitted in less visible locations of the structure.
':rhe-size,shap~dimension5j"-d~sign--and--patte-ms-of new
and reconstructed chimneys should match those features
of the existing structure.
Chimneys should not be cantilevered and stone or stucco
chimneys should be narrower at the top than at the base.
Chimneys should have clay,slate or stone caps.Metal caps
may be acceptable if they are not readily visible.
Chimneys appropriate to the structure and architectural
style,as described above,should be provided at new gas
fireplaces even when a full height chimney is not <equired
for the functioning of the fireplace.
Porches
Existing front porches,railings,posts,cOl:bels,roof covet:-
.ings,ceilings,floors,steps,mouldings,trim,gingexbread,and
other deco.r~:tive features should be retained and restored
using origimu materials,or identical material of same size,
shape,proportion,pattexo and in the same locations.
Removal or enclosure of porches is inappropriate.
Construction of new porches should consist of materials
of the same size,shape,dimension and pattern as contrib-
uting structures of similar style and desigo in the district
or neighborhood.New porches should be in appropriate
locations on the structure.
Additional patch or decorative elements (e.g.,gingerbread
brackets)should not be added if they did not exist histori-
cally.
Painted wooden steps and flooring should usually be used
on a wooden porch.Brick or poured concrete steps and
Hoar surface should be used on a brick or stucco porch.
New concrete or masonry porch :9.oors are prohibited on
Victorians or Craftsman/Bungalow style houses.
The desigo and materials for porch skitts (the vertical face
between the porch floor and grade)should be consistent
\vith the main structure and the architectural style.
Minor alternations of existing porches are permitted on
contJibuting structures only when the applicant proves to the
Deciding Body that the alteration is consistent with the
existing style,design and character of the structore.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
4.8.8
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4.8.9
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Roofs,Gables,Eaves and Overhangs
Roofs should maintain their original size,shape and pitch.
Any changes in roof area,roof line,roof coverings,eave
depth or materials should be consistent with the existing
structure.
In general,original gables should be retained.Restore
brackets and decorative details that were original to the
structure,but avoid adding elements that were not integral
to the original design.
New gables may be added only where consistent with the
existing style and design and approved by the Deciding
Body.In general,gable ends should be symmetrical.
Eaves and fascias should be constructed of wood.
For original roofs with wood shingles or shakes,coverings
of fireproof composition materials and dark colors in a
heavy profile are acceptable where they are made to resemble
wood,if they are compatible with the architectural style of
the building.
1\!fission Revival or 1vIeditetranean style structures should
have tile roofs of a color,texture,thickness and shape to
look like the original clay roof tile.
Clay and concrete tiles should be avoided on struchlres with
wood or shiogle siding.
Plastic and modem style tiles are prohibited.
Siding (General)
Siding materials and placement on the stmcture should be
appropriate to the existing style and design.
All existing siding should be restored and retained wherever
possible.
Restore gable and eave details,but don't add
features that were not original to the house
Avoid asymmetrical
gable ends like this
4.8.10 Wood siding (Victorian/Craftsman)
•Siding should be real wood and not a composite,synthetic
or fabricated wood product.Finger jointed wood siding is
acceptable.
•Metal and vinyl siding products are prohibited.
•New siding should identically match the existing siding in
size,depth,width,pattern,and should match the existing
cnt or bevel in siding in angle,slope,type width and depth
of cut,jf any.
•Old deteriorated shingles may be replaced.However,new
shingles should match existing shingles in size,shape,di-
mension and pattern.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Maintain the siding scale and patterns of the
original structure
51
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Town of Los Gatos'---------------=~'-===
4.8.12 Fences and Walls
Brick and stone retaining walls,common in
many Los Gatos neighborhoods,should be
retained and restored
Decorative features should be retained
52
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4.8.11
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4.8.13
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Siding material should run from the foundation to the roof,
unless existing pattern of the house varies,in which case it
_~~~t_11?-!t~_~_~~__~s_~g_rattetn.
Stucco Siding
(Mission Revival/Mediterranean/Craftsman)
Stucco and stucco patterns should he retained and dnplicated
to identically match the existing.
Stucco should be sand textured.finished and colored to
match the existing,or to match other contributing structures
of the same style in the district or neighborhood.
All existing picket and ornate wire fences,rock walls and
front yard concrete walls should be repaired and retained.
Replacement or newly constructed fences or walls should
match those existing on the property,or should match those
of other contributing properties on that block.Plastic fenc-
ing is prohibited.
Introduction of new rock wail patterns or new types of
rocks or veneers in walls,not already existing in the district
or neighborhood,is prohibited.
lYIortar should also match existing in color,texture,joint
width and profile.
New fencing within the front setback should be of open
design,constructed of wood,ornate wire (does not include
chain link)or wrought iron and should be consistent with
those existing in the district or neighbothood.
Covered gateways and arbors are permitted pursuant to
Town Code.Side and rear yard fencing should be of tradi-
tional construction and materials and should be consistent
with prevalent fencing in the district or neighborhood.
Decorative Trim/Mouldings/Gingerbread
All existing decorative trim,mouldings and details should
be repaired and retained.
Replacements should match the existing in materials,size,
shape,dimension,location and pattern.
Addition of new trim,moulding,and gingerbread on new
construction should be located and continued .in the exist-
ing pattern around the exterior of the structure in order to
maintain consistency with the original style and design.
Excessive or inappropriate use of gingerbread or other
decorative materials is prohibited.
The addition of new trim,moulding,and gingerbread on
ateas where they did not previously exist is discouraged.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
4.8.14 Colors
4.8.16 Solar Panels
4.8.17 Interior Features
Garage form,materials and details should be
consistent with the main structure
If an owner desires to take advantage of federal tax incen-
tives for preservation,they should retain original mate-
~architectural features,hardware,original paint colors,
plaster,wallpaper,and other historical elements,wherever
possible.
The tax incentives can total 20 percent of the rehabilitation
costs.The structure must be historic as certified by the Na-
tional Park Service,must be income producing (apartments,
retail,etc.),and must conform to the rehabilitation stan-
dards set by the Department of the Interior.The program
is administered by the National Park Service,the IRS,and
individual state histone preservation offices.
Repair and restore original materials wherever possible or,
rephce with identical,replicated materials.
Design solar panels and any piping to be an integral part
of the architechlre.
Install soL1t panels so that they do not damage or obscure
character defining features of the house.
Garages
Style,roof pitch,proportions,and the overall design of the
garage or carriage house,as well as building materials and
architectural details,should be consistent with those of the
era of the house.
Exterior features of garages which are mo.re modern or cou-
temporaty than the style of the house for which the garage
is being built are discouraged.This includes features such
as aluminum or roll up doors,aluminum frame windows,
and other elements.
Garages should be detached and set back behind the front
facade of the house.They may be connected to the house
with a breezeway.If garages cannot be detached due to
unique site conditions,the garage should be located behind
the house or recessed as far as possible from the plane of
the front facade,and shall not exceed 500/0 of the combined
house and garage frontage.
For Victorians,traditional three or four color painting pat-
terns are encouraged.
For Craftsman,traditional colors are encouraged.
For jyIission Revival/Mediterranean,the traditional use of
earth tones and red-hued roofing materials is encouraged.
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4.8.15
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 53
•iiiIIIF Town of Los Gatos
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
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4.9 ADDITIONS/ACCESSORY BUILDINGS/SECONDARY
~1'IlLT5____
Follow the provisions set forth in Guideline 3.9 on page
33.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
4.10 NEW CONSTRUCTION
This section applies only to new houses constructed within
one of the Town's designated historic districts
Replacement of an e......a.sting character-defining or histonc
structure with a new sttucture is strongly discouraged.
