Item 3 - Exhibit 08 - Draft Modifications to Chapter IXTOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
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IX. PROJECT REVIEW AND APPROVAL
PROCESS
A. Architecture and Site Approval
Architecture and site approval is required for all new construction including major additions and
remodels in all areas of the Town shown on the Hillside Area Map on page 8. A subdivision or
Planned Development application is required for any proposed land division.
The flow chart on page 66 outlines the steps an application for architecture and site approval will
go through. The process begins with a meeting with the Community Development Department.
It is highly recommended that applicants considering the design of a new home or remodel of an
existing home discuss their ideas with Town staff before any plans are actually drawn and money
and time are expended on a project that may not be entirely feasible.
An application for architecture and site approval or subdivision shall be accompanied by a written
letter of justification that describes how the proposed project complies with the General Plan,
Hillside Specific Plan and the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.
B. Project Approval Authority
Projects may be approved by the Planning Commission, Development Review Committee (DRC),
or Director of Community Development (Director) depending on a project’s potential impact on
surrounding properties and the overall community.
The Planning Commission is the decision making body for projects that have the greatest potential
impact, while the DRC and Director make decisions on projects with less impact, as described in
Subsections below.
EXHIBIT 8
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
The subdivision and architecture and site approval processes are discretionary actions on the
part of all decision making bodies. When reviewing projects, the decision making body may:
(1) approve a project without imposing extra or special conditions;
(2) approve a project and add special conditions to reduce the impact(s) of the project to an
acceptable level and/or achieve compliance with these standards and guidelines; or
(3) deny the project by stating specific reasons for its action.
The Director of Community Development may refer an application to the Planning Commission.
The decisions of the Planning Commission, DRC, and Director are final unless appealed. Decisions
of the Director and DRC may be appealed to the Planning Commission and decisions of the
Planning Commission may be appealed to the Town Council. Appeal procedures are outlined in
the Town’s Zoning Regulations.
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Architecture and Site Review Process
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
1. Projects That May be Approved by the Director of Community
Development
The Director has the authority to review and approve the following types of projects provided
they comply with all development standards and guidelines:
a. Accessory dwelling units pursuant to Section 29.10.320 of the Town Code.
b. Accessory buildings that have a combined gross floor area greater than 450, but less than
600 square feet may be approved with a Minor Residential Application pursuant to Section
29.20.480 of the Town Code.
c. Swimming pools that do not require a grading permit.
2. Projects That May be Approved by the Development Review
Committee
The (DRC) has the authority to review and approve the following types of projects provided
they comply with all development standards and guidelines:
a. New houses that meet the allowable floor area ratio and that are not visible from any
established viewing area.
b. Accessory buildings, that have a combined gross floor area of 600 square feet or more
but do not exceed 1,000 square feet in combined gross floor area.
c. Swimming pools and game courts requiring a grading permit and/or retaining walls.
d. Grading permits.
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
3. Projects That Require Planning Commission Approval
The Planning Commission has the authority to approve all architecture and site projects that do
not fall within the authority of the DRC and any projects referred to it by the Director. The Planning
Commission approves standard subdivisions and makes recommendations to the Town Council
on Planned Development applications.
C. Application Period of Validity
An approved architecture and site application shall be valid for the period of time specified in the
Town’s Zoning Regulations.
D. Required findings
In addition to the considerations for architecture and site approval provided in the Town’s Zoning
Regulations, the decision making body shall also find that the proposed project meets or exceeds
the objectives and requirements of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines and shall
provide supportive evidence to justify making such findings.
E. Exceptions
Exceptions from the standards in this document may only be granted after carefully considering
the constraints of the site. Any deviation from the standards contained in this document shall
include the rationale and evidence to support the deviation. The burden of proof shall be on the
applicant to show that there are compelling reasons for granting the requested deviation.
Major exceptions may only be granted by the Town Council or Planning Commission. Major
exceptions include the following:
a. building height
b. maximum floor area
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES