scanner@losgatosca.gov_20100729_1621533 LAND USE ELEMENT
A. Introduction
Los Gatos is a mature, predominantly built-out community. Many believe
that there is little room for growth or change in the physical environment.
However, land use is .dynamic and change is constant from within and outside
the community. Controlling change in an effort to maintain our quality of
life is a challenge. Disagreements arise when specific development
applications are considered or in an overall discussion of growth.
The Land Use Element is the framework of the General Plan and is intended
to inform and shape the future physical development of Los Gatos. This
Element sets forth the patterns of development activity and land uses that will
support and enhance the character of the Town. Although all General Plan
Elements are of equal importance, the Land Use Element is the most
frequently used and referenced section of the General Plan.
Planning for neighborhood preservation and protection is one of the most
important purposes of the Town's General Plan. Preserving the small-town
heritage, natural setting and architectural diversity are also important to this
community. One of Los Gatos's most outstanding assets is the visual
diversity of its individual neighborhoods. Development represents a variety
of architectural styles from various eras, embodying a variety of sizes, design
features and building materials resulting in neighborhoods with their own
unique identity. For example, Downtown Los Gatos is the historic heart of
Town with apedestrian-scale setting of mixed land uses and architecturally
historic buildings. It is a unique area that sets the spirit and style of the entire
Town.
Maintaining neighborhood quality requires conservation of existing housing,
good street design, traffic control in residential neighborhoods and
development review that adheres to quality design. Factors such as the
introduction of new or excessive traffic, existing substandard infrastructure or
economic pressures may cause disruption of neighborhoods. Neighborhood
preservation also includes balancing the intensity of land uses with the
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existing residential density as home prices rise and lot sizes decrease while
home sizes increase.
Los Gatos .also focuses on maintaining a "full-service" town that provides a
range of goods and services that support the economic vitality of the Town.
The commercial centers of Los Gatos are therefore also important to the
community. Under the Los. Gatos Boulevard Plan, the community expressed
interest in creating a shopping experience and destination that complements
the Downtown.
Residential and non-residential uses produce different impacts on the
community. The impacts on traffic, noise, schools, open space and other
quality of life issues will vary, depending on the final mixture of residential
and non-residential uses approved within the area. The overall planning for
the area needs to limit the adverse impacts on the quality of life of all of the
residents of Los Gatos and to provide for open space.
The Land Use Element describes land use designations, special planning areas
and existing land uses in Los Gatos. The Land Use Element is divided into
the following sections:
• Introduction: A description of the requirements and contents of the
Land Use Element.
• General Plan Land Use Designations: A description of the
characteristics and intensity of the different land use designations in Los
Gatos, including a map identifying the .location of these land use
designations.
• Special Planning Areas: A description of special planning areas,
including Historic Districts and Specific Plan Overlays.
• Existing Land Uses: A description of existing land uses in Los Gatos.
• Current Planning Efforts: A description of projects currently pending,
approved or being constructed in Los Gatos.
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• Goals, Policies and Actions: A list of goal, policy and action statements
that provide guidance to Los Gatos on land use decisions.
B. Authority for the Element
California Government Code Section 65302(a) and Public Resources Code
Section 2762(a) require that the Land Use Element provide the following
information:
• Distribution, location and extent of land uses for categories of public or
private uses. Such categories include, but are not limited to housing,
business, industry, open space, natural resources, recreation and
enjoyment of scenic beauty, education and public buildings and grounds.
• Population density and building intensity standards for land use
designations.
The Land Use Element has the broadest scope of any of the State-required
components of the General Plan. In addition to the State's requirements set
forth in the Government Code, it has also been legally established that, while
the location of a particular land use may be expressed in general terms, a
property owner must be able to identify the General Plan Land Use
Designation for his/her parcel from the land use diagram contained in the
Land Use Element.
Among the important implementation mechanisms for the Land Use
Element are Specific Plans and the Town Code. The California Government
Code requires that the Town Code and zoning map be consistent with its
General Plan Land Use Element and map, and that all provisions of Specific
Plans adopted by the Town must be consistent with the General Plan that
they implement.
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C. Relationship of Land Use Element to other Elements and Plans
Because the Land Use Element sets the framework of the General Plan, the
Land Use Element relates directly to all goals and policies of the other
Elements and unifies the General Plan by providing the overall policy context
for the other Elements. The relationship of the Land Use Element to other
elements and plans is described below.
• The Land Use Element addresses circulation by setting out, in its map
and policies, the location and size of all roadways in the Town
coordinated with the land uses the roads will serve. It also notes the
planned capacities of all other infrastructure systems that will be
necessary to protect the health and welfare of the Town's citizens.
• The location, type and density of residential units are key components of
the Land Use Element. The Housing Element uses the density ranges
specified in the Land Use Element to identify sites to meet the Town's
housing needs.
• The mandates of the Safety Element are reflected in the designation and
location of land use, the permitted activities within designated areas, and
the patterns of land use that support defensible space, the Town's
contingency plan, and fire and other hazard mitigation.
• The Land Use Element addresses buffers between noise sensitive uses and
noise sources.
• The Town conserves resources through policies for the wise use of land,
water and energy.
• Air quality is improved by land use patterns that minimize vehicle travel
within the Town.
• The Conservation Element goals address protecting .and enhancing the
natural environment. Programs that retain natural features such as tree
preservation, limited grading and water conservation maintain the
natural character of Los Gatos.
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• The Open Space Element refers to the location, character and use of
parks, recreational facilities and preserved, unimproved land.
• Land use designations protect and preserve open spaces.
• The Land Use Element reflects the Town's high priority for quality
design.
• The Land Use and Community Design Elements preserve historical
buildings and historic areas, limiting the size of houses and careful design
of new infill developments protect the character of Los Gatos.
• California State law requires that all Specific Plans and zoning regulations
be consistent with the General Plan. The Hillside Specific Plan, the
North Forty Specific Plan, the Redevelopment Plan and other plans that
may be adopted as necessary will be consistent with this General Plan.
D. Existing Land Uses
This section contains qualitative and quantitative descriptions of existing land
uses in the Town of Los Gatos and Los Gatos's Sphere of Influence (SOI).
"Existing land uses" refers to the existing built environment, regardless of the
General Plan land use designation or zoning designation applied by the
Town. This initial assessment is based on data from the Santa Clara County
Office of the Assessor. Existing land uses are illustrated in Figure LU-1 and
listed in Table LU-1.
1. Residential -Single Family
Approximately 3,183 acres of land in Los Gatos is dedicated to parcels that
contain a single, detached residence and related structures. Single family
residential land use is located throughout the Town, with the exception of the
public and open spaces in the southern area of the Town and along
commercial corridors immediately adjacent to Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa
Cruz Avenue. In the SOI, approximately 2,728 acres of land is dedicated to
single family residential land.
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Figure LU-1 Existing Land Use
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TABLE LU-1 EXISTING LAND USES
Land Use Category
Number of
Acres Percent
of Town
Acreage Percent
of SOI
Acreage
Residential -Single Family 5,911 51.2% 51.9%
Residential -Multi-Family 407 6.5% 0%
Commercial 164 2.6% 0%
Office Professional 126 2% 0%
Light Industrial 37 0.6% 0%
Public/Quasi-Public 440 4.7% 2.8%
Public Utilities 39 0.5% 0.1%
Agricultural 112 1% 1%
Open Space/Recreation 3,841 26.2% 42.2%
Vacant 399 4.7% 2%
Total 11,476 100% 100%
Source: County of Santa Clara, Office ofthe Assessor, 2006.
2. Residential -Multi-Family
This land use category refers to parcels that contain more than one housing
unit. It includes duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, condominiums and
apartment buildings. This residential land use totals approximately 407 acres
in the Town. There is no multi-family housing in the SOI. Multi-family uses
are largely clustered in and around the Highway 17 corridor, either between
Los Gatos Boulevard and Highway 17 or in the area south of Vasona Lake
County Park. A .significant pocket of multi-family housing is also located in
the northwest corner of the Town, just south of the City of Campbell.
3. Commercial
Commercial land refers to parcels that contain either retail businesses-those
offering specific products for sale-or businesses that provide day-to-day
services such as grocery stores, spas and salons, dry cleaners and nurseries.
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There are approximately 164 acres of commercial uses in Los Gatos and 1 acre
in the SOI. Nearly all commercial parcels in Los Gatos are located along the
Santa Cruz Avenue or Los Gatos Boulevard corridors.
4. Office Professional
Office Professional land use refers to parcels that contain offices for medical,
legal, insurance, consulting and similar services formalized by contract.
Office and professional uses account for 125 acres in Los Gatos. Like
commercial parcels, office professional parcels are concentrated along the
Town's primary commercial corridors. An additional cluster of office and
professional uses is located near the Highway 17/85 interchange.
5. Light Industrial
The .Light Industrial land use category refers to parcels used primarily for
production and manufacturing. Additional uses include self-storage and
automobile service garages. There are approximately 37 acres of light
industrial land uses. in Los Gatos. Light industrial uses are concentrated in
two small pockets, one just south of Highway 85 and east of Winchester
Boulevard, and another along University Avenue, north of Blossom Hill
Road.
6. .Public/Quasi-Public
Public/Quasi-Public land uses include schools, libraries, police and fire
stations, churches and hospitals. These uses are distributed throughout Los
Gatos, mostly in single parcels or small groups of parcels. Public/Quasi-
Public land uses comprise approximately 291 acres of land in the Town and
approximately 149 acres in the SOI.
7. Public Utilities
Public Utilities refer to uses related to communications and energy
production and distribution. There are approximately 37 acres in the Town
devoted to utilities divided between parcels scattered throughout Los Gatos.
Many of these parcels are owned by San Jose Water Company and PG&E and
are sites of communications infrastructure.
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8. Agricultural
Agricultural land is used for raising and harvesting crops, breeding livestock
and/or housing equipment used for agricultural purposes. According to the
Santa Clara County Assessor's Office, about 64 acres of land scattered
throughout Los Gatos, and approximately 48 acres in the SOI, are devoted to
existing agricultural uses. One of the .largest areas of agricultural land is the
North Forty site, which contains orchard trees, including walnut and fruit
trees. Wine grapes can be found in the Santa Cruz Mountains hillside areas.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, better known as the
Williamson Act, works to preserve agricultural and open space lands through
restrictive use contracts administered by counties and cities under State
regulations. Private landowners voluntarily restrict their land to agricultural
and compatible open space uses under minimum 10-year rolling term
contracts, with counties and cities also acting voluntarily. In return, the
property tax on a Williamson Act parcel is assessed at a rate consistent with
its actual use, rather than potential market value.
Figure LU-2 shows the .location of all Williamson Act lands and their
designation as well as farmland not covered by the Williamson Act.
Approximately 136 acres of land within the Town limits and 358 acres of land
within the SOI are designated Williamson Act land.l Of these, only 3.85
acres are considered "prime agricultural lands" under the definition of the
Land Conservation Act. All of these lands occur in the Town's SOI. In
addition to Williamson Act lands, approximately 32 acres of Unique
Farmland are located within Town limits and 8 acres within the SOI.
"Unique Farmland" is a designation applied by the State Department of
Conservation to land that is capable of producing specific high value crops.
In Los Gatos, it is applied to the orchards on the North Forty site.
1 This number is higher than the number of acres in existing Agricultural use
because Williamson Act include parcels that are classified by the Assessor as Agricul-
ture, Open Space, and Single Family Residential. Single Family Residential may be
considered an acceptable classification by the Assessor since Williamson Act contracts
may include provisions for a limited number of dwelling units on the property.
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Figure LU-2 Williamson Act and Unique Farmlands
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9. Open Space/Recreation
Open Space/Recreation refers to indoor and outdoor recreational facilities,
including public open spaces such as regional parks, community centers,
playgrounds and neighborhood parks, country clubs and natural open spaces.
After Residential -Single Family land use, Open Space/Recreation comprises
the second highest percentage of total land in Los Gatos. There are
approximately 1,624 acres of open space in the Town and approximately
2,218 acres- in the SOI. Much of this acreage is contained in .four large
facilities: St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space to the south of Los
Gatos, and Vasona Lake County Park and La Rinconada Country Club to
the north.
10. Vacant
Approximately 292 acres within the Town are vacant parcels of varying sizes
that are scattered throughout the Town. Most of the vacant acreage in Los
Gatos is located in the single-family residential area on the eastern side of the
Town. Parcels here are generally larger than they are elsewhere in Los Gatos,
and a number of significantly sized parcels are vacant. Generally, vacancies
are more common in residential areas of Los Gatos than in commercial areas,
although a few small, isolated commercial vacancies exist. Additionally, the
SOI contains approximately 107 acres of vacant property.
E. General Plan Land Use Designations
The Land Use Element is the basis for physical development in Los Gatos.
The land use map and designations identify the general location, density ..and
extent of land available for residential and non-residential uses. Land use
designations do not necessarily reflect the existing land use of each parcel.
Figure LU-3 presents a map of the land use designations in Los Gatos. Each
land use designation is listed and described below.
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1. Residential Land Use Designations
This section provides a brief description of each residential land use
designation and the desirable range of density for each designation.
a. Hillside Residential: 0-1 dwelling units per net acre
Up to 3.5 persons per acre
The Hillside Residential designation provides for very low density, rural,
large lot or cluster, single-family residential .development. This designation
allows for development that is compatible with the unique mountainous
terrain and vegetation of parts of Los Gatos.
b. Low Density Residential: 0-5 dwelling units per net acre
Up to 17.5 persons per acre
The Low Density Residential designation provides for single-family
residential properties located on generally level terrain. It encourages single-
family residential development in either the standard development established
by traditional zoning or by innovative forms obtained through planned
development.
c. Medium Density Residential: 5-12 dwelling units per net acre
Up to 24 persons per acre
The Medium Density Residential designation provides for multiple-family
residential, duplex and/or small single-family homes.
d. High Density Residential: 12-20 dwellings per net acre
Up to 40 persons per acre
The High Density Residential designation provides for more intensive multi-
family residential development. Its objective is to provide quality housing in
close proximity to transit or a business area.
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Figure LU-3 Draft 2020 General Plan Land Use
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e. Mobile Home Park: 5-12 dwellings per net acre
Up to 24 persons per acre
The Mobile Home Park designation provides for mobile home parks. The
intent is to provide and preserve Mobile Home Parks as a source of affordable
.housing. This designation is described in this Element; however, it is not
represented on the accompanying General Plan Land Use Map.
2. Non-Residential Land Use Designations
For non-residential land uses, building intensity limits are indicated by either
allowable land coverage or floor area ratio (FAR) and a maximum height
limit.
a. Office Professional; Up to 50 percent land coverage with a 35-foot height
limit
The Office Professional designation provides for professional and general
business offices. This designation applies to various locations throughout the
Town, often in close proximity to neighborhood- or community-oriented
commercial facilities, or as a buffer between commercial and residential uses.
The intent of this designation is to satisfy the community's need for general
business and professional services and local employment.
b. Central Business District: 0.6 FAR with a 45-foot height limit
The Central Business District designation applies exclusively to the
downtown and accomplishes the following:
• Encourages a mixture of community-oriented commercial goods, services
and lodging unique in its accommodation of small-town style merchants
and maintenance of small-town character.
• Maintains and expands landscaped open spaces and mature tree growth
without increasing setbacks.
• Integrates new construction with existing structures of historical or
architectural significance and emphasizes the importance of the
pedestrian.
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c. Mixed-Use Commercial: Up to 50 percent land coverage with a 35-foot
height limit
The Mixed-Use Commercial designation permits a mixture of retail, office
and residential in a mixed-use setting, along with lodging, service, auto-related
businesses, non-manufacturing industrial uses, recreational uses and
restaurants. Projects developed under this designation shall maintain the
small town, residential scale and natural environments of adjacent residential
neighborhoods, as well as provide prime orientation to arterial street
frontages and proper transitions and buffers to adjacent residential properties.
This designation should never be interpreted to allow development of
independent commercial facilities with principal frontage on the side streets.
d. Neighborhood Commercial: Up to 50 percent land coverage with a
35-foot height limit
The Neighborhood Commercial designation provides for necessary day-to-
day commercial goods and services required by the residents of the adjacent
neighborhoods. ~ This designation encourages concentrated and coordinated
commercial development at easily accessible locations.
e. Service Commercial: Up to 50 percent land coverage with a 35-foot
height limit
The Service Commercial designation provides for service businesses necessary
for the conduct of households or businesses. These include auto repair,
building materials sales, paint suppliers, janitorial services, towing businesses,
contractors offices and yards, launderers and dry cleaners, as well as
wholesaling and warehousing activities.
f. Light Industrial: Up to 50 percent land coverage with a 35-foot height
limit
The Light Industrial designation provides for large-scale office developments
and well-controlled research and development, industrial park-type and
service-oriented uses subject to rigid development standards. These uses
should respond to community or region-wide needs.
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g. Public
The Public designation identifies public facilities in the Town such as the
Civic Center, courthouse, schools, parks, libraries, hospitals, churches and
fire stations.
h. Agriculture
The Agricultural designation identifies areas for commercial agricultural crop
production.
i. Open Space
The Open Space designation identifies the location of public parks, open
space preserves, private preserves and stream corridors.
j. North Forty Specific Plan Overlay
The North Forty Specific Plan Overlay determines the mix of uses that will
occur in this area. Residential development is limited to not more than 750
dwelling units of mixed residential types. Non-residential uses are limited to
a total of 580,000 square feet of retail and office development. The
development of a hotel is permitted in this area. Development under the
North Forty Specific Plan shall:
• Complement and not compete with Los Gatos's Downtown and the rest
of the community.
• Be based on sustainable and "smart" development practices.
• Incorporate mixed-use development with residential uses to the south and
retail mixed-use to the north.
• Include a plaza at the center of the mixed-use area and a park at the center
of the residential area.
• Provide for a variety of residential housing types, both rental and owner
occupied.
• Provide at least 150 units of housing affordable to households at the mod-
erate income level or below.