If the deciding body has any doubt about whether a project
is compliant with the following,the application should be
denied:
New structures should be built ill the same style and desig"tif
contributing slme/tlres in the district.liz genera/,Victorian,Crt!fis-
man/Bungalow,and Mission Revival/Mediterranean styks are the
contributors to Los Gatos J historic districts.
Exact rhplication is neither reqttired or encouraged Strict
adherc1lt¥J to achieving tonsis/enry with a traditional,recognized
architectural style and design of a G'ontributing slmclure in the
district is required.
New Victorian and Craftsman style structures mllst acCtlratefy
replicate the traditiollal style,desig"a"d illtegrity tif those colltribut-
ing structures itt the distnct.
Replacement of a noncontributing structure is accept-
able.
The established contextual patterns and rhythms should
be respected.It is perfecdy acceptable that a new "style"
be introduced,if it is in keeping with the neighborhood.
Historically that has occurred throughout the development
of the Town of Los Gatos.
New structures should not create a false sense of the his-
torical development of the district.
Conform new structures to the existing and/or required
setbacks,and replace the "footprinf'of the original strnc-
tures if any.
Respect the established site patterns and harmonize with
neighboring buildiogs and existing topography.Exceptions
might occur at corners,or where unusual existing condition
or neighboring structures create a special condition.
Respect the street pattern created by open space.
New construction should be in keeping with the existing
neighborhood.It should be especially sensitive to the height
and scale of the homes on immediately adjacent parcels.
Town of Los Gatos
Front facades should appear similar in height to those seen
historically in the block.Taller portions should be set back
further on the lot.
•\Vhen a new project has more square footage than the
surrounding structures,reduce the scale of the structure
with sensitive design treatments.Setbacks,overhangs,bay
wmdows,changes in roof slopes,and facade ornament ate
all methods for reducing the scale of a structure.
•Floor to floor heights should match the floor to floor of
adjacent contributing structures.
•The proportion of window and door openings in new
construction should be similar to that of the existing sur-
rounding architecture.
Porches on new structures should have proportions,rna-
terials and roof slopes similar to original porches in the
disttict.They should also have depths similar to contribut-
ing structures in the district which normally allows for the
placement of furniture on the porch.
4.11 NONCONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES
This section applies only to existing houses located within one
of the Town's designated historic districts
HISTORIC RESOURCES
4
4.11.1
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Remodel to a Contributing Status
Owners of noncontributing structures within the Town's
historic districts are encouraged to remodel them into the
style and design of a contributing structure in the district.
Structures most suitable for this type of remodel are
those that would likely have been classified as contributing
structures absent previous remodel work or additions that
were not sympathetic to the original architecture of the
structure.
In some cases,it may also be possible to make changes that
would convert an otherwise non-descript structure into a
contributing structure for the district.In general,Victorian,
Craftsman/Bungalow;and Ntission Revival/Mediterranean
styles are the contributots to Los Gatos'historic districts.
An applicant must producephotographs,counts,and docu-
mentation of the location of existing structures of that style
in the district or reference materials indicating consistency
with contributing styles in the district.
All exterior elements subject to teview should be consistent
with the proposed style.
Remove previous additions and alternations that ate not
consistent with the atchitectural style of the structure and
the district.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 55
IL~_~~~~~"~o~w~n"--=o"-f"Lo",s,-G=a"to,-,-s
Carry out exterior changes to the building facades and ad-
ditions using the guidelines in Section 4.8,4.9 and 4.10.
The front of the house should be oriented toward the street
and the front entry clearly identified.
Additions to noncontributing structures should have a
similar mass to the surrounding neighborhood.For ex-
ample,the addition of a second floor on a noncontributing
structure in a largely one story neighbothood would be
strongly discouraged.
Front elevations should be similar in scale to those seen
traditionally in the district.
Simple gable or hipped roofs with a pitch similar to those
in the district are generally appropriate.Complex or unusual
roof fOrms are strongly discouraged
Window and door types,sizes,and proportions should be
similar to the contributing structures in the district.The
nnmber of window types on a structure should be limited.
Window and door trim should also be similar in material
and size.
Building materials and finishes should be similar to those
of contnbuting sttuctutes in the district.Large amounts
of glazing or the use of metal materials is discouraged.
Roofing materials should also be similar to those used on
neaxby contributing structw:es.
Exercise restraint on the use of decorative details on non-
contributing structu:tes.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
•
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4.11.2 Remodel {oTlessthan CoiUriOutingStanis
Owners not wishing or unable to remodel to the extent
necessary to bring a stIuctute up to contributing structure
status are never-the-Iess encouraged to make changes that
are sensitive and supportive of the integrity of the historic
district.
Additions or alterations to noncontributing structures
should not disrupt the prevailing rhytlun of setbacks on
the block.
56
Town of Los Gatos
Arbor
A wood lattice entry feature,often with flowering land-
scaping)sometimes used to define the entry to a house
at the front sidewalk.
Balusters
The upright portion of the row of support for a porch
or stair railing.
Balustrade
A series of balusters surmounted by a hand rail.
Basement
An enclosed area that extends more than 4 feet above the
existing or finished grade in any location.Basements are
included in the Floor Area Ratio calculation.Whichever
grade (exisring or proposed)results in the lowest profile
of a building shall be used.
Bay Window
A window projecting outward from the maio wall of a
building.
Belly Band
A continuous horizontal band of brick,stone or wood
on the exterior wall of a building,used for decorative
purposes,or as a means of breaking up a large expanse
of wall surface.Also know as a Belt Course.
Bow Window
A :rounded,rather than rectangular or angular,bay win-
dow -usually forming a segment of a circle.
Brackets
Pl1in or decorated projecting support members found
under eaves or other overhangs.
Carriage House
The combination of a residential unit or living space
located above a garage or other accessory structure.
Casement Window
A window contairting two opening segments with hinges
on their vertical edges and separated by a vertical frame
element.
Cellar
A room or rooms beneath the main floor of the house
used for living space or storage which does not extend
more than 4 feet above the existing or finished grade.
Cellars are not included in the Floor Area Ration calcula-
tion.Whichever grade (existing or proposed)results in
the lowest profile of a buildiog shall be used.
Clerestory
A portion of an interior rising above adjacent rooftops
and having windows admitting daylight to the interio~
Corbel
A projecting block,sometimes carved or molded,that
acts as a means of support for floor and roof beams as
well as other structural members.
Craftsman Style
A traditional architectural style of the early 20th century,
incorporating locally handcrafted wood,glass,and metal
work,that was simple and elegant.A reaction to Victorian
opulence and the increasingly common mass-produced
housing elements,the style incorporated clean lines,a
sturdy structure and natural materials.
Cupola
A small domed or peaked structure crowning a roof or
tower.
Dormer
A vertical window projecting from the slope of a roof.
Gable dormers have gable roofs while shed dormers have
one plane sloped roofs.
Divided Lite
Windows divided into smaller segments of glazing by
intermediate dividing members called fiuatins.
Eave
That portion of the roof which projects beyond the
walls.
Facade
The face or elevation of a building.
Fascia
A Hat board used to cover the ends of roof rafters.
Flashing
:tvletal sheet material used to cover open joints of exterior
construction such as roof valley joints or roof parapet
joints to make them waterproof.
Gable
The triangular portion at the end of a roof composed to
two downward sloping planes on either side of a central,
horizontal ridge.
Garage:Side Loaded
A garage with its entry doors located at an angle (usually
a right angle)to the street which provides vehicular ac-
cess to the garage.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 •~_.~
57
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5
Town of Los Gatos
Mortar
A mi.....uue of sand,lime,cement,and water used as a
binding agent in masonry construction.
Mullion
A heavy vertical divider between windows or dooIs.
Garage:Tandem
A garage with one car parked behind another rather than
side-by-side.
Gingerbread
Highly decorative scrolls,lacework and other applied
wood details associated with the Victorian Style.
