Item 6 - Staff Report.Draft GP Visions Statement and Guiding Principles
PREPARED BY: Jennifer Armer
Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Planning Manager and Community Development Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 406-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 7/10/2019
ITEM NO: 6
DATE: June 24, 2019
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider the Draft General Plan Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
RECOMMENDATION:
Forward a recommendation to the Town Council for approval of the draft General Plan Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles.
CEQA:
These actions have no effect on the environment and are not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act. A final decision on the wording of the Vision Statement and Guiding
Principles will be considered along with the approval of the 2040 General Plan. An
Environmental Impact Report will be prepared as part of the General Plan update process.
BACKGROUND:
The Los Gatos General Plan update process has so far included the following:
All-hands kick-off meeting (August 23, 2018)
Launch of the General Plan update website, losgatos2040.com (early September 2018)
EngagementHQ (Topics and surveys opened October 1, 2018)
Newsletter #1 General Plan Overview (October 1, 2018)
Community Workshop #1: Assets, Issues, Opportunities, and Vision (October 17, 2018)
GPAC Meeting #1 (October 30, 2018)
GPAC Meeting #2 (December 11, 2018)
Background Report (March 15, 2019)
Newsletter #2: Background Report Summary (March 20, 2019)
PAGE 2 OF 4
SUBJECT: Draft General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
DATE: June 24, 2019
BACKGROUND (continued):
Spring into Green Booth (April 14, 2019)
GPAC Meeting #3 (April 23, 2019)
GPAC Meeting #4 (April 30, 2019)
GPAC Meeting #5 (May 23, 2019)
GPAC Meeting #6 (June 20, 2019)
On April 23, 2019, the General Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPAC) held its third meeting
to review the existing General Plan Vision and discuss potential modifications. At the GPAC
meeting the GPAC members discussed the Vision chapt er of the existing General Plan.
On April 30, 2019, the GPAC reviewed the draft Vision Statement developed at the previous
meeting, along with draft Vision Statements provided by individual Committee members and
Mintier Harnish Planning Consultants. The discussion resulted in a draft Vision Statement.
On May 23, 2019, the GPAC made a few small modifications to the draft Vision Statement,
developed draft Guiding Principles, and voted to recommend ed approval to the Planning
Commission and Town Council.
DISCUSSION:
The following are the draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles developed and
recommended by the GPAC on May 23, 2019.
A. Vision Statement
The Town of Los Gatos is a safe, welcoming, and family-oriented community nestled in the
beautiful foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Town is a sustainable community that
takes pride in its small-town character and provides a range of housing opportunities,
historic neighborhoods, local culture and arts, excellent schools, and a lively and accessible
downtown. Los Gatos offers a choice of mobility options, superior public facilities and
services, and an open and responsive local government that is fiscally sound. Los Gatos has
a dynamic and thriving economy that includes a mix of businesses throughout Town that
serves all residents, workers, and visitors.
B. Guiding Principles
Transportation — Provide a well-connected transportation system that enables safe access
for all transportation modes, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders
of all ages and abilities.
PAGE 3 OF 4
SUBJECT: Draft General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
DATE: June 24, 2019
DISCUSSION (continued):
Sustainability — Manage, conserve, and preserve Los Gatos' natural environment for
present and future generations. Identify and provide opportunities to enhance the Town' s
sustainability policies and practices.
Protect Natural Resources – Protect the natural resources and scenic assets that define Los
Gatos, including open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and natural
waterways.
Fiscal Stability / Responsibility — Provide high quality municipal services to the Los Gatos
community while sustaining the Town's long term fiscal health.
Government Transparency – Conduct governmental processes in an open manner and
encourage public involvement in Town governance.
Community Vitality — Invigorate downtown Los Gatos as a special place for community
gathering, commerce, and other activities for residents and visitors. Foster the economic
vitality of all Los Gatos business locations. Preserve the Town's historic resources as an on -
going asset to the community.
Diverse Neighborhoods — Foster appropriate investments to maintain and enhance diverse
neighborhoods, housing opportunities, and infrastructure to meet the needs of all current
and future residents.
Inclusivity — Promote ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity and equity to enhance
the quality of life in Los Gatos.
Promote Public Safety – Maintain and enhance Los Gatos as a safe community through
preparation and planning, education, and community design that is responsive to the full range
of potential natural and man-made hazards and safety issues.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No written public comments have been received.
PAGE 4 OF 4
SUBJECT: Draft General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
DATE: June 24, 2019
CONCLUSION:
A.Recommendation
Based on the recommendation of the GPAC, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission review the draft General Plan Vision Statement and Guiding Principles included
in the staff report and forward a recommendation to the Town Council for approval.
B.Alternatives
Alternatively, the Commission can:
1.Forward a recommendation to the Town Council for approval of the General Plan Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles with modifications; or
2.Forward a recommendation to the Town Council for denial of the General Plan Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles; or
3.Continue the matter to a date certain with specific direction.
EXHIBITS:
This report contains no exhibits.