15475 LG Blvd - Staff Report and Exhibits 1 - 8
PREPARED BY: AZHAR KHAN
Assistant Planner
Reviewed by: Planning Manager and Community Development Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 9/12/2018 ITEM NO: 2
DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: JOEL PAULSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SUBJECT: ARCHITECTURE AND SITE APPLICATION S-18-032. PROJECT LOCATION:
15475 LOS GATOS BOULEVARD. PROPERTY OWNER: DREW SANCHEZ, MCDONALD’S USA, LLC. APPLICANT: MIKE YAO. REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING (MCDONALD’S) ON PROPERTY ZONED CH. APN 424-19-065.
DEEMED COMPLETE: AUGUST 17, 2018 FINAL DATE TO TAKE ACTION: JANUARY 17, 2019
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval, subject to conditions.
PROJECT DATA:
General Plan Designation: Mixed Use Commercial
Zoning Designation: Restricted Commercial Highway, CH
Applicable Plans & Standards: General Plan and Commercial Design Guidelines
Parcel Size: 57,934 square feet (1.32 acres)
Surrounding Area:
Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning
North Commercial Mixed Use Commercial CH
East Commercial Mixed Use Commercial CH
South Commercial Mixed Use Commercial CH
West Commercial Mixed Use Commercial CH
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CEQA:
The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation
of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15301: Existing Facilities. No significant
effect on the environment will occur since the project uses an existing structure with no
increase in useable floor area.
FINDINGS:
As required, pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, this project is Categorically Exempt, Section 15301: Existing
Facilities.
That the exterior modifications are consistent with the Commercial Design Guidelines.
CONSIDERATIONS:
As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code for granting approval of an Architecture
and Site application.
ACTION:
The decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed within ten days.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant is requesting approval of an Architecture and Site application for exterior
alterations to an existing commercial building.
The approximately 57,934-square foot (1.32 acre) project site is currently developed with an
existing fast food restaurant (McDonald’s), which has operated at this location since 1976.
The proposed alterations to the existing commercial building requires approval of an
Architecture and Site application, reviewed by the Planning Commission.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A.Location and Surrounding Neighborhood
The subject site is located on the east side of Los Gatos Boulevard, south of Gateway Drive,
and north of Los Gatos-Almaden Road. The property abuts commercial properties to the
north, east, south and across Los Gatos Boulevard to the west.
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B.Project Summary
The project proposes exterior modifications to the existing building including replacement
of the existing mansard roof with new parapet walls, new stucco finish, and new trellis
canopies. The applicant has provided a letter of justification (Exhibit 4) describing the
proposal and development plans (Exhibit 8) illustrating the proposed exterior alterations.
C.Zoning Compliance
The zoning for the property is Restricted Commercial Highway (CH). Pursuant to the Table
of Conditional Uses (Town Code Section 29.20.185), a restaurant use is allowed with an
approved CUP in the CH zone. The use has a valid CUP.
DISCUSSION:
A.Architecture and Site Application
The applicant is requesting approval of an Architecture and Site application for exterior
alterations to an existing commercial building. The changes would update the appearance
of the building, as shown in the Development Plans (Exhibit 8). The proposal would add six
gross square feet by increasing the thickness of the brand walls on the existing 2,425-
square foot building, however would result in no increase in usable square footage. The
proposal would increase the parapet height by approximately two feet overall, and the
parapet height at the brand walls by approximately three and one-quarter feet, resulting in
a maximum height of 19 feet, four inches. The exterior brick material is proposed to
remain, with the addition of stucco parapet walls to replace the existing mansard roof. The
outdoor seating area will be relocated to the rear of the building with modern outdoor
seating under a trellis canopy (Exhibit 8). The site improvements include landscaping
rehabilitation and an accessible path of travel to the front entry of the building.
B.Design and Compatibility
The Town’s Consulting Architect reviewed the proposal to provide recommendations
regarding architecture and compatibility (Exhibit 5). The Consulting Architect noted that the
proposal is in keeping with the new McDonald’s prototype design. At the time of review,
the Consulting Architect noted specific issues regarding the lack of maintaining covered
outdoor dining areas. To address this concern, the applicant has incorporated trellis canopy
elements into the proposed design.