Garage:Split Mission Style
A gaInge which utilizes multiple doors divided by vertical A style of architecture associated with that of the early
'§llPFQ.tts in lieu o[JLsingt~laJge:1;_d9()r.;;P1l~sh <::_Ql~~~mjss;()_~sj~_J'~t!~~~g_~l1<l"~~__soutJ1\yc;;st-
ero United States.
Great Room
A large living space,often a family room,and generally
characterized by an interior ceiling height larger than the
remainder of the house.
Hillside Areas
Areas identified on the Town of Los Gatos Hillside
Area Map.
Historic District
An area designated as a UHistoric District"by ordinance
of the Los Gatos Town Council.
Historic Preservation Committee
A Town Co:mmittee consisting of five members who
are all Los Gatos residents.Three are members of the
public who are appointed by the Town Council.The
other two members are from the Planning Commission
who are appointed by the Planniog Commission Chair.
The Conunittee is composed of professional and lay
members with demonstrated interest,competence or
knowledge in historic preservation.
Juliet Balcony
A shallow projectiog balcony,usually with a depth of
three feet odess.Suitable for potted plants,but not large
enough for firrniture.
Lattice
An openwork grill of interlacing wood sttips used as
screening or as a base for climbing landscaping.
Muntin
A secondary framing member used to divide and hold the
panes of glass in a multiple-lite window or glazed dOOL
Pergola
See ArboL
Pop out
An interior space that projects out from the main exterior
wall.A bay window is a pop out.
Porch Skirt
A screen,usually wood or non-structural masonry,used
to cover the front and sides of a porch projection from
the floor bearns to ground level.
Pot Shelf
A shallow horizontal wood or metal projection from an
e......terior wall,supported by brackets and used for the
display of potted plants and flowers.
Ranch Style
.'In architectural style first popularized in the 1930s aud
exttemely popular during the 1950s to 1980s.The style
is often characterized by one story profiles with low,
roof lioes,simple floor plans,attached garages,and large
windows and sliding glass doors.
Roof Pitch
The angle of the sloped planes of a roof -often e.."pressed
in the rise in inches for every foot of horizontal distance,
as in a 4 in 12 pitch.
Lintel
A horizontal top member of a window,door or other
opel1111g.
Massing
The three-dimensional form of a building.
Media Center
A room used generally for television and multimedia
viewing.
Roof Ridge
The horizontal Jine formed when tUfD roof Sllrf1!ces
meet
Setbacks
The horizontal distances a structure is held away from the
adjacent property lioes.Also used to describe the off-set
distances between horizontal or vertical wall planes of a
structure.
58
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
Sill
The framing member that forms the lower side of an
opening,such as a window or.door sill.
Soffit
The exposed underside of an arch,cornice,balcony,beam
or roof overhang.
TowersfTurrets
A strnctnre whose height is usually much greater than
its width -often used as entry or focal point features of
more formal style houses.
Trellis
A horizontal light framework,freestanding or project-
ing from the face of wall,used for the purposes of sun
shading and/or the support of vine~
Victorian Style
The revival of an eclectic architectural style popular in
English-spealring countries during the reign of Queen
Victoria.It may vary from simple classic homes to ones
with substantial amounts of ostentatious ornament,
Widows'Walk
A railed rooftop platform,originally on a coastal house
and designed to observe vessels at sea.The name comes
from the wives of mariners who would watch for their
spouses to return;in some instances,the ocean took the
lives of the mariners,leaving the women as widows.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
GLOSSARY
5
59
---.
APPENDICES
_
Town of Los Gatos'-----------'=~~='-'-
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
How to Read Your Neighborhood
A guide to assist in understanding a
neighborhood's design context
Town of los Gatos
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 --61
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
INRODUCTION
Town of Los Gatos
62
_.Town rrUos Gatos Character
Los Gatos is a community of homes with a wide variety of residential
styles and unique neighborhoods.Small bungalows of the Nineteenth
Century share street frontages with newer and larger house.While
some of the Town's neighborhoods,such as the 1vlid-Twentieth Century
subdivisions with Ranch Style houses,have a relative homogeneity,others
have developed over a longer period of time and contain a great deal of
diveesity.
However,amid all of the various styles and diversity,the Town's indi-
vidual rct'identW neighborhoods do have a great deal of visual unity as a
result of a respect for one's neighbors and a recognition that the quality
of Los Gatos neighborhoods benefits grendy from efforts to enhance
and reinforce the positive featurcs of the neighborhoods that have grown
over a period of many years.
Community Expectations
Los Gatos will contmue to change and evolve over many decades to
come.A diversity of architectural styles throughout the community will
continue to be expected and valued.
Residents of the community wish to see the many positive qualities
of the Town~s neighborhoods preserved and enhanced,while recogniz-
ing tllitt the needs of families and the nature of a home's living space
will continue to change with time.It is the community's expectation that
these changes will occur within a context of sensitivity and respect for the
sWlOunding neighborhhod and those qualities that have 1ll1lde Los Gatos
unique in the Bay Area.
Purpose of this workbook
In eValuating applications for new residential construction,additions and
renovations,neighborhood compatibility will be given the highest con-
sideration.Tlus workbook is intended to assist property owners and their
design professionals in focusing attention on the imtnediate neighbor-
hood around their parcels.While a broader neighborhood context may be
appropriate in some situations,a new residentilli project will likely have its
greatest impact on the existing homes nearby.Sensitivity to the pattern,
size and scale of this context will assist in integrating new projects into
their individual neighborhoods.And,the use of some of dl.e architectural
and landscape vocabulary drawn from the neighborhood can enhance the
visual unity of the neighborhood.
This workbook focuses on the major elements that seem to most
frequeudy serve to either unify residential neighborhoods or make an
individual house uncomfortably stand out from its neighbors.
How to use this workbook
The workbook is set up to allow a quick inventory of conditions in the
area closest to the subject parcel -dl.ose that are most likely to be seen in...
tion with numbers assigned to nearby parcels.Observing the conditions
that occur on each of the properties will assist in completing a summary
at the cnd of the workbook which notes the major features dIat predomi-
nate in the immediate neighborhood.
As you look at the specific conditions outlined in this workbook,also
take time to observe the many other fearores that add diversity and visual
richness to the neighborhood A few of these are noted in the sidebar to
the right.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
Garage Doors
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Neighborhood Patterns
I
1 Car Wide
5 or more
2-4
0-1
II
2 Cars Wide
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Garage Location on the site
oJ House
~
r·-··_··~
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Building Heights
1 Story
5 or more
2-4
0-1
1 1/2 Story
5 or more
2-4
0-1
~~
1 and 2 Story
5 or more
2-4
0-1
6.0DO~
2 Story
5 or more
2-4
0-1
gable,hip or-shed
dormers
.R'o::-~
2 Story plus
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 63
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Craftsman Bungalow
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Spanish /Mission Revival
Colonial/Greek Revival
64
Town of Los Gatos
Architectural Styles 1
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Victorian
Italianate
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
European Romantic
Ranch
rntE30-1
Modern
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Architectural Styles 2
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Builder Contemporary
!!!I!!!!!!!I!!!!!I!!!!!!!I!!~
5 or more
2-4
0-1
~0-1
Other Historic
Style
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Other Non-
Historic Style
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Building Height on Adjacent
Parcels-~--~-~
Town of Los Gatos
Form and Massing
tj;i~"f--~~';'¥"-"O
1 Story
1 1/2 Story
2 Story
1 and 2 Story
2 Story Plus
1 Story
1 1/2 Story
2 Sto
1 and 2 Story
2 Story Plus
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Street Presence
....-._.-._,
,'
I
I Ii_I...
Straight Facade
Wide
....._._.,..
I J'I!I I
I I
I I
IIIIIIIIJ
Straight Facade
Narrow
....._._..,
,.
