Exhibit 4 of Attachment 1PARCHITECTURE PLANNING URBAN DESIGN
CANNON
I DESIGN
GROUP_
May 23, 2014
Ms. Suzanne Avila
Community Development Department
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95031
RE: Highlands Color Evaluation
Dear Suzanne:
Following the meeting at Town Hall with the applicant and architect on February 12, I visited the site and met with the
developer to look at the large exhibits which they had prepared to illustrate the options for color choices. The overall
issue is compliance with the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, and the appropriateness of individual colors
for the distinctively designed homes - all of which reflect rather specific traditional architectural styles.
The primary issue relates to the requirement for exterior colors to not exceed a Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) of 30.
The major section of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines relating to colors and materials is as follows:
L Materials and colors.
Standards.
1. The contrast between manmade buildings and the environment shall be minimized A building's
color and materials shall complement and blend with the predominant colors and values of the sur-
rounding natural environment.
2. Exterior colors shall not exceed a reflectivity value of30 and shall blend with the natural vegetation.
3. Roofs shall be a dark earth tone color with a variety ofshades of that color that blend with the
environment.
4. Exposed metal mrfaces 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.
6 Contrasting color accents shall be kept to a minimum.
Staff has looked primarily at the wall color in interpreting this standard. That can be appropriate when homes stand
out on valley hillsides, and draw a great deal of attention to themselves by virtue of very light colors and substantial ex-
posed vertical wall areas which stand out starkly from their natural hillside setting. In other circumstances, that interpre-
tation can lead to some overly somber home colors. An LRV of 30 is a relatively dark value, as shown on the LRV value
scale below.
LRV Scale (not the same as grayscale) c cis ws•e
_a
4 tt r
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 30% 160% 70% 80% 90% 100%
EX& ff 4
700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939 8/27/14 PC Staff Rpt
The I;ighlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 2
The Los Gatos standard of 30 LRV is relatively low in my experience. I have seen an LRV of 45 included in hillside
design guidelines for Santa Clara County and also in a few places near Phoenix and Scottsdale where the traditional
adobe wall colors fit comfortably with that color value. I worry that here in the Highlands development, the use of such
dark wall colors would lead to a sense of a "Darth Vader Village ". The homes so far have been carefully designed with
identifiable historic architectural styles with a great deal of attention to authenticity of detail. The colors that would be
required by adherence to a wall color LRV of 30 would, in some cases, work very much against that authenticity.
The applicant has studied alternatives, and has proposed a solution that seeks, in most cases, to achieve an overall
average LRV of 30 or less by calculating the weighted average of all visible exterior surfaces (e.g., wall colors, stone, roofs,
trim, etc.). Their conceptual thinking to date has divided the parcels into four categories.
• Visible homes that are LRV 30 compliant per past standards interpretations (i.e., wall colors are LRV 30 or less).
• Homes that are not visible from off -site, but which would be compliant with the LRV 30 wall color limitation.
• Homes that are not visible from off -site, but which would be compliant with a LRV 30 aver4aee wall color limitation.
• Homes that are non - compliant with the LRV 30 wall color because of architectural style reasons.
The table and chart below summarizes the approach and calculations for LRV wall colors and overall averaged LRV val-
ues for the three options studied by the applicant.
• Originally Proposed Colors
• Modified Wall Color to bring the averagge LRV within the LRV 30 standard.
• Modified Wall Color to bring the wall color within the LRV 30 standard.
The chart shows only calculations for those parcels where information has been provided. Note the percentage of the vis-
ible painted wall areas to the overall visible surface area of the homes. In most cases, it is less than one -third of the visible
area.
HIGHIAHDSCOLOREVALOATION
REAR ELEVATIONS
ORIGINAL
JAWRAGING
COMPLIANT
WAIL
LRV
OVERALL
IRV
WALL OVE V L
LRV lRV
WALL
LRV
OVERALL
I LRV
WALL%
Or TOTAL
F"Puwa-5 coNa"
30 LRV COMPLIANT
.. VISIBLE /ato LRV COMPLIANT
NOT VISIBLE /LRV AVENGING
ARCH 51YLE/N0N- COMPL1WT
dOGINAL
AVENGING
70
50.3
1H
28
58%
Z ]0
35
50
28.6
26
2058 .