Commercial development along Los Gatos Boulevard contains a wide variety of uses and
architectural styles. The proposed design includes a variety of complementary materials
such as brick, metal, and stucco which is compatible with materials used for other buildings
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on Los Gatos Boulevard. The design incorporates canopies and trellises over doors,
windows and outdoor seating (Exhibit 6). With the architectural elements included, staff
has determined that the proposed design complies with the Commercial Design Guidelines.
C.Parking and Traffic
The proposed project does not require additional parking and there will not be any
additional traffic impacts.
D.General Plan
The goals and policies of the 2020 General Plan applicable to this project include, but are
not limited to the following:
•Policy LU-2.1 – Minimize vehicle miles traveled for goods and services by allowing and
encouraging stores that provide these goods within walking distance of neighborhoods
in Los Gatos.
•Policy LU-9.6 – Encourage development that maintains and expands resident-oriented
services and/or creates employment opportunities for local residents consistent with
overall land use policies of the Town.
•Goal LU-13.2 – Commercial activity along Los Gatos Boulevard shall complement the
whole Town and shall provide a dependable source of income, employment
opportunities, goods, and services.
E.Environmental Review
The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the
Implementation of California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15301: Existing Facilities.
No significant effect on the environment will occur since the project uses an existing
structure with no increase in useable floor area.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
At this time, the Town has not received any public comment.
CONCLUSION:
A. Summary
Recommended conditions of approval for the proposed project are attached to this staff
report (Exhibit 3). The site has adequate parking to accommodate the proposed
modifications. The proposed use is in conformance with the Town Code and is consistent
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with the General Plan. Additionally, the proposed exterior modifications comply with the
applicable sections of the Commercial Design Guidelines.
B.Recommendation
Based on the analysis above, staff recommends approval of the Architecture and Site
application subject to the recommended conditions of approval (Exhibit 3). If the Planning
Commission finds merit with the proposed project, it should:
1.Find that the proposed project is categorically exempt, pursuant to Section 15301 of the
California Environmental Quality Act as adopted by the Town (Exhibit 2); and
2.Make the required considerations as required by Section 29.20.150 for granting
approval of an Architecture and Site (Exhibit 2); and
3.Find that the project complies with the Commercial Design Guidelines (Exhibit 2); and
4.Approve Architecture and Site Application S-18-032 with the conditions contained in
Exhibit 3 and the development plans in Exhibit 8.
C.Alternatives
Alternatively, if the Commission has concerns with the proposed project, it can:
1.Approve the application with additional and/or modified conditions of approval; or
2.Continue the application with direction to a specific hearing date; or
3.Deny the application.
EXHIBITS:
1.Location Map
2.Required Findings and Considerations (one page)
3.Recommended Conditions of Approval (four pages)
4.Letter of Justification (two pages)
5.Consulting Architect’s Report (six pages)
6.Response to Consulting Architect’s Report (three pages)
7.Photo of existing front elevation (one page)
8.Development Plans (fifteen pages)
Distribution:
McDonald’s USA, LLC 3800 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 200, Long Beach CA 90806
Mike Yao, 4240 E. Jurupa Street, Suite 402, Ontario, CA 91761
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EXHIBIT 1
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PLANNING COMMISSION – September 12, 2018
REQUIRED FINDINGS FOR:
15475 Los Gatos Boulevard
Architecture and Site Application S-18-032
Requesting approval for exterior alterations to an existing commercial building
(McDonald’s) on property zoned CH. APN 424-19-065.
PROPERTY OWNER: Drew Sanchez, McDonald’s USA, LLC
APPLICANT: Mike Yao
FINDINGS
Required finding for CEQA:
■ The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301 of the California
Environmental Quality Act as adopted by the Town. No significant effect on the
environment will occur since the project uses an existing structure with no increase in
useable floor area.
Commercial Design Guidelines:
■ The exterior modifications are consistent with applicable provisions of the Commercial
Design Guidelines.
CONSIDERATIONS
Considerations in review of Architecture and Site applications:
■ As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code, the considerations in review of an
Architecture and Site application were all made in reviewing this project. The proposed
renovations will upgrade the building and complement surrounding buildings.
EXHIBIT 2
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PLANNING COMMISSION – September 12, 2018
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
15475 Los Gatos Boulevard
Architecture and Site Application S-18-032
Requesting approval for exterior alterations to an existing commercial building
(McDonald’s) on property zoned CH. APN 424-19-065.