I J.'
ill:I I.'
I J
IIIIIIIiI
l Shape
....._._.,
,.
I I
i_II.I.'J I
IIIIIIiIIIIlI
T Shape
Narrow Forward
Other (Diagram)
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Entries
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Roofs 1
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Roof Forms
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Roof Pitches
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Flat low Pitch Moderate Pitch Steep Pitch Very Steep Pitch
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Roofs 2
Roof Overhangs
None (6"or less)Small (18 "or less)
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
5 or more 5 or more 5 or more
2-4 2-4 2-4
0-1 0-1 0-1
Roof Eaves
Open with exposed Closed
rafter tails
Closed
eave
Open
5 or more 5 or more 5 or more
2-4
0-1
2-4 2-4H.::----1
0-1 0-1'--"'-'-----'
Roof Features
simple gable or hip shed
ii ••
n
Dormers
68
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Windows 1
Predominant Window Proportions
Vertical
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
5 or more 5 or more 5 or more
2-4 2-4 2-4
0-1 0-1 0-1
Predominant Window Type
I
Double Hung Casement Sliding Awning Other (Diagram)
5 or more 5 or more 5 or more 5 or more 5 or more
2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1
Window Divisions
I
None Panes at top Panes both Panes at transom Other (Diagram)
5 or more 5 or more 5 or more 5 or more 5 or more
2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4 2-4
0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Windows 2
Window Material
Wood or looks like Metal
wood
5 or more 5 or more
2 - 4 f-+2:--4'---__-1°-1 '--.1.0'----1'---__-'
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Window Groupings (Check those that are the most common on the houses nearby)
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
(Check all boxes that are common on an individual house)
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Doors 1
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Door Size Door Setting
B f8B [8 [81 ~0 DO 01,
Single Double Door Only Sidelights Transom
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Door Details
Plain
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Panels
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Panels and Glass
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Divided Panes
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Shaped Door Head
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008 71
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Materials
Accent Materials in the neighborhood~~~-~~-~---_...__...........
Stone Wall Bases
Brick Wall Bases
Stone Chimneys
Brick Chimneys
Other
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
Primary Wall Materials
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Roof Materials
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of los Gatos
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Accent Details
Immediate Neighborhood Parcels
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
5 or more
2-4
0-1
Other Distinctive Features in the Immediate Neighborhood (Within the parcels above)and
the Broader Neighborhood (Within 1 block)
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 73
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Summary of predominant neighborhood characteristics
Select those with three or more examples in the Immediate Neighborhood
Town of Los Gatos
Neighborhood Patterns
~i~!jj;;!i'tmiit~:~c,-':"-~~~~
~L~_"'::':~~~~~~>:~
1 Car Wide Alley Access 1 Story
2 Cars Wide Rear Garage 1 1/2 Story
3 Cars Wide 2 Car Front 1 and 2 Story
2 Bar Back 2 Story
Side Load 2 Stories Plus
Architectural Styles
Craftsman Bungalow Colonial Revival Modern
Spanish/Mission Revival European Romantic Other Historic Style
Victorian Ranch Other Non-Historic Style
Greek Revival Builder Contemporary
Form and Massing
Straight Facade:Wide
Straight Facade: Narrow
L-Shape
T Shape:Narrow Forward
Other
Recessed:in Wall or Under Roof
Attached:With Low Eave
Attached:With High Eave
Narro\:V Porch
Wide Porch
74
Residentiai Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Roofs
All Gable Roofs
All Hip Roofs
Gable and Hip Mix
Flat/Low Slope
Other
Flat
Low Pitch
Moderate Pitch
Steep Pitch
Very Steep Pitch
Windows
None (6"or less)
Small (18"or less)
Large (Over 18 ")
None
Gable Dormers
Shed Dormers
Open
Open with exposed rafter tails
Closed
Vertical None Singles
Square Panes at Top Pairs
Horizontal Panes attop and bottom Ribbon
Panes at transom Symmetrical
Other Asymmetrical
Double Hung Wood or looks like wood
Casement MetalL....l ---l
Sliding
Awning
Other
Bay Windows:First Floor
Bay Windows:Second Floor
Arched Heads
Estate Style Windows
Other
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
APPENDIX A
How to Read Your Neighborhood
Workbook
Doors
Town of Los Gatos
<-.--~._-~---C-._~_.__.-.-1
tl~tQ!Xf'0tYK~..;,'~J '-<J'~~:-~:,'''j
~':~.==~2~<-c<_~~j
Single
Double
Materials
p-••-.-.-.~-~---.----.-•••-~-1lJ~>J:'1i~:t'iQ1T1E--,-._<---_~I
~<-~..;:.~..,~~-=~~':~--~"",~~j
Door Only
Sidelights
Transom
ii'tx."t,i-Ffim[t:-----:---;=--::--,--.y '~
~~-~:~~~,:~~~:~~:~~~~..~
Plain
Panels
Panels and Glass
Divided Glass Panes
Shaped Door Head
Stone Wall Bases Wood Siding Composition Shingles
Brick Wall Bases Shingles Wood Shakes
Stone Chimneys Stucco Tile or Concrete:Flat
Brick Chimneys Brick or Stone Tile or Concrete:Arched
Other Mix of Materials Metal
Accent Details
Front Yard Fences Shutters Column Caps and Bases
Front Yard Entry Arbor Brackets Detailed Porch Railings
Trellises Cable Infill Texture Half Timber Beams
Stone or Brick Bases Shaped or Detailed Entry Towers/Turrets
Stone or Brick Chimneys Columns
Other Distinctive Features in the immediate neighborhood
Other Distinctive Features in the broader neighborhood (Within one block each direction)
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
APPENDIX B
Historic Districts
TOWN OF LOS GATOS RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Town of Los Gatos
Historic Districts
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 77
Town of Los Gatos
1910s
1910s
1910s
1880s
1920s
1910s
1900s
1920s
1920s
1900s
1910s
1910s
1910s
1860s
1930s
1900s
1920s
1920s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1880s
1930-40s
1920-30s
1930s
No Specific Date
Street Address Estimated Date of Construction
Contributors to the District
228 Almendra
230 Almendra
231 Almendra
237 Almendra
238 Almendra
242 Almendra
245 Almendra
253 Almendra
259 Almendra
302 Almendra
315 Almendra
316 Almendra
322 Almendra
211 Bachman
221 Bachman
222 Bachman
226 Bachman
228 Bachman
243 Bachman
250 Bachman
251 Bachman
256 Bachman
300 Bachman
301 Bachman
303 Bachman
308 Bachman
ALMOND GROVE HISTORIC DISTRICT
corporation,Food Machinery Corporation.Plagued by
San Jose scale on his orchard trees,he developed an im-
proved chemical spray pump,a significant development
-rristorical ---11-;o-;r-;o£--treme~d~us -frutt-groWing-fO.--S"anta-ClRta
The Almond Grove addition was the first and largest Valley.Bean gave his son-in-law,David C.Crummey,a
subdivision after the incorporation of the Town of Los share in the business.Historical evidence indicates that
Gatos.Of approximately 40 acres,the historic tract was Crummey lived in the house on the corner of Bean and
the last land,formerly an almond orchard as its name Santa Cruz Avenues,212 Bean Avenue,until the busi-
suggests,of 1621/2 acres bought in 1865 by John Mason ness prospered and he built the elaborate mansion at 33
from Edward Auzexais,an important landowner in Santa Glen Ridge Avenue.D.c.'s sao,John Crummey,further
Clara County after whom Auzerais Street in SanJoseand improved the pump and expanded the Almond Grove
Auzerais Court in Los Gatos are named.headquartered business.(In Horatio Algier tradition,he
The purchasers and developers of Almond Grove enterptisingly rode a bicycle up and down the Sacramento
were four very important figures to Los Gatos history Valley and lined up enough orders to l.-eep the company
and honored by street names still used in the area.They in business for years).Under Crummey,the Bean Spray
were Alphonse Eli Wilder,banker;Augustine Nicholson,Pump Company became EM.C.(Still retaining a divi-
capitalist;Magaus Tail,farmer and miner;and John Bean,sian entitled Bean Spray Pump Company).Under John
orchatdist.Crummey's son-in-law;Paul Davies,EM.C.became an
Many important contributors to the development of international corporation,and a member of his family
the Town lived in the Almond Grove area.L.E.Hamilton,still serves on the board of directors.
secretary of the Odd Fellows and director of the 1889
Los Gatos Cemetery Associ'1.tion,built his own house
at 139 Wilder (which is still owned and occupied by his
daughter).In addition,he also did extensive carpentry
work fOf Mrs.Winchester of the famous Winchester
House iIl SaiiJose.
