Attachment 8PREPARED BY: SEAN MULLIN, AICP
Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Community Development Director, Town Manager
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/20/2018
ITEM NO: 4
DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2018
TO: POLICY COMMITTEE
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
CHAPTER 29 (ZONING REGULATIONS) OF THE TOWN CODE REGARDING
FENCES, HEDGES, AND WALLS.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 29 of the Town Code regarding fences, hedges, and
walls and provide direction to staff for next steps.
BACKGROUND:
A draft Ordinance regarding fences, hedges, and walls was considered by the Town Council at
the October 16, 2018 meeting, at which time a motion was approved to continue the matter to
December 4, 2018, and forward the draft Ordinance to the Town Council Policy Committee for
consideration of the following:
•Appropriate property size;
•Break down by zone versus property size;
•Appropriate materials;
•Number of properties the Ordinance would affect;
•Noticing requirements;
•Additional input from other groups;
•Review of Ordinances in similar jurisdictions; and
•Appropriate front yard fence heights.
ATTACHMENT 8
PAGE 2 OF 5
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN CODE REGARDING FENCES, HEDGES,
AND WALLS
DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2018
BACKGROUND (continued):
A draft Ordinance was considered by the Town Council Policy Committee at its November 15,
2018 meeting. The Policy Committee received public testimony and discussed the points
forwarded by the Town Council. The Policy Committee directed staff to prepare a draft
Ordinance for consideration by the Town Council at its December 4, 2018 meeting , to address
the following fence regulations:
•Fence height increase to seven (7) feet (non-hillside area only);
•Appropriate front yard and street side yard fence height and setbacks (Town -wide); and
•Vehicular gate setback requirements (Town-wide).
The Town Council considered and introduced an Ordinance effecting these regulations at the
December 4, 2018 meeting. The second reading of the Ordinance is scheduled for the
December 18, 2018 Town Council meeting (Attachment 1).
On November 15, 2018, the Policy Committee also continued the discussion of fence
regulations in the hillside area and provided direction to staff to return with a draft Ordinance
reflecting the language regarding fencing contained in the Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines (HDS&G).
DISCUSSION:
Staff has prepared a draft Ordinance reflecting the language in the HDS&G for consideration by
the Policy Committee (Attachment 2). The following points are intended to guide the
discussion. Staff looks forward to the discussion and direction of the Committee.
1.Permits Required
The Town does not currently require a Planning permit for fencing, walls, hedges, or
gates. The draft Ordinance would not introduce a Planning permit requirement for
fencing.
2.Divides the Town into two areas – Hillside and Non-Hillside Areas
The draft Ordinance divides the Town into two areas: hillside and non-hillside areas
(Attachment 2). The sections of the draft Ordinance impacting the hillside area reflects
the existing Standards and Guidelines in the HDS&G regarding fences and walls; and
driveway entries (Attachment 3). The non-hillside area regulations included in the draft
Ordinance reflect the Ordinance being considered under a second reading by the Town
Council on December 18, 2018, with one exception: a list of
PAGE 3 OF 5
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN CODE REGARDING FENCES, HEDGES,
AND WALLS
DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2018
DISCUSSION (continued):
prohibited materials has been included as directed by the Town Council as a discussion
point for the Policy Committee. This materials list is discussed below.
3. Purpose and Intent Statement – Hillside Area
The draft Ordinance for the hillside area introduces a purpose and intent statement
reflecting the objectives stated in the Fences and Walls section of the HDS&G
(Attachment 3).
4. Organization – Hillside Area
The regulations following the purpose and intent statement reflect the HDS&G
Standards and Guidelines for fences and walls; and driveway entries. These regulations
have been organized by category, similar in structure to the non-hillside area section of
the draft Ordinance with the addition of separate subsections on Siting and Materials,
and a separate section on Driveway Entries. The Materials subsection includes a list of
preferred and discouraged materials, as listed in the HDS&G, as well as a list of
prohibited materials included in the previous version of the draft Ordinance. The
prohibited materials list has been included at the direction of the Town Council as a
discussion point for the Policy Committee. This list is discussed below.
5. Materials – Hillside and Non-Hillside Areas
At the direction of the Town Council, the draft Ordinance introduces a materials section
to the non-hillside area regulations. This list is included to aid in the Committee’s
discussion of materials appropriate to the non-hillside areas of Town. Similarly, a
materials section is included in the hillside area regulations. This list reflects what was
included in the previous draft of this Ordinance and is included to guide the
Committee’s discussion on the materials appropriate to the hillside area. Staff
recommends careful consideration of the materials in each list, provided below.