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• Include high-quality architecture and design that reflects the rural and ag-
ricultural history of the site.
• Provide pedestrian-oriented buildings along the Los Gatos Boulevard
frontage, with minimal parking oriented to the street.
e Take advantage of the grade change across the site by including split-level
buildings that allow for two floors of retail and "tuck under" parking.
• Continue the "boulevard treatment" along Los Gatos Boulevard, with in-
terconnections from one parcel's drive aisle to the next.
• Include connections to existing intersections along Los Gatos Boulevard
and Lark Avenue.
• Develop gateway or landmark features at Los Gatos Boulevard and Lark
Avenue and at Los Gatos Boulevard and the Highway 85 off ramp.
• Provide an easily accessible, fully connected street network that encour-
ages walking.
• Provide a vegetative buffer and screening along Highways 17 and 85.
• Preserve Town character and views, .including:
• Preserving views of the hills from Highways 17 and 85.
• Limit building heights to a two-story maximum along Los Gatos
Boulevard.
• Limit building heights to a four-story maximum on most of the site.
• Provide for the possible development of a maximum five story hotel.
F. Overlays and Special Planning Areas
Development in Los Gatos can be targeted to achieve a more specific outcome
by designating specific overlay zones and special planning areas. These areas
have more detailed development guidelines that remain consistent with
existing policies. Los Gatos has three overlay zones that implement land use
policies through the Town Code, five Historic Districts, three Specific Plans
and one Redevelopment Project Area.
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1. Overlay zone
There are three overlay zones in the Town Code, the Landmark and Historic
Preservation, Planned Development and Public School Overlay Zones.
• Landmark and Historic Preservation (LHP) Overlay zone. This zone
is designated by Town Council and is applied to individual sites and
structures or small areas deemed of architectural and/or historical
significance. The structure(s) in LHP overlays are subject to special
standards regarding their appearance, use and maintenance.
• Planned Development (PD) Overlay zone. The PD overlay zone is
intended to provide for alternative uses that are more consistent with site
characteristics allowed in other zones, in order to optimize the use of
open space and to encourage good design. The PD .zone permits the
establishment of a single use or the integration of several uses not
ordinarily possible, if the use(s) complies with the entire development
plan and relates to the surrounding area. The minimum lot size for a site
in the PD overlay zone is 40,000 square feet. Sites within a PD overlay
zone may be developed in compliance with the underlying zone or with
the PD overlay zone regulations; regulations from the overlay and
underlying zone cannot be combined.
• Public School (PS) Overlay zone. The PS overlay zone is intended to
allow school buildings to be used, without extensive exterior
modifications, in ways which will make it unnecessary to sell school
facilities. The overlay permits a variety of community-related and
education-related -uses, including, but not limited to, museums,
community centers, playgrounds and nursery schools. Any land owned
by a public school district (regardless of underlying zone), .may be
zoned PS.
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2. Historic Districts
The Town has established five historic districts to preserve neighborhoods
deemed significant to the history of Los Gatos.
• Almond Grove Historic District. An approximately 40-acre area that
constitutes the largest subdivision following incorporation of the Town
of Los Gatos. This District was established by ordinance in 1980.
• Broadway Historic District. An approximately .100-acre area that is the
site of the first residential subdivision and first residential street in the
Town of Los Gatos. This District was established by ordinance in 1985.
• Los Gatos Historic Commercial District. Bounded by Elm Street to
the North, Main Street to the south, Los Gatos Creek to the east and
North Santa Cruz Avenue to the west. The Town's only concentration
of intact historic commercial buildings. It was established by ordinance
in 199.1.
• Fairview Plaza Historic District. Limited to the cul-de-sac termination
of Fairview Plaza, part of an historic subdivision originally surveyed in
1885 known as the "Fairview Addition." The District retains the same
configuration as originally mapped and contains a rare collection of
Victorian and Craftsman homes, unique in their compact scale and
proximity to one another. This District was established by ordinance in
1992.
• University/Edelen Historic District. Bounded by Saratoga Avenue to
the north, Main Street to the south, Los Gatos Creek to the east and the
Southern Pacific Railroad tracks to the west. The District is composed of
five subdivisions that predate 1900 and. contain a number of residential
and commercial structures of mixed architectural styles. This District
was established by ordinance in 1991.
All of Los Gatos's historic districts are defined by structures that contribute
to the District. In every District, the transformation of these structures is
tightly regulated. Demolition of contributing structures is strictly prohibited.
In addition, all restoration, rehabilitation and new construction of principal
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units must adhere to a series of guidelines for preserving architectural heritage
and conforming to existing style. Any modifications to the original design
are either restricted or prohibited.
3. Other Plans
The Hillside Specific Plan and Los Gatos Boulevard Plan areas are each
developed according to separate land use goals and in different areas of the
Town. In addition to these approved Specific Plans, the Town will be
developing a North Forty Specific Plan.
a. Hillside Specific Plan
The Hillside Specific Plan establishes land use policy for the Hillside Study
Area, an area of mountainous terrain in the southeastern portion of the Town
designated for Hillside Residential development. Adopted by Town Council
in 1978, the Specific Plan establishes a series of policies and standards related
to land use, facilities, services, circulation, fire protection, .safety and open
space. These policies and standards are intended to prevent deficiencies in
access to water and sewer services, ensure conservation of the sensitive natural
environment, and address differences in Town and County land use
regulations.
Development in the Hillside Specific .Plan area is prohibited outside of
designated "least .restrictive development areas" (LRDAs) unless it is
compliant with conditions established in the Plan.
b. Los Gatos Boulevard Plan
Adopted by Town Council in 1997, the Los Gatos Boulevard Specific Plan is
a policy framework for meeting a series of short, medium and long range
goals related to the commercial revitalization of Los Gatos Boulevard. This
Specific Plan is based on a land use concept for which. higher density, mixed-
use commercial development in the north of the Specific Plan area transitions
into residential and community clusters, and then .into existing residential
neighborhoods just south of the Specific Plan area. This Specific Plan
contains policies and design standards targeting safe, attractive public
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improvements; pedestrian-oriented activity nodes; vital, commercial land use;.
distinct gateways and site-appropriate private improvements.
c. Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project
The Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project, which focuses on an area
located around Downtown Los Gatos, contains a mix of residential and non-
residential land use designations. The Town of Los Gatos Redevelopment
Agency has the authority to facilitate property acquisition and management,
construction of public improvements, structural rehabilitation and site
assembly within the Project Area. The project was adopted in 1991,
following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The main objectives of the
project are to eliminate blight, assemble land parcels for improved
development, strengthen the economic base of downtown and improve
undeveloped and underutilized areas.
G. Goals, Policies and Actions
The following goals, policies and actions guide future physical development
throughout Los Gatos.
Goal LU-1 To maintain a balanced, economically stable
community within environmental goals. (L.G.5.2)
Policies
Policy LU-1.1 Minimize vehicle miles traveled for goods and services by
allowing and encouraging stores that provide these goods
within walking distance of .neighborhoods in Los Gatos.
(new)
Policy LU-1.2 Promote telecommuting and home-based businesses by
allowing live-work and work-live uses in existing and
future residential development. (new)
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Actions
Action LU-1.1 Conduct a study to evaluate residential zoning districts to
~; determine feasibility of incorporating neighborhood-
serving commercial uses, and define and adopt best
management practices regarding incentives to encourage
such uses. (new)
Action LU-1.2 ^ a~~~ -~~°~ ~~~~°~~ Study home occupation .requirements
that will encourage home based businesses that will not
:impact the neighborhood. (new)
Action LU-1.3 r,,.c:~ ~a ,.a,, t.,, a'
,.i i~ R.~
Goal LU-2 To coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions and
other local and regional agencies that may affect
Los Gatos's future development patterns and
character. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-2.1 Recognizing that our ability to preserve our small town
character is somewhat dependent on decisions in
surrounding communities, continue and expand Town
participation in planning processes in neighboring
jurisdictions and regional bodies in order to develop
innovative, effective, and coordinated land use,
transportation, and hillside development plans and
standards that will help preserve our small town character.
(L.P.1.15 and L.I.1.15 combined)
LU-22
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
D R A P T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-2.2 Cooperate with the County of Santa Clara to encourage
the annexation of unincorporated islands into the Town.
The Town will not require the installation of curbs,
gutters, .sidewalks, or street lights as a condition of
annexation nor will these improvements be imposed on
annexed areas unless the residents of the area request such
improvements and are willing to participate in the cost of
such improvements. This does not prevent the Town
from requiring such improvements as a condition of
approval of any zoning or subdivision approval if such
conditions are normally .made on those items and the
improvements would be in keeping with the
neighborhood. (L.P.1.13 -revised)
Policy LU-2.3 Work with Santa Clara County to ensure that projects
developed in the County meet Town policies and
standards, do not induce further development, and do not
unduly burden the Town. (L.P.8.12)
Goal LU-3 To provide for well-planned, careful growth
within the limits of the Town's existing character
and infrastructure. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-3.1 Allow development only with adequate physical
infrastructure (e.g. transportation, sewers, utilities, etc.)
and social services (e.g. education, public safety, etc.).
(L.P.3.7)
Policy LU-3.2 Only approve projects for which public costs can be
justified by overall community benefit. (L.P.5.7 -revised)
LU-23
TO\VN OF LOS GATOS
D R A P T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-3.3 Project applicants shall evaluate and provide appropriate
mitigation measures to reduce impacts on urban services
including schools, utilities, police and fire. (V.I.4.2 -
revised)
Policy LU-3.4 Discourage corridor lots. Corridor lots shall only be
allowed if the use of a corridor lot decreases the amount of
public street required for the subdivision, contributes to
the .surrounding neighborhood, and is in context with the
existing scale and established character of the
neighborhood. The subdivider shall also demonstrate that
the use of a corridor lot benefits surrounding properties.
(L.I.3.9 -.revised)
Goal LU-4 To encourage public involvement in Town
planning processes. (new)
Policy
Policy LU-4.1 Use task forces, ad hoc committees and other means as
appropriate to involve residential and commercial interests
in Town matters. (L.I.1.17)
Action
Action LU-4.1 Complete a study with broad public participation to iden-
tify effective ways to invite and increase public participa-
tion in the planning process. (L.I.1.16)
LU-24
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal LU-5 To preserve and enhance the existing character
and sense of place in residential neighborhoods.
(L.G.3.1 and L.G.4.1 combined)
Policies
Policy LU-5.1 Protect existing residential areas from the pressures of non-
residential development. (L.P.3.1)
Policy LU-5.2 Allow nonresidential activity in residential areas only
when the character and quality of the neighborhood can
be maintained. (I.,.P.3.2)
Policy LU-5.3 Protect existing residential areas from adjacent
nonresidential uses by assuring that buffers are developed
and maintained. (L.P.3.3 -revised)
Policy LU-5.4 Prohibit uses that may lead to the deterioration of
residential neighborhoods, or adversely impact the public
safety or the residential character of a residential
neighborhood. (L.P.3.4)
:Policy LU-5.5 The type, density and intensity of new land use shall be
consistent with that of the immediate neighborhood.
(L.P.3.5 -revised)
Policy LU-5.6 In order to .reduce landfill, conserve resources and preserve
neighborhood character, demolitions shall be discouraged
in established residential neighborhoods and applicants
shall submit structural reports to determine whether the
demolition of any principal structure is justified. If
allowed, the replacement house should be similar in size
and scale as other homes in the neighborhood and
maintain the neighborhood character. (L.P.3.11 and
L.P.4.4. combined)
LU-25
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-5.7 Continue to encourage a variety of housing types .and sizes
that is balanced throughout the Town and within
neighborhoods, and that is also compatible with the
character of the surrounding neighborhood. (L.P.4.1)
Policy LU-5.8 New construction, remodels and additions shall be
compatible and blend with the existing neighborhood.
(L.P.4.3)
Policy LU-5.9 The Housing Element assumes that sites designated
medium and high density residential will be developed at
the upper end of the density range. If the Town approves
a development at a lower density on one of these sites,
staff shall identify one or more other sites to maintain the
Town's capacity to meet its housing needs as identified in
the Housing Element, subject to neighborhood
compatibility and mitigation of traffic impacts. (L.I.4.11 -
revised)
Policy LU-5.10 Require applicants to submit letters of justification to
show how new residential development contributes to the
balance Of types and sizes of housing available in Los
Gatos. (L.I.4.1-revised)
Actions
Action LU-5.1 Develop standards for traffic, noise, intensity and overall
size for non-residential uses in residential zones. (L.I.3.7)
Action LU-52 The conditional use permit approvals for non-residential
uses in .residential zones shall be reviewed by the Planning
Commission on an as-needed basis for any adverse
impacts, nuisances or any required modifications. (L.I.3.8
- revised)
LU-26
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Action LU-5.3 Amend the General Plan's Land Use Element and the
Town Code to preserve the existing residential uses along
Winchester Boulevard between Shelburne Way and
Pleasant View. (L.I.4.7)
Goal LU-6 To use available land efficiently by .encouraging
appropriate infill development. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-6.1 Allow redevelopment of unused school sites
commensurate with the surrounding residential
neighborhood and availability of services. (L.P.3.10)
Policy LU-6.2 Applicants for infill projects shall demonstrate that the
project has a strong community benefit. (L.I.1.3 and
L.I.3.2 combined)
Policy LU-6.3 The appropriate deciding body shall make specific findings
of community benefit before approving any infill project.
(L.I.1.4 and L.I.3.3 combined)
Policy LU-6.4 Infill projects shall contribute to the further development
of the surrounding neighborhood (e.g. improve
circulation, contribute to or provide neighborhood unity,
eliminate a blighted area) and shall not detract from the
existing quality of life. (L.P.1.7)
Policy LU-6.5 Infill projects shall be designed in context with the
neighborhood and surrounding zoning with respect to the
existing scale and character of surrounding structures, and
should blend rather than compete with the established
character of the area. (L.P.1.8)
LU-27
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Goal LU-7 To preserve Downtown Los Gatos as the historic
center of the Town with goods and services for
local residents while maintaining the existing
Town identity, environment and commercial
viability. (L.G.6.2)
Policies
Policy LU-7.1 Encourage the development and retention of small
businesses and locally owned stores .and shops Downtown
that are consistent with small town character and scale.
(L.P.6.2 -revised)
Policy LU-7.2 Recognize and encourage the different functions, land use
patterns and use mixes of the various commercial areas
within the Downtown. These include:
a. The. pedestrian scale and orientation of the Central
Business District.
b. The convenience .shopping land use pattern of .areas
north of Saratoga Avenue to Blossom Hill Road.
c. The mixed use commercial activities along Santa Cruz
Avenue and the service commercial activities along
University Avenue between Andrews Street and
Blossom Hill Road. (L.P.6.5 -revised)
Policy LU-7.3 Establish and maintain strong boundaries between the
Central Business District designation and adjacent
residential neighborhoods. (L.P.6.4.)
Policy LU-7.4 Encourage mixed uses to increase residential opportunities
in commercial zones Downtown, taking into
consideration potential impacts to loss of commercial
opportunities. (L.P.6:6 -revised)
LU-28
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2-0 G E N E R A L P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Goal LU-8 To provide residents with adequate commercial
and industrial services. (L.G.5.1)
Policies
Policy LU-8.1 Ensure that new development preserves and promotes
existing commercial centers consistent with the
maintenance of asmall-scale, small-town atmosphere and
image. (L.P.1.4 -revised)
Policy LU-8.2 Maintain a variety of commercial uses, including a strong
Downtown commercial area combined with Los Gatos
Boulevard and strong neighborhood commercial centers to
meet the shopping needs of residents and to preserve the
small-town atmosphere. {L.P.5.1)
Policy LU-8.3 Encourage a mix of retail and office uses in commercial
areas, except in the Central Business District designation,
where retail should be emphasized and office should be
limited to upper floors and other areas as defined by the
Town Code. (L.P.5.2 -revised)
Policy LU-8.4 Encourage existing light industry and service commercial
uses to remain or be replaced with.similar uses. (L.P.5.4)
Policy LU-8.5 Encourage the development and retention of locally
owned stores and shops. (L.P.5.5)
Policy LU-8.6 Encourage development that maintains and expands
~~.,t resident-oriented services and/or creates employment
'~J opportunities for local residents consistent with overall
land use policies of the Town. (L.P.5.6)
Policy LU-8,7 "Broadening the tax base" shall never be the sole reason
for allowing new commercial development or approving a
change in a commercial land use. (L.P. 5.8)
LU-29
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
LAN D USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-8.8 Retail sales tax "leakage" should be kept to a minimum by
providing in-town convenience and comparative shopping
opportunities. (L.P.5.9)
.Policy LU-8.9 Buffers shall be required as conditions of approval for non-
residential projects that are adjacent to residential areas
and may consist of landscaping, sound barriers, building
setbacks or open space. (L.P.3.3 -revised)
Policy LU-8.10 Prohibit new commercial or industrial zoning adjacent to
school sites and carefully consider the impacts of new
school sites in industrial .and commercial land use
designations. (SI 4.2 -revised)
Action
Action LU-8.1 The Town should identify those businesses that are needed
in the Town and actively recruit those businesses. (L.I.5.6
- revised)
Goal LU-9 To plan for development of a variety of uses in the
North Forty area in a coordinated and
comprehensive way. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-9.1 Zoning shall be changed as part of development
applications to provide consistency with the Vasona Light
Rail and Highway 85 Element and other elements of this
General Plan and with any future specific plan prepared
for this area. (L.I.5.5)
LU-30
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLA N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-9.2 The Town shall encourage uses that serve Town residents.
These include, but are not limited to, open space,
playfields, office, retail and other- commercial uses.
Residential uses may be permitted as part of mixed-use
development and only with acceptable mitigation of
adverse noise, air quality and other environmental hazards.