The house at 115 Wilder was owned by Clarence
Lyndon,nephew of town pioneer John Lyndon.E.N.
Davis,head trustee (mayor)on the board of trustees,
1898-1902,lived at 131 Tait.
The Magaus Tait home is 231 Tail.129 Tait was the
home of E.E.Place and birthplace of George Place,
owner of Place Mortuary housed in the Coggeshall
1YIansion (a Town historic landmark now the site of the
Chart House).
328 Bachman is the 'lMassol"house.Fenilen Massol
was Los Gatos mayor,1894-97.
354 Bachman was the home of George McMurty,who
as a 'youth helped haul stones to buildForbes ]\,ffi]Annex
and later became the first treasurer of incorporated Los
Gatos,a post he held for over 40 years.
216 Glen Ridge was the home of W H.B.Trantham,
------who-in 1885 beeftme-the M,t 6\\,,,,,,,,,,£the Lo ..G:;".l<to",;--_--'2"'4,,4LB"'",c"'hllmD.aJ'nO-._11.-'9L;4~Otss -----------
News after its founder temporarily retired.Trantham
owned the News Oater the Mail-News)until 1976.The
Mail-News remained in existence until 1953.
200 Glen Ridge was at one time the home of Raymond
J.Fisher,educator,after who Fisher School is named.
John Bean started a business right in Almond Grove
that evolved into a local family dynasty's multi-national
78
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
320 Bachman 1920s
327 Bachman 1940,
212 Bean 1890,
236 Bean 1900,
102 Massol 1880s
106 Massol 1870,
114 Massol 1880s-90,
119 Massol 1870s
120 Massol 1930,
124 Massol 1930,
125 Massol 1860,
130 Massol 1860s
134 Massol 1920s
136 Massol 19 Century
144 Massol 1920s
155 Massol 1910s
156 Massol 1910s
210 Massol 1920s
218 Massol 1860s
220 Massol 19 Century
231 Ma,sol 1930s
320 Massol 1910,
216 Nicholson 1910s
222 Nichol,on 1920s
255 Nicholson 1920s
304 Nichol,on 1940s
310 Nicholson 1860s-1940s
315 Nichol,on 1920,
100 Tait 1890,
103 Tait 1900,
106 Tait 1890,
115 Tait 1890s
116 Tait 1860s
116 Tait 1920,
118 Tait 1890s
122 Tait 1890,
125 Tait 19 Century
128 Tait 1890,
131 Tait 1860s
136 Tait 1870,
142Tait 1910,
145Tait 1910s
146 Tait 1920,
150Tait 1920s
202 Tait 1930s
203 Tait 19 Century
207 Tait 1900,
213 Tait 19 Century
215 Tait 19 Century
218 Tait 1880,
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
APPENDIX B
Historic Districts
225 Tait 1910,
230 Tait 1880,
231 Tait 1860s
314 Tait 1920s
334 Tait 1920s
100 Wilder 1890,
101 Wilder 1890s
107 Wader 1900s
113 Wilder 1900s
114 Wader 1930s
115 Wilder 1910s
121 Wilder 1880,
123 Wader 1910s
124 Wilder 1900s
127 Wilder 1920,
128 Wader 1910s
131 Wilder 1930s
134 Wilder 1870,
138 Wader 1920,
139 Wilder 1860-70s
147 Wilder 1890s
150 Wilder 1910s
153 Wilder 1870s
204 Wilder 1900s
205 Wilder 1880,
208 Wilder 1900s
211 Wilder 1920,
212 Wilder 1860s-70,
218 Wilder 1860s-70,
221 Wilder 1920s
224 Wilder 1860,-70s
225 Wilder 1910s
SOlln¥!:His/otic Inventory Survey condtu1ed I!J!Anne BloonJ-
ji,ld.
Architectnral
The predominance of Victorian architecture,including
info.rmal wood frame cottages and impressive homes,
intermi:<ed with bungalow style cottage"Colonial Revival,
and tvfission Revival home,built ,omewhat later reflect
the history and development of the di,trict.Individual
architectural distinction is not the important factor in an
historic district but the neighborhood entity created.The
Almond Grove area is unique in that of the 78 pre-1895
houses built here,64 or about 82%still grace the streets.
In addirion,22 house,built between 1895 and 1908,
31 house,built between 1908 and 1916 and another 30
hou,es built between 1917 and 1930 still exist.The 1989
earthquake 'ignificantly damaged two houses built prior
to the 1900',and one house built in the 1920's which were
79
APPENDIX B
Historic Districts
Town of Los Gatos
1886.The house was converted to a duplex in 1932 and
was then reverted to a single-family house in 1963.The
home was used as a movie set for the 1970 Orson Wells
----------------------------,-~.------_.._---
movie "The Toy Factory."
Skinkle House,129 Edelen:This Queen Anne,lWo-
story Victorian "'as built by pharmacist A.Skinkle,Jr.,in
1890.He was co-owner of Watkins Skinkle Drug Store
on Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue.Skinkle was
president,in 1895,of-the Borad of Trade "(forerunner
to the Chamber of Commerce).
Contributors to the District
Street Address Estimated Date of Construction
demolished.A total of 180 structures now line the streets
within the boundaries of the district,147 or 82%of those
structures were built by 1930.The streetscapes remain
-baoleany llnehangea;lenaingthe distt1ctaspeclaI oid:
time feeling that for many symbolize old Los Gatos and
represents an important part of our Town's heritage.
UNIVERSITYcEOELEN-HISTORICOISTRICT
The University/Edelen area was originally part of the
Mason Tract.In September 1880,the area was subdivided
into five parcels ranging from 6.75 acres to 10 acres.These
parcels were further subdivided and became the Miles/
Edelen Subdivision (rhe Vineyard Lots),the Hagerty
Subdivision,the Qnick Subdivision,the Bentley/Pierce
Subdivision and the Engrish Subdivision which created
the lots forming the Universiry/Edelen Area.These
subdivisions predated the turn of the century.
Architecture
Victorian is the predominant architecture,including
informal wood frame cottages and impressive homes,
intermixed with Craftsman/Bungalow style cottages built
somewhat later.Also present in smaller numbers Me Co-
lonial Revival Contributing sttuctures are both residential
aild commercial.Individual architectural distinction Is not
as important in a historic district as the neighborhood
entity created.The University/Edelen district has easily
identifiable boundaries which add to its perception as a
distinct neighborhood.
Significant Residential Structures
Harry Perrin Home -315 University Avenue:This house
is estimated to have been built in 1895.The original
owners were Harry and Theresa Perrin.Mr.Perrin was
a brick mason and contractor and built the house with
his own hauds for his bride.They sold the house in
1906.Iv!t.Petrin later constructed the revetments for
the Presidio of Sau Francisco.The house has been called
"Honeymoon House."The home Is an excellent example
of romanesque style architecture.