Non-hillside Area Materials List (29.40.031):
Materials.
(1) The following fence types and materials are prohibited for new or
replacement fences:
a. Any fence with bare lengths of wire stretched between posts.
b. Electric fences, including any fence designed to produce an electric
shock.
PAGE 4 OF 5
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN CODE REGARDING FENCES, HEDGES,
AND WALLS
DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2018
DISCUSSION (continued):
c. Barbed or razor wire fences, including any fence with attached barbs,
sharp points, or razors.
d. Transparent fences such as barriers of glass or clear plastic.
(2) Plastic fencing is discouraged everywhere and is prohibited in Historic
Districts.
(3) Chain link fences are strongly discouraged.
Hillside Area Materials List (29.40.032):
Materials.
(1) Wood rail-type fences and gates are preferred.
(2) Solid fencing materials shall not be used unless needed for privacy.
(3) Chain link fences are strongly discouraged.
(4) Chain link fencing shall be coated with green, brown, or black vinyl or finish
and shall be supported by a wood frame. Dark, painted metal poles may be
allowed if deemed appropriate by the decision-making body.
(5) The following fence types and materials are prohibited for new or
replacement fences:
a. Chicken wire, welded wire, wire mesh, or similar fence material.
b. Buck and rail fences.
c. Any fence with bare lengths of wire stretched between posts.
d. Electric fences, including any fence designed to produce an electric
shock.
e. Barbed or razor wire fences, including any fence with attached barbs,
sharp points, razors.
f. Double fences.
g. Transparent fences such as barriers of glass or clear plastic.
CONCLUSION:
Staff looks forward to the discussion and direction of the Committee for next steps.
COORDINATION:
The preparation of this report was coordinated with the Town Manager’s Office.
PAGE 5 OF 5
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN CODE REGARDING FENCES, HEDGES,
AND WALLS
DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2018
Attachments received with this Staff Report:
1. Draft Ordinance Amending Town Code Chapter 6 and Chapter 29 being considered by the
Town Council on December 18, 2018
2. Draft Ordinance Amending Town Code Chapter 29
3. Excerpts of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines Regarding Fences and Walls;
Driveway Entries; and Retaining Walls
N:\DEV\TC POLICY COMMITTEE REPORTS\11-15-18\Fences, Hedges, and Walls\Staff Report.docx
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AMENDING CHAPTER 6 SECTION 6.150.050 AND CHAPTER 29 (ZONING
REGULATIONS) SECTION 29.40.030 OF THE TOWN CODE
REGARDING FENCES, HEDGES, AND WALLS
WHEREAS, the Town Council at its meeting of January 31, 2017, identified amendments
regarding fences in the Hillside Area as a strategic priority to maintain wildlife movement
corridors and address movement-restrictive fences; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered proposed amendments regarding
fences at its meeting of September 13, 2017, and forwarded a draft Ordinance to the Town
Council for consideration without an up or down vote with consideration of comments from
Commissioners and the public;
WHEREAS, at the September 19, 2017 Planning Commission meeting, a community
member requested that the maximum fence height allowed without and exception outside of
the hillside area be increased from six feet to seven feet to reconcile many existing
nonconforming fences and reflect the desires of the residents; and
WHEREAS, On December 5, 2017, the Town Council reviewed and commented on the
proposed amendments regarding fences, and continued the matter to a date uncertain for
further consideration; and
WHEREAS, On October 16, 2018, the Town Council reviewed and commented on the
proposed amendments regarding fences, and continued the matter to a date certain for further
consideration forwarded the matter to the Town Council Policy Committee for consideration;
and
Draft Ordinance: subject to
modification by Town Council based
on deliberations and direction
WHEREAS, at the October 16, 2018 Town Council meeting, a community member
expressed concern with the Town Code allowance of six-foot tall fences and gates in the front
yards of properties and requested that the Town Council Policy Committee consider whet her
this allowance was appropriate; and
WHEREAS, On November 15, 2018, the Town Council Policy Committee reviewed the
proposed amendments regarding fences in the hillside area, considered an increase to the
maximum allowed fence height without an exception outside of the hillside area, and
considered the appropriateness of six-foot tall fences and gates in the front and street side yard
setbacks of properties. The Town Council Policy Committee continued the consideration of
proposed amendments regarding fences in the hillside area to a date uncertain for further
consideration by the Town Council Policy Committee and forwarded recommended
amendments regarding fences throughout Town to the Town Council for consideration; and
WHEREAS, this matter was regularly noticed in conformance with State and Town law
and came before the Town Council for public hearing on December 4, 2018; and
WHEREAS, on December 4, 2018, the Town Council accepted the report of the Town
Council Policy Committee’s recommendation and voted to introduce an Ordinance on the
proposed amendments to Chapters 6 and 29 of the Town Code regarding fences, hedges, and
walls.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION I
Los Gatos Town Code Town Code Chapter 6, Section 6.150.050, is hereby repealed as
follows:
Sec. 6.150.050. - Work exempt from permit.
