2005-011 - Amending The Hillside Development Standards & GuidelinesRESOLUTION 2005 - 011
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AMENDING THE HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS & GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the Town Council adopted Hillside Development Standards in January 2004,
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended modifications to the architectural
provisions to clarify and strengthen the intent to minimize bulk and mass; and
WHEREAS, adoption of these amendments will help provide clear direction to developers
and homeowners processing development applications (General Plan Implementing Strategy L.I.7.4);
and
WHEREAS, adoption of these amendments will help reduce the bulk, mass and scale of new
and remodeled homes in the hillside and help new development blend better with its site; and
WHEREAS, The Architectural Standards /Hillside recommends that the amendments be
adopted; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Committee also supports adoption of the amendments;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: the Town Council of the TOWN OF LOS GATOS
adopts the amendments to the Hillside Development Standards & Guidelines, attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 22nd day
of February, 2005, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Steve Glickman, Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski, Mayor Mike Wasserman
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None ���Z�G"'
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK ADMI STRA.TOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS,, CALIFORNIA
TOWN OF LOS GrATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
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Foreword
Things to Consider Before you Begin the Design
Process
• The goal of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines (HDS &G) is to achieve design
excellence, foster sustainable development and preserve the natural environment consistent
with the Town's vision for its hillsides.
• Become familiar with the HDS &G, the Town's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Hillside Specific
Plan, and other relevant plans and regulations. An application that is consistent with Town
plans and policies, and has submitted all necessary reports and information can be processed
with minimal delay.
• The HDS &G establish a framework for appropriate design, standards and minimum and /or
maximum requirements. However, stricter standards may be required to avoid potential impacts
and to achieve the goals and objectives of the HDS &G.
• Applicants are encouraged to creatively meet the goals and objectives of the HDS &G.
• The illustrations provided in the HDS &G are schematic and meant to show the intent of a
standard or guideline.
• Not every site can be developed at the maximum density or intensity allowed by the Zoning
Ordinance. Some sites cannot accommodate a two -story home or accessory uses such as
swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.
• It is beneficial to inventory the site's natural, physical properties (such as slope distribution and
geology). A site plan and design program should be developed only after the Least Restrictive
Development Area (LRDA) has been identified based on a site specific constraints analysis. This
approach will assist in designing projects that avoid or fit in with the site's natural constraints.
• It makes for good relations with your future neighbors if you meet with them beforehand to
discuss any special concerns they may have prior to siting and designing the house, landscaping,
or making any significant site improvements.
• Since the Town's goals, policies, and regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to
check with the Town's Community Development Department for any changes.
'Designs that are bulky and massive may be more difficult to get approved (see
Chapter V. section F. on pages 37 -39).
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND G'rUIDELINES
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e. Avoid overhanging decks, large staircases and patios formed by retaining walls that
make buildings appear more massive. Avoid use of balustrades and solid wall
railings that add to the mass of the design.
f. Step the building foundation and roofs with the natural slope.
g. Use horizontal and vertical building components to reduce bulk. Avoid large
expanses ef a wall in a single plane two story wall planes.
h. Create light and shadow by providing modest overhangs, projections, alcoves, and
plane offsets, and varying elevations such as stepping second stories.
i. Vary elevations, such as stepping back second stories, to conform with topography.
k. Excavate or use below -grade rooms to reduce effective bulk. The visual area of the
building can be minimized through a combined use of grading and landscaping
techniques.
I. Use vaulted ceilings rather than high walls and ceilings with attics above to achieve a
feeling of volume.
m. Second stories should be stepped back so the difference in wall planes is
visible from a distance.
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TOWN OF Los GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
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I. Materials and colors.
Standards:
1. The contrast between manmade buildings and the environment shall be minimized. A
buildings color and materials shall complement and blend with the predominant colors
and values of the surrounding natural environment.
2. Exterior colors shall not exceed a reflectivity value of 30 and shall blend with the natural
vegetation.
3. Roofs shall be a dark earth tone color with a variety of shades of that color that blend
with the environment.
4. Exposed metal surfaces shall be painted to compliment adjacent materials, be anodized
a dark color, or have the ability to develop a patina (e.g., copper).
5. Mirror -like window tinting is prohibited.
5. Contrasting color accents shall be kept to a minimum.
Guidelines:
1. A variety of materials, textures, and architectural details compatible with the design
theme of the house should be used to add interest and to mitigate the visual impact of
large wall areas.. Natural materials such as wood and stone will help soften
the appearance of stucco and blend it with the natural setting.
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