In 1972 a major remodeling job was redone under the
direction of Boris and Nancy Baranowski.The interior
was redone and made into law offices.In 1989 the struc-
ture was significantly damaged by the earthquake aud in
1990 the building under went major repair aud the seismic
retrofit was completed in 1991 by VSL Corporation.
1v1i.les House (Los Gatos Museum.Restoration Award,
1971),130 Edelen:This Queen Anne,two-story Victorian
was built by contractor-laud developer 0.E.!'vIiles in
91 Bentley
107 Edelen
110 Edelen
114 Edelen
124 Edelen
217 Edelen
219 Edelen
233 Edelen
239 Edelen
252 Edelen
255 Edelen
258 Edelen
68 !'vIiles
72 !'vIiles
40 University
112 University
123 University
205 University
210 University
217 University
229 University
230 University
241 University
242 University
245 University
250 University
251 University.
254 University
.266 University
313 University
324 University,
326 University
327 University
329 University
330 University
333 University
259 University
1910s
1890s
1930-50s
20th Century
1900s
19th Century
1920s
1890s
1890s
1910s
1920s
1920,
1920,
1890s
1901
1930s
1900s
1900s
1920s
1910s
N/A
1920s
1930s
1860s
1930s
1920s
1930s
1890s
1890s
1920s
1920s
1920s
1890s
1920s
1900s
1910s
1940s
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
111 Edelen 1880-90s
118 Edelen 1890s
129 Edelen 1890s
130 Edelen 1886
260 Edelen 1880s
115 University 191 Os
118 University 1880s,
122 University 1870.80's
126 University 1880s
128 University 1890s
201 University 1890s
202 University 1870s
215 University 1880-90s
221 University 1920s
231 University 1930s
232 University 1920s
237 University 1880s
256 University 1880s
262 University 1890s
301 University 1910s
303 University.1910s
315 University c.1895
321 University 1890s
350 University N/A
611 University 1950s
Soun--e :Historic Illventory Survey conducted by Antle
B/oomjiu/d.
BROADWAY HISTORIC DISTRICT
Historical
The Broadway area was the first residential subdivision,
and Broadway was the first residential street in the Town
of Los Gatos.
A 100-acre tract of land including what is now the
Broadway area was purchased by a Henry D.McCobb
in 1863.McCobb planned to subdivide the land into city
lots and name the new city Cobbsville.
The land was ultimately sold to ex-Vermonter John
W Lyndon,one of the most well-known names in early
Los Gatos history,and it was Lyndon who,on Septem-
ber 24,1881,subdivided the area into 48 lots,selling for
$125 and up.OnJanuary 5,1883 Broadway,was opened
up to access the Lyndon subdivision.Broadway was the
first plotted street in Los Gatos.Scattered houses and
businesses such as Forbes 1vIill preceded Broadway,but
this subdivision marked the beginnings of a formally
laid-out Town.
In addition to founding Broadway,John Lyndon,
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
APPENDIX B
Historic Districts
one of the original Town Trustees (equivalent to Town
Councilmen)I was a stockholder in the new Los Gatos
Fruit Packing Co.,organized a gas company,started a
bank,built a new hotel (Ten JYlile House,predecessor to
the Lyndon Hotel)and deeded the land for the Southern
Pacific Coast Railway depot,where the post office now
stands.
Among the first land purchasers was William L.Lin-
gley,once a sailor from Maine,who bought the Lyndon
Subdivision All for $600 in gold coin in September,1881.
Part of the original Lingley home still stands near what are
now the apartments at 350 W.Main Street The creek run-
ning through that area and #1 Bayview (original location
of the Victorian Abbey Inn)is called Lingley Creek.
The historic John W.Lyndon home,which later be-
came the Farwell home,was a.Victorian mansion at 55
Broadway.
John's brother James built a stately two-story residence
at the southwest corner of Broadway and S.Santa Cruz
Avenue when Broadway was still a dirt road.
The cottages builtin 1887 for Mr.Thomas Hayselden
still stand.Clifton Avenue was once called Hayselden
Avenue.
Among memorable people who have·dwelt on
Broadway was Marion 1vlace Lyndon,second wife of
Joho Lyndon.Her mother was a minor poet and friend
of Longfellow.The Mace home still stands on Clifton
Avenue.
According to neighbors.the present Bruce Berryman
residence at 89 Broadway was once rented by writer Jack
London's first wife.
Contributors to the Dis trict
Sueet Address Estimated Date of Consuuction
29 Broadway 1870s
37 Broadway 1890s
42 Broadway 1910s
44 Broadway 1870s
45 Broadway 1870s
47 Broadway 1930s
50 Broadway 1900s
56 Broadway 1910s
62 Broadway 1880s
65 Broadway 1910s
68 Broadway 1980s
72 Broadway 1880s
74 Broadway 1920s
81 Broadway 1930s
84 Broadway 1900s
85 Broadway 1880s
81
86 Broadway 1930s
93 Broadway 1880s
..!0711r<>a.cl"",y ...J870s
131 Broadway 1870s
16 Clifton 1910s
24 Clifton 1910s
249 W Main 1880s
251 W Main 1870s
-253-WMain 1910s
325 W Main 1920s
Source:Historic InV9fJlory SurvfY conducted lryAntle Bloot/J·
field
Architectnral
The proposed district contains approximately 51 strnc-
tures,many of which were built before 1900 and are sig-
nificant both historically and architecturally.A variety of
architectural styles are represented in the area,including
Victorian,Craftsman/Bungalow,Colonial Revival and one
Norman French.The Norman French is unique,not only
to the district,but to the Town of that era.Although it is
not as old as many of the other houses,it was designed
by Henry Crall,whose family has been in Los Gatos since
the late nineteenth century.The house was originally an
exact replica of a house Mr.Crall had seen in Normandy,
France.The exterior-remains unchanged.
The structure located on the corner of Tait and rvrain
Street was the first fire house built in Los Gatos for that
specific purpose.It was constructed in 1927 with funds
raised through a bond issue and housed a 750-gallon
American LaFrance pumper.The building now houses
the Los Gatos Museum.
One of the architectural gems of the area,the Water-
man House,built in 1883 at 45 Broadway,is a superb
and excellendy preserved example of Victorian Italian-
ate style.
Taken together,the homes in the Broadway and Main
Street area offer a diverse and irreplaceable sample of
architectural styles,including some of Los Gatos'oldest
and most distinctive buildings.
Listed below are Town features recommended for
preservation.Review by the Historic Preservation Com-
mittee is required for any changes to these features.
1.Roads are concrete and should be repaired to
maintain appearance as of the year 1992.
2.Date stamps in concrete sidewalks.
Town of Los Gatos
FAIRVIEW PLAZA HISTORIC DISTRICT
Historical
"Fairview Plaza"was the original name given the cul-
de-sac termination of Pennsylvania Avenue in the
subdivision known as ''Fairview Addition",smveyed in
June,1885 by Herrmann Brothers,Land Surveyors,San
_Jpse>Ylifornia,JQ~wg.f,H-McCullagh and record~<1 hI
County of Santa Clara,Book 5 of Maps,page 26.
"Fairview Plaza"retains the same configu.t:a;tion as
originally mapped and contains a landscaped island as a
focal point.Approximately three quarters of the homes
within the subdivision were built prior to 1900 and retain
the character of that era.The pedestrian walk labeled
"Turnstile Walk"on the original map remains essentially
unchanged and is located at the eastern end of the cul-
de-sac.
While originally named ''Pennsylvania Avenue,"that
portion of the street within the ''Fairview Addition"
subdivision has been renamed Fairview Plaza (from the
cul-de-sac west to the intersection with Oak Knoll Road,
Manzanita Avenue,and Wadsworth Avenue).Both the
street and adjoining houses are popularly referred to as
"Fairview Plaza."
''FiliVieviPlaza''is a tare arid itiiique neigul:5ofhood
because of the authentic,well-maintained Victorian and
Craftsman houses in close proximity with one another.
