1996-045-Approving The Central Business District Streetscape And Improvement GuidelinesRESOLUTION 1996 -45
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
APPROVING THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND IMPROVEMENT GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the amended Guidelines incorporate additional American with Disabilities
Act and Title 24 requirements, and changes necessitated by establishing the Streetscape Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Guidelines including a Streetscape Plan, Lighting and Furnishings Plan,
Street Tree Plan and Five Design Prototypes are necessary for implementing the Redevelopment
Agency's Adopt -A -Bench Program.
RESOLVED: that the Los Gatos Town Council does hereby approve the Central Business
District Streetscape and Improvement Guidelines (as shown in Exhibit A).
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Los Gatos Town Council does hereby rescind the CBD
Streetscape and Improvement Guidelines adopted by Resolution 1995 -26 on February 21, 1995.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos, California, held on the 15th day of April, 1996, by the following vote
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Steven Blanton, Linda Lubeck, Patrick O'Laughlin, Mayor Randy Attaway
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Joanne Benjamin
ATTEST:
C
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF OS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
is
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
STREETSCAPE AND IlVIPROVEMENT GUIDELINES
I. INTRODUCTION
In May 1990, the Town Council accepted a report from the Commercial Plan Committee that
included a recommendation to develop guidelines and standards for the orderly placement of street
furniture and appurtenances on downtown sidewalks. These guidelines will provide the standard for
the placement and location of such things as benches, trash receptacles, newspaper racks, and
anything that may be placed on the public sidewalks, streets, alleys and public right -of -way in the
Central Business District.
YI. SCOPE
The standards in this document apply to the area within the boundary of the C -2 zone identified on
the Town of Los Gatos Zoning Map as C -2 (Central Business District) (see Figure 1),
III. PURPOSE
Street furniture and appurtenances placed on street, sidewalks, alleys and other rights -of -way may
unreasonably interfere or obstruct pedestrian, vehicular or bicycle use of the public travel lanes. The
primary purpose of streets and sidewalks is to efficiently, safely and conveniently move people
between destinations. Additionally, the Town is concerned with providing the highest level of
accessibility for elderly people and satisfying the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title 24
requirements.
There is an urgent need to provide policy for keeping streets and sidewalks safe for pedestrian travel.
The Town has been involved in several lawsuits due to serious injury caused by insecure tree wells
and street furniture that was not designed with safety in mind or was placed on the sidewalk
inappropriately. An ankle injury may cost the Town as much as $200,000 in costs and awards.
More serious injuries have occurred in the downtown including head injuries caused by tripping over
obstacles in the public right -of -way. These injuries are often permanent and debilitating.
These standards are also intended to provide for clear sight distance, a clear view of traffic signs and
promote the clean and orderly appearance of the downtown.
IV. DEFINITIONS
(1) Public right -of -way. Those areas dedicated for the public use for public purposes including
but not limited to streets, parkways, alleys and sidewalks.
(2) Street furniture. Includes such things, but is not limited to benches, trash and recycling
receptacles, planters, newspaper racks, bicycle racks, electroliers, directional signs and
similar appurtenances.
161.
V. GENERAL
No person shall place or install any appurtenance into or over the public right -of -way. No person
shall install or place any appurtenance into or over the public right -of -way if such appurtenance is
determined to interfere with or impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular circulation, endanger the
safety persons or property, obstruct ingress or egress from any business or residence, interfere with
disabled access or obstruct the use of postal service collection boxes, fire hydrants, utility meter
boxes, traffic signals, crosswalks or other appurtenances permitted in the right -of -way.
Any street furniture excluding newsracks purchased by a private individual, corporation or
organization to be placed in the public right -of -way, becomes a donation to the Town and therefore,
property of the Town of Los Gatos. The Town will endeavor to locate the donation item in the
location requested by the donor. If that location does not meet all of the requirements of these
guidelines, the Town reserves the right to locate the item elsewhere in the C -2 Zone. Once donated
the Town has absolute control over the donated item, and may remove, relocate or dispose of the
item whenever it is in the public interest to do so. Each donation shall include payment to cover
installation and maintenance costs. A plaque no larger than 36 square inches may be attached to
street furniture in recognition of a donation, upon approval of the Town.
1) Any appurtenance that in whole or in part is placed upon, or over any sidewalk shall:
a) Only be placed near a curb or adjacent to the wall of a building;
b) Not impede the growth of a Town approved tree, nor impede the use of another
permitted appurtenance, or be attached to a street tree or tree grate, or placed upon
a tree grate;
C) Not exceed eight (8) feet in length;
d) Provide a four (4) foot clearance zone between each eight (8) foot appurtenance or
group of appurtenances to allow curb face access.
e) Be in full compliance with any applicable ADA and Title 24 requirements.