PROPERTY OWNER: Drew Sanchez, McDonald’s USA, LLC
APPLICANT: Mike Yao
TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Planning Division
1. APPROVAL: This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions of
approval and in substantial compliance with the approved plans. Any changes or
modifications to the approved plans and/or business operation shall be approved by the
Community Development Director, DRC or the Planning Commission depending on the
scope of the changes.
2. EXPIRATION: The approval will expire two years from the approval date pursuant to
Section 29.20.320 of the Town Code, unless the approval has been vested.
3. OUTDOOR LIGHTING: Exterior lighting shall be kept to a minimum, and shall be down
directed fixtures that will not reflect or encroach onto adjacent properties. No flood lights
shall be used unless it can be demonstrated that they are needed for safety or security.
4. TREE REMOVAL PERMIT: A Tree Removal Permit shall be obtained for any trees to be
removed, prior to the issuance of a building or grading permit.
5. EXISTING TREES: All existing trees shown on the plan and trees required to remain or to
be planted are specific subjects of approval of this plan, and must remain on the site.
6. TREE FENCING: Protective tree fencing and other protection measures shall be placed at
the drip line of existing trees prior to issuance of demolition and building permits and shall
remain through all phases of construction. Include a tree protection plan with the
construction plans.
7. TREE STAKING: All newly planted trees shall be double-staked using rubber tree ties.
8. FRONT YARD LANDSCAPE: Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy the front yard
must be landscaped.
9. ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT: Any new or modified roof mounted equipment shall be fully
screened prior to issuance of an occupancy permit.
10. SIGN PERMIT: A Sign Permit from the Los Gatos Community Development Department
must be obtained prior to any changes to existing signs or installation of new signs.
11. TOWN INDEMNITY: Applicants are notified that Town Code Section 1.10.115 requires that
any applicant who receives a permit or entitlement from the Town shall defend,
indemnify, and hold harmless the Town and its officials in any action brought by a third
party to overturn, set aside, or void the permit or entitlement.
EXHIBIT 3
12. This requirement is a condition of approval of all such permits and entitlements whether
or not expressly set forth in the approval, and may be secured to the satisfaction of the
Town Attorney.
13. COMPLIANCE MEMORANDUM: A memorandum shall be prepared and submitted with the
building plans detailing how the Conditions of Approval will be addressed.
Building Division
14. PERMITS REQUIRED: A Building Permit will be required for the interior demolition,
reconstruction and exterior modification of existing commercial building.
15. APPLICABLE CODES: The current codes, as amended and adopted by the Town of Los
Gatos as of January 1, 2017, are the 2016 California Building Standards Code, California
Code of Regulations Title 24, Parts 1-12.
16. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: The Conditions of Approval must be blue-lined in full on the
cover sheet of the construction plans. A Compliance Memorandum shall be prepared and
submitted with the building permit application detailing how the Conditions of Approval
will be addressed.
17. BUILDING & SUITE NUMBERS: Submit requests for new building addresses to the Building
Division prior to submitting for the building permit application process.
18. SIZE OF PLANS: Submit four sets of construction plans, minimum size 24” x 36”, maximum
size 30” x 42”.
19. DEMOLITION REQUIREMENTS: No demolition work shall be done without first obtaining a
permit from the Town.
20. SOILS REPORT: A Soils Report, prepared to the satisfaction of the Building Official,
containing foundation and retaining wall design recommendations, shall be submitted
with the Building Permit Application. This report shall be prepared by a licensed Civil
Engineer specializing in soils mechanics.
21. FOUNDATION INSPECTIONS: A pad certificate prepared by a licensed civil engineer or
land surveyor shall be submitted to the project Building Inspector at foundation
inspection. This certificate shall certify compliance with the recommendations as
specified in the Soils Report, and that the building pad elevations and on-site retaining
wall locations and elevations have been prepared according to the approved plans.
Horizontal and vertical controls shall be set and certified by a licensed surveyor or
registered Civil Engineer for the following items:
a. Building pad elevation
b. Finish floor elevation
c. Foundation corner locations
d. Retaining wall(s) locations and elevations
22. TITLE 24 ENERGY COMPLIANCE: All required California Title 24 Energy Compliance Forms
must be blue-lined (sticky-backed), i.e. directly printed, onto a plan sheet.