The atmosphere is enhanced because the street is not
a "through street,"thus allowing a scale and sense of
"apparitions"which is not found in most other neigh-
borhoods.
Contributors to the District
Street Address Estimated Date of Construction
44 Fairview Plaza 19108
48 Fairview Plaza 1900s
52 Fairview Plaza 1890s
57 Fairview Plaza 18908
63 Fairview Plaza 1890s
75 Fairview Plaza 1880s
78 Fairview Plaza 1890s
80 Fairview Plaza 1860-1890s
89 Fairview Plaza 18708
90 Fairview Plaza 1890s
91 Fairview Plaza 19008
92 Fairview Plaza 19008
95 Fairview Plaza 1890.
98 Fairview Plaza 1890s
99 Fairview Plaza 1910s
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
Sat/ree:Historic Il1ventory Survey ~'Oflducted l!J Anne Bloom-
field
Listed below are Town features recommended for
preservation.Review by the Historic Preservation Com-
mittee is required for any changes to these features.
1.Central Plaza Island.
2.The access to TUrnstile Walk.
3.Date stamps in concrete sidewalks.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
APPENDIX B
Historic Districts
_111!!............Town of Los GatosAPPENDIXC-------~~==
Cellar Policy
.~0WN COtJNCiCL-POLICY TOWN OFLOSGATOS
SUBJECT:CELLARS
Enabling Action:2002-167
Approved:Randy Attaway,Mayor
-Effective Bate,October 21,2002.
PURPOSE:
General Plan policy L.P.2.3 states:"Encourage basements and cellars to provide "hidden"square footage in-lieu
of visible mass."
The following policy shall he used by staff when reviewing plans that include a cellar.
DEFINITION:
A cellar is an enclosed area that does not extend more than:four feet above the existing or finished grade in any
location.Cellars,as defined here,shall not be included in the FAR.That area of a cellar where the building height
exceeds four feet above existing or finished grade shall not be included in this definition and shall be included
in the floor atea calculation.For purposes of this policy,whichever grade (existing or proposed)results in the
lowest building profile of a building shall be used.
POLlCY:
In reviewing plans for cellars staff shall consider the following:
•A cellar shall not extend more than four feet above the adjacent finished grade at any Po.int around the pe-
rimeter of the foundation.Below grade floor area must meet the above definition of cellar to be excluded
from cli~flo~~area calculations for the structure.
•
•
•
•
•
If any portion of a cellar extends more than four feet above grade,that area shall be included in the Hoar
area calculation.
Light and e.'<it wells may encroach info front and side yard setbacks provided that a minimum three-foot
wide pedestrian access is provided,around the light wells).Light wells and exiting shall be the minimum
required to comply with the Uniform Building Code criteria for natural light and ventilation..
Below grade patios may extend out from a cellar into the required rear yard provided that a minimum 10
foot setback is retained from the rear property line.
Cellars and basements (except light and exit wells)shall not e."tend beyond the building footprint.
The Planning Commission may allow an exception to this policy based on extenuating or exceptional
circumstances applicable to the property including size,shape,topography,location or surroundings.The
Commission shall make findings to support such a decision
84
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
Town of Los Gatos
GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES AND MATERIALS
The examples listed below represent a limited sample of
currendy available green bnilcling strategies and materials.
Additional resources are listed at the end of this section.
Some of the following techniques may be applicable to
more than one category althongh they are listed only
once.
If a strategy is jo'mwed with an asterisk (*)it indi...tus that
it is available at low or no additional cost.
1.Design strategies that maximize the use of
renewable energy resources for heating,
cooling and lighting.
a.Passive SolaJ:Hearing
Orient the house to minimize east-west sun
exposure.*
•Locate the most used living areas on the
south side of the house.*
Locate the majority of windows on the
south elevation;limit windows on the west
elevation;do not block morning/east sun
exposure *
b.Natural Cooling/Ventilarion
•Orient the house to capture prevailing
summer winds.*
•Locate inlet windows upwind and outlet
windows downwind.*
•Place inlet windows low and outlet
windows high to achieve a "chimney ef-
fect".'
•Install double or triple paned,low emis-
sion windows.*
•Install a whole-house fan.*
•Provide overhangs or awnings on south
facing windows.
•Plant deciduous trees to shade west fac-
ing glass in summer but allow for sun in
winter.*
Fit or lower bnilding into the grade to
reduce wall exposure.
APPENDIX D
Sustainable Design
c.Natural Daylight
Locate windows and design floor plans to
provide daylight in all living spaces.•
Use narrow floor plates (30-40 feet)to
ma:cimize daylight.•
•Install solar tubes,skylight,and fiber op-
rics daylighring systems.
2.Strategies that conserve energy and water.
Install photovoltaic panels or shingles
to reduce utility consumption by at least
25%.
Install thermal glazing.•
Install wall/roof/floor insularion above
Tide 24 required R-vaIues.•
•Install foundation insulation.*
•Install high efficiency hearing (AFUE
90%or better)and cooling (SEER 12)
systems.*
Install at source or tankless water heat-
ers.*
Installlighring controls (occupant sensors
&timers).'
•Install high efficiency lights.•
•Install high efficiency appliances (for e.."{-
ample,energy star appliances).•
Install solar hot water heaters.
Install ceiling fans.•
Install hydrouic hearing.
Install thermo-syphouing roof.
•Install geothermal air tubes.
Design and install water efficient native
landscaping and irrigarion.•
•Install agrV!lvatersystem to utilize waste
water for landscape irrigation.
Use locally produced products and prod-
ucts that require minimal processing.*
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008 •85
- -
APPENDIX D
Sustainable Design
_
Town of Los GatosI~=c.::.:....:::::...=:=
•
•
•
3.Strategies for building materials.Use
materials that reduce the consumption of
nl!nr~l1ewabl~r~ourc~s anI!tI1at imllrove
air quality.
a.Sttuctural frame materials that reduce resource
use.
•Use concrete with a minimum of 25%fly
__~sh (,:9!1tent.*
•Use engineered lumber for structural
mate.rials instead of conventional lumber
(e.g.gluelam,microhm,laminated veneer
lumber,wood "I"joists,oriented strand
board or parallel strand lumber).*
•Use recycled content steel.
•Specify pier foundation (uses less con-
crete).
b.Use renewable,salvaged and recycled materi-
als.
Utilize materials from rapidly renewable
sources.A few examples are Forest Certi-
fied COW1Ci!(FSC)certified wood,natural
linoleum,bamboo flooring,cork.
Use salvaged or_reused materials.
Use building products from recycled
materials (e.g.carpet,carpet padding,
decking).*
Specify insulation that,at a minimum,
is made from recycled materials and is
formaldehyde free.
Consider using blown cellulose with low
toxic binders.
c.Use non-toxic materials and finishes (improves
air quality).
•Use urea-formaldehyde free materials
(e.g.All Green or Medite medium deusity
fiberboard).*
•Use low/no volatile organic compounds
(VOC)and formaldehyde free interior
paint,solvents and adhesives,caulking
and finishes.*
ADDITIONAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
RESOURCES
TheBourcesJiste<LbdQware.periadicalljonpdJlted
to present the most current advances in green
building technology and materials.
Build it Green
wlvw.builditgreen.org
.'..-Environmental.BuildingNe.ws.
wlvw.buildittggreeJl.com
•US Green Building Council
21Jww.usgbc.org
•National Association of Home Builders
www.llahb.org
•Green Building Alliance
wWJv.gbapgh.org
•Rocky Mountain Institute
wWlv.rrni.o1"q
Sustainable Building Industry Council
wlvw.sbicouncil.o1"g
Southface
Wlvw.southface.org
Technical Ceuter for Appropriate Tech
-lvJPw.iicat.ori!reh
Califorrtia Integrated Waste Manage-
ment
WWlv.stopwaste.org
•
•
Avoid materials that offgas VOC's or
HCFC's.*
Consider using geothermal air tubes.