2) No appurtenance shall be placed or installed:
a) Within ten (10) feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk as measured from the
curb return (pedestal newsracks with a minimum height of fifteen inches from paved
surface to bottom of newsrack may be closer to curb return - but no closer than five
feet - at the discretion of the Planning Director);
b) Within three (3) feet of any fire hydrant, fire call box, police call box, or other
emergency facility;
C) Within three (3) feet of any bench fixed parallel to curb, within four (4) feet of any
bench fixed perpendicular to curb;
d) Within five (5) feet of any driveway;
e) Within five feet (5) of any bus stop zone;
f) At any space where the clear space for the passage of pedestrians is reduced to less
than six (6) feet, except that in areas where physical barriers provide for less than six
feet, a clear space for passage of not less than four (4) feet may be permitted for a
distance of not more than ten (10) feet with the approval of the Planning Director;
Page 2
f) In a way that impedes or interferes with the reasonable use of any commercial
window display;
g) Within eighteen (18) inches from back of curb;
h) Within twelve (12) inches of any accessible utility or meter flush mounted in
sidewalk;
i) In a way which impedes or interferes with an established path of travel related to
access for persons with disabilities as defined in the ADA.
3) Non - compliance with these standards is a violation of Town Code Section 23.10.85(b)(1).
VI. SIGNS (Refer to Figure No. 33 -3(a) of the California Accessibility Reference Manual May
1994, as amended )
1) The Town shall develop a consistent public sign program for non - regulatory signs that allow
the casual user to quickly orient themselves to the area. Typical sign groups are directional,
traffic, street signs and public parking lot signs.
2) Sign locations shall be chosen carefully and should be consolidated when possible to reduce
visual clutter.
3) The selected sign program shall be consistent throughout the Central Business District and
signs shall consist of the same material, size, color and type.
4) Town signs shall use symbols instead of text as much as possible, particularly for traffic
signs.
5) Town signs shall be fully compliant with ADA and Title 24 requirements.
VIL LIGHTING
1) Develop pedestrian scale lighting standards for the downtown.
2) Upgrade lighting intensity near crosswalks and other areas that may be potentially hazardous.
VIII. STREET FURNITURE
Street furniture consists of but is not limited to benches, bicycle racks, trash and recycling
receptacles, planters and newspaper racks.
Benches (Refer to ADA Accessibility Guidelines Section 4.33 Assembly Areas, Figure No. 45
"Minimum Clearances for Seating and Tables ").
Page 3
1) Only the following bench models may be permitted in the public right -of -way in the Central
Business District. All such benches shall be installed, owned and maintained by the Town
of Los Gatos. The Town established the Adopt -A -Bench program to enable any person,
group, or organization to donate an approved bench to the Town.
Manufacturer:
Smith & Hawkin
i le-
Giverny
Models:
#5285 (4 foot)
#5280 (5 foot)
Color:
#5547 (6 foot)
Color:
Natural Teakwood
Manufacturer:
Fair Weather
Sty
Plaza
Models:
#PL -5 (4 -6 feet)
#PL -1.5 (4 -6 feet)
Color:
Mineral Bronze
Belvedere
#5806 (5 foot)
#5807 (6 foot)
#5808 (8 foot)
2) Replace the existing planter /seating areas along N. Santa Cruz Avenue to improve their
appearance and durability and to make street parking easier.
Trash and Recycling Receptacles
1) Trash and Recycling Receptacles shall be consistent in design and materials. The standard
trash receptacle in the Central Business District shall be as follows:
Manufacturer: Terra -Form, Wausau Tile, Inc.
tvle: Deerfield Series
Models: TF1190 with TF1215 lid model
2) Trash and recycling receptacles shall be spaced at appropriate intervals to provide convenient
disposal locations for the public and to reduce sidewalk litter.
3) Exceptions to the above type of trash receptacle may be made upon the approval of the
Planning Director.
Bicycle Racks
1) The Town shall remove existing publicly owned bicycle racks and encourage donations to
replace existing bicycle racks throughout the Central Business District with a standard model
that can be conveniently located and is easy and safe to use.
2) Bicycle racks shall not interfere with pedestrian flow and shall be easy and safe to use.
Page 4
Newspaper Racks
Newspaper racks provide an important public information source and are entitled to be
displayed in the public right -of -way subject to Section 23.70.010 of the Town Code.