23. BACKWATER VALVE: The scope of this project may require the installation of a sanitary
sewer backwater valve per Town Ordinance 6.50.025. Please provide information on the
plans if a backwater valve is required and the location of the installation. The Town of Los
Gatos Ordinance and West Valley Sanitation District (WVSD) requires backwater valves on
drainage piping serving fixtures that have flood level rims less than 12 inches above the
elevation of the next upstream manhole.
24. HAZARDOUS FIRE ZONE: All projects in the Town of Los Gatos require Class A roof
assemblies.
25. SPECIAL INSPECTIONS: When a special inspection is required by CBC Section 1704, the
Architect or Engineer of Record shall prepare an inspection program that shall be
submitted to the Building Official for approval prior to issuance of the Building Permit. The
Town Special Inspection form must be completely filled-out and signed by all requested
parties prior to permit issuance. Special Inspection forms are available from the Building
Division Service Counter or online at www.losgatosca.gov/building.
26. BLUE PRINT FOR A CLEAN BAY SHEET: The Town standard Santa Clara Valley Nonpoint
Source Pollution Control Program Sheet (page size same as submitted drawings) shall be
part of the plan submittal as the second page. The specification sheet is available at the
Building Division Service Counter for a fee of $2 or at ARC Blue Print for a fee or online at
www.losgatosca.gov/building.
27. APPROVALS REQUIRED: The project requires the following departments and agencies
approval before issuing a building permit:
a. Community Development – Planning Division: (408) 354-6874
b. Engineering/Parks & Public Works Department: (408) 399-5771
c. Santa Clara County Fire Department: (408) 378-4010
d. West Valley Sanitation District: (408) 378-2407
e. Santa Clara County Environmental Health Department: (408) 918-3479
TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS & PUBLIC WORKS:
Engineering Division
28. GENERAL: All public improvements shall be made according to the latest adopted Town
Standard Plans, Standard Specifications and Engineering Design Standards. All work shall
conform to the applicable Town ordinances. The adjacent public right-of-way shall be
kept clear of all job-related mud, silt, concrete, dirt and other construction debris at the
end of the day. Dirt and debris shall not be washed into storm drainage facilities. The
storing of goods and materials on the sidewalk and/or the street will not be allowed
unless an encroachment permit is issued by the Engineering Division of the Parks and
Public Works Department. The Owner, Applicant and/or Developer's representative in
charge shall be at the job site during all working hours. Failure to maintain the public
right-of-way according to this condition may result in the issuance of correction notices,
citations, or stop work orders and the Town performing the required maintenance at the
Owner, Applicant and/or Developer's expense.
29. APPROVAL: This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions of
approval listed below and in substantial compliance with the latest reviewed and
approved development plans. Any changes or modifications to the approved plans or
conditions of approvals shall be approved by the Town Engineer.
30. ENCROACHMENT PERMIT: All work in the public right-of-way will require a Construction
Encroachment Permit. All work over $5,000 will require construction security. It is the
responsibility of the Owner/Applicant/Developer to obtain any necessary encroachment
permits from affected agencies and private parties, including but not limited to, Pacific
Gas and Electric (PG&E), AT&T, Comcast, Santa Clara Valley Water District, California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Copies of any approvals or permits must be
submitted to the Town Engineering Division of the Parks and Public Works Department
prior to releasing any permit.
31. SITE SUPERVISION: The General Contractor shall provide qualified supervision on the job
site at all times during construction.
32. DESIGN CHANGES: Any proposed changes to the approved plans shall be subject to the
approval of the Town prior to the commencement of any and all altered work. The
Owner, Applicant and/or Developer’s project engineer shall notify, in writing, the Town
Engineer at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of all the proposed changes. Any
approved changes shall be incorporated into the final “as-built” plans.
33. CONSTRUCTION NOISE: Between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weekdays and 9:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekends and holidays, construction, alteration or repair activities shall
be allowed. No individual piece of equipment shall produce a noise level exceeding
eighty-five (85) dBA at twenty-five (25) feet from the source. If the device is located
within a structure on the property, the measurement shall be made at distances as close
to twenty-five (25) feet from the device as possible. The noise level at any point outside
of the property plane shall not exceed eighty-five (85) dBA.
