Attachments 3-5MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OCTOBER 8, 2014
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on Wednesday,
October 8, 2014, at 7:00 PM.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Margaret Smith, Vice Chair Kendra Burch, Commissioner Mary Badame,
Commissioner Charles Erekson, Commissioner Tom O'Donnell, Commissioner Marico
Sayoc, and Commissioner Joanne Talesfore
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Talesfore led the Pledge of Allegiance. The audience was invited to participate.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2014
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Erekson
September 24, 2014.
Seconded by Commissioner Talesfore.
VOTE: Motion passed 7 -0.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Desk Item for Items #2 and #3.
REQUESTED CONTINUANCES
None.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
to approve the meeting minutes of
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (AUDIENCE)
Angela Doerner
- Commented that she is a resident of the Almond Grove and spoke about the Almond Grove
resurfacing project. The cost estimates do not make sense.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Doerner.
Mary Roach
- Commented that as time goes on she sees less trees in Los Gatos and less of the hills due to
development with higher buildings and closed in streets. The Town's trees are not being properly
cared for.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Roach.
Jim Russell
- Commented that he commended the Planning Commissioners for their time and effort in the
recent long meetings that have been held.
ATTACHMENT 8
CONSENT CALENDAR
15527 Union Avenue
Conditional Use Permit Application: U -14 -013
APN: 523 -41 -035 and —036
Property Owner: DS Downing LP
Applicant: Rudy Wrabel
Project Planner: Erin Walters
Requesting approval to operate a minor restaurant (Jersey Mike's Subs) on property zoned
C -1.
MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Burch to approve Consent Item #1.
Seconded by Commissioner Talesfore.
VOTE: Motion passed 7 -0.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Planned Development Discussion
Project Planner: Erwin Ordonez.
Receive public testimony and discuss potential changes to the Town Code for the
establishment and use of Planned Development Overlay Zoning Designations. This
discussion may include the Town's Community Benefit and Infill Policies. This is not a public
hearing on a specific amendment to the Town's Zoning Code. Not action will be taken.
Chair Smith opened the public hearing.
Erwin Ordonez, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Commission members asked questions of staff.
Beverly Bryant
- Commented that the Planned Development Ordinance should be kept as it is now. Severe
restrictions placed on the draft ordinance would be a mistake.
Steven Markman
- Commented that he doesn't understand why in 1993 the Commission was allowed to insist on
certain improvements being made, such as mitigation of traffic and installation of signs, but in
2002 that can no longer be done now, and community benefit and infill policies can be ignored.
Dale Miller
- Commented that Planned Developments are a tool that should be kept as is; it is intended to be
an exception.
Jack Aiello
- Commented that some PDs work very well, for example, the one soon to be built near his
neighborhood.
Chris Keith
- Commented that the PD tool has been used adequately in the past. The Town should retain the
PD overlay zoning and evaluate each development opportunity on its own merits.
Page 2 of 6
Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2014
Jill Fordyce
- Commented that they moved to Los Gatos for neighborhoods, community, schools and open
space. She agrees with the intent of the new Planned Development Overlay Zone to protect
hillside, historic and natural areas, but does not understand how it would be done based on the
draft language.
Mark Tersini
- Commented that the PD tool has been well used by the Town. The Commission should focus on
how the Town has grown, what was the proper use of Planned Developments, and continue to
keep the Planned Development in place.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Tersini.
Bill Hirschman
- Commented that he agreed with the previous speakers. He has built five PD projects in Los
Gatos, and each was a better project as a result of the PD process. The Commission should not
take away its discretionary power and allow the PD process to be eliminated.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Hirschman.
Doug Rich
- Commented that he echoed previous comments to keep the PD tool, and added the benefits of
the PD process allow flexibility to address both excellence in design and compatibility in the
neighborhood. The Planned Development Overlay Zone also allows a developer to create
affordable housing.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Rich.
Commission members asked questions of Staff.
John Shepardson
- Commented that on occasion a PD has been used to circumvent the General Plan standards, for
example, the Albright project. Any real estate agent in Town, when selling a property that is next
to a property that may be developed through the PD process, should be required to put in their
disclosures that the Town has Guiding Principles, but they may not be followed.
Al Martinskis
- Commented that the Commission has a tool in the Planned Unit Development, and it should not
be given up, because it was created for a reason.
Lee Quintana
- Commented that she agreed the Planned Development is a good tool, but there have been
problems with the way PDs have been used in the Town in the past. The current PD Ordinance is
difficult to understand and at times conflicting. She would like to see the PD thrown out, and if
retained amended without more speck criteria particularly related to allowed uses and
compatibility.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Quintana.