Newsracks must be installed in compliance with all requirements of the plan.
Landscaping
1) A plan shall be developed to replace the planter boxes along N. Santa Cruz Avenue .
2) Trees and landscaping shall be integral elements of the downtown.
3) Tree grates shall be designed to meet the requirements of the ADA and Title 24 requirements
and shall be used at the base of street trees to provide tree protection and facilitate pedestrian
flow and accessibility.
4) Parking lot areas shall be adequately landscaped to create a more aesthetically pleasing
buffer zone between sidewalks and parking areas as well as to create distinctive parking lot
entryways.
Utilities
1) Continue the underground utility program.
2) Utility boxes, backflow devices, and other mechanical equipment shall be placed in
unobtrusive locations and those above ground shall be screened from view.
IX. FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
1) Create distinguishing entries into downtown and other areas such as public parking lots.
2) Develop locations for pedestrian corridors that link parking areas to shopping areas.
X. IMPLEMENTATION
This downtown streetscape plan outlines the framework for orderly placement of street furniture and
landscaping in the public right -of -way. It is intended to be a comprehensive plan for the downtown,
defining standards for street furniture, pedestrian scale lighting, sidewalk design, public landscaping
and public signs. It is necessary that implementation be a combined public and private venture
involving those who have a stake in the success of the Central Business District. Implementation
of improvements is intended to be completed as funding, private proposals and other improvement
opportunities become available. Thus, completion of improvements may be completed in phases.
Page 5
The overall adoption and approval of the Guidelines constitutes detailed standards for location,
character and completion of streetscape improvements. The Guidelines were approved by the Town
Council on April 15, 1996 with the following documents:
1) Streetscape Concept Plan for Central Business District Improvements (dated 2/26/96).
(The concept plan for the Los Gatos - Saratoga Road and North Santa Cruz Avenue
intersection and stop signs on N. Santa Cruz Avenue at Bachman Ave. will be subject to a
traffic study before implementation is considered.)
2) Street Tree Plan for Central Business District Improvements (dated 2/27/96).
(The Oleander trees indicated on the plan and proposed for the new planters have been
substituted with Rhapheolepis "Majectic Beauty ".)
3) Lighting and Furnishings Plans for Central Business District Improvements (dated 2/26/96).
4) Six detail prototypes as follows (dated 1/27/96):
a) Details: Gateways
b) Mid -block Planter
c) Corner Choker Detail
d) Details: Planter
e) Street Furniture
f) Choker Detail with Off -set Crosswalk (dated 2/28/96)
These Guidelines are to be used in tandem with the goals of the General Plan, Downtown Specific
Plan and Redevelopment Plan. Town government can play an important role in maintaining a
economically viable downtown, but it is essential that the private property and business owners
expand their role in ensuring the long range success of downtown.
N:\DEV\RDA \CBDGUIDE.2
Page 6
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REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED ON THE STREETSCAPE PLAN
FOR THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT!
As part of the Downtown Beautification Program, a Draft Streetscape Plan for the
Central Business District has been developed. The Draft Streetscape Plan is
recommended by the Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Downtown Association, and
Beautification Committee after incorporating changes requested by downtown property
owners and merchants. The Draft Streetscape Plan shows improvements that will be
made to Santa Cruz Avenue from Wood Road to Los Gatos - Saratoga Road and Main
Street from Santa Cruz Avenue to College Avenue. These changes include:
1. Landscape median on South Santa Cruz Avenue to create gateway.
2. Location and design of new landscape planters, waste containers, benches,
pedestrian scale light fixtures, drinking fountains, and bike racks.
3. Landscape theme for planters and street trees along N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
4. Signs orienting visitors to downtown parking and other facilities.
5. Wider sidewalks.
6. Make Grays Lane one -way.
The Draft Streetscape Plan will be presented at two public meetings and you are
encouraged to attend.
PUBLIC MEETING: TUESDAY -APRIL 9,1996
PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY- APRIL 15,1996
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: COUNCIL CHAMBERS - 110 E. MAIN STREET, LOS
GATOS
If you have any questions, please contact Bud Lortz, Redevelopment Manager, at
(408)354 -6867.
ATTACHMENT
O
R
O
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DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PLAN
DRAFT COST ESTIMATE
1
Mid -Block Planters and Crosswalks
14
@
$32,650.00
$457,100.00
2.
Street Corner "On- Grade" Bulb Outs
8
@
$9,725.00
$77,800.00
3.
Lighting - Pedestrian Sidewalk Lights
36
@
$3,000.00
$108,000.00
4.