34. ADA COMPLIANCE: The Owner, Applicant and/or Developer shall be required to meet all
ADA standards, which must be completed and accepted by the Town before a Certificate
of Occupancy for any new building can be issued. This may require additional
construction measures as directed by the Town.
35. CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE PARKING: Construction vehicle parking within the public right-
of-way will only be allowed if it does not cause access or safety problems as determined
by the Town.
N:\DEV\CONDITIONS\2018\Los Gatos Blvd 15475 (McDonald's).docx
www.core-eng.com
georgia . new jersey . massachusetts . texas. missouri . florida . north carolina . washington . arkansas . california . pennsylvania
August 27, 2018
Azhar Khan
Assistant Planner
Community Development Department
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-6806
Subject: McDonald’s Restaurant #004-0582 Los Gatos, CA – Architecture and Site Application
Job Address: 15475 Los Gatos Blvd. Los Gatos, CA 95032
Written Description of Proposed Work
Exterior building scope of work includes adding architectural features such as (1) stucco brand
wall and (1) stucco entry arcade. The existing mansard roof is proposed to be neutralized and
replaced with new parapet to match existing construction. New trellis/canopy design and new
exterior wall sconces are also added. The exterior walls are to be painted with new paint
scheme. Any accessibility deficiencies on site will also be remediated.
Interior scope includes full decor remodel of the dining room with new furniture, fixtures and
finishes. Existing restroom will be updated with new finishes and fixtures and reconfigured for
accessibility compliance. Order kiosks will also be installed.
Letter of Justification
The subject property has been compliant with the general plan with a land use designation of
mixed use commercial. The building exterior and interior have been renovated in the past years
to enhance customer experience. The goal of the proposed work is to modernize the restaurant
with new aesthetics and new ordering technology.
To meet accessibility requirements, accessible stalls are proposed in front of the store in place
of the existing front outdoor patio. This will provide handicap persons easy access to the
entrance. Locating the outdoor table and seating in the rear of the site provides a more
intimate setting, while still fostering a sense of community.
The proposed outdoor seating area furniture with built in shade structure encourages human
activity in the area. The design of the outdoor furniture aligns with the design of the building as
the tables, seats and shade structures have similar clean lines as the proposed building exterior.
The gray inset on tables and seats matches the gray color palette of the building.
EXHIBIT 4
www.core-eng.com
179 sidney street . 1st floor . cambridge, ma 02139 . v: 617.576.0007 . f: 617.576.1007
georgia . virginia . new jersey . massachusetts . new brunswick, canada . missouri . florida . north carolina . arkansas . california . pennsylvania
Thank you for all of your assistance on this project. If you have any questions, please feel free
to contact me at (909) 467-8920.
Sincerely,
Robert Preece
Project Manager
May 11, 2018
Mr. Azhar Kahn
Community Development Department
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95031
RE: 15478 Los Gatos Blvd. McDonald’s
Dear Azhar:
I reviewed the drawings and evaluated the site context. I have previously reviewed earlier building upgrade projects
on this site. My comments and recommendations are as follows:
Neighborhood Context
The site is located on Los Gatos Blvd. within an older shopping complex. The existing building is set well back from the
street frontage. Photographs of the neighborhood are shown on the following page.
EXHIBIT 5
15475 Los Gatos Blvd McDonalds
Design Review Comments
May 11, 2018 Page 2
Building to the immediate left
The site and existing McDonald’s building
Building to the immediate right
Nearby building to the left Shopping center immediately across Los Gatos Blvd.
Nearby building to the south across Los Gatos Blvd.
The site and existing McDonald’s building
15475 Los Gatos Blvd McDonalds
Design Review Comments
May 11, 2018 Page 3
Issues and Concerns
The proposed changes to the existing building is the latest in a number of changes and upgrades over the years. I don’t
know what the original design was on this site, but some of the evolutionary steps in the McDonald’s chain are shown in
the photos below.
The proposed building changes for this project are in keeping with the new prototype shown in the above right photo
without the arches - see proposed elevations below.