(V.P.7.2)
Policy LU-9.3 Provide coordinated infrastructure in the North Forty
area. (new)
Policy LU-9.4 Include a variety of regional destination and local-serving
commercial uses in the North Forty area, following a
logical land use pattern that takes advantage of the' site
opportunities while protecting adjacent uses. (new)
Policy LU-9.5 Avoid negative effects on the long-term development
potential of the area surrounding the North Forty area.
(new)
Policy LU-9.6 Incorporate mass transit links from the North Forty area
to the Vasona Light Rail station into the North Forty Spe-
cific Plan. (new)
Actions
Action LU-9.1 Prepare and adopt a specific plan for the North Forty area.
(V.I.7.2 -revised)
LU-31
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
D R A P T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Goal LLT-10 To ensure an appropriate mix of land use types
along Los Gatos Boulevard in order to maintain
the economic vitality of the corridor and continue
to serve the needs of Town residents. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-10.1 Encourage redevelopment and assemblage of parcels that
have experienced a high vacancy rate over a prolonged
period of time, possibly including appropriate and
compatible re-zoning. (L.G.7.3 -revised)
Policy LU-10.2 Encourage a mix of uses along Los Gatos Boulevard,
.including where appropriate, mixed-use parcels that are
compatible with surrounding uses. (L.G.7.6 -revised)
Policy LU-10.3 New landscaping, streetscape improvements and new
r~ development along Los Gatos Boulevard shall incorporate
pedestrian amenities, scale .and design. (L.G.7.8 and
L.P.7.10 combined)
Policy LU-10.4 Encourage mixed uses to increase residential opportunities
in commercial zones. (L.P.7.2)
Policy LU~10.5 Retain and enhance auto dealerships. (L.P.7.3)
Policy LU-10.6 Neighborhood commercial, multi-family residential and
office uses shall be concentrated south of Los Gatos-
Almaden Road. (L.P.7.6)
Policy LU-10.7 New and relocating auto-related businesses shall be located
north of Los Gatos-Almaden Road, adjacent to existing
auto dealerships, or on a vacant site previously used for
permitted auto sales. (L.P. 7.5)
LU-32
TOWN O F L O s G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-10.8 Uses on Los Gatos Boulevard south of Mitchell Avenue
shall be residential or office; existing non-residential uses
shall not be intensified and existing vacant property and
residential uses shall be developed as Single Family
Residential. (L.P. 7.7 -revised)
Policy LU-10.9 Encourage replacement of vacated business south of Los
Gatos-Almaden Road with .neighborhood commercial,
multi-family, or office uses. (L.I.7.10)
Goal LU-11 To promote appropriate and compatible
development along Los Gatos Boulevard that
complements the whole Town and serves residents
and families. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-11.1 Development shall transition from higher intensity uses at
the north end of Los Gatos Boulevard to existing
residential uses at the south end of Los Gatos Boulevard.
(L.G.7.1-revised)
Policy LU-11.2 Commercial activity along Los Gatos Boulevard shall
complement the whole Town and shall provide a
dependable source of income, employment opportunities,
goods and services. (L.G.7.4 and L.G.7.5 combined)
Policy LU-11.3 New projects along Los Gatos Boulevard shall incorporate
a family and resident orientation. (L.G.7.7 -revised)
Policy LU-11.4 New development along Los Gatos Boulevard shall be
designed to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent
residential areas. (L.P.7.1-revised)
LU-33
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
D A F T 2 0 2-0 GENERA L P L A N
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Policy LU-11.5 Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries between
the commercial uses along Los Gatos .Boulevard and
adjacent residential neighborhoods. (L.P.7.9 -revised)
Policy LU-11.6 Provide more pedestrian/bike areas and links to adjacent
residential areas to foster neighborhood use of commercial
centers. (L.I.7.7)
Policy LiJ-11.7 Allow auto dealers and other commercial property owners
and merchants to conduct occasional promotional sales
activities with a "festival" atmosphere with appropriate
restrictions to reduce traffic congestion and impacts on
neighboring commercial and residential uses. (L.I.7.6)
Actions
Action LU-11.1 Work with existing auto dealers and other commercial
property owners and merchants to develop an appropriate
commercial image specifically for .Los Gatos Boulevard.
(L.I.7.1)
Action LU-11.2 Use the adopted Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and
Commercial Design Guidelines to review development
proposals and exterior improvements to existing buildings.
(L.I.7.3 -revised)
LU-34
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAPT •2020 GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE E L E M E N T
Goal LU-12 To uphold and enforce adopted land use
regulations. (new)
Policies
Policy LU-12.1 Maintain a Code Compliance function to effectively
enforce the land use regulations in the Town Code.
(I,.I.1.6)
Policy LU-12.2 Town staff shall identify major violations (illegal units,
sign violations, illegal uses, tree removals, grading
violations, etc.) without waiting for public complaint.
Town staff shall act on minor violations (illegally parked
cars, boats, trailers and campers, etc.) based on public
complaints. Additional violations that may be observed
during investigation of a complaint shall also be acted on.
(L.I.1.7)
LU-35
TO\i~N OF LOS GATOS
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLA N
LAND USE ELEMENT
LU-36
4 COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT
A. Introduction
The Community Design Element is an optional element of the General Plan.
This Element is intended to address the small town character of Los Gatos
through its physical design elements.
This Element is divided into the following sections. With the exception of
the first section, each of the remaining sections has its own set of goals,
policies and actions:
• Key Features of the Los Gatos Community
• Town-wide Design Principles
• Residential Neighborhoods
• Non-residential Neighborhoods
• Downtown
e Historic Preservation
• Hillside Development
• Scenic Resources
• Design Review Process
B. Key Features of the Los Gatos Community
The Town's history informs its existing character. Los Gatos was founded
around the Forbes Mill, a flour mill built in 1854. Located in a heavily
wooded area, the Town centered around the logging industry in the late 1800s
and later became an agricultural town in the early 1900s. In the 1950s, the
Town grew primarily as a suburb of the City of San Jose.
Today, Los Gatos maintains its small town residential character and suburban
roots. The remains of Forbes Mill and its 1880 annex have been converted
into the History Museum of Los Gatos, a landmark now located in the Main
Street and Civic Center .neighborhood. Los Gatos is also defined by its
beautiful natural setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is integrated
into the Town's fabric through its views of forested hillsides, mature trees and
CD-1
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT
creekside trails. Los Gatos is one of 152 communities in California to be
designated a Tree City USA and has been in the Tree City USA Program for
28 years. This program provides national recognition and technical assistance
to towns and cities for preserving and maintaining trees in their jurisdictions.
The majority of Los Gatos is divided into single-family residential lots.
Mature trees cover much of the landscape,. particularly in the hillside
neighborhoods. The small, urban area of Los Gatos is more densely knit,
particularly in the southwestern corner of the Town around Highway 17.
This densely knit area contains neighborhood and regional commercial
corridors as well as civic and cultural uses and is .generally referred to by
residents as Downtown Los Gatos. Town-designated historic districts that
include structures dating back to the early 1900s are also located within and
around the Core Area. Development becomes less dense as it spreads south
and east into the hillside areas.
Today, the Town is situated within one of the largest metropolitan areas of
northern California .and is closely tied to the fast-paced economy of Silicon
Valley. Nevertheless, the Town of Los Gatos still retains its small town char-
acter and offers a rich community fabric composed of a varied mix of residen-
tial, commercial and light industrial uses that serve the residents and attracts
visitors.
C. Town-Wide Design Principles
1. Background Information
In order to preserve Los Gatos's unique character and high quality of life,
new development must meet very high expectations, not only in its
appearance but also in its contributions to the social and economic. life of the
Town. The Town has created .and maintained an attractive built
environment through careful attention to the design of buildings,
landscaping, public improvements and the preservation of the natural
envlronment.
CD-2
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY DESIGN E L E M E N T
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
This section describes overarching design principles that apply to the
character of the Town.
Goal CD-1 To preserve, promote and protect the existing
small town character and quality of life within Los
Gatos. (LG1.1)
Policies
Policy CD-1.1 Preserve and enhance the Town's character through
exceptional community design. {CD.G.1.1-revised)
Policy CD-1.2 Building elements shall be in proportion with those
traditionally in the neighborhood. (CD.P.1.8)
Policy CD-1.3 New structures, remodels, landscapes and hardscapes shall
be designed to harmonize and blend with the scale and
rhythm of the neighborhood and natural features in the
area. (CD.P.1.7)
Policy CD-1.4 Buildings, landscapes and hardscapes shall follow the
natural contours of the property. (CD.P.1.10)
Policy CD-1.5 Development on all elevations shall be of high quality
design and construction, a positive addition to and
compatible with the Town's ambiance. Development
shall enhance the character and unique identity of existing
commercial and/or residential neighborhoods. (L.P1.1 -
revised)
Policy CD-1.6 Town staff shall evaluate projects to assess how built
characteristics, including scale, materials, hardscape, lights
and landscape, blend into the surrounding neighborhood.
(CD.L2.2 -revised)
CD-3
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY DESIGN E L E M E N T
Policy CD-1.7 Review properties next to community entry points when
they are developed or redeveloped to reflect the gateway
concept. (CD.P.1.23)
Policy CD-1.8 Commercial development of any type (office, retail,
research and development, etc.) shall be designed in
keeping with the small town character of Los Gatos.
(V.P.3.2)
Goal CD-2 To limit the intensity of new development to a
level that is consistent with surrounding
development and with the Town at large.
(L.G.2.1)
Policies
Policy CD-2.1 Building .setbacks .shall increase as mass and height
increase. (L.P.2.4 -revised)
Policy CD-2.2 Limit the amount of increase in the floor area of a project
when the number of units is reduced as part of the
development review process. (L.I.2.6 -revised)
Policy CD-2.3 A maximum total floor area for new subdivisions and
planned developments shall be set as part of the .approval
process. (L.I.2.1-revised)
Actions
Action CD-2.1 Conduct a study to consider amending the Below Market
Price (BMP) program tO set the required number of below-
market-rate units based on the total square footage of a
project, in addition to setting the requirement based on a
percentage of the number of market-rate units. (L.I.2.3 -
revised)
CD-4
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
D R A P T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
C D M M U N I T Y D E S IGN E L E M E N T
Goal CD-3 To require utilities, landscaping and streetscapes
to contribute to the Town's high-quality
character. (new)
Policies
Policy CD-3.1 Encourage the undergrounding of utilities on substantial
remodels. (CD.P.1.13)
Policy CD-3.2 Street and structural lighting shall be required to minimize
its visual impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount
of light that falls on neighboring properties and avoiding
light pollution of the night sky. (CD.P.1.14 -revised)
Policy CD-3.3 Consider new street lighting only when required for
safety. {new)
Policy CD-3.4 Encourage the use of landscaping such as trees, large
~~ shrubs and trellised vines to mitigate the effects of building
mass, lower noise and reduce heat generation. (CD.P.1.27)
Policy CD-3.5 All landscaping shall be carefully reviewed to ensure that it
q~' is aesthetically pleasing, ~~~~~ compatible with its
neighborhood and natural environment, and water
conserving. (CD.I.1.3 -revised)
Policy CD-3.6 Utility connections and meters shall be visually
unobtrusive from the street. (CD.P.1.15 -revised)
Policy CD-3.7 Roof mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened
and such screening shall be considered as part of the
structure for height limitations. (CD.P.1.16)
Policy CD-3.8 Solid fencing over 3 feet high shall be designed such that it
does not isolate the structures from the street, or shall be
set back and landscaped. (CD.P.1.19 -revised)
CD-S
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
C OMMU N I T Y DESIGN E L E M E N T
Policy CD-3.9 Parking structures and facilities shall have a low profile, be
screened from view and be aesthetically pleasing.
(CD.P.4.8)
Actions
Action CD-3.1 Prepare and adopt environmentally sensitive landscape
design standards using the Bay-Friendly Landscape
Guidelines. t>,~~ ~ ~°~~-- ° •~, Encourage
well-planned planting schemes that include appropriately-
sized plant material, avoid the use of invasive and non-
native plants and require landscaping of a sufficient density
to add to the beauty of the Town. (L.I.8.7 -revised)
Goal CD-4 To preserve existing trees, natural vegetation,
~, natural topography, riparian corridors and
wildlife habitats, and promote high quality, well
designed, environmentally sensitive and diverse
landscaping in new and existing developments.
(L.P.1.5 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-4.1 Preserve the Town's distinctive 'and unique environment
by preserving and .maintaining the natural topography,
wildlife and native vegetation, and by mitigating and
reversing the harmful effects of traffic congestion,
pollution and environmental degradation on the Town's
urban landscape. (L.P.8.1-revised)
Policy CD-4.2 Maintain street trees, plant additional street trees and
encourage preservation and planting of trees on public and
private property. (C.P.3.7 and C.I.3.3 combined)
CD-6
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY DESIGN E L E M E N T
Policy CD-4.3 Trees that are protected under the Town's Tree
Preservation Ordinance, as well as existing native, heritage
and specimen trees, should be preserved and protected as a
part of any development proposal. (L.P.8.8 -revised)
Policy CD-4.4 Street trees shall be required in new developments.
(C.P.4.13 -revised)
Policy CD-4.5 New development shall promote visual continuity
through tree planting, consistent use of low shrubs and
ground cover. (CD.P.1.26 -revised)
Policy CD-4.6 Encourage mixtures of tree species, both deciduous and
evergreen, to screen projects, add variety, create a more
natural environment and avoid future problems of insect
infestation or other blights that might destroy the desired
tree cover. (CD.I.1.8)
Policy CD-4.7 Landscaping plans should maximize the use of trees for
energy efficiency, climate control, screening, shading
(especially of parking lots) and aesthetics. (CD.I.1.7)
Policy CD-4.8 Landscaping plans shall maximize the use of local native
plants and/or drought resistant plants. {CD.I.1.6 -revised)
Actions
Action CD-4.1 Enact and enforce any ordinances necessary to preserve
trees on public and private property. (C.P.4.1-revised)
CD-7
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
.DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLA N
COMMUNITY DESIGN E L E M E N T
Goal CD-5 To design. a built environment that keeps Los
Gatos safe. (new)
Policies
Policy CD-5.1 Encourage mid-block pedestrian arcades linking Santa
Cruz Avenue with existing and new parking facilities in
the Central Business District along the right-of-way that
facilitate pedestrian access. These arcades shall include
crime prevention elements such as good sight-lines and
lighting systems for security. (CD.I.4.2 -revised)
Policy CD-5.2 Street standards shall recognize the existing character of
the neighborhood, safety and maintenance. (S.P.4.3)
Actions
Action CD-5.1 Adopt an ordinance that establishes design parameters for
buildings, streetscapes and lighting which help prevent
crime. (S.L4.1)
D. Residential Neighborhoods
1. Background Information
Los Gatos is a primarily residential community. The majority of Los Gatos is
divided into single-family residential lots. Mature trees cover much of the
landscape, particularly in the hillside neighborhoods. The small, urban area
of Los Gatos is more densely knit, particularly in the southwestern corner of
the Town .around Highway 17.
In addition to the goals, policies and actions listed below, Los Gatos has
Residential Design Guidelines that promote safe, compatible and well-
designed housing in Los Gatos.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-6 To promote and protect the physical and other
distinctive qualities of residential neighborhoods.
(CD.P.1.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-6.1 Reduce the visual impact of new construction and/or
remodels on the Town and its neighborhoods. (L.G.2.2 -
revised)
Policy CD-6.2 Balance the size and number of units to achieve
appropriate intensity. (L.P.2.2 -revised)
Policy CD-6.3 Encourage basements and cellars to provide "hidden"
square footage in .lieu of visible mass. (L:P.2.3)
Policy CD-6.4 New homes shall be sited to maximize privacy, livability,
protection of natural plant and wildlife habitats and
migration corridors, adequate solar access and wind
conditions. Siting should take advantage of scenic views
but should not create significant ecological or visual
impacts affecting open spaces, public places, or other
properties. (CD.P.2.2 -revised)
Goal CD-7 To preserve the quality of the private open space
(yards) throughout the Town. (L.G.2.3 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-7.1 Maximize quality usable open space in all new
developments. (L.P.2.5)
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Policy CD-7.2 Multi-family residential developments shall include
common open space suitable for group gathering.
(CD.P.1.20)
Policy CD-7.3 All residential developments shall include private open
space in proportion to the building size. (CD.P.1.21)
Actions
Action CD-7.1 Conduct a study to research increasing yard setback
regulations to include considerations for building height
and update the Town Code as necessary. (L.I.2.2 -revised)
E. Non-Residential Areas
1. Background Information
Los Gatos has several commercial and industrial areas that are important to
the community. Downtown's Santa Cruz Avenue corridor is pedestrian-
oriented with one- and two-story buildings housing various retail and
restaurants. It is a local destination for Los Gatos residents and residents of
neighboring communities in Silicon Valley. Los Gatos Boulevard is also a
major commercial corridor with several older shopping centers. These older
shopping centers are primarily commercial strip malls set back from .Los
Gatos Boulevard with ample front parking spaces. The malls are typically
long, single-story structures with sidewalks and awnings. Near Blossom Hill
Road, Los Gatos Boulevard has higher density shopping centers with major
grocery anchor tenants.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-8 Promote, enhance and protect the appearance of
the Town's commercial areas. (CD.P.1.2 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-8.1 Encourage the preservation of the appearance and function
of the industrial areas and the visible .labor and products of
labor that are evident there. (CD.P.1.3)
Actions
Action CD-8.1 Periodically inspect all commercial landscaping to ensure
that approved landscaping is maintained. (CD.I.1.2)
F. Downtown
1. Background Information
The Downtown is the historic heart of Los Gatos. Downtown is
synonymous with the Central Business District General Plan land use
designation and the C-2 zoning district designation. The Downtown is
centered along North Santa Cruz Avenue and extends east-west along
Saratoga-Los Gatos Boulevard to the north and Main Street to the south.
Main Street includes a bridge that accommodates pedestrians and cars and
connects West Main Street with East Main Street. Buildings along West Main
Street near North Santa Cruz and University Avenues exhibit a range of
.styles, from Queen Anne and Richardson Romanesque to Art Deco. These
buildings contribute to the Town-designated Historic Commercial District.