Furnishings
a. Benches
40
@
$750.00
$30,000,00
b. Drinking Fountains
6
@
$2,500.00
$15,000.00
c. Trash Containers
30
@
$600.00
$18,000.00
d. Bicycle Parking (8 locations) allowance
8
@
$1,000.00
$8,000.00
e. News Racks - allowance
16
@
$_,000.00
$32,000.00
f. Bollards - allowance
10
@
$150.00
$1,500.00
5.
Street Trees
a. Move Magnolias - allowance
12
@
$2,000.00
$24,000.00
b. New Street Trees - allowance
30
@
$150.00
$4,500.00
c. Tree grates for trees in sidewalk
15
@
$300.00
$4,500.00
6.
Gray's Lane Sidewalks
15
@
$2,400.00
$36,000.00
7.
S. Santa Cruz Avenue (Gateway Median) -
1600
@
$20.00
$32,000.00
allowance
8.
Additional Handicapped Ramps
6
@
$2,200.00
$13,200,00
9.
Signs
a. Street Signs
19
@
$250.00
$4,750.00
b. Parking Lots
9
@
$75.00
$675.00
c. Location Maps
8
@
$800.00
$6,400.00
d. Welcome Signs
2
@
$2,500.00
$5,000,00
10.
Median @ E. Main - Stamped Paving
750
@
$10.00
$7,500.00
SUBTOTAL
$885,925.00
CONTINGENCY (15 %)
$132,888.75
ESTIMATED TOTAL
$1,018,813.75
N:\DEV,RDA
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ATTA S
HMIE 'T
AGENCY AGENDA
DATE: 10/16195
ITEM NO. j�_ 4/
TOWN OF LOS GATOS ' \ %
AGENCY AGENDA REPORT
DATE. October 12, 1995
TO: CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FROM: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: 1, ADOPT RESCLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENT WITH PAUL RODRIGUES TO PREPARE PHASE II OF THE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES
2. AUTHORIZE TRANSFER OF $20,987.50 FROM CAPITAL TO CONTRACT
SERVICES.
RECOMMENDATION.
1. Adopt resolution authorizing Executive Director to execute agreement with Paul Rcdngues to prepare
Phase II of the Central Business District Streetscape Guidelines.
2. Authorize transfer of $20,987.50 from Capital to Contract Services.
BACKGROUND:
On February 21, 1995, the Town Council adopted Phase I of the Central Business District Streetsoace and
Improvement Guidelines. The Guidelines (Phase I) provide standards for installing public improvements such
as benches, trash receptacles, and newspaper racks in the Central Business District (CBD). The CSC is
located within the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area and the Guidelines must be completed
before the Agency can implement projects identified in the Five -Year Implementation Plan. Phase II will
address improvements such as landscape planters, street lights, and public signs and include a map that
shows the location of all improvements. The purpose of the Guidelines is to establish a "master plan" for
public improvements in the CBD so that the design, placement and function of downtown improvements are
compatible and part of a coordinated program. The Guidelines will prevent construction of an improvement
that is later found to be in conflict with another improvement. For example. it will prevent installing a street tree
where a street light will be located. It is not intended that all the improvements be constructed immediately.
The purpose of the Guidelines is to coordinate public improvements in the CBD, whether constructed by the
private sector as part of project or by the Town as part of the Capital Improvement Program. Due to limited
funding it is anticipated that the improvements will be completed in phases over an extended period of time
and it may take many years before all of the improvements are completed.
(Continued on page 2)
PREPARED BY: BUD N. LORTZ o� "�
Redevelopment Manager
BL:cs 10/12/95 4:02 pm
N: TD E W i DA%R O D R I G U E. RPT
Attachments: See page 3 for list of attachments.
Reviewed by: General Counsel Finance Director
AGENCY ACTION /ACTION DIRECTED T0:
ATTACHNt _EN i
PAGE
CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SUBJECT: CONSULTANT SERVICES TO PREPARE PHASE II OF THE CBD STREETSCAPE
GUIDELINES
October 12. 1995
DISCUSSION:
A Request for Proposal to prepare Phase II was sent to following consultants:
Alne Middlebrook
Jeff Oberdorfer
Paul Rodngues
Daryl Fazekas, AIA
Willdan and Associates.
Willdan and Alne Middlebrook submitted a joint proposal (($153,962) as did Paul Rodrigues and Jeff
Oberdorfer (520,287.50). Daryl Fazekas. AIA, submitted a proposal (Attachment 5) which indicates that he
would do the work at no charge.