Later design iterationOriginal Twin Arches design
Latest prototype redesign without the vestigial
yellow arches
Recent prototype redesign with vestigial yellow
arches
Proposed East Elevation
Proposed South Elevation Proposed North Elevation
15475 Los Gatos Blvd McDonalds
Design Review Comments
May 11, 2018 Page 4
The design, as proposed, is simple and a much better solution than the similar prototype version with the vestigial yellow
arches. There are, however, a number of issues that staff and the Planning Commission may wish to consider in evaluat-
ing its acceptability for this site. Guidance within the Town’s Commercial Design Guidelines include the following:
1.4 COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
• Maintenance of the existing small town feel.
• Careful attention to architectural and landscape details similar to the Town’s residential structures.
• Variety and diversity of architectural character that support the current interesting mixture of styles.
• Strong encouragement of a unique Los Gatos scale and character.
• Chain or franchise projects tailored to the unique qualities of Los Gatos.
• A strong commitment to landscaping.
5A.1 BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES
• Projects shall be designed to meet their functional needs, but will be expected to reflect Los Gatos’ unique qualities of small scale,
pedestrian friendliness, and attention to architectural detail.
• Chain or franchise uses will be expected to adapt their standard designs to the unique qualities of Los Gatos Boulevard and the
Town of Los Gatos.
• Substantial landscaping of parking areas and project entries will be expected.
5A.3 BUILDING DESIGN
5.A.3.1 Integrate the design of all buildings in larger projects
c) Pad buildings, including fast food restaurants, should have forms, colors, and detailing similar to the main buildings of the
complex.
5.A.3.2 Design buildings to relate to the unique qualities of Los Gatos
a) Avoid Theme Architecture that could be seen in dozens of other communities.
b) Strongly consider the use of sloped roofs to relate to the adjacent residential neighborhoods. This applies to gas service stations
as well as other commercial structures.
5.A.3.3 Provide well defined project and building entries
5.A.3.6 Select colors to be compatible with other projects along the Boulevard
Whatever the merits of the structure on its own, it would appear that it might not meet community expectations and
the Town’s Commercial Design Guidelines on several levels. While McDonald’s has been strongly committed to upgrad-
ing older facilities to their new prototype designs, they have also been remarkably flexible in implementing quite varied
building designs I response to community desires and special site circumstances. Examples of some of these structures
are shown on the following page.
Proposed West Elevation
15475 Los Gatos Blvd McDonalds
Design Review Comments
May 11, 2018 Page 5
There is one other specific issue that should be addressed. The existing covered dining areas at the front and rear build-
ing entrances are shown to be removed. No new provisions for these areas have been proposed. Arguably, this element
of human activity is important to the existing character and to the human qualities appreciated by the Town’s residents.
Likewise, no landscape enhancements have been shown.
Monterey, CA Monterey, CA
15475 Los Gatos Blvd McDonalds
Design Review Comments
May 11, 2018 Page 6
Recommendations
There is a basic first question: Is the Town satisfied with the prototype building design as presented, or is something
more tailored to the Town of Los Gatos expected in line with the Commercial Design Guidelines. If more is expected,
staff should ask the applicant for a revised design to address the issues. If staff and the Planning Commission are satis-
fied with the proposed design, I have only a few recommendations.
1. Reconsider the all-gray color palette of the building in favor of some lighter colors.
2. Replace the outdoor dining areas - see examples below.
3. Enhance the landscaping adjacent to the building and within the parking lot.
Azhar, please let me know if you have any questions, or if there are other issues that I did not address.
Sincerely,
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
Larry L. Cannon
(
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July 20, 2018
Azhar Khan
Project Planner
Town of Los Gatos, Planning Division
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA
408-354-6872
Subject: McDonald's Restaurant #40582 -Consultant Architect's Report
Job Address: 15475 Los Gatos Blvd.
RECEIVED
AUG O 1 2018
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
Architecture & Site Application: S-18-032
Consultant Report Comments: Response Letter
1.4 COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS:
No. Agency Comment Response to Comment
1 Maintenance of the existing small-town feel. To maintain the existing small-town feel, the design
incorporates canopies and trellis over the windows
and doors. The proposed outdoor seating with built in
shade structure also creates opportunities for human
activity and interaction that is a typical characteristic
of small communities.
2 Careful attention to architectural and landscape To provide the same aesthetic as the town's
details similar to the Town's residential structures . residential structures, the existing brick wainscot and
windows above will be maintained. The existing
landscaping will also remain to mimic landscape
design prevalent in the neighborhood.