Chair Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing and returned to the Commission for
deliberation.
Commission members asked questions of staff.
Commission members discussed the matter.
Page 3 of 6
Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2014
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner O'Donnell to forward to the Town Council a
recommendation that it appoint a committee to do further research to decide
whether or not to pursue the course suggested by the Town Council's Ad Hoc
Committee or consider improving the present PD Ordinance, and whether there
has been any violation of the spirit of the PD ordinance.
Seconded by Commissioner Talesfore.
Commission members discussed the matter, including consideration that the Committee include
representatives from the development community, general public, General Plan Committee, Historic
Preservation Committee, and Planning Commission.
Commissioner Erekson requested that the motion give emphasis to clarification of the problems
to be solved in the PD Ordinance, including questions listed in public correspondence.
The maker of the motion accepted the amendment to the motion, and included a review of the last
few years of the applications of the PD to see if there are any particular problems.
The seconder accepted the amendments to the motion
VOTE: Motion passed 7 -0.
3. 15600 and 15650 Los Gatos Boulevard
Planned Development Application: PD -11 -005
Negative Declaration: ND -11 -007
APN: 424 -14 -028 and -036
Property Owner: Longs Drug Stores, California, LLC
Applicant: Landmark Retail Group
Project Planner: Jennifer Savage
Requesting approval to change the zone from CH to CH:PD, to demolish existing commercial
buildings, to construct new commercial buildings, and to allow a 24 -hour super drugstore
(CVS). No significant environmental impacts have been identified as a result of this project
and a Mitigated Negative Declaration is recommended.
Chair Smith opened the public hearing.
Jennifer Savage, Senior Planner, presented a staff report.
Commission members asked questions of staff.
Howard Spunt
- Commented that they meet all the standards and guidelines for the current zoning, with the
exception of parking, where they are asking for a reduction. CVS focuses on health services to its
customers and not just selling goods.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Spunt.
Ingrid Oakley - Girvan
- Commented that she is unclear what the community benefit would be from a massive drugstore.
Vagrants who congregate nearby would have access to beer 24 hours a day. Retail items from
drugstores can be ordered online, so she does not see the need for such a large superstore.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Oakley - Girvan
Page 4 of 6
Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2014
Vicki Cramer
- Commented that her yard is on the property line of the subject property. The biggest concern she
and her neighbors have is security, because of increased traffic and people. They also request no
deliveries on Sunday, and a 7 -foot sound wall.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Cramer.
Joseph Gemignani
- Commented that the building as designed would be so prominent it could be seen a half mile
away. The site needs a beautiful building, and the building proposed does not look like it belongs
in Los Gatos.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Gemignani.
Rusty Dehorn
- Commented that he lives across Los Gatos Boulevard from the proposed development. The story
poles got his attention and brought him to the meeting. The building is too close to the street.
There are no other buildings nearby that are anywhere near the proposed building's height.
Rhodie Firth
- Commented that there is very little about the project that is positive for the people of Los Gatos.
The building is too tall and too close to the street. The idea of making Los Gatos Boulevard
pedestrian - friendly is a nice idea, but it will never happen because the Boulevard is so long and
busy.
Maria Ristow
- Commented that the proposed corner is very important, because it is beautiful, has trees, and a
view of the hills, which would be completely obscured by this building. The building needs to be
shorter and set back from the street.
Mary Roach
- Commented that the project seeks to remove 22 protected trees. The proposed building is cookie
cutter and hideous and not at all related to Los Gatos' character, because it is too high, too close
to the street, and blocks the memorial trees on the corner.
Mindy Wellington
- Commented that she couldn't believe the size when she saw the story poles. Additionally, the
building is too close to the street. The proposed store is something the residents do not need, as
they have plenty of pharmacies and fast food already. Los Gatos Boulevard is becoming Any
Town USA and has none of the Los Gatos charm.
Commission members asked questions of Ms. Wellington.
Carol Roesser
- Commented that her biggest concern is traffic and parking. To cut back on parking on this project
and expecting people to park across the street is taking parking away from nearby residents.
Howard Spunt
- Commented that they can pick up two parking spaces if they eliminate the drive - through. They
are open to a larger sound wall. They would work with staff and the Town arborist on preserving
trees. They would try to improve traffic onsite with a bus turnout lane, a double left -hand turn from
Los Gatos Boulevard to Los Gatos - Almaden, and upgrading the signal.
Commission members asked questions of Mr. Spunt.
Page 5 of 6
Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2014
Chair Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing and returned to the Commission for
deliberation.
Commission members discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner O'Donnell to continue the public hearing for 15600
and 15650 Los Gatos Boulevard to a date uncertain.
Seconded by Commissioner Badame.