Town Plaza Park-Los Gatos's civic green space -and the History Museum
of Los Gatos, housed in the .Forbes Mill Annex, are both located in
Downtown. For many years, Downtown Los Gatos has been voted "the Best
Downtown of Silicon Valley" by readers of local newspapers.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-9 To preserve the character of Downtown Los Gatos
and the quality of life for its citizens through
high-quality building design. (CD.G.4.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-9.1 Exterior building materials in the Central Business District
should be consistent with those used in existing, tastefully
executed surrounding buildings. (CD.I.4.3 -revised)
Actions
Action CD-9.1 Adopt controls to ensure that new .buildings built on
existing vacant parcels strengthen the form and image of
the Central Business District. (CD.L4.1.E -revised)
Action CD-9.2 Adopt architectural design controls related to the
rehabilitation of buildings within the Central Business
District through consistency and compatibility of scale,
massing, materials, color, texture, reflectivity, openings
and other details. (CD.I.4.1.C -revised)
Goal CD-10 To maintain the historic character of the
Downtown. {L.G.6.1)
Policies
Policy CD-10.1 .Encourage the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation,
reuse and maintenance of existing buildings Downtown.
(L..P.6.1-revised)
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Policy CD-10.2 Allow outdoor seating for restaurants/coffee shops only
when the historic character and quality of the Downtown
and adjacent neighborhoods can be maintained. (L.P.6.3 -
revised)
Actions
Action CD-10.1 Conduct an historic resources survey to identify valuable
and historical architectural styles and features within the
Central Business District. (CD.I.4.5 -revised)
Action CD-10.2 Adopt strengthened architectural design controls related to
the rehabilitation of buildings within the Central Business
District. (CD.P.4.4 -revised)
Goal CD-11 Preserve and enhance the appearance of the
Central Business District through design
improvements to streetscapes and landscapes.
(CD.P.4.3 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-11.1 Street, walkway and building lighting should be designed
to strengthen and reinforce Downtown's character.
(CD.L4.11)
Policy CD-11.2 Downtown signs and graphics should maintain the
Town's small scale appearance. (CD.P.4.7)
Policy CD-11.3 Public signs, directional signs, informational signs and
other signs within the Central Business District should be
designed so as to easily communicate their message, and be
distinctive enough in their form and color that the
observer will identify them with the Central Business
District. (CD.I.4.12 -revised)
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Policy CD-11.4 Street furniture and equipment, such as lamp standards,
traffic signals, fire hydrants, street signs, telephones, mail
boxes, refuse receptacles, bus shelters, drinking fountains,
planters, kiosks, flag poles and other elements of the street
environment should be designed and selected so as to
strengthen and reinforce the Downtown character.
(CD.L4.13j
Policy CD-11.5 Trees and plants shall be approved by the Superintendent
of Parks and Forestry for the purpose of meeting criteria,
including climatic conditions, maintenance, year round
versus seasonal color change (blossoms, summer foliage,
autumn color), special branching effects and other
considerations. (CD.I.4.6)
Actions
Action CD-11.1 The area along Santa Cruz and University Avenues
between Saratoga Avenue and West Main Street should
receive special treatment to accent it as the Town's
commercial core or Central Business District and to
enhance user familiarity and enjoyment. Install treatments
including:
a. Continuation of the Town's Downtown paving and
tree planting system within the Central Business
District.
b. Specialized lighting and sign systems to distinguish this
area, including orientation signs to guide those seeking
access to the Town's parking areas and other
destinations.
c. Modifications and improvements to the Town Plaza to
heighten its role as the southern visual anchor and
gateway to the Downtown area. (CD.I.4.1-revised)
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Action CD-11.2 Design and install directional signs to identify the
' Downtown area and to guide residents and visitors to
Downtown destinations. (CD.P.4.5 -revised)
Action CD-11.3 Adopt design controls on private signage to enhance the
commercial core area. (CD.L4.1.D -revised)
Action CD-11.4 Develop and adopt a landscaping plan that heightens user
understanding of Downtown. (CD.I.4.6 -revised)
G. Historic Preservation
1. Background Information
This section provides a historical overview that illustrates land use and
development patterns in Los Gatos from the historic period to the present.
Prior to California's era of United States governance, Spanish and then
Mexican authorities granted large tracts of land to those who rendered
services to the government. These tracts, called ranchos, were extensive and
contained vast natural resources. Rinconada de los Gatos was granted to Jose
Hernandez and Sebastian Peralta by the Governor of Alta California, in May
1840. Because of the Mexican-American War in January 1853, .Hernandez
and Peralta were forced to petition the United States Federal Court in San
Francisco to recognize their claim. In March 1860, the United States
government issued both men a patent to their 6,631-acre rancho. The Peralta
and Hernandez Adobe, originally constructed for Claude Simond, was built
in 1853 on Quito Road in the present Town of Los Gatos.
In 1850, Alexander Forbes, former Vice-Counsel in San Francisco for the
British Government, purchased 3,000 acres in the vicinity of Los Gatos Creek
on the Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos, adjacent to the old Mission Trail
between Santa. Clara and Santa Cruz. Forbes constructed a flour mill on the
east bank of Los Gatos Creek, which opened in 1854. The Town that grew
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around this building was initially called Forbes Mill, then Forbestown, and
finally Los Gatos after the large wild cats that were so prevalent in the
surrounding mountains.
In the mid-1850s, Old .Santa Cruz Highway opened along with the Southern
Pacific Coast Railroad (SPCRR), making Los Gatos an important Town for
the logging industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The completion of the SPCRR in 1878 set the framework for Los Gatos's
future prosperity. The rail line, which connected San Francisco to Santa
Cruz, passed through the Town and allowed passengers to transit the fertile
Santa Clara Valley. Many American and European families were drawn to
Los Gatos's mild climate and .began purchasing property and planting
orchards. In 1873, oil was discovered south of Los Gatos in an area known as
Moody Gulch. Oil was produced here until 1922 and although no longer in
use, some oil rigs still remain. In 1958, the gulch was filled in to make room
for State Route 17.
During the mid-1870s, the Town expanded to the west side of Los Gatos
Creek and land prices increased significantly. In 1877, Los Gatos was
incorporated and census records list 1,500 inhabitants within the Town's
limits. During this period of expansion, the downtown area of Los Gatos
began to develop. The Los Gatos Hotel, originally built in the mid-1860s,
was enlarged in 1878. The Los Gatos Gas Company was organized in 1885, at
about the same time as the Los Gatos Ice Works, the Bank of Los Gatos, and
the Los Gatos and Saratoga Wine Company. In 1886, the Los Gatos school-
house was built, and by 1881 the Town had at least two churches.
The railroad made it possible for Los Gatos farmers to ship their produce all
over the country. In the late 19`" and early 20`" century, Los Gatos became a
major agricultural area known for its apricots, prunes, .grapes and peaches.
Fruit orchards and logging, Los Gatos's main industries through World War
I, began to weaken during the Depression and through World War II. During
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the period after World War II, however, the Town experienced strong
residential and commercial growth, which continues to the present day.
Today, the Town of Los Gatos has an Historic Preservation Code dedicated
to preserving historic and architectural resources in Los Gatos. The Code
establishes an Historic Preservation Committee and Historic Preservation
Program that includes a comprehensive series of standards and guidelines
concerning preservation and demolition of historic structures, design
guidelines .for rehabilitation and new construction, and guidance in the
application of historic preservation standards. Additionally, the Town
Council may designate landmark sites by ordinance. Los Gatos has five
historic districts, described below and illustrated on Figure CD-1.
• Downtown Commercial Historic District. This district is bounded by
Elm Street/Old Town Parking Lot to the north, Main Street to the
south, Los Gatos Creek to the east and North Santa Cruz Avenue to the
west. It is Los Gatos's only surviving concentration of intact historic
commercial buildings and includes the Town's earliest commercial
roadway intersection and one-half of the 19`'' century commercial center.
Architectural styles in this district include Queen Anne, Richardsonian
Romanesque and Art Deco, all in typical commercial versions with large
display windows. None of the buildings exceed two .and a half stories
and the majority front directly on the sidewalk.
• Fairview Plaza Historic District. Fairview Plaza was the original name
given to the cul-de-sac termination of Fairview Plaza in the subdivision
known as "Fairview Addition." Fairview Plaza retains the same
configuration as originally mapped, with houses oriented around a
landscaped park. Approximately three quarters of the homes within the
subdivision were built prior to 1900 and retain the character of that era.
The pedestrian walk .labeled "Turnstile Walk" on the original map
remains essentially unchanged and is located at the eastern end of the
cul-de-sac. Fairview Plaza is a rare and unique neighborhood because of
the authentic,. well-maintained Victorian and Craftsman houses in
proximity to one another.
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Figure CD-1 Historic Districts
CD-18
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• Almond Grove Historic District. This district is bounded by Bean
Avenue to the south, Glen Ridge Avenue to the west, the lots facing
Saratoga .Avenue to the north and the lots facing Santa Cruz Avenue to
the east. The lots facing Saratoga and Santa Cruz Avenues bound, but are
not included in, the district. Homes in this district represent the first and
largest subdivision developed after the incorporation of Los Gatos. The
land was once part of an almond orchard owned by John Mason and
Edward Auzerais, two prominent Santa Clara County landowners.
Almond Grove was developed by four important figures in Los Gatos
history: Alphonse Eli Wilder, Augustine Nicholson, Magnus Tait and
John Bean. Many important contributors to the Town's development
lived in this district.
~ University/Edelen Historic District. This District is bounded by
Saratoga Avenue to the north, by Main Street to the south, by Los Gatos
Creek to the east and by the Old Southern Pacific Railroad to the west.
It was originally part of the Mason Tract. Victorian architecture is
predominant in this district, including informal wood frame cottages and
impressive homes, intermixed with Craftsman/Bungalow-style cottages
built .somewhat later. Also present in smaller numbers are Colonial
Revival buildings. Both residential and commercial building types
comprise the District.
• Broadway Historic District. This District generally includes properties
south of West Main Street and west of Santa Cruz Avenue. A 100-acre
tract of land, including what is now the Broadway area, was purchased by
Henry McCobb in 1863. McCobb planned to subdivide the land and
name the new city Cobbsville, but ultimately sold it to John Lyndon,
who subdivided the area into 481ots in 1881, each selling for $125 and up.
In 1883, .Broadway was opened up to provide access to the Lyndon
Subdivision. Broadway was the first plotted residential street. The
Broadway District was the first residential subdivision in what is now
Los Gatos. Scattered houses and businesses, such as Forbes Mill,
preceded Broadway, but this subdivision marked the beginnings of a
formally laid-out Town.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-12 To preserve significant historic and architectural
features within the Town. (CDG 3.1)
Policies
Policy CD-12.1 Avoid demolishing historic buildings, unless the Planning
Commission finds, based on substantial evidence, that
there is no feasible means to ensure the preservation of the
structure. (CDP 3.1-revised)
Policy CD-12.2 Encourage the preservation, maintenance and adaptive
r°' reuse of existing residential, commercial, or public
buildings. (CDP 3.2 and CDP.3.5 combined)
Policy CD-12.3 Preserve and protect historic structures, including those
that have been designated or are contributors to existing
historic districts. Use special care in reviewing new
buildings or remodels in the. vicinity to address
compatibility issues and potential impacts. (L.P.1.9)
Policy CD-12.4 Continue the Town's careful and proactive historic
preservation programs, tempered with compassion and
understanding of property owners' needs, desires and
financial capabilities. (L.P.1.10 and L.P.4.7 combined)
Policy CD-12.5 Zone changes, planned development applications and
zoning approvals that may result in the demolition of
historic structures shall be referred to the Historic
Preservation Committee for review and recommendation.
(L.I.4.4 -revised)
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Policy CD-12.6 New structures within historic districts shall be designed
to blend and harmonize with the neighborhood. (CD.P.
3.7 -revised)
Policy CD-12.7 All projects shall consider any adverse effect to historic
landmarks and features on or in the vicinity of the
proposed project. (CD.I.3.2)
Policy CD-12.8 Require any development having potential adverse impacts
on historical sites and/or features on or in the vicinity of
the site to:
a. Accommodate the historical structure or feature; or
b. Mitigate potential adverse impacts to a level
acceptable to the Town; or
c. Relocate the historical feature to an appropriate site.
(CD.L3.5)
Policy CD-12.9 Encourage developers to use historic structures or, if not
feasible, encourage their donation to the Town. (CD.I.
3.7)
Actions
Action CD-12.1 Establish public information programs designed to .make
owners of historic structures and the general public aware
of the value of historic buildings and to encourage their
maintenance. (CD.I.3.1)
Action CD-12.2 Periodically review historic landmark and preservation
legislation and update the Town Code as necessary.
(CD.L3.6)
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Action CD-12.3 Conduct a study and amend the Town Code to require
proposed developments that are otherwise exempt from
historic review but that might have an impact on sites of
designated or suspected historic significance to be referred
to the Historic Preservation Committee for review and
recommendation. (L.I.1.9 -revised)
Goal CD-13 To support and encourage thoughtful
rehabilitation or reuse of historic structures.
(new)
Policies
Policy CD-13.1 Rehabilitation of damaged historic structures shall be
consistent with the policies of the Safety Element and the
State Historic Building Code. (CD.P.3.3 -revised)
Policy CD-13.2 Renovations or remodels of historic structures .shall be
architecturally consistent with the original structure.
(CD.P.3.6 -revised)
Policy CD-13.3 Provide applicants and developers with information and
staff time to assist in restoration projects. (CD.I.3.8 -
revised)
Policy CD-13.4 Provide information about tax law benefits for
rehabilitation of historic structures. (CD.I.3.3)
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K Hillside Development
1. Background Information
The Hillsides comprise most of the southern portion of Los Gatos. Rural in
character, hillside .areas boast larger, wooded lots and private access roads. In
January 2004, the Town adopted the Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines, which apply to all new hillside development and major .hillside
additions and renovations. The Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines and Hillside Specific Plan, as well as the following goals, policies
and actions, focus on the design and character of hillside development.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-14 To preserve the natural beauty and ecological
integrity of the hillsides by regulating new homes.
(CD.G.2.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-14.1 Minimize development and preserve and enhance the rural
atmosphere and natural plant and wildlife habitats in the
hillsides. (L.P.8.2 -revised)
Policy CD-14.2 Limit hillside development to that which can be safely
accommodated by the Town's rural, two-lane roads.
(L.I'.8.10 -revised)
Policy CD-14.3 Effective visible mass shall be reduced through such means
as stepping structures up and down the hillside, following
topographical contours and limiting the height and mass
of wall planes. A maximum of two stories shall be visible
from every elevation. (CD.P.2.4 -revised)
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TOWN OF LOS GATO S
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Policy CD-14.4 Projection above the ridge view protection line is
prohibited. All building plans shall indicate height in
relationship to the ridge view protection line when viewed
from specific vantage points and the valley floor.
(CD.P.2.1-revised)
Policy CD-14.5 Staff should err on the side of requiring an Environmental
Impact Report for projects in the hillside area to ensure
adequate consideration of potential environmental impacts
associated with projects. (L.I.8.15 -revised)
Policy CD-14.6 The Town shall continue to work with the County in
updating the Hillside Development Standards, and shall
encourage annexations within the Urban Service
Boundary. (L.I.8.6 -revised)
Actions
Action CD-14.1 Design and implement programs and procedures to
mitigate the effects of past developments, and to review
and prevent or mitigate the impacts of future development
on community sustainability. (L.I.8.16 -revised)
Action CD-14.2 Conduct a study to determine whether hillside properties
should be downzoned to lower densities. (CD.I.2.5 -
revised)
Action CD-14.3 Update the. Hillside Development. Standards and
Guidelines. (CD.P.2.9 -revised)
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Goal CD-15 To preserve the natural topography and
ecosystems within the hillside area by regulating
grading, landscaping and lighting. (L.G.8.1 -
revised)
Policies
Policy CD-15.1 Protect the natural ridge lines as defined in the Hillside
Specific Plan and Hillside Development Standards and
Guidelines. (O.P.4.2 -revised)
Policy CD-15.2 Prohibit any grading that would alter the natural ridge.
line. (L.I.8.11 -revised)
Policy CD-15.3 New construction shall be designed to follow natural land
contours and avoid .mass grading. Houses shall be
designed to conform to or step down the contours rather
than be designed for flat pads. Grading large, flat yard
areas shall be avoided. Grading should be limited only to
the area needed for access, parking, fire turn around and to
place the main house on the property. (CD.P.2.3, L.P.8.4
and L.I.8.10 combined)
Policy CD-15.4 Hillside landscaping shall be designed with the following
goals in mind:
a. Minimization of formal landscaping and hardscape.
b. Siting formal landscaping and hardscape close to the
house.
c. Following the natural topography.
d. Preservation of native trees, native plant and wildlife
habitats, and migration corridors. (CD.P.2.6 -
revised)
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Policy CD-15.5 Review all development proposals to ensure appropriate
~~~ grading and landscaping and minimal disruption of
existing native plants and wildlife habitat. (C.I.4.4 -
revised)
Policy CD-1'5.6 Fences shall be of open design unless required for privacy.
A minimal amount of land shall be enclosed by fences over
five feet high. (CD.P.2.)
Policy CD-15.7 Review all new development proposals to ensure that:
a. Outdoor lighting shall be limited.
b. Permitted lighting shall be of low intensity and for
safety purposes.
c. Lighted sports courts shall be prohibited.
d. The effects of indoor lights should be studied and
reduced if found to be excessive. (CD.P.2.8 -revised)
Policy CD-15.8 Preserve and protect the natural state of the Santa Cruz
Mountains and surrounding hillsides, by, among other
things, discouraging development on and near the hillsides.