3 Variety and diversity of architectural character that To support the current mixture of styles in the
support the current interesting mixture of styles. neighborhood, the design combines a variety of
complementary materials like brick, metal and stucco.
These materials are used in the architectural elements
like the canopy, accent wall, wainscot) and creates
clean and clear lines.
4 Strong encouragement of a unique Los Gatos scale and To encourage the unique Los Gatos scale and
character . character, the building's entrances and windows are
proposed with canopies/trellis . Maintaining the
existing brick material around the base of the building
also reflects the unique character of Los Gatos.
5 Chain or franchise projects tailored to the unique The simple massing, clean lines and neutral colors
qualities of Los Gatos. align with qualities of buildings in Los Gatos and do
not impose franchise architecture. The neutral
architectural elements blend well with local
architecture of Los Gatos.
6 A strong commitment to landscaping. The existing landscaping will be maintained as there is
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EXHIBIT 6
SA.1 BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES:
No. Agency Comment
1 Projects shall be designed to meet their functional
needs but will be expected to reflect Los Gatos' unique
quaiities of small scale , pedestrian friendliness, and
attention to architectural detail.
2 Chain or franchise uses will be expected to adapt their
standard designs to the unique qualities of Los Gatos
Boulevard and the Town of Los Gatos .
3 Substantial landscaping of parking areas and project
entries will be expected.
SA.3 BUILDING DESIGN:
No. Agency Comment
1 5.A.3.1 Integrate the design of all building in larger
projects
a) Pad buildings, including fast food restaurants,
should have forms, colors, and detailing similar to the
main building of the complex .
2 5.A.3 .2 Design buildings to relate to the unique
qualities of Los Gatos
a) Avoid Theme Architecture that could be seen
in dozens of other communities.
b) Strongly consider the use of sloped roof to
relate to the adjacent residential
neighborhoods. This applies to gas service
stations as well as other commercial
structures.
3 5.A.3.3 Provide well defined project and building
entries
4 5.A.3.6 Select colors to be compatible with other
projects along the Boulevard.
RECOMMENDATIONS ffrom previous round of comments}:
currently a substantial and well-design landscaping
around the existin buildin .
Response to Comment
The propos ed canopies function as shade, but also
provide pedestrian scale quality to fa~ade. The existing
walkways will be maintained along with landscaping to
promote walkability and access from public wav.
The standard design has been adapted to complement
the existing brick wainscot that will remain. The color
scheme has also been modified to a lighter tone to be
like surrounding buildings.
The existing substantial landscaping will be
maintained.
Response to Comment
The existing brick wainscot will tie it to surrounding
buildings in terms of detailing. Revising the color
palette to lighter beige tones like surrounding
buildings . By simplifying the massing/form and
neutralizing the mansard, the building match other
structu res on Los Gatos Blvd .
a) The proposed design is not at all "theme"
architecture because of neutral qualities -
clean lines, light earth tones color and simple
massing. Existing brick also makes the
architecture unique.
b) Mansard roof to be removed to promote
clean roof lines and clean massing. Neutrality
of elements allows the new design to blend
well with surrounding residential structure .
The existing brick wainscot defines the base of the
building. The canopies and trellis also provided a
datum that unifies all sides of building. The accent wall
combined with canopy clearly define the building
entry.
Revised color to lighter beige tone -Stonington Gray
to be compatible with other projects along los Gatos
Blvd .
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No. Agency Comment
1 Reconsider the all-gray palette of the building in favor
of some lighter colors.
2 Replace the outdoor dining areas -see examples
below.
3 Enhance the landscaping adjacent to the building and
within the parking lot.
Sincerely,
Robert Preece
Project Manager
Response to Comment
Revised color elevations to show lighter paint color.
Outdoor dining areas to be replaced with new outdoor
seating with integrated shade structure. See attached
cutsheet. Refer to revised site plan and elevations.
Area adjacent to building and parking lot appears to
be fully landscape and in good condition. Existing
substantial landscape already meets city landscape
design guidelines. Added note to site plan for GC to
replace any landscape that is in poor condition or that
appears to have been removed.
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EXHIBIT 7
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EXHIBIT 8