CRC Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit.
Building: Item 2. is amended to read:
2. Fences not over 7 feet high.
(Ord. No. 2257 , § I, 11-15-16)
Los Gatos Town Code Chapter 29, Section 29.40.030 is hereby repealed and reenacted
to read as follows:
Sec. 29.40.030. Fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, and hedges.
(a) In the hillside area, fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, or hedges may not
exceed six (6) feet.
(b) In non-hillside area, fences, walls, gates, or hedges may not exceed six (6) feet, with one
(1) foot of lattice on top (seven (7) feet high in total); and gateways or entry arbors may
not exceed six (6) feet.
(c) Exceptions. The following exceptions apply:
(1) Fences, walls, gates, and hedges may not exceed three (3) feet in height above the
nearest curb when located within a required front or street side yard area, driveway
view area, traffic view area, or corner sight triangle unless a permit is secured from
the Town Engineer and Community Development Director. Trees, hedges, and
growth within a corner sight triangle shall meet the requirements of section
26.10.065.
a. A front or street side yard area is equivalent to the front yard and side yard
abutting a street required under Chapter 29, Article IV of the Town Code.
b. A driveway view area is a triangular area at the intersection of driveways and
sidewalks and street intersections having sides ten (10) feet in length, as
measured along the driveway’s path of travel from the back of the sidewalk or
street.
c. A traffic view area is the area which is within fifteen (15) feet of a street and
within two hundred (200) feet of the right-of-way line of an intersection.
d. A corner sight triangle is a triangular area at street intersections having sides
thirty (30) feet in length, as measured from intersecting property lines.
(2) Historic Districts and/or Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay. The maximum
height of fences in the required front yard shall be three (3) feet and shall be of
open-view design except as provided in subsection 29.40.033(b)(4).
(3) Gateways or entryway arbors. May be up to eight (8) feet high, including within
Historic Districts or for properties with a Landmark and Historic Preservation
Overlay, and shall be of open-view design. A gateway or entryway arbor shall have a
maximum width of six (6) feet and a maximum depth of four (4) feet. No more than
one (1) gateway or entryway arbor per street frontage is allowed.
(4) Adjacent to commercial property. Boundary line fences or walls adjacent to
commercial property may be eight (8) feet high if requested or agreed upon by a
majority of the adjacent residential property owners.
(5) Properties not on a street corner. At the discretion of the Director of Community
Development, side yard and rear yard fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors,
or hedges, behind the front yard setback, may be a maximum of eight (8) feet high
provided the property owner can provide written justification to the Planning
Department that demonstrates either of the following conditions exist:
a. A special privacy concern exists that cannot be practically addressed by
additional landscaping or tree screening.
b. A special wildlife/animal problem affects the property that cannot be
practically addressed through alternatives. Documented instances of wildlife
grazing on gardens or ornamental landscaping may be an example of such a
problem.
(6) Public utility facilities and critical infrastructure. Written exceptions may be
granted when the Director of Community Development finds that the strict
application of these requirements will result in a security or safety concern at
public utility facilities or critical infrastructure.
(d) Materials.
(1) Plastic fencing is discouraged everywhere and is prohibited in Historic Districts.
(2) Barbed wire or razor ribbon wire is prohibited in all zones.
(e) Vehicular gates. Vehicular gates shall be setback a minimum of eighteen (18) feet as
measured along the driveway’s path of travel from the back of the sidewalk or street
with the gate(s) in the open position.
(f) Exemptions. All fences, hedges, gates, and walls existing when this Ordinance became
effective that do not meet the regulations contained in this section are exempt from
these regulations.