(L.P.8.3 -revised)
Actions
Action CD-15.1 Determine maximum buildable slope and revise the Town
Code accordingly. (CD.I.2.4 -revised)
Action CD-15.2 Revise the. Town's grading policy to be consistent with the
General Plan, Hillside Specific Plan, and Hillside
Development Standards and Guidelines. (CD.I.2.3)
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L Scenic Resources
1. Background Information
Los Gatos is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is
surrounded by views of these mountains, particularly the Sierra Azul ridge.
Major streets heading north-south in Los Gatos have views of the ridge to the
south. Because of the heavily-wooded nature of the Town, most views are
blocked by trees. Some homes in the hillsides have views of the Town and
the surrounding area. These hillside views help orient resident$ and visitors
within the Town. Because scenic resources are an important part of Los
Gatos's identity, the Town sets forth policies that are intended to preserve
and protect them.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-16 Promote and protect viewsheds and scenic
resources. (CD.P.1.4 -revised)
Policies
Policy CD-16.1 Prevent development that significantly depletes, damages
or alters existing landscape vistas. (C.P.4.8)
Policy CD-16,2 Encourage the use of scenic easements to preserve
viewsheds. (L.P.8.11)
Policy CD-16.3 New structures or remodels that will affect existing scenic
views of neighbors shall be designed so that all affected
properties have equitable access to views. (CD.P.1.11)
Actions
Action CD-16.1 Study the feasibility of establishing a program to acquire
scenic easements through dedication or purchase. (O.I.1.6
- revised)
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J. .Design Review Process
1. Background Information
Design review is conducted early during the development application process.
It ensures adherence to Town design standards, such as the Hillside Specific
Plan, Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines and Residential Design
Guidelines.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal CD-17 To conduct careful review of new projects and
provide clear direction to property owners,
neighbors and potential developers. (L.G.7.2 -
revised)
Policies
Policy CD-17.1 Achieve compliance with Town ordinances and
regulations through education, incentives, and other
proactive measures in addition to issuing citations,
collecting fines or other punitive measures. (L.P.1.14)
Policy CD-17.2 Maintain the Town's permit streamlining program.
(L.I.5.3)
Policy CD-17.3 Design standards shall be considered for every project.
Staff reports shall include a design review section that
analyzes the following: (CD.I.1.1 - .revised, unless
otherwise noted)
a. Building architecture (in keeping with the
surrounding neighborhood)
b. Mass and scale (L.P.2.1)
c. Utilities
d. Landscaping
e. Streets and sidewalks
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f. Signage
g. Lighting
h. Historical significance
i. Accessibility to the disabled
j. Siting/Orientation
k. Materials and color
1. Functionality
m. Energy efficiency
n. Ridgeline preservation (O.I.4.1)
o. Tree preservation (O.I.4.1)
p. Open space preservation (O.I.4.1)
Policy CD-17.4 Major development proposals should be processed as
planned developments. (new)
Policy CD-17.5 Applicants for projects with policy implications or large
scale projects should submit applications to the
Conceptual Development Advisory Committee prior to a
formal development application submittal. (L.I.5.2 -
revised)
Policy CD-17.6 Encourage developers to engage in discussions as early as
possible regarding the nature and scope of the project and
possible impacts and mitigation requirements. (L.P.1.2 -
revised)
Policy CD-17.7 Require full public review for new commercial
development to ensure compatibility with adjacent
neighborhoods and the Town. (L.P.5.3 -revised)
Policy CD-17.8 Require the erection of story poles prior to the approval of
new development. (L.I.4.12)
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DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT
Policy CD-17.9 When the deciding body's decision on a zoning approval is
based on assumptions derived from the applicant's
proposal, those assumptions shall become conditions of
the approval. (L.P.1.12 -revised)
Actions
Action CD-17.1 Establish community design guidelines that promote and
protect the natural amenities in the Town. (CD.P.1.6)
Action CD-17.2 Periodically review architectural standards and design
guidelines and update as necessary for completeness,
clarity and effectiveness. (CD.I.1.1 and L.I.1.1 combined)
Action CD-17.3 Develop an education and outreach program to inform
neighborhoods, realtors, developers, architects and
designers about the Town's design guidelines and
standards. Project application packages should include the
relevant guidelines and standards. (CD.I.1.5 -revised)
Action CD-17.4 Prepare and distribute information describing guidelines
for conducting neighborhood meetings and criteria for
reporting the results of neighborhood meetings with
project applications. (L.I.1.2 -revised)
Action CD-17.5 Adopt guidelines for development review that protect:
a. Rare plants and wildlife and their habitats.
b. Natural watersheds.
c. Historic sites.
d. Aesthetically significant sites. (O.I.1.2 -revised)
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Goal CD-18 To update the Town Code to reflect current
conditions in the Town. (new)
Actions
Action CD-18.1 Study the appropriateness of permitting Planned
Development applications on parcels smaller than 40;000
square feet. (L.I.3.6)
Action CD-18.2 Amend the Town Code to include a definition of
"Community Benefit" that clearly differentiates it from
exactions. (L.I.1.8)
Action CD-18.3 Perform an audit of the Town Code to eliminate outdated
sections and ensure that all regulations are consistent with
this General Plan. (L.I.1.10)
Action CD-18.4 Complete a study to analyze whether lot coverage
regulations in commercial and industrial zones should be
replaced or augmented with floor area ratios (FAR).
(L.I.1.12)
Action CD-18.5 Study the Conditional Use Permit Table to determine if
any deletions or additions need to be made to the list of
uses. Considerations should include factors such as size of
building and/or floor space occupied, traffic generation
and whether the use would dictate a "trademark" style of
building. (L.I.5.1-revised)
Action CD-18.6 Conduct a study to consider amending the Town Code
regarding fences adjacent to streets. (CD.I.1.10 -revised)
Action CD-18.7 Conduct a study to consider amending the Town Code to
reduce the maximum allowable building height. (L.I.2.7 -
revised)
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CD-32
6 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
A. Introduction
This Element addresses various aspects of transportation including the
hierarchy of highways, roadway capacity, hillside circulation, cut-through
traffic and public transit. This element also addresses a convenient, safe and
accessible trails and bikeways system that promotes alternative modes of
transportation such as walking and bicycling. When designing or making
improvements to the circulation system, the Town shall conserve prominent
land forms, minimize the removal of trees, minimize grading and ensure that
proposed infrastructure, parking and street improvements are well landscaped
and compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods and undeveloped areas.
The Issues, Goals, Policies and Actions in the Transportation Element are
consistent and interdependent with the other elements of the General Plan.
This Element meets State-mandated requirements.
The Transportation Element includes the following sections:
• Introduction: A description of the contents of the Transportation
Element.
s Roadway System and Standards: Definitions and descriptions of the
types of roadways and service standards for Los Gatos.
• Existing Transportation and Circulation Conditions: Descriptions of
traffic operations, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, parking .and public
transit in Los Gatos.
• Planned and Proposed Transportation Improvements: Descriptions of
planned and proposed transportation improvements for regional and local
transportation infrastructure in Los Gatos.
• Goals, Policies and Actions: A list of goal, policy and action statements
that are intended to improve transportation and circulation in Los Gatos.
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B. Roadway System and Standards
This section describes the regional highway system, local circulation system
and level of service standards for Los Gatos. The functional roadway
classifications described in this section are illustrated on Figure TRA-1.
1. Regional Highway System
Three major highways -Highways 9, 17 and 85 -run through Los Gatos and
create two major interchanges, one in the northern end of Los Gatos and one
in the southern end. Highway 17 runs north-south through Los Gatos,
connecting to San Jose and Santa Cruz and providing regional access to
Interstate 880 and Highway 85. Highway 9 runs east-west through the
southern end of Los Gatos, connecting to Highway 17, and south through the
Santa Cruz Mountains to Highway 1. Highway 85 runs east-west through
the northern end of Los Gatos and provides regional access to Highway 101
and south San Jose, Interstate 280, Interstate 880/Highway 17 and Highway
87 (Guadalupe Freeway).
2. Functional Classifications of the Local Circulation System
In Los Gatos, the local street system is organized in a hierarchy of six types of
roadways. Arterial streets, collector streets, neighborhood collector streets,
hillside collector streets, local streets and special design streets augment the
regional highway system by serving local automobile traffic. This hierarchy
is based on the degree of mobility and amount of local access provided by a
roadway.
a. Arterial Streets
Arterial streets are designed to facilitate two or more lanes of traffic in each
direction and provide intra-community travel and access to the county-wide
highway system. Arterial streets may be divided by a median island that
controls left turns and provides lanes for left-turn movements. Access to
community arterials should be provided at collector roads and local streets.
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Figure 7'RA-1 Functional Classification of Roadways
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An arterial street serves a large volume of vehicular traffic with intersections
at grade and generally has direct access to abutting property, with geometric
design and traffic control measures used to expedite the safe movement of
through traffic. Examples of arterial streets include Los Gatos Boulevard and
Blossom Hill Road.
b. Collector Streets
A collector street provides circulation within and between neighborhoods.
Collectors usually serve short trips and are intended for collecting trips from
local streets and distributing them to the arterial network. Collectors serve
abutting property and carry traffic to the other collectors and arterials.
Examples of collector streets include Main Street and North Santa Cruz
Avenue.
c. Neighborhood Collector Streets
A neighborhood collector street is located in an identifiable neighborhood
and carries traffic that is predominantly generated within that neighborhood.
Examples of neighborhood collector streets include Shannon Road and
Wedgewood Avenue.
d. Hillside Collector Streets
A hillside collector street serves abutting property in the hillside areas,
carrying traffic to arterial streets or other collectors. The cross-section of the
hillside collector is dictated by grade, topography and the presence of
biological resources. In general, two lanes with or without sidewalks along
one side (depending on topography) are provided. College Avenue is an
example of a hillside collector street.
e. Local Streets
Local streets provide for neighborhood traffic movement with direct access to
abutting property. These streets carry traffic from individual properties to
collector and arterial streets, and are designed to discourage through traffic.
Most of the residential streets in Los Gatos fall into this category.
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f. Special Design Streets
Special design streets are utilized where warranted by unique land use,
circulation conditions, or environmental conditions. These streets can either
be arterial streets, collectors, existing local hillside streets, or scenic residential
streets. Their design will take into consideration the following features:
• Retention of existing physical amenities;
• Protection of existing trees within the existing right-of-way; and
• Special treatment of transition sections when conforming to standard
street sections.
Examples of special design streets in Los Gatos include North Santa Cruz
Avenue and Montebello Way.
3. Level of Service Standards
Level of service (LOS) is a scale that measures the amount of auto traffic that
a roadway or intersection accommodates, based on such factors as
maneuverability, driver dissatisfaction and delay at intersections. The Town
of Los Gatos utilizes the LOS measurements established for Santa Clara
County by the VTA. Based on these measurements, it is possible to
determine the impact of auto traffic at intersections throughout the Town.
Levels of service are best represented by a letter scale that ranges from LOS A
to LOS F. As shown in Table TRA-1, LOS A represents the fastest flow of
traffic and LOS F represents significantly congested conditions. LOS D is an
acceptable level of traffic operation at intersections in Los Gatos.
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TABLE TRA-1 INTERSECTION LEVEL OF SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Average Control Delay
Level Per Vehicle
of
Service Signalized Unsignalized
(LOS) Description (sec/veh.) (sec/veh.)
Free flow with no delays. Users are
A virtually unaffected by others in the traffic <_ 10 <_ 10
stream.
Stable traffic. Traffic flows smoothly with
B
few delays. > 10 - 20 > 10 - 15
Stable flow but the operation of individual
C users becomes affected by other vehicles. > 20 - 35 > 15 - 25
Modest delays.
Approaching unstable flow. Operation of
individual users becomes significantly
D affected by other vehicles. Delays may be > 35 - 55 > 25 - 35
more .than one cycle during peak hours.
Unstable flow with operating conditions
E at or near the capacity level. Long delays > 55 - 80 > 35 - 50
and vehicle queuing.
.Forced or breakdown flow that causes
reduced capacity. Stop and go traffic
F conditions. Excessive long delays and > 80 > 50
vehicle oueuine.
Source: Transportation Research Board, Highway Capacity Manual 2000, National Research
Council, 2000.
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C. Existing Transportation Conditions
Los Gatos is a member of the Santa Clara County Congestion Management
Agency (CMA). The primary goals of the CMA are to increase the efficiency
of existing transit and roadway systems, plan the best capital improvements
to these systems and improve the local land use decision-making process. The
CMA prepares and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
adopts the biennial Congestion Management Program (CMP). The CMP is a
comprehensive program designed to reduce traffic congestion, enhance the
effectiveness of land use decision-making and improve air quality. There are
five CMP routes in Los Gatos: Highways 9, 17 and 85; Los Gatos Boulevard
from .Highway 85 to Lark Avenue; and Lark Avenue from Los Gatos
Boulevard to Highway 17. There are three CMP intersections in Los Gatos
that are reviewed annually in conformance with CMP requirements: Lark
Avenue and Los Gatos Boulevard; Highway 9 and Santa Cruz Avenue; and
Highway 9 and University Avenue.
In accordance with CMP's transportation impact analysis guidelines, any land
use project that generates 100 or more new peak hour trips must be submitted
to the CMA to ensure that the additional traffic impact is mitigated on any
road or intersection, regardless of jurisdiction. In accordance with Town
policy, any land use project that adds twenty or more new peak hour trips is
required to prepare a comprehensive traffic analysis report.
Traffic operations, under current traffic conditions, were evaluated at 38
signalized and unsignalized intersections selected by Town staff. Results of
the LOS analysis are presented in Table TRA-2, along with the minimum
jurisdictional standard for acceptable LOS and current traffic control at each
intersection. According to evaluation results, the intersection of Lark
Avenue and University Avenue does not currently satisfy operational
standards. Detailed evaluation results are included in the .Draft Los Gatos
2020 General Plan Draft EIR.
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TABLE TRA-2 EXISTING LEVEL OF SERVICE SUMMARY
Existing .Existing
AM PM
Int. Delay Delay Critical
# Intersection Control Criteria LOS (Seconds) LOS (Seconds) Approach(es)
1 Winchester Blvd, and Signal D C 28.9 D+ 36.3 SB
NB
Knowles Dr. ,
2 Winchester Blvd. and Signal D B 12.3 B 17.9 SB
Hwy 85 NB On Ramp
3 Winchester Blvd. and Signal D B 17.1 B 13.3 NB
Hwy 85 NB Off Ramp
4 Winchester Blvd. and
Lark Ave. Signal D C 24.2 C+ 21.7 WB, SB
5 Lark Ave. and Oka Rd. Signal D B- 18.4 C+ 20.3 WB
6 Lark Ave. and Hwy 17 SB Signal D C 26.7 C 29.1 WB
EB
Ramps -Garden Hill Dr. ,
7 Lark Ave. and Hwy 17 Signal D B 17.4 D 39.4 WB
NB Ramps
8 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D D 39.4 D 39.0 NB, WB
Samaritan Dr.
9 Los Gatos Blvd. and
Lark Ave. Signal D D+ 36.3 D+ 38.2 NB, EB
10 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D C 30.2 C- 33.5 WB
Blossom Hill Rd.
11 Los Gatos Blvd. and Si nal
g D C 31.0 C+ 20.9 SB
NB
Roberts Rd. -Shannon Rd. ,
12 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D B 16.0 A 8.4 SB
Van Meter School
13 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D C 27.7 C 24.1 NB
Kennedy -Caldwell
14 .Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D C- 32.2 D 45.9 SB
Los Gatos -Saratoga Rd.
15 Los Gatos -Saratoga Rd. and Signal D C+ 22.0 C 29.2 EB
University Ave.
16 W. Main St. and
University Ave. Signal D B- 19.1 C 23.5 WB, EB
17 Santa Cruz Ave. and Signal D C 25.6 C 28.2 NB
W. Main St.
18 N. Santa Cruz Ave. and Signal D D 41.8 D+ 38.6 WB
EB
Los Gatos -Saratoga Rd. ,
Santa Cruz -Winchester
19 Blvd. and Blossom Hi11- Signal D C 31.7 C 29.5 WB, NB
Mariposa Ave.
20 Blossom Hill Rd. and Signal D C 23.0 B 14.2 EB
E. Roberts Rd.
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TABLE TRA-2 EXISTING LEVEL OF SERVICE SUMMARY CONTINUED
Existing Existing
AM PM
Int. Delay Delay Critical
# Intersection Control Criteria LOS (Seconds) LOS (Seconds) Approach(es)
21 Blossom Hill Rd. and Signal D B 17.3 B 13.2 WB
Cherry Blossom Lane
22 Blossom Hill Rd. and Union Signal D B- 18.1 D 47.1 WB, EB
Ave.
23 Los Gatos -Almaden Rd. Signal D D+ 38.0 D+ 37.6 WB
SB
and Union Ave. ,
24 Winchester Blvd. and Daves Signal D B- 19.0 B 16.4 SB
Ave.
Ave. and University - D A 9.4 e ~"~ ~ ~
25 Ave. Wa
y l NB
Worst Case Approach -
Stop
D ~
1'
115./,
~ ~=F I
=F1'.4
Northbound
26 Pollard Rd. and More Ave. Signal D C 24:0 B- 19.6 WB, EB
27 Knowles Dr. and Dardanelli Signal D B+ 10.5 B 16.0 WB, EB
Lane
28 Winchester Blvd. and Signal D C+ 21.0 B 15.5 NB
SB
Wimbledon Dr. ,
29 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D C 23.2 C+ 20.0 NB
Hwy 85 SB Ramps
30 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D B- 19.7 B 17.3 NB
SB
Garden Gateway ,
31 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D A 8.9 B 13.2 NB
SB
Los Gatos Village Square ,
32 Los Gatos Blvd. and Signal D C 25.6 C 25.2 NB
.Almaden Rd. - Chirco Dr.
33 N. Santa Cruz Ave. and Signal D B 14.1 B 16.5 SB, NB
Andrews St.
34 Blossom Hill Rd. and Signal D C+ 20.8 C+ 22.4 WB, EB
University Ave.