Commission members discussed the matter.
VOTE: Motion passed 7 -0.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner O'Donnell to continue the public hearing for 15600
and 15650 Los Gatos Boulevard to December 10, 2014.
Seconded by Commissioner Badame.
VOTE: Motion passed 7 -0.
NEW OTHER BUSINESS
Report from Community Development Director, Laurel Prevetti
• Town Council met 9/15/14; requested additional information regarding the North
Forty Specific Plan, expected to bring the matter to December 2, 2014 meeting;
approved the Knowles Planned Development. Met 10/7/14; heard the Highland
Oaks exterior color issue, directed Staff to work with the Applicant regarding
methodology for examining exterior color; discussed cut- through traffic and
different options; and the Town will apply for a grant to complete a bicycle master
plan and complete streets plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:56 pm.
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
/s/ Margaret Smith, Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND ATTEST:
/s/ Joel Paulson
Planning Manager
Page 6 of 6
Planning Commission Minutes October 8, 2014
Draft resolution subject
to modification as part of
Town Council action.
RESOLUTION 2014-
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ESTABLISHING A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT STUDY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2013, the Town Council formed an Ad Hoc Committee of
the Town Council to study Planned Developments (PD) and the use of the PD Overlay Zoning; and
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2014, the Ad Hoc Committee presented the Town Council
recommended amendments to the Town Code (Zoning Regulations) pertain to PD Overlay
Zoning; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council referred the Ad Hoc Committee's recommended
amendments to the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2014, the Planning Commission conducted a public meeting to
receive public input and review the referral from Council; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended that the Town Council appoint a
Study Committee with membership from the Planning Commission, General Plan Committee,
Historic Preservation Committee, developers, and members of the public to conduct further
research regarding the use of the Planned Development Overlay Zoning.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos does hereby establish a Planned Development Study Committee (hereafter Study
Committee) composed of representation from the Planning Commission, General Plan Committee,
Historic Preservation Committee, development community, and members of the public. The
purpose of the Study Committee is to conduct further research regarding the use of the Planned
Development Overlay Zoning and formulate recommendation(s) for the Town Council's
considerations. The Study Committee shall automatically be dissolved on December 31, 2015.
ATTACHMENT 4
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos, California, held on the 4th day of November, 2014, by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
v 1)1-A RI SOS2G14 RI 1Q F$TABLISHIN(i A Pf)', [ LfDY LOS -0MITTEF.docx
EXHIBIT A
Planned Development Study Committ ee
Mission:
To study the Town's Planned Development Overlay Zoning regulations and formulate a
recommendation for the Town Council regarding potential amendments to the Town Code, In-
Fill Policy, and/or Community Benefit Policy
Committee Members:
Nine (9) Members anDointed by Town Council
One (1) Member from Town Council
Two (2) Members from Planning Commission
One (1) Member from General Plan Committee
One (1) Member from Historic Preservation Committee
Two (2) Members with Land Development or Construction Experience
Two (2) Members who are Town residents and/or business owners
N:\DEV \RESOS\2014\RESO- ESTABLISHING A PD Study Committee. [EXHIBIT Al.doex
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Silicon Valley
�Smir Association of REALTORS
October 27, 2014
Mayor Steve Leonardis and Council Members
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mayor Leonardis and Council Members,
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a trade association representing
over 4,000 real estate professionals in the counties of Santa Clara and San Mateo. Our
Association has historically been an advocate for homeowners and fair public policy. We would
like to comment on the Planned Development Discussion presented to the Council.
We appreciate the Town's desire to address concerns raised by some members of the community.
However, the changes proposed to the Planned Development Overlay Zoning Designation (PD
Overlay Zones) could have significant consequences to property values in the Town. Taking
away the ability to use PD Overlay Zoning in a significant portion of the Town is very likely to
make those properties less valuable.
We support the recommendation of the Planning Commission. We believe creating an Ad Hoc
committee of stakeholders that really delves into the potential impact of these changes is the best
way to make the right choices for the Town. We would be happy to participate in this group and
offer the REALTOR ® perspective on the proposed changes.
There is a lot of work to be done. The staff report points to 75 non - conforming developments and
hundreds of non - conforming units if the Town adopts the changes as proposed. We request that
the Town conduct an analysis of these developments and answer these questions: What would the
development have looked like without PD Overlay Zoning, and do the projects add value to the
Town? If they do add value, then PD Overlay Zoning adds value.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to comment regarding this item.
Sincerely,
essica pstein
Government Affairs Director
Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®
19400 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 100 • Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone: 408.200.0100 • Fax: 408.200.0101 • www.silvar.org
`ATTACHMENT 5
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