SECTION II
The Town Council finds and determines that:
1. The adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines under the
General Rule (Section 15061(b)(3)), which sets forth that the CEQA applies only
to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed Town Code text
amendments will have no significant negative effect on the environment; and
2. The Town Code amendments are consistent with the General Plan.
SECTION III
If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or
circumstances is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or
applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The Town Council
hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any
particular portion thereof and intends that the invalid portions should be severed and the
balance of the ordinance be enforced.
SECTION IV
Except as expressly modified in this Ordinance, all other sections set forth in the Los
Gatos Town Code shall remain unchanged and shall be in full force and effect .
SECTION V
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. In lieu of publication
of the full text of the ordinance within fifteen (15) days after its passage, a summary of the
ordinance may be published at least five (5) days prior to and fifteen (15) days after adoption by
the Town Council and a certified copy shall be posted in the office of the Town Clerk, pursuant
to GC 36933(c),(1).
SECTION VI
This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos on December 4, 2018, and adopted by the following vote as an ordinance of the
Town of Los Gatos at a meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos on December 18,
2018.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE:
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE:
N:\DEV\ORDS\2018\Hillside Fences_TC 12-18-18.docx
Draft Amendments to Chapter 29 of Town Code – Fences, hedges, and walls.
Page 1 of 4 Draft 12/20/18
Sec. 29.40.030. Fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, and hedges.
Sec. 29.40.031. Non-hillside area lots: Fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, and hedges.
Height. In non-hillside area, fences, walls, gates, or hedges may not exceed six (6) feet, with one
(1) foot of lattice on top (seven (7) feet high in total); and gateways or entry arbors may not
exceed six (6) feet.
Materials.
(1)The following fence types and materials are prohibited for new or replacement fences:
a.Any fence with bare lengths of wire stretched between posts.
b.Electric fences, including any fence designed to produce an electric shock.
c.Barbed or razor wire fences, including any fence with attached barbs, sharp points,
or razors.
d.Transparent fences such as barriers of glass or clear plastic.
(2)Plastic fencing is discouraged everywhere and is prohibited in Historic Districts.
(3)Chain link fences are strongly discouraged.
Exceptions. The following exceptions apply:
(1)Fences, walls, gates, and hedges may not exceed three (3) feet in height above the nearest
curb when located within a required front or street side yard area, driveway view area,
traffic view area, or corner sight triangle unless a permit is secured from the Town Engineer
and Community Development Director. Trees, hedges, and growth within a corner sight
triangle shall meet the requirements of section 26.10.065.
a.A front or street side yard area is equivalent to the front yard and side yard abutting
a street required under Chapter 29, Article IV of the Town Code.
b.A driveway view area is a triangular area at the intersection of driveways and
sidewalks and street intersections having sides ten (10) feet in length, as measured
along the driveway’s path of travel from the back of the sidewalk or street.
c.A traffic view area is the area which is within fifteen (15) feet of a street and within
two hundred (200) feet of the right-of-way line of an intersection.
d.A corner sight triangle is a triangular area at street intersections having sides thirty
(30) feet in length, as measured from intersecting property lines.
(2)Historic Districts and/or Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay. The maximum height
of fences in the required front yard shall be three (3) feet and shall be of open-view design
except as provided in subsection 29.40.033(b)(4).
(3)Gateways or entryway arbors. May be up to eight (8) feet high, including within Historic
Districts or for properties with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay, and shall be of
open-view design. A gateway or entryway arbor shall have a maximum width of six (6) feet
and a maximum depth of four (4) feet. No more than one (1) gateway or entryway arbor
per street frontage is allowed.
(4)Adjacent to commercial property. Boundary line fences or walls adjacent to commercial
property may be eight (8) feet high if requested or agreed upon by a majority of the
adjacent residential property owners.
ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Amendments to Chapter 29 of Town Code – Fences, hedges, and walls.
Page 2 of 4 Draft 12/20/18
(5) Properties not on a street corner. At the discretion of the Director of Community
Development, side yard and rear yard fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, or
hedges, behind the front yard setback, may be a maximum of eight (8) feet high provided
the property owner can provide written justification to the Planning Department that
demonstrates either of the following conditions exist:
a. A special privacy concern exists that cannot be practically addressed by additional
landscaping or tree screening.
b. A special wildlife/animal problem affects the property that cannot be practically
addressed through alternatives. Documented instances of wildlife grazing on
gardens or ornamental landscaping may be an example of such a problem.