On August 22, 1995, the Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC) interviewed the consultants. However,
due to the vast difference in cost and proposed scone of work, the Committee suggested that staff contact
the consultants and request revised proposals based on a refined scope of work which limits the engineering
analysis of existing underground improvements. The Committee also rejected the proposal from Mr. Fazekas
because of less experience than the other consultants and concern that the project may not be completed
in a timely manner. The cost of the Willdan / Middlebrook proposal was reduced to $101,005. Rodrigues /
Oberdorfer were satisfied with their original proposal. On September 12, 1995, the RAC considered the
original and revised proposals. The RAC received input from the Downtown Association and Beautification
Committee and discussed the proposals in detail. The RAC recommended that the Agency select Rodrigues
/ Oberdorfer for the following reasons:
1. Jeff Oberdorfer prepared the current Streetscape Guidelines and worked well with staff and
Downtown Association. He would also provide continuity between Phase II and the current
Guidelines.
2. Oberdorfer / Rodngues have an excellent understanding of the issues and scope of the project.
3. Oberdcrfer / Rodrigues are well qualified to prepare Phase II and received positive comments from
references.
4. Oberdorfer / Rodrigues intend to solicit significant input from staff and Downtown merchants before
starting any design work.
On September 21, 1995, Alne Middlebrook submitted a new proposal (Attachment 3) that did not include
Willdan's services. The cost for Ms. Middlebrook to prepare Phase II is $20,200 (Option 1) and $23,500
(Option 2). The RAC has not had an opportunity to review this proposal. However, staff recommends that
the Agency select Rodrigues / Oberdorfer for the reasons listed above. If the Agency decides to refer the Ms.
Middlebrook's proposal to the RAC for review, the Committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the
Agency in December.
The scope of services contained in the agreement (Exhibit A of Attachment 1) has been divided into two parts.
Part A includes planning, design (including the location map of new public improvements), and meetings. Part
B includes construction plans, specifications, and estimates which are required to advertise for bids.
The agreement includes an additional task for Part A that was not included in the original request for proposal.
The task includes preparing two artist renderings that show North Santa Cruz Avenue with the new public
improvements. The renderings will help the public visualize the street with the new improvements and will
help people understand how each new project will relate to future improvements. The cost of this task is $500
which increases the cost for Part A to $9,312.50.
PAGE 3
CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SUBJECT: CONSULTANT SERVICES TO PREPARE PHASE II OF THE CSD STREETSCAPE
GUIDELINES
October 12, 1995
The agreement specifies that no work on Part B shall commence without express written authorization from
the Agency.
The Town requires all consultants to obtain a business license and the consultant agreed to cover this cost
for the remainder of 1995 but adjusted the cost for services to include a business license for 1996.
Consequently, the cost for Part B was increased to $11,675. The total cost for services is $20,987.50.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The preparation of Streetscape Guidelines is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is
required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of the consultant to perform the required services is $20,987.50. If the Agency approves use of the
consultant, $20,987.50 will be transferred from Capital Purchase Account 4440 -17000 to Contract Services
Account 4420-61004.
Attachments
1. Resolution authorizing Executive Director to execute agreement with Paul Rodrigues
Exhibit A. Agreement with Paul Rodrigues for contract services
2. Proposal from Rodrigues / Oberdorfer dated August 1995.
3. Proposal from Alrie Middlebrook dated September 21, 1995.
4. Proposal from Willdan / Middlebrook dated September 6. 1995
5. Proposal from Daryl Fazekas, AIA dated August 16, 1995.
AGENCY RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO E.GCUTE AN
AGREEMENT WITH PAUL RODRIGUES AND ASSOCIATES
FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES TO PREPARE
PHASE II OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT STREETSCAPE GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency of the Town of Los Gatos (the "Agency ")
plans prepare Phase II of the Central Business District Streetscape Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, Paul Rodrigues and Jeff Oberdorfer have expertise in Landscape
Architecture and Community Planning to assist the Agency in meeting the needs of Phase II of
the Central Business District Streetscape Guidelines.
RESOLVED, by the Redevelopment Agency of the Town of Los Gatos, County of
Santa Clara, State of California, that the Redevelopment Agency enter into an agreement as
attached hereto as Exhibit A with Paul Rodrigues for Consultant Services to prepare Phase U of
the Central Business District Streetscape Guidelines, and that the Executive Director is authorized,
and is hereby directed, to execute said agreement in the name and on behalf of the Los Gatos
Redevelopment Agency.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Redevelopment Agency of the
Town of Los Gatos, California, held on the day of 1995 by
the following vote:
AGENCY MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
CHAIR OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA ATTACHMENT 1