35 Blossom Hill Rd. and Signal D B 14.2 B 17.0 WB
EB
W. Roberts Rd. ,
36 Blossom Hill Rd. and Leigh Signal D A 9.5 B- 18.3 WB, EB
Ave.
37 Blossom Hill Rd. and Signal D B 14.8 B 16.4 WB
EB
Harwood Rd. ,
38 Los Gatos -Almaden Rd. Signal D B 12.1 B- 19.1 WB, EB
and National Ave.
Source: Kimley-Horn and Associates, In c. 2010
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D. Other Transportation Networks and Facilities
1. Trails and Bikeways
Los Gatos contains several multi-use trails and bikeways, which provide
important connections and recreational opportunities for residents and
visitors. Figure TRA-2 indicates the locations of existing and proposed
bikeways and multi-use trails within Los Gatos. Los Gatos has several
bikeway types and trails, described below.
e Class I Paved Multi-Use Trail: AClass IMulti-Use Trail is an off-street
path with exclusive right-of-way for non-motorized transportation used for
commuting as well as recreation.
• Class II Paved Sike Lanes: Class II Bike Lanes are preferential use areas
within a roadway designated for bicycles.
• Class III Paved Bike Routes: Class III Bike Routes are signed bike routes
that provide a connection through residential, .downtown and
rural/hillside areas to Class I and Class II bike lanes. Bike Routes serve as
transportation routes within neighborhoods to parks, schools and other
community amenities.
• Unpaved .Recreation Trails: An unpaved recreation trail is asemi-natural
trail used by pedestrians, equestrians and/or bicycles that should provide
connections to Open Space District or Santa Clara County trail systems.
i. Los Gatos Bikeways
Los Gatos also contains on-street bikeways that enable bicyclists to travel
within the community, as well as connect to larger trail networks. Class II
bikeways are striped bike lanes that .give bicyclists shared use of the roadway.
Class III bike routes share the roadway with vehicular traffic and include
signs to direct bicyclists and drivers.
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Figure TRA-2 Bikeways and Multi-Use Trails
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ii. Los Gatos Creek Trail
As a dedicated pathway for non-motorized activities and with a minimum
width of 8 feet to accommodate two-way travel, the portion of the Los Gatos
Creek Trail north of where Main Street intersects Highway 17 is the only
recognized Class I bikeway in Los Gatos. South of the Main Street-Highway
17 intersection, the Los Gatos Creek Trail becomes an unpaved, multi-use
trail leading to Lexington Reservoir.
iii. Open Space Trails
In addition to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, all of the open space areas, as well as
some of the Town's parks, contain trails that are appropriate for hiking,
biking, jogging, horseback riding and other informal non-motorized
activities. These trails are located in Belgatos Park, Novitiate Park, Worcester
Park, the Heinz Open Space, and Santa Rosa Open Space Areas, St. Joseph's
Hill Open Space Preserve and the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
2. Truck Routes
The following roadways pr
• Highway 17
• Highway 85
• Los Gatos Boulevard
• Winchester Boulevard
wide truck routes through Los Gatos:
• Los Gatos -Almaden Road
• BlossomHill Road
• Los Gatos -Saratoga Road (Highway 9)
• Lark Avenue
3. Freight Rail System
Union Pacific Railroad tracks run through the northwest corner of Los
Gatos, immediately south of Highway 85 and east of Winchester Boulevard.
4. Passenger Rail
The Vasona Light Rail project is projected to extend the existing light rail line
from the Winchester Station in Campbell to the Vasona Junction Station at
Highway 85 and Winchester Boulevard in Los Gatos. The Vasona Light Rail
will connect Los Gatos residents to bus service, Caltrain and future transfers
to other nearby cities. The timeframe of this extension project is subject to
available funding.
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5. Bus Service
The VTA provides bus service throughout the Town on the Regular Bus and
Community Bus routes listed below. Community Buses are short, 25-
passenger buses that serve routes with smaller riderships. and offer reduced
fares.
• Route 27 -Regular Bus from Santa
Teresa Hospital to Good
Samaritan Hospital
• Route 61-.Regular Bus from
Good Samaritan Hospital to Sierra
and Piedmont, via Camden
• Route 48 -Community Bus from
Los Gatos Civic Center to
Winchester Transit Center
• Route 49 -Community Bus from
Santa Cruz and Main to
Winchester Transit Center
• Route 62 -Regular Bus from
Good Samaritan Hospital to Sierra
and Piedmont, via Union
• Route 76 -Regular Bus from Los
Gatos to Summit Road (School
days only)
6. paratransit
The VTA, in partnership with OUTREACH, provides paratransit services to
individuals with disabilities that prevent their independent use of VTA bus
and light rail cervices. As VTA's paratransit broker, OUTREACH schedules
and manages services delivered to eligible customers through contracts with
sedan, accessible van and taxi service providers.
7. Parking
Los Gatos has a variety of parking options throughout the Town, including
on-street parking with and without time restrictions and off-street parking
lots. Some off-street lots have time restrictions of up to three hours. In some
specifically designated residential neighborhoods a parking permit is required.
The Police Department is responsible for the Parking Management Program
in Los Gatos.
8. Pedestrian Facilities
The Town's pedestrian facilities consist of sidewalks along various roadways
within Los Gatos. These provide pedestrian connectivity throughout the
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Town. Sidewalk facilities are primarily included as part of the transportation
network along and connecting Arterial, Collector, Neighborhood and Local
Streets. The Los Gatos Creek Trail is also used by pedestrians to access the
Downtown area and parks from residential areas.
E. Planned and Proposed Transportation Improvements
This section describes planned and proposed improvements to the regional
and local transportation infrastructure in Los Gatos.
1. RegionalImprovements
VTA's recently adopted 2035 Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) includes
proposed transportation improvements for all Santa Clara County
communities, including Los Gatos. Table TRA-3 lists the proposed
improvements in the Town of Los Gatos that are included in the final draft of
the VTP for 2035.
2. Local Intersection and Roadway Improvements
The following road improvements shall be undertaken in order to
accommodate the future development allowed under the 2020 General Plan
and to alleviate existing traffic congestion. Any road widening improvements
shall be justified based on a determination that alternative means of
congestion relief are infeasible.
a. Intersection improvements
Intersection improvements are planned at the following intersections:
• University Avenue and Blossom Hill Road: Install sidewalk in front of
Oak Meadow Park, reconstruct northeast corner, reconstruct traffic
signal, add left-turn signal phase for University Avenue, remove median
islands and install bicycle lanes. This project is currently under
constructlon.
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TABLE TRA-3 PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS, 2035 VTP
Project Location Project Description Cost
VT.P.2035 Local Street. Program
Los Gatos Hwy 9 Gateway Enhancements at University Ave. and North Santa Cruz Ave. $3.0 M
Los Gatos Blossom Hill Rd. at University Ave. Intersection Improvements $1.0 M
Los Gatos Blossom Hill Rd. and Union Ave. Intersection Improvements $3.0 M
Los Gatos Los Gatos -Almaden Rd. Improvements $2.5 M
Los Gatos Los Gatos Blvd. Widening -Lark Ave. to Samaritan Dr. $0.8 M
Los Gatos Union Ave. Widening and Sidewalks $0.6 M
Los Gatos Wedgewood Avenue Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Phase II $1.0 M
Los Gatos Wood Rd. Gateway on Santa Cruz Ave. $1.0 M
VT.P,2035 Highway Constrained Program
Los Gatos, Saratoga, Hwy 85 Northbound Auxiliary Lanes from North of Winchester Blvd. to $18.0 M
San Jose, Campbell Saratoga Ave.
Los Gatos, Saratoga, Hwy 85 Southbound Auxiliary Lanes from North of Winchester Blvd. to Saratoga $18
0 M
San Jose, Campbell Ave. .
VT.P.2035 Highway Program
Caltrans, All Santa Hwy 85 HOT Lanes: US 101 from South San Jose to Mountain View $72,0 M
Clara County (Conversion)
VT.P.2035 Intelligent Transportation System Program
Los Gatos Town of Los Gatos Traffic Signal System Upgrade $0.3 M
VT.P.2035 Bicycle Program
Los Gatos, Saratoga Hwy 9 Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements $2.7 M
Los Gatos Hwy 9 -Los Gatos Creek Trail connector $1.0 M
Los Gatos Blossom Hill Road sidewalks and bicycle lanes $0.8 M
VT.P.2035 Transit Program
Los Gatos, San Jose Hwy 17 Bus Service Improvements $2.0 M
Campbell
Los Gatos, Campbell Vasona Junction $99.0 M
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• Los Gatos -Saratoga Road (Highway 9) and University Avenue:
Widen University Avenue by adding turn lanes, install protected left-turn
signal phases, modify intersection corners, close the median opening for
safety improvements and reconstruct the intersection as a Downtown
gateway to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicular traffic.
Widen University Avenue to add a southbound right-turn lane and
extend northbound right-turn lane to Boyer Lane. This project has been
awarded Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant funds.
• Blossom Hill Road and Los Gatos Boulevard: Add a second eastbound
left-turn lane and extend southbound left-turn lane.
• Lark Avenue and University Avenue: Install traffic signal and signal
interconnect connecting to Winchester Boulevard.
• Winchester Boulevard and Knowles Drive: Add an eastbound right
turn overlap phase.
e Winchester Boulevard and Lark Avenue: Provide a dedicated receiving
lane for a westbound right turn.
• Los Gatos Boulevard and Samaritan Drive: Add .a third northbound
through lane. Add a westbound right turn overlap phase. The addition
of the westbound right turn overlap phase is outside the jurisdiction of
Los Gatos and is the responsibility of the City of San Jose if the projected
level of congestion occurs.
• Los Gatos Boulevard and Lark Avenue: Add a third southbound
through lane, remove parking on the south side of Los Gatos Boulevard
between Lark Avenue and the first driveway south of Lark Avenue to
provide sufficient room for a fourth lane in that section of the roadway..
Change the southbound right turn to a free right with the widening of
Lark Avenue. Add a third northbound left-turn lane if the projected
queuing occurs requiring stacking space.
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• Los Gatos -Saratoga Road (Highway 9) and North Santa Cruz
Avenue: Add a southbound right turn overlap phase and prohibit the
eastbound U-turn movement. Reconstruct as a Downtown gateway.
• Los Gatos - Almaden Road and Union Avenue: Restripe the
westbound approach to athrough-shared-left lane and a right turn lane
and add a westbound right turn overlap phase. Restripe the northbound
.right turn lane to athrough-shared-right turn lane. The improvements at
this intersection are outside the jurisdiction of Los Gatos and the
responsibility of San Jose if the projected level of congestion occurs.
b. Roadway improvements
Roadway improvement projects are planned on the following roadways:
i. Blossom Hill Road
• Bridge Widening at Highway 17: Reconstruct and widen bridge over
Highway 17 to provide sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides, and
evaluate the need for additional street lighting and traffic lanes based on
safety considerations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Blossom Hill Park to Union Avenue: Widening only to provide for
left-turn storage lanes, bicycles and pedestrians and safety improvements.
• Union Avenue to Westhill Drive: Widening only as additional land
becomes available through right-of-way dedications associated with
development approvals, or as additional funding sources become available
to the Town for the purpose of acquiring additional land for right-of--way
and infrastructure improvements.
• Cherry Blossom Lane to Camino Del Cerro: Addition of sidewalk and
bike lanes.
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ii. Lark Avenue
• Winchester Boulevard to Highway 17: Widen the road to four to six
lanes with a median and bike lanes.
• Highway 17 to Los Gatos Boulevard: Widen the road to six lanes with
a median and bike lanes and provide two westbound right-turn storage
lanes for the metered northbound Highway 17 on-ramp.
• University Avenue Intersection: Install traffic signal and interconnect
with Winchester Boulevard.
iii. Los Gatos Boulevard
• Samaritan Drive to Camino del Sol: Widen in accordance with
adopted plan line in a manner consistent with the small town character
and ensuring that potential traffic impacts are mitigated.
• Lark Avenue to Samaritan Drive: Improve the east side of Los Gatos
Boulevard from approximately Camino del Sol to approximately
Samaritan Drive with a consistent curb, gutter and sidewalk treatment as
present on the west side of Los Gatos Boulevard. Widen the northbound
approach of Los Gatos Boulevard to three lanes just south of the
Samaritan Drive intersection.
• Camino del Sol to Blossom Hill Road: Provide bike lanes.
• Shannon Road to Nino Avenue: Construct landscaped medians.
• Van Meter School Driveway to Spencer Avenue: Construct
landscaped median.
• Nodes: Develop nodes at Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos/Almaden Road,
New Town/Village Square, Lark Avenue and at the new entrance to the
North Forty area.
• Gateway: Locate a gateway feature at Samaritan Drive.
• Los Gatos - Saratoga Road (Highway 9) to Harding Avenue:
Extension of the southbound right-turn lane from Los Gatos -Saratoga
Road (Highway 9) to Harding Avenue.
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iv. Pollard Road
• San Tomas Aquino Creek to Burrows Road/San Tomas Aquino
Road: Widen the road to four lanes plus a median and bike lanes.
• Burrows Road/San Tomas Aquino Road to West Parr Avenue:
Widen the road to four lanes plus bike lanes.
• West Parr Avenue to Knowles Drive: Widen the road to four lanes
with no parking, plus bike lanes.
• Knowles Drive from Pollard Avenue to Winchester Boulevard:
Widen the road to four lanes plus bike lanes.
v. Santa Cruz Avenue
• Los Gatos/Saratoga Road to Blossom Hill Road: Construct indented
parking bays between existing trees to permit one travel lane in each
direction and a median turning lane.
• Highway 17 to Broadway: Construct a roundabout at Wood Road and
other traffic calming improvements.
vi. Union Avenue
• Blossom Hill Road to Los Gatos -Almaden Road: Widen the road to
four lanes plus parking and bike lanes.
vii. Winchester Boulevard
• Shelburne Way to Lark .Avenue: Provide two to four travel lanes, bike
lanes, parking, median left-turn lane and sidewalk within the existing right-
of-way.
viii. Los Gatos Saratoga Road (Highway 9)
• University Avenue to Los Gatos Boulevard: Construct a
pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting to the Los Gatos Creek Trail. If
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feasible, install a bicycle lane across the Highway 17 bridge connecting to
Los Gatos Boulevard.
3. Local Bikeway Improvements
a. Bike Lanes
The following streets shall have striped and signed Class II bike lanes, if
feasible. Roads marked with a ('~) shall be reviewed to determine if bike lanes
can safely be striped.
• Bicknell Road'' from Quito Road to More Avenue
• Blossom Hill Road'' between Santa Cruz Avenue and easterly Town
limits (Existing between Santa Cruz Avenue and Cherry Blossom Lane)
• Cherry Blossom Lane from Shannon Road to Los Gatos/Almaden Road
(Existing)
• Fisher Avenue^' from Roberts Road to Nino Avenue
• Knowles Drive'' from Winchester Boulevard to Pollard Road
• Lark Avenue between Winchester Boulevard and Los Gatos Boulevard
• Los Gatos/Almaden Road from Los Gatos Boulevard to easterly Town
limits (Existing)
• Los Gatos Boulevard between Samaritan Drive and East Main Street
(Existing from Blossom Hill Road to East Main Street)
o Los Gatos/Saratoga Road'' from Los Gatos Boulevard to westerly
Town limits (Existing between University Avenue .and westerly Town
limits)
• East Main Street from bridge to Los Gatos Boulevard (Existing)
• More Avenue from Bucknell Road to Pollard Road
• Nino Avenue'' from Fisher Avenue to Los Gatos Boulevard
• Pollard Road'' from Knowles Drive to Quito Road
• Roberts Road'' between Blossom Hill Road and Los Gatos Boulevard
o Shelburne Way from Winchester Boulevard to University Avenue
• Union Avenue" from Blossom Hill Road to Los Gatos-Almaden Road
• University Avenue from Shelburne Way to Blossom Hill Road
• Winchester Boulevard between Shelburne Way and northern Town
limits (Existing from Shelburne Way to Wimbledon Drive)
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b. Bike Routes
The following streets shall be designated and signed as Class III bike routes, if
feasible. Roads marked with a ('F) shall be reviewed to determine if bike lanes
can safely be striped.
• Bay View Avenue from West Main Street to Pennsylvania Avenue
• Bella Vista Avenue from New York Avenue to Caldwell Avenue
• Blossom Valley Drive from Westchester Drive to Pinehurst Avenue
(partially in San Jose)
• Caldwell Avenue from New York Avenue to Los Gatos Boulevard
• Camino del Cerro from Escobar Avenue to Westchester Drive
• Carlton Avenue from Gateway Drive to Carlton School (partially in
San Jose)
• Cypress Street from Loma Alta Avenue to Phillips Road
• Emergency access road/trail from Harwood Road to Santa Rosa Drive
• Emergency access road/trail from Harwood Road to Madera Drive
• Englewood Avenue from Shannon Road to Kennedy Road
• Escobar Avenue from Lilac Lane to Camino del Cerro
• Gateway Drive from Los Gatos Boulevard to Carlton Avenue
• Glen Ridge Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to Hernandez Avenue
• Harwood Road from Blossom Hill Road to end
• Hernandez Avenue from Glen Ridge Avenue to Ridgecrest Avenue
• Hicks Road" from Camden Avenue to Arnerich Road
• Kennedy Road'' from Los Gatos Boulevard to Shannon Road
• Lester Lane from Los Gatos/Almaden Road to Carlton Avenue
• Lilac Lane from Oleander Avenue to Escobar Avenue
• Loma Alta Avenue from Los Gatos Boulevard to Cypress Street
• West Main Street from the bridge to Bay View Avenue
• Miles Avenue from University Avenue to Los Gatos Creek Trail
• National Avenue from Los Gatos/Almaden Road to Samaritan Drive
• New York Avenue from Pleasant Street to Bella Vista Avenue
• Oleander Avenue from Cherry Blossom Lane to Lilac Lane
• Pennsylvania Avenue from Bay View Avenue to Glen Ridge Avenue
• Phillips Road from Cypress Avenue to South Kennedy Road
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e Pinehurst Avenue from Blossom Valley Drive to Los Gatos/Almaden
Road
• Pleasant Street from East Main Street to New York Avenue
o Ridgecrest Avenue from Hernandez Avenue to Highway 9 (Monte
Sereno)
• .Roxbury Lane from Wedgewood Avenue to More Avenue
• Santa Rosa Drive from Shannon Road to end
• Shannon Road'' from Los Gatos Boulevard to Hicks Road
o South Kennedy Road from Kennedy Road to Kennedy Road
• Taft Drive from Westchester Drive to Los Gatos/Almaden Road (San
Jose)
• University Avenue from West Main Street to Blossom Hill Road and
from Shelburne Way to Lark Avenue
• Wedgewood Avenue from Wimbledon Drive to Roxbury Lane
• Wimbledon Drive from Winchester Boulevard to Wedgewood Avenue
• Westchester Drive from Camino del Cerro to Taft Drive (partially in
San Jose)
F. Goals, Policies and Actions
The following goal, policy and action statements are intended to improve
transportation and circulation in Los Gatos.