(6) Public utility facilities and critical infrastructure. Written exceptions may be granted when
the Director of Community Development finds that the strict application of these
requirements will result in a security or safety concern at public utility facilities or critical
infrastructure.
Vehicular gates. Vehicular gates shall be setback a minimum of eighteen (18) feet as measured
along the driveway’s path of travel from the back of the sidewalk or street with the gate(s) in
the open position.
Exemptions. All fences, hedges, gates, and walls existing when this Ordinance became effective
that do not meet the regulations contained in this section are exempt from these regulations.
Sec. 29.40.032. Hillside area lots: Fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, and hedges.
The objective of the following regulations is to limit six-foot high fences and walls and deer fencing to
those areas where they are absolutely necessary. It is recognized that fencing around limited
landscaped areas is sometimes necessary for security and to provide yard areas for and to protect
children and pets. However, the cumulative impact of six-foot high chain link fences and solid fences
and walls surrounding hillside properties has a significant impact on the movement pattern of wildlife
and on the open rural character of the hillsides.
Height.
(1) In the hillside area, fences, walls, gates, or hedges may not exceed six (6) feet.
(2) Gateways or entryway arbors. May be up to eight (8) feet high, including within Historic
Districts or for properties with a Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay, and shall be of
open-view design. A gateway or entryway arbor shall have a maximum width of six (6) feet
and a maximum depth of four (4) feet. No more than one (1) gateway or entryway arbor
per street frontage is allowed.
Siting.
(1) The use of fences and walls shall be minimized and located so that natural landforms appear
to flow together and are not disconnected. The primary emphasis shall be on maintaining
open views; protecting wildlife corridors; and maintaining the rural, open, and natural
character of the hillsides.
(2) Fences and walls with a height of six (6) feet shall be limited to those areas where they are
necessary for protection of ornamental landscaping, security, or play areas.
Draft Amendments to Chapter 29 of Town Code – Fences, hedges, and walls.
Page 3 of 4 Draft 12/20/18
(3) Fences shall not be allowed in areas that would impede the movement of wildlife as
determined by the decision-making body.
(4) Temporary construction fencing shall be limited to the building envelope or shall be
elevated to allow for movement of small animals.
(5) Fencing located within twenty (20) feet of a property line adjacent to a street shall be of
open design.
(6) Fences shall follow the topography.
Materials.
(1) Wood rail-type fences and gates are preferred.
(2) Solid fencing materials shall not be used unless needed for privacy.
(3) Chain link fences are strongly discouraged.
(4) Chain link fencing shall be coated with green, brown, or black vinyl or finish and shall be
supported by a wood frame. Dark, painted metal poles may be allowed if deemed
appropriate by the decision-making body.
(5) The following fence types and materials are prohibited for new or replacement fences:
a. Chicken wire, welded wire, wire mesh, or similar fence material.
b. Buck and rail fences.
c. Any fence with bare lengths of wire stretched between posts.
d. Electric fences, including any fence designed to produce an electric shock.
e. Barbed or razor wire fences, including any fence with attached barbs, sharp points,
or razors.
f. Double fences.
g. Transparent fences such as barriers of glass or clear plastic.
Exceptions. The following exceptions apply:
(1) Fences, walls, gates, and hedges may not exceed three (3) feet in height above the nearest
curb when located within a required front or street side yard area, driveway view area,
traffic view area, or corner sight triangle unless a permit is secured from the Town Engineer
and Community Development Director. Trees, hedges, and growth within a corner sight
triangle shall meet the requirements of section 26.10.065.
a. A front or street side yard area is equivalent to the front yard and side yard abutting
a street required under Chapter 29, Article IV of the Town Code.
b. A driveway view area is a triangular area at the intersection of driveways and
sidewalks and street intersections having sides ten (10) feet in length, as measured
along the driveway’s path of travel from the back of the sidewalk or street.
c. A traffic view area is the area which is within fifteen (15) feet of a street and within
two hundred (200) feet of the right-of-way line of an intersection.
d. A corner sight triangle is a triangular area at street intersections having sides thirty
(30) feet in length, as measured from intersecting property lines.