32%
3 31
16.6
27
19.0
27
19
30%
4 6Z
WA
23
30.2
a
%1
26%
S 25
2637
%
25.1
30
22.Z
i0%
6 62
311.9
38
302
29
2T.%
32%
2
B
9
30
SI 13
30.2
23
301
23
%.2
19%
12 %
23.1
30
Z3.3
%
23.1
28%
13
24 83
493
43
283
30
36A
45%
25 61
24
99
222
26 1
18.5
16%
16 62
29
96
25.21
29
211
23%
]]
18 49
10
26
19.6
26
19.6
14%
19 46
%3
311
31.3
31
33.3
39%
F"Puwa-5 coNa"
30 LRV COMPLIANT
.. VISIBLE /ato LRV COMPLIANT
NOT VISIBLE /LRV AVENGING
ARCH 51YLE/N0N- COMPL1WT
dOGINAL
AVENGING
COMPIIANi
WALL
LRV
OVERALL
LRV
WALL OVERALL
LRV LRV
WALL OVERALL
LRV LRV
WALL %
Or TOTAL
I BO
W.5
20
43.8
ffi
23.6
48%
2 A
35
50
28.6
26
19.9
29%
3 31
26.1
2]
19.4
27
19.4
26%
9
5 25
2637
58
29.5
30
22.5
25%
6 62
%.9
38
31.5
29
22.36
95%
2
B
9
]0
11
12
I3
19 83
51
18
29.4
30
26
98%
35 611
%.9
49
L.9
25
20.9
04%
16 62
L
46
Z2.3
29
203
12%
1]
181 491
28.531
2bj
22.3
26
12.3
22%
191 461
NJ
311
29.2
31
291
23%
1
02
4 8
3
C l,� B 10
1 I
19.E %T
to I 17 'I 6 112
6l 13
� 15 14
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The Mghlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 3
For reference, the original color scheme, the compliant color scheme, and the LRV averaged color scheme for all of the
homes for which we have information are included as an appendix to this letter.
'Ihe applicant's proposal to consider the overall weighted averaging of the LRV values appears to have merit. Many of
the homes will not be visible from areas outside of the immediate development neighborhood. In looking at the color
studies, I find most of the wall colors which have been modified to be much too dark for good design and for their
appropriateness to the individual architectural styles of the homes.
Five the homes for which the applicant is seeking to utilize their original proposed color schemes would have an overall
averaged LRV value exceeding 30. In looking at the original color schemes for these homes, my feeling is that most of the
originally proposed colors would be acceptable. In support of that conclusion, I would offer the following comments and
suggestions.
Parcel 1: 'This parcel is located at the low entry point of the project, and the visibility of the structure will be heavily
screened from view by the substantial existing natural tree vegetation and planned additional landscaping. Because
of the proposed architectural style of the home, I do believe that a light color is needed for architectural authenticity.
However, I would feel more comfortable with the proposal if a somewhat softer wall color LRV were used rather than
the proposed LRV 80. A wall LRV in the 60 to 70 range should be considered. This would be similar to the original
wall color proposed for the home on Parcel 2.
Parcel 2: I feel that the originally proposed colors are appropriate and traditional to the architectural style. The overall
LRV value of 35 is only slightly above the standard of 30. It is also sited at the bottom of the valley.
Parcel 6: The proposed main body color for this house is very much in keeping with its architectural style. Utilizing
a darker color would, in my judgment, be undesirable on a house of this size. My only suggestion would be to tone
down the brightness a bit at the base of the walls and on the columns.
Parcel 14: The applicant has proposed utilizing the original proposed wall color (wall LRV of 83) for this home.
However, because of the very light proposed color and the relatively large amount of vertical wall surface, I would not
be in support of that color. However, because of the proposed architectural style of the home, I do believe that a light
color is needed for architectural authenticity. An LRV for the wall color in the 60 to 70 range would subdue the color
while still being true to the style. This is similar to my comments on Parcel 1.
Parcel 19: While the overall average LRV value of the original colors is 38.8, the calculation is skewed by the relatively
light color (LRV 80 ) of the entry and trim elements. All of that is appropriate to the style, and these light elements
would not have nearly as much visual impact as the wall areas.