Goal TRA-1 To develop transportation systems that meet
current and future needs of residents and
businesses. (new)
Policies
Policy TRA-1.1 Development shall not exceed transportation capacity.
(V.P.4.1)
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Policy TRA-1.2 Design and implement the transportation system to be
consistent with environmental goals and policies, energy
conservation, land use and small town character. (T.P.1.1)
Policy TRA-1.3 Evaluate the effects of all circulation and other
transportation improvements on air pollution, noise and
use of energy prior to issuing any zoning approval.
(T.P.1.3 -revised)
Policy TRA-1.4 Consider the fiscal implications to the Town for the
construction and operation of all circulation and
transportation improvements and the enforcement of any
associated regulations. (T.P.1.5)
Policy TRA-1.5 Make effective use of the traffic-carrying ability of Los
Gatos's arterials and collectors while considering the needs
of pedestrians, bicyclists and adjacent residents. (T.P.1.11)
Policy TRA-1.6 Initiate and participate in regional efforts to meet regional
transportation needs. (T.P.1.13 -revised)
Actions
Action TRA-1.1 Continue to participate in the planning and design of
regional transportation systems. (new)
Action TRA-1.2 Monitor traffic flow and roadway conditions. Identify
deficiencies and develop improvement measures for
roadways and intersections on a continuous basis. (new)
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Goal TRA-2 To create and maintain a safe, efficient and well-
designed roadway network. (new)
Policies
Policy TRA-2.1 Vehicular, bicyclist and pedestrian safety should be an
important factor in the design of roadways. (T.P.1.2 -
revised)
Policy TRA-2.2 Consider roundabouts as an alternative to signalized or
traditionally controlled intersections. (new)
Policy TRA-2.3 Incorporate plans for all users (motor vehicles, transit
vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians) when constructing or
modifying a roadway. (T.P.1.10)
Policy TRA-2.4 The Town shall obtain fee title to all .land required to be
dedicated for public streets. (T.I.1.10 -revised)
Policy TRA-2.5 New development shall minimize the number of driveway
openings and curb cuts. (CD.P.1.22 and T.P.5.12 -revised)
Policy TRA-2.6 Discourage single access roads of extended length, and
restrict development along such roads. (S.P.6.2)
Policy TRA-2.7 Street improvements such as curb cuts, sidewalks, bus stop
turnouts, bus shelters, light poles, traffic signals, benches
and trash containers shall be planned as an integral part of
development projects to ensure safe .movement of people
and vehicles and minimize disruption to the streetscape.
(CD.P.1.24 -revised)
Policy TRA-2.8 Consider using roundabouts to calm traffic and increase
the capacity of intersections. (T.I.1.17 -revised)
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Policy TRA-2.9 Develop "complete streets" within the Town that include
landscaping and shared space for bicycles, cars, pedestrians
and transit. (new)
Actions
Action TRA-2.1 Develop and adopt standards for arterial and collector
streets pursuant to the functional classification of the local
circulation system. The characteristics of these streets
shall protect the integrity of the circulation system and
protect neighborhood streets from the intrusion of
through traffic. (T.I.1.1-revised)
Action TRA-2.2 Adopt street standards that reflect the existing character of
the neighborhood, while taking into account safety and
maintenance considerations. (T.P.1.4)
Action TRA-2.3 Update, as needed, Town standards for street widths,
curbs, gutters, sidewalks and electroliers so that new
development fits. within existing neighborhoods. (T.I.1.14
- revised)
Action TRA-2.4 Update Plan Lines and amend the Town Plan Line
Ordinance to reflect this General Plan. (T.I.1.8 -revised)
Action TRA-2.5 Revise the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan to incorporate
"complete street" strategies. (new)
Action TRA-2.6 Develop and implement a Streets Master Plan that
incorporates "complete street" strategies. (new)
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Goal TRA-3 To prevent and mitigate traffic impacts from new
development. (new)
Policies
Policy TRA-3.1 All development proposals shall be reviewed to identify
and mitigate project traffic impacts. (new)
Policy TRA-3.2 Review development proposals to ensure that the
circulation system and on-site- or public parking can
accommodate any increase in traffic or parking demand
generated by the proposed development, subject to the
considerations and findings required by the Town's Traffic
Impact Policy. (T.I.1.2)
Policy TRA-3.3 All new developments shall be evaluated to, determine
compliance with the Town's Level of Service (LOS) policy
for intersections. (T.I.1.12 -revised)
Policy TRA-3.4 New projects shall not cause the LOS for intersections to
drop more than one level if it is at Level A, B, or C and
not drop at all if it is at D or below. (T.P.1.8)
Policy TRA-3.5 If project traffic will cause any intersection to drop more
than one level if the intersection is at Level A, B, or C, or
to drop at all if the intersection is at D or below, the
project shall mitigate the traffic so that the LOS will
remain at an acceptable level. (T.I.1.12)
Policy TRA-3.6 Pedestrian and bicycle safety shall not be compromised to
d improve or maintain the LOS of an intersection.
(T.P.5.15)
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Policy TRA-3.7 All traffic reports shall include analyses of nearby uses
with unusual or unique traffic generation factors or peak
hours (e.g. pre-schools, churches, private clubs, quasi-
public uses). (T.I.1.18 -revised)
Policy TRA-3.8 New development shall be required to upgrade public
improvements on project frontages to meet current
standards. (new)
Policy TRA-3.9 Developers shall contribute to the cost of the future
installation of traffic signals or future traffic signal
modifications as a condition of approval. (T.I.1.11 -
revised)
Policy TRA-3.10 Avoid major increases in street capacity unless necessary to
remedy severe traffic congestion or critical neighborhood
traffic problems and all other options, such as demand
management and alternative modes, have been exhausted.
Where capacity is increased, improvements shall balance
the needs of motor vehicles with those of pedestrians and
bicyclists. (T.P.1.6 -revised)
Policy TRA-3.11 Roadway improvements and dedications shall be required
for any development proposal with an associated traffic
impact. (T.P.1.7 -revised)
Policy TRA-3.12 The maximum level of mitigation measures shall be
required for transportation impacts adjacent to .sensitive
receptors, including residences, schools and hospitals.
(T.P.1.9 -revised)
Policy TRA-3.13 All major development proposals shall be required to
include a detailed, verifiable transportation demand
management (TDM) program for consideration by the
Town during the review of the development application.
(T.I.4.4 -revised)
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Policy TRA-3.14 Minimize opportunities for regionally-generated traffic to
cut through Los Gatos. (T.P.1.12 -revised)
Actions
Action TRA-3.1 Include all of the projects listed in Section E.2 and E.3 in
the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). (T.I.1.7 -
revised)
Goal TRA-4 To ensure that future changes to Highway 17 do
not negatively impact the quality of life or small-
town character of Los Gatos. (new)
Policies
Policy TRA-4.1 Highway 17 should not be widened to provide additional
travel lanes south of Lark Avenue. There should not be an
interchange at Blossom Hill Road. (T.P.1.14 -revised)
Policy TRA-4.2 Highway 17 .between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz should
not be widened to provide additional travel lanes or be
converted to a freeway. (T.P.1.15)
Policy TRA-4.3 The Planning Commission and Town Council shall
review all new or modified connections with Highway 17
within the Town. (T.I.1.3)
Policy TRA-4.4 Work with other local jurisdictions and the State to
develop effective ways to reduce regionally generated
Highway 17 congestion and cross-town traffic that do not
involve adding freeway lanes or interchanges. (T.I.1.4)
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Goal TRA-5 To ensure that Los Gatos'.s streets are safe for all
users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
(new)
Policies
Policy TRA-5.1 Reduce traffic speeds via design strategies rather than
relying on enforcement. (T.P. 2.4 -revised)
Policy TRA-5.2 Inhibit the flow of through traffic in established
neighborhoods to the extent feasible, without impacting
the freedom of movement of residents or diverting traffic
to other neighborhood streets. (T.P.2.1-revised)
Policy TRA-5.3 Limit widening of non-arterial .streets to that which
accommodates safety improvements, and
bicycle/pedestrian improvements rather than widening to
increase capacity for through traffic. (T.P.2.2 -revised)
Policy TRA-5.4 Limit new development that increases commercial traffic
flow through residential neighborhoods. (T.P.2.3)
Policy TRA-5.5 Consider traffic calming devices such as lane narrowing,
widening medians, or heavy landscaping to discourage
cross-town commute and short-cut traffic. (T.I.2.4)
Policy TRA-5.6 Consider the use of alternative street surfacing materials,
traffic diverters, special designs and stop signs to prevent
through traffic on residential streets. (T.I.2.5)
Policy TRA-5.7 Assist citizens in solving traffic concerns in residential
neighborhoods in accordance with the Neighborhood
Traffic Calming (NTC) Program. The NTC Program is
designed to be an effective, systematic and fair method for
achieving the most appropriate solutions. (TG2.1-revised)
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Policy TRA-5.8 Review neighborhood traffic impacts from new
development projects. Require developer participation in
the cost of installation of traffic calming measures as a
condition of approval, if applicable. (new)
Actions
Action TRA-5.1 Develop and implement appropriate traffic controls to
protect residential neighborhoods from the impacts of
through traffic such as safety hazards, speeding, noise and
other disturbances in accordance with the adopted
Neighborhood Traffic Calming policy. (LP 3.6)
Action TRA-5.2 Publicize the Town's Neighborhood Traffic Calming
(NTC) Program and implement the program in those
.neighborhoods that request it. (T.I.2.2)
Action TRA-5.3 Periodically review the Town's Neighborhood Traffic
Calming (NTC) Program. (T.L2.3)
Action TRA-5.4 Install traffic-calming devices that ~ ~~.a
encourage slower, safer through traffic. (new)
Goal TRA-6 To improve traffic flow in the downtown and
reduce the effect of downtown traffic on .nearby
commercial and residential areas. (T.G.7.1)
Policies
Policy TRA-6.1 Encourage the use of alternative transportation modes
such as walking, bicycles, transit, or a shuttle system in the
downtown area for environmental, energy-saving, parking
and circulation purposes. (T.P.7.3)
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Policy TRA-6.2 Develop a combined transit station and bus depot for all
the various public transit modes that serve the Downtown.
This hub should be located in or near the Downtown in a
place and manner that minimizes impacts on neighboring
businesses and other activities. (T.P.7.4)
Policy TRA-6.3 The Town shall work with Santa Clara Valley
4~" Transportation Authority (VTA) and commercial carriers
to improve transit service to, from, and within the
Downtown and other areas of Los Gatos, and to increase
ridership. (T.I.7.4)
Policy TRA-6.4 Future development and redevelopment projects shall be
evaluated to ensure that they have no negative effects on
the safety or convenience of bicycle use through the
downtown. Parking improvements in the Central
Business District shall provide for bicycle parking.
(T.L7.2)
Policy TRA-6.5 Require bicycle parking in private parking lots, and
provide bicycle parking in all public lots in the
Downtown. (CD.L4.10)
Actions
Action TRA-6.1 Develop and implement appropriate traffic controls to
protect downtown residential neighborhoods from the
impacts of through traffic in terms of safety, speeding,
noise and other disturbances. (T.P.7.1)
Action TRA-6.2 Develop and implement signalization improvements to
increase traffic flow at the intersections of Santa Cruz
Avenue and Main Street, University Avenue and Main
Street, Santa Cruz Avenue and Los Gatos/Saratoga Road
and University Avenue and Los Gatos/Saratoga Road.
(T.P.7.2 -revised)
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Action TRA-6.3 Conduct a study to investigate a shuttle system to provide
access to the major Downtown activity centers, with
expandability to other areas of Town. (T.I.7.3 -revised)
Action TRA-6.4 Monitor the actions taken to increase transit use to assess
their effectiveness. (T.I.7.5)
Action TRA-6.5 Conduct a feasibility study for a combined transit station
and bus depot. (T.I.7.6)
Goal TRA-7 To ensure that hillside streets maintain the rural
atmosphere, minimize disruption of ecological
integrity, and provide safe and continuous access
consistent with development allowed by the
Hillside Specific Plan and Hillside Development
Standards and Guidelines. (T.G.3.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy TRA=7.1 Establish and maintain a .road pattern that ensures
adequate access for residents and emergency vehicles in
both normal and emergency situations without
introducing new through access roads that would invite
unwanted traffic into the area, induce further
development, or threaten plant or animal habitats or
migration patterns. (T.P.3.1)
Policy TRA-7.2 Provide two means of access to all areas where the
additional access will not increase traffic. If dual access is
not possible or acceptable, the intensity of land use will be
limited to available access. (T.P.3.2)
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Policy TRA-7.3 Specially designed streets that conform to the Town's
public hillside road standards shall be used in hillside areas
to preserve scenic and ecological resources (e.g. heritage
trees, native plant and wildlife habitat, prominent geologic
formations and the natural terrain). ('I'.P.3.3 -revised)
Policy TRA-7.4 Provide acceptable means for emergency access where
single-access roads exist. Emergency access shall
discourage through traffic on hillside roads. (T.P.3.4)
Policy TRA-7.5 Road systems shall be designed to provide reliable access to
remote areas both for access by emergency vehicles and
egress by residents fleeing from a disaster. (S.I.6.6 -
revised)
Policy TRA-7.6 Require all hillside streets, including new private
roadways, to meet the Town's public roadway
construction standards. (T.P.3.5)
Policy TRA-7.7 Dual access is required for all zoning approvals and shall
be provided first by loop roads, then by through roads and
lastly by long culs-de-sac with an emergency access
connection to a public road. (T.I.3.1)
Policy TRA-7.8 Private access from the Lexington Reservoir area shall be
provided from Alma Bridge Road/Limekiln Road for any
non-single-family use of the Guadalupe College property
(not through the St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve).
The private access shall incorporate provisions for
emergency access to Foster Road. (T.I.3.2)
Policy TRA-7.9 Prohibit installation of new public street lights on hillside
streets. (new)
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Actions
Action TRA-7.1 Develop and adopt design standards and implement a
maintenance program for emergency access points.
(T.I.3.3 -revised)
Action TRA-7.2 Develop and adopt design guidelines for hillside streets,
including the malting of appropriate findings, to ensure
the preservation of plant and wildlife habitats and
migration corridors. (T.I.3.4 -revised)
Action TRA-7.3 Develop and adopt .specific gradient and maximum length
standards for steep roads. (SI 6.1)
Goal T}ZA-8 To improve mass transit within Los Gatos.
Policies
Policy TRA-8.1 Encourage the development and use of mass public
transportation systems within the Town and surrounding
region. (C.P.3.3)
Policy TRA-8.2 Coordinate with appropriate agencies and otherwise take
initiative to plan and develop adequate transportation
~~ service for Town residents (e.g, bus, Santa Cruz express
bus, rail, shuttle, light rail, jitney). (T.P.4.8)
Policy TRA-8,3 Worli with transportation agencies to determine the
feasibility and means of financing aTown-wide shuttle
system. (V.I.1.4)
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.Policy TRA-8.4 Coordinate with appropriate agencies to provide transit
service in the Town for seniors, school children, low
income people, the physically disabled and other groups
with special needs. (T.P.4.9 -revised)
Policy TRA-8.5 Encourage the use of the transit system by requiring
`~ developers to provide bus shelters and on-going
maintenance as part of their developments. (T.I.4.7)
Policy TRA-8.6 Support State and County efforts to reduce automobile use
and provide improved mass transit systems. (T.I.42 -
revised)
Policy TRA-8.7 Work with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation
Authority (VTA) to develop bus-only lanes to decrease
delays in transit. (T.I.4.8)
Policy TRA-8.8 Facilitate Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
(VTA) services in Los Gatos through the provision of a
bus station, bus shelters and other means. (T.I.4.5 )
Policy TRA-8.9 Where feasible, all new projects over a certain size shall be
required to provide covered and partially enclosed shelters
consistent with Santa Clara Valley Transportation
Authority (VTA) Standards that are adequate to buffer
wind and rain and with at least one bench at each public
transit stop. (new)
Actions
Action TRA-8.1 Develop and adopt a Transportation Master Plan with
multimodal transportation requirements. (new)
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Action TRA-8.2 Conduct a study to investigate options to provide atown-
wide shuttle or other transit system to connect the major
residential and commercial areas of Town with each other
and with regional transportation facilities. (T.I.4.9 -
revised)
Action TRA-8.3 Conduct a study to investigate local connections to
railway and airport services and encourage hotel/inn
shuttles. (T.I.4.6 -revised)
Action TRA-8.4 Work with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
(VTA) to provide kiosks, bulletin boards and/or signs
devoted to providing. local public transit information.