(2) Properties not on a street corner. At the discretion of the Director of Community
Development, side yard and rear yard fences, walls, gates, gateways, entry arbors, or
hedges, behind the front yard setback, may be a maximum of eight (8) feet high provided
Draft Amendments to Chapter 29 of Town Code – Fences, hedges, and walls.
Page 4 of 4 Draft 12/20/18
the property owner can provide written justification to the Planning Department that
demonstrates either of the following conditions exist:
a. A special privacy concern exists that cannot be practically addressed by additional
landscaping or tree screening.
b. A special wildlife/animal problem affects the property that cannot be practically
addressed through alternatives. Documented instances of wildlife grazing on
gardens or ornamental landscaping may be an example of such a problem.
(3) Public utility facilities and critical infrastructure. Written exceptions may be granted when
the Director of Community Development finds that the strict application of these
requirements will result in a security or safety concern at public utility facilities or critical
infrastructure.
Exemptions. All fences, hedges, gates, and walls existing when this Ordinance became effective
that do not meet the regulations contained in this section are exempt from these regulations.
Sec. 29.40.033. Hillside residential lots: Driveway Entries.
Entryways shall be designed to blend with the natural environment and to maintain the rural
character of the hillsides.
Vehicular gates shall be set back from the edge of the adjacent street a minimum of eighteen
(18) feet. A greater setback may be required when a gated entrance serves more than one
house.
Lighting fixtures at entryways shall direct light downwards and shall be designed so that no part
of the light source is visible from the street.
The property address shall be clearly displayed so that it is visible from the street at each
driveway.
Vehicular gates equipped with locking devices or electronic control switches shall be approved
by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Vehicular gates and entryway fencing shall be of an open design.
Vehicular gates that are monumental are strongly discouraged.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Page 42
VI. SITE ELEMENTS
A. Fences and walls.
The objective of the following standards and guidelines is to limit six-foot high fences and
walls and deer fencing to those areas where they are absolutely necessary. It is recognized
that fencing around limited landscaped areas is sometimes necessary for security and to
provide yard areas for and to protect children and pets. However, the cumulative impact of
six-foot high chain link fences and solid fences and walls surrounding hillside properties has
a significant impact on the movement pattern of wildlife and on the open rural character of
the hillsides.
Standards:
1. The use of fences and walls shall be minimized and located so that natural landforms
appear to flow together and are not disconnected. The primary emphasis shall be on
maintaining open views, protecting wildlife corridors, and maintaining the rural, open,
and natural character of the hillsides.
2. Fences and walls shall not exceed a height of six feet measured from the highest side of
the fence or wall and should be limited to those areas where fences and walls of this
height are necessary for protection of ornamental landscaping, security, or play areas.
3.Solid fencing materials shall not be used unless needed for privacy.
Rural character allows wildlife to pass through.
Do this
Urban character
Don’t do this
ATTACHMENT 3
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Page 43
4. Deer fencing up to a maximum height of eight feet shall be limited to areas around
ornamental landscaping. Larger areas shall not be enclosed unless specific reasons for
keeping deer out have been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the decision making
body.
5. Fences shall not be allowed in areas that would impede the movement of wildlife as
determined by the decision making body.
6. Temporary construction fencing shall be limited to the building envelope or shall be
elevated to allow for movement of small animals.
Guidelines:
1. Wood rail-type fences and gates are preferred.
2. Chain link fences are strongly discouraged.
3. Chain link fencing should be coated with green, brown, or black vinyl or finish and shall
be supported by a wood frame. Dark, painted metal poles may be required if deemed
appropriate by the decision making body.
4. Only open fencing should be located within 20 feet of a property line adjacent to a
street.
5. Fences should follow the topography.
B. Driveway entries.
Standards:
1. Entryways shall be designed to blend with the natural environment and to maintain the
rural character of the hillsides.
2. Entry gates shall be set back from the edge of the adjacent street a minimum of 25 feet.
A greater setback may be required when a gated entrance serves more than one house.
3. Lighting fixtures at entryways shall direct light downwards and shall be designed so that
no part of the light source is visible from the street.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Page 44
4. Entry gates shall be set back from the
4. The property address shall be clearly displayed so that it is visible from the street at
each driveway.
5. Entry gates equipped with locking devices or electronic control switches shall be
approved by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Guidelines:
1. Entryway gates and fencing should be of an open design.
2. Entry gates that are monumental are strongly discouraged.
Wood fences and gates are encouraged
Do this
Monumental entry gates are strongly discouraged
Don’t do this
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