Suzanne, please let me know if you have any questions, or if there are specific issues of concern that I did not address.
Sincerely,
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
Larry L. Cannon
Appendix: Original, Compliant, and LRV Averaged colored elevations
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
Tht ULghlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 4
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
LRV AVERAGING
LOT 1 - SPANISH ECLECTIC
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
off
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Bomenion I Lagoni
..unne.r n....r .x ..x..
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The Highlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 5
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
LRV AVERAGING
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
LOT 2 - ANDALUSIAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
ANCON HOMES
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Baswailan I Lagani
700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE .SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR. CA. 94939
The Highlands
Color Evalua[ioo
May 23, 2014 Page 6
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT (same as averaging)
LRVAVERAGING (same as compliant)
LOT 3 - GREENE & GREENE
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS
FpnvieoH Hors
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
Hassenian I Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The HigHands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 7
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT (same as avenging)
LRV AVERAGING (same as compliant)
LOT 4 - ITALIAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS
AVI ON HOMES
.i�„ . ) LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA g�¢nian I Lagoni
11 -..1
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 799 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The 1- lighlands
Color Evaluation
Mav 23.2014 Pue S
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
LRV AVERAGING
LOT 5 - ENGLISH TUDOR
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
Owv�oon Honks
F,-,' LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA BaSSeRiOlk 11.8g0I11
dv +,
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939 ��
The Highlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 9
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
i
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
LRVAVERAGING
LOT 6 - ITALIAN VILLA
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
C% pwwooN Hoes
�;,�i^'�.. ,i`) LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
Bassenion I Lagoni
-- .._...._...._.
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The Highlands
Color Evaluauon
May 23, 2014 Page 10
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT (same as avenging)
LW AVERAGING (same as compliant)
LOT I I - PRAIRIE
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS
pwvieor+Hes
[:..t;j�� LOS GATOS. CALIFORNIA 6assenian I Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939 ��
The Highlands
Color Evalnadon
May 23 2014 Page I 1
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
rt
1 I
f '
ORIGINAL
ra I jl'tiv .
IM
COMPLIANT (same as original)
LRV AVERAGING (same as original)
LOT 12 - ALHAMBRIAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
pANCON HOMES
P'_-?; \j LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Bassenian, Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The Flighlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 12
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
4,
LRV AVERAGING
LOT 14 - HACIENDA
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
AVIOON HOME6
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
� Bassenian I Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE .SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA .94939
The Highlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 13
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
AILlic11J_11
COMPLIANT
LW AVERAGING
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
LOT IS - PROVENCE
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
AVi00N HOMES
LOS GATOS. CALIFORNIA Basmaian I Lagonl
700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE .SUITE 199. LARKSPUR . CA .94939 "
The Highlands
Color Evaluation
May 233, 2014 Page 14
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT
LRVAVERAGING
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
LOT 16- WRIGHTIAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Ilmonien I Lagaro
700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
The HgN.ds
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Pa e 15
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
l
COMPLIANT
i
LRVAVERAGING
I:,�a, I
/
CANNON DESIGN GROUP
LOT 17 — FOOTHILL CONTEMPORARY
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS
ANOON HOMES
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA gaan I Lagoni
700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939 1°"
The Highlands
Color Hvalua[ion
Mav 23.2014 Paee 16
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT (same as averaging)
LW AVERAGING (same as compliant)
LOT 18 - TUSCAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDS AT LOS GATOS
pnvioor.� Iii
LOS GATOS. CALIFORNIA gassmian i Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE .SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA .94939
The Highlands
Color Evaluation
May 23, 2014 Page 17
APPENDIX: COLOR SCHEME ILLUSTRATIONS
ORIGINAL
COMPLIANT (same as averaging)
LRV AVERAGING (same as compliant)
LOT 19 - CRAFTSMAN
FRONT ELEVATION COLOR SCHEMES
THE HIGHLANDSAT LOS GATOS lJ
4 OANGON ^0E5
,-1 LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Bassenian I Lagoni
CANNON DESIGN GROUP 700 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE . SUITE 199 . LARKSPUR . CA . 94939
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