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September S,2008
Town of Los Gatos
CODE STATUS
is Listed in the National Register of Histotic
Pkces
25 Officially determined to be eligihle for the Na-
tional Register and appeaxs to be eligible for
local designation
35 Appears to be eligible as an individual property
for the National Register and local designa-
tion
3D Contributor to a district that appears eligible for
the National Register and local designation
3N N oncontributor to a district that appears eligible
for the National Register and local designa-
tion
3V Vacant paxcel in a district that appears eligible for
the National Register and local designation
3B Appeaxs eligible for the National Register and lo-
cal designation as both an individual property
and as a contributor to a district
4B May become eligible for the National Register
and local designation as both an individual
property and as a contributor to a district
4D Contributor to a district that may become eligible
for the National Register and local designa-
tion
4N N oncontributor to a district that may become
eligible for the National Register and local
designation
4S May become eligible as an individual property for
the National Register and local designation
4V Vacant parcel in a district that may become
eligible for the National Register and local
designation
Residential Design Guidelines
Town Council Review Draft #3 September 5,2008
APPENDIX E
Historic Resources Status Codes
CODE STATUS
55 Appears eligible for local designation as an indi-
vidual property
5D Appears eligible for local designation as a con-
tributor to a district
5N Noncontributor to a district that appears eligible
for local designation
5V Vacant paxcel in a district that appears eligible
for local designation
5B Appeaxs eligible for local designation both as an
individual property and as a contributor to a
district
65 Appears ineligible for local designation but con-
tributes to the Town's historic atmosphere
75 Appears ineligible for local designation because
built after 1941
C Preliminary rating:Contributor to Town's historic
feeling but has had some alterations
I Preliminary rating:Contributor to Town's historic
feeling and appeaxs intact
N Preliminary rating:New;Appears to have been
built since 1941
R Preliminary rating:Remodeled heavily;appears
built before 1942
R5 Preliminary rating:May become eligible for local
designation based on future research
RG Preliminary rating:Contributor to group eligibil-
ity for local recognition only
-
213 Bean Avenue Los Gatos,California 95030 (408)354·4551
To:Community development department IPlanning Division
Re:Residential design Guidelines Update
"Message:Following are a few comments concerning the last draft of the 'guidelines',in no particular
order.
A.Windows:Many times the style of windows sets the style of the total Architecture.The
Architect should have some latitude here.(Note:The term true divided lite should not be a
requirement;artificial or snap in grids should not be permitted.Simulated divided lites are most
common as noted under 4.8.4 bullet #7
B.Roofpitches can and should vary in a neighborhood.The same with the roof forms.I fear
that this matrix will be too restrictive to the Architectural style that will enhance the neighborhood.
C Form and massing:Los Gatos does not have any 'row house'neighborhoods so if there
exists a street with the majority of houses high and narrow;a design of a single story house
should be considered.The reverse perhaps should not be considered because of solar access
and privacy.This 'Form and massing'could become very controversial.
D.Materials:Materials are a very sensitive part of a house and neighborhood design.I have
witnessed projects being built in Los Gatos that have a ten'ible sense of how one material
should interface with another.Give the talented Architect some latitude ...remembering that the
Town has LalTY Cannon for situations like this.
SEP 1 0 2008
RECEiVED
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
IN GENERAL:The matrix should not be applied at the cost of innovation and creative design
or the use of elements traditional to the style (ie.craftsman or victorian)it should only be applied
by those with no design expertise that may need help understanding what the elements of a
particular style are,otherwise the literal application of this matrix will lend to non-diverse
neighborhoods with no character.
~,
IOJ7tttPfl
Architecture •Restoration Design •Environmental Design ATTACHMENT 16
Terry Martin Associates,AlA
Residential-Commercial-Architecture
45 East Main Street,SUite B
Los Gatos,CalrfOfnia95030
395-BDi6 J=ax 395-5732
September 10,2008
RECEIVED
Town of Los Gatos
Community Development Dept.
Plaflfling Division
iiO E.Main Street
Los Gatos,CA 95030
Attn:Bud Lortz
Re:ResiClential Design GUiClelines UpClate
Mr.Lon:z,
SEP 1 2 2008
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
Thank yoU fonhe opportunity aM inVolVing the local architectural community in this
resiClential upClate process.As you knoW,1 have beenpract1Cing architecture in the Town of Los
Gatos for a number ofyears.I have revieweCl the C10cuments online aM have a couple of
comments as follows.
1.I am concerneCl that the hilfside gUiClelines Will be usetl for noh-hillsiCle properties (ie.
lots over 30,000 s.l),this Was nonhe intent ofthe hilisiCle gUidelines.
2.Basements ana cellars are C1efinetl in the California BUilCling CMe Which C1iffers from the
Los Gatos tlefinition.I wish as part of this revision that the Town would take the time to
bring this in line With the State,as this has causeo many issues of conflict over tM years.
3.There is a conmct as When the consulting Town Arthltett is brought into a project.I
woulo like to see this definet!,or eliminated,better yet state that drawings must be
done by licenseCl architects.
4.The neighbor assessment halitlout worries me that itwill be one more level of reView in
an alreaayverytime consuming process,this speaks to neighbOrhood patterns Which
mayormay not be relevant.As an architect,We look at tM context of how to best site
home style while maintaining the Wishes of the ownetfor the development oftheir
property.
ATTACHMENT 17
5.There is a aifference between historic Wmicts aM the Town as a whole,aM my
concern is that the Town is aaopting'a histotic mOclel acro'ss the boata (ie.trim is req'a
to be min 3 Yz"@ aoor aM WiMows,otientation ofgarages,roof pitches aM entry
styles).All oHMse elements are important in the historic aimitts,but in other areas
there sMula be more rreeaom.It teacts that we are not allowing Italian Style country
homes.
6.There is a little confusion abolIt laMscaping timing anclreVieW(ie.paVing stones @ entry
atiVes)
7.IcommeM the Town on their "gteen"approach aM not aaopting Me of the rating
systems as pOlity.
There are a few ofthe Items that I was able to note in the short time allotted.Please feel free
to give mea call ifyou Wish to aiscuss these or any other items.
Sincerely,
'"'-'\.
Terry 1.Ma ftin
Architect
CA Lic IIC2322i
Chris Spaulding,Architect
80 I Camelia Street,Suite E
Berkeley,CA 94710
510-527-5997
Fax 527-5999
chris@csarchitect,net
8-15-08
Dear Council members,
.f.CE\\IED
SEl'1 5''2.GG?>
OF LOS Gi'TOS
TOWN NING DIVISIONPLi'N
First,allow me to say that I am flattered that 15%ofthe images within your new "Single
and Two Family Residential Design Guidelines"are houses ofmy design,including two on the
cover (and none are the "don't do this"type).
While I am generally supportive ofthis type ofendeavor,I am very worried about how it
will be implemented.Other cities in the bay area have similar guidelines,and in practice they often
get reduced to the basic elements ofthe guidebook and miss the big picture (i.e."we like the design
but since three ofthe five houses around you have an eave line that is nine feet above grade,unless
you lower yours to nine feet,we can not approve the project").Ifthey get interpreted this way,the
guidelines will lead to bland,uninspiring,lowest-common-denominator conformity.In particular,if
a specific site is surrounded bymediocre architecture then the guidelines will end up enforcing
mediocrity.
Good design can not be reduced to a workbook!
Please give architects some room to work with,and delete the guidelines that require roof
pitches,eave lines,entryways,materials,window types,etc.,to match the immediate neighborhood.
Or,ifnot that,be explicit that a design should match some of the elements,but not necessarily all.
Thank you for your consideration.
ATTACHMENT 18