(new)
Goal TRA-9 To reduce reliance on the automobile by promoting
r3 alternative modes of transportation in the
transportation system. (T.G.4.1 and T.G.4.2
combined)
Policies
Policy TRA-9.1 Make land use decisions that encourage walking, bicycling
and public transit use. (T.P.4.1)
Policy TRA-9.2 Encourage bicycling and walking as energy conserving,
r~ non-polluting alternatives to automobile travel. (T.P.4.3)
Policy TRA-9.3 Design and .implement transportation systems for the
bicyclist, pedestrian and equestrian consistent with the
policies and programs in the Environment &
Sustainability Element. (T.P.4.4)
Policy TRA-9.4 Encourage private entities to develop and maintain transit,
pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle facilities. (T.P.4.2)
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Policy TRA-9.5 Alternative transportation means shall be required
whenever the traffic generated by a development would
result in a significant increase in air pollution, traffic
congestion, or noise. (T.P.4.6 -revised)
Policy TRA-9.6 Require development proposals to include amenities that
'~ encourage alternate forms of transportation that reduce
pollution or traffic congestion as a form of Community
Benefit (e.g. bicycle lockers/racks, showers, dedicated van-
pool or car-pool parking areas, dedicated shuttle services,
innovative bus shelter designs). (T.I.6.6, T.P.4.7 and
T.I.4.1, combined -revised)'
Action
Action TRA-9.1 Seek funding for the design and implementation of
~~ transportation systems for the bicyclist, pedestrian and
equestrian. (T.P.4.5)
Goal TRA-10 To encourage increased levels of bicycling and
walking. (T.G.5.1)
Policies
Policy TRA-10.1 Design, construct and maintain safe bicycle paths, lanes
and route connections. (new)
Policy TRA-10.2 Encourage schools, parks and shopping areas to provide
bicycling amenities, such as parking facilities and lockers.
(new)
Policy TRA-10.3 Coordinate with .local agencies to provide educational
programs on safe bicycling for all ages. (new)
TRA-37
TO\V N OF LOS GATOS
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Policy TRA-10.4 Continue to support the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
(new)
Policy TRA-10.5 Roads designated as bicycle routes should be constructed
d to be safe for both bicycles and vehicles. (T.P.5.10)
Policy TRA-10.6 Develop a system of bicycle lanes and .bicycle routes to
foster bicycle use throughout the Town. (T.P.5.11)
.Policy TRA-10.7 Provide median refuges, bike-friendly signals and signs at
key minor street crossings. (T.I.5.13).
Policy TRA-10.8 Paint the bicycle symbol on the pavement to designate
shared use facilities. (T.I.5.14)
Actions
Action TRA-10.1 Identify and improve sidewalks .and crosswalks as needed
to make continuous and safe pedestrian connections
.~...,.....~.,.....~.,. r..n,... (new)
Action TRA-10.2 Study amending the Town Code to require bicycle
parking in specific types of projects. (T.I.5.15 -revised)
Action TRA-10.3 Consider amending the Town Code to require destination
support at employment centers, i.e. bicycle parking,
showers and route maps for employees. (T.I.5.16)
Action TRA-10.4 Add noses on the medians at intersections to slow left-
turning traffic and provide a pedestrian refuge. (T.I.5.17)
TRA-38
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Goal TRA-11 To provide a safe and efficient system of bicycle and
multiple use trails throughout the Town, creating a
non-motorized connection to recreational and
commuting destinations. (T.G.5.2)
Policies
Policy T1tA-11.1 Development plans proposed in an area near a bicycle path
or hiking trail shall be forwarded to the Town's Bicycle
Advisory Committee and/or Parks Commission for
review. (T.I.5.7 -revised)
Policy TRA-11.2 Hillside roads (noted by an asterisk in Section E.3.b, Local
Bikeway Improvements, above) shall not be designated or
signed as bike routes until they are upgraded to safely
handle both bicycle and automobile traffic. (T.I.5.12)
Policy TRA-11.3 Trails should be:
~ a. Located so as not to impact existing homes wherever
possible.
b. Located within the open space areas of subdivisions
that have dedicated open space as a condition of
subdivision approval.
c. "Cross-country" type, as opposed to trails bordering
roads, wherever possible.
d. Located on the first property to develop, if a trail
location is adaptable to either of two adjacent
properties. (T.P.5.8)
Policy TRA-11.4 "Cross-country" trail easements shall be wide enough to
contain the trail and provide sufficient area on both sides
to buffer surrounding properties from trail users. (T.P.5.9)
TRA-39
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Policy TRA-11.5 Require dedication of easements and construction of trails,
b as a condition of approval for all hillside development
applications. (T.I.5.1)
Policy TRA-11.6 Trail dedication shall be included as a condition of
approval for any development which includes a section of
trail shown on the Trails Plan. (O.L2.2 -revised)
Policy TRA-11.7 Cooperate in implementing the 1995 Santa Clara County
Master Trails Plan by including the following proposed
trail routes within the Town of Los Gatos that provide
critical linkages to the region:
a. Shannon Road (R1-A)
b. Los Gatos/Saratoga Road (R1-A)
c. Southern Pacific Rail Corridor (C-9) (T.I.5.3)
d. Santa Rosa Trail to Kennedy Lime Kiln Trail
Actions
Action TRA-11.1 Develop and implement a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan that will result in a comprehensive bicycle and
pedestrian network throughout the Town. (new)
Action TRA-11.2 Perform a "gap" analysis to identify major projects to
complete the trails and bikeways system. (T.I.5.8)
Action TRA-11.3 Conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of developing
new multi-use trails for pedestrians, bicyclists and
equestrians. (new)
Action TRA-11.4 Publish a users map of the Town's trails and bikeways
system. (T.L5.9)
TRA-40
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Goal TRA-12 To ensure a well-designed .and well-maintained
system of trails that connects the Town and open
space .areas. (O.P.2.4 -revised)
Policies
Policy TRA-12.1 Maximize the involvement of the private sector in the
maintenance and construction of trails within the Town.
(T.P.5.2)
Policy TRA-12.2 Trails should be safe, continuous, interconnected and
designed for pedestrians, and where appropriate,
equestrians and/or bicyclists and be compatible with
regional trail plans. (T.P.5.3)
Policy TRA-12.3 Design trails that are aesthetically pleasing, incorporating
landscaping, buffering, .scenic overlooks and historic
elements where possible to provide a variety of
experiences. (T.P.5.5)
Policy TRA-12.4 Consider needs of the handicapped, the elderly and
children when designing trail facilities. (T.P.5.6)
Policy TRA-12.5 During development the Town should ensure that the
linkage from trails to trails, and from trails to roads is
given priority. (T.P.5.7)
Policy TRA-12.6 Encourage voluntary groups to assist in trail maintenance
in coordination with the Department of Parks and Public
Works. (T.I.5.4 -revised)
Policy TRA-12.7 Encourage the formation of Home Owners Associations,
so that the maintenance expenses for trails that pass
through subdivisions and/or planned developments will be
borne by the property owners in the subdivision or
planned development. (T.I.5.6)
TRA-41
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Actions
Action TRA-12.1 Develop and fund a program (including provisions for in-
lieu fees) to obtain easements along portions of the
designated trail system where development is considered
unlikely or there is not a nexus to require dedication.
(T.I.5.2)
Action TRA-12.2 Develop and adopt detailed trail design standards that:
a. Limit all new access to pedestrians and, where
appropriate, equestrians and/or bicyclists;
b. Provide multiple use opportunities;
c. Protect the natural ecology;
d. Conform to regional trail design standards;
e. Determine trail width, policies regarding fencing
along trails and type of fencing;
f. Incorporate erosion control measures; and
g. Prohibit motorcycles, motorized off-road vehicles
and mopeds. (T.I.5.5)
Action TRA-12.3 Monitor conservation easements for public trails on pri-
vate .property to ensure that trails are maintained. new
Action TRA-12.4 [Town: Parks Commission requests new .action for "ani-
mal control near trails." GPAC does not understand this
input. Requested Town staff to clarify.]
Goal TRA-13 To provide adequate parking for existing and
proposed uses, and to minimize impacts on
surrounding residential neighborhoods, including
constructing new public or private parking
structures, and valet parking. (T.G.6.1)
TRA-42
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TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
Policies
Policy TRA-13.1 The Town's parking standards shall be adequate to meet
demand. (T.P.6.1)
Policy TRA-13.2 Provide an adequate. number Of parking spaces in all new
development. (T.P.6.2)
Policy TRA-13.3 Require adequate parking in commercial areas so as not to
impact or affect adjacent residential properties. (T.P.6.4)
Policy TRA-13.4 Consider permit parking on a case-by-case basis if
requested by neighborhoods affected by non-residential
development. (T.P.6.5 -revised)
Policy TRA-13.5 Provide for safe pedestrian circulation in parking lots
without unnecessarily eliminating parking spaces.
(CD.P.1.25 )
Policy TRA-13.6 Provide staff support for administrating the parking
program. (T.I.6.4)
Actions
Action TRA-13.1 Develop and adopt a parking management plan to include
incentives and disincentives for appropriate employee
parking including parking credits for the use of public
transit and/or ridesharing. (T.I.6.5 -revised)
Action TRA-13.2 Develop and adopt appropriate parking controls to protect
downtown residential neighborhoods from the
encroachment of downtown shoppers and employees.
(T.I.6.7 -revised)
Action TRA-13.3 Periodically review Town Code parking requirements and
standards to ensure that they are adequate to meet
demand. (T.I.6.8 -revised)
TRA-43
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Goal TRA-14 To ensure that there is adequate parking in
Downtown to meet the needs of Los Gatos residents
and visitors. (new)
Policies
Policy TRA-14.1 Promote the formation of an assessment district and/or
consider the use of the various parking and business
improvement programs authorized by State law to help
finance the construction of parking facilities and/or
alternatives to parking. (T.I.6.1-Split)
Policy TRA-14.2 Revenues collected (from fines, fees, meters and permits)
shall accrue to the. district to help pay for maintenance,
enforcement, capital replacement, later phases of the
parking district and parking alternatives, or programs to
maximize use of facilities for parking and alternatives to
parking, such as shuttle buses, more employee lots,
bicycles, bus passes, etc. (T.I.6.1-Split)
Policy TRA-14.3 Parking facilities in Downtown Los Gatos shall be at or
below grade. A parking structure on the Farwell Lot (Lot
6) may be acceptable with one level above .grade. All
parking facilities .shall exhibit excellence in design,
minimize impacts on adjacent property and be consistent
with the Town's character. (CD.I.4.7)
Policy TRA-14.4 To the extent possible, locate parking facilities in relation
to the primary approach direction of users in order to
minimize internal circulation within the Central Business
District/East Main Street area. (T.I.6.3)
TRA-44
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Actions
Action TRA-14.1 Develop a revenue collection plan. (T.I.6.1-split)
Action TRA-14.2 Develop a plan for implementing one or more of the
parking facilities listed below only as needed in
conjunction with development of programs and facilities
to reduce parking demand:
a. Bachman Avenue/Highway 9 Parking Lot
b. Royce Street/Bachman Avenue Parking Lot
c. Grays Lane/Royce Street Parking Lot
d. Elm Street/Grays Lane Parking Lot
e. Station Way Parking Lot
f. Farwell Parking Lot (T.I.6.1-split)
Action TRA-14.3 Conduct a study to determine whether there are any
feasible improvements that could increase the number of
parking spaces within the Central Business District/East
Main Street area. The study should consider making the
best use of existing Town-owned property. However,
parking should not replace existing development. (T.I.6.2
- revised)
Action TRA-14.4 Develop and adopt adequate design criteria to ensure
parking facilities that are aesthetically pleasing, well
designed for parking maneuverability, properly signed for
ease of use, properly located to attract traffic as it
approaches the Downtown, and made as inconspicuous as
possible through the use of landscaping, berms, screening
and the like. (CD.L4.8 -revised)
Action TRA-14.5 Conduct a feasibility and design study to develop and
implement programs for pedestrian, bicycle and transit-
oriented systems to supplement parking in the Central
Business District. (CD.I.4.9)
TRA-45
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TRA-46
8 OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
A. Introduction
The Open Space, Parks and Recreation Element guides the long-range
preservation and conservation of open space as well as the park and
recreational facilities. These areas and facilities enhance the character of the
Town, helping to create a unique and pleasant atmosphere for Town residents
and visitors. This element also addresses prehistoric and Native American
resources indigenous to Los Gatos. Most of the information in this Element
regarding open space, parks and recreational facilities is based on the Los
Gatos Open Space Inventory, conducted in 2008. The Open Space Element is
divided into the following sections:
• Government Code Open Space Classifications: A description of how
this General Plan addresses the six types of open space dictated by
California Government Code.
• Open Space and Preserves: A description of the open space areas and
preserves in Los Gatos.
• Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities: A description of parks and
recreational facilities in Los Gatos.
• Prehistoric and Native American Resources: A description of
prehistory and Native American peoples that have lived in the Los Gatos.
• Goals, Policies and Actions: A list of goal, policy and action statements
intended to preserve and conserve open space, parks and recreation in
Los Gatos.
B. Government Code Open Space Classifications
The Government Code requires that General Plans identify and address six
types of open space. This Element addresses open space for outdoor
recreation, and open space for the protection of Native American sacred sites,
while other elements in this General Plan cover the other four types of open
space. Table OSP-1 lists the six open space types, and describes where each
type is addressed in this General Plan.
OSP-1
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DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
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C. Open Space .and Preserves
Open space areas and preserves within Los Gatos protect the area's natural
beauty and contribute to a regional system of hiking, biking and equestrian
trails. As shown in Figure OSP-1, the Town of Los Gatos contains a total of
four open space areas, all of which are publicly-owned and operated. The
four open space areas -Santa Rosa Open Space, Heinz Open Space, St.
Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve and the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve -
total approximately 1,160 acres of wildlife and plant habitat. Two of the
open space areas are located on Town-owned land and are maintained by the
Parks and Public Works Department (PPW), while the other two are owned
and operated by the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD).
The MROSD is a special regional district that was created in the 1970s to
acquii-e and preserve open space lands and provide and maintain .access for
public enjoyment. All of the open space areas offer abundant natural beauty
and are available to the entire community for low-intensity recreation and
environmental education.
1. Acquisition of Open Space Areas
To enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors the Town of Los
Gatos actively participates in the acquisition of properties as open space.
Whether acting individually or in collaboration with other agencies, non-
profits or private land owners, the Town seeks to acquire open space areas
that contribute to the protection of the environment and the safety of
residents.
2. Access to Open Space Areas
The Town recognizes open space areas, particularly regional open space areas,
need to be easily accessible to all residents and visitors. To that end, the
Town encourages development of appropriate staging areas and trail heads for
equestrians, hikers and bicyclists. Additionally, the Town understands and
works to ensure that access is available for physically disabled .persons.
OSP-2
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TABLE OSP -1 GOVERNMENT CODE OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
Category Addressed In:
Open Space for the Preservation of Natural Resources
• Plant and animal habitat areas • Env & Stts, Section B (page ENV-2)
• Rivers, streams, lakes and their banks Env & Stts, Section B (page ENV-2)
• Watershed lands • Env & Sus, Section C .(page ENV-15)
• Areas required for ecological and other • Env & Sus, Section B (page ENV-2)
scientific study purposes
Open Space Used for the Managed Production of Resources
• Agricultural lands and rangelands • Land Use, Section D (page LU-9)
• Forest and timberlands • Not applicable to Los Gatos
• Mineral resource production areas • Notapplicable to Los Gatos
Open Space for Outdoor Recreation and Scenic Resources
• Areas of outstanding historic or cultural • Community Design., Section G (page
value CD-15)
• Parks and other areas used for recreation Open Space, Section D (page OSP-5)
• Areas of outstanding scenic value • Community Design, Section I (page CD-27)
• Scenic corridors, trails and links between • Open Space, Section C (page OSP-2)
different open space areas
Open Space for Public Health and Safety
• At•eas requiring special management or • Safety, Section B-D (page SAF-1)
regulation because of risks presented by
natural hazat•ds such as steep slopes or
flooding
Open Space in Support of the Mission of Military Installations
• Areas associated with military bases • Not applicable to Los Gatos
Open Space for the Protection of Native American Sacred Sites
• Local tribal lands • Open Space, Section E (page OSP-8)
• Any Native American cultural sites • Open Space, Section E (page OSP-8)
Notes: "Env & Sus" refers to the Environment and Sustainability Element.
OSP-3
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Figure OSP-1 Open Space, Parks and Recreation Facilities
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OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION HLEMENT
3. Open Space and Existing Neighborhoods
Within Los Gatos, the Town endeavors to provide open space access areas
that are designed in a manner that benefit the user without creating a burden
on existing neighborhoods. This unobtrusive approach allows for a snore
pleasant outdoor experience and preserves the character of each
neighborhood.
4. Open Space, Development and Hillside Preservation
The Town's Hillside areas are unique and add to the quality of life of Town
residents and visitors. While much of the Town is considered built out,
opportunities to develop in the Hillside areas remain. The Town's Hillside
Specific Plan and Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines ensure that
open space areas in the Hillsides are preserved to the greatest extent possible
by the Town. The viewsheds and existing character of the hillsides and open
space areas are carefully maintained through the implementation of this
General Plan and the Town's various planning processes.
D. Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities
In addition to the four open space areas and preserves described above, the
Town has a total of 37 parks and recreational facilities. The following
facilities are illustrated in Figure OSP-1 and further described in this section.
• Fifteen Town-owned and operated facilities
• Two Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation facilities
• Nine local public school district facilities
• One community-based facility
• Five faith-based facilities
• One private school facility
• Four private athletic club facilities
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1. Town Parks
Local parks are essential to the quality of life for many Los Gatos residents,
providing recreational opportunities, neighborhood gathering facilities and
natural beauty throughout the community. The Town of Los Gatos contains
a total of seventeen publicly-owned and operated parks. Fifteen of these
parks are located on Town-owned land and are maintained by the Parks and
Public Works Department. The remaining two parks are owned and
operated by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, In
total, there are approximately 240 acres of parkland within Los Gatos,
containing nearly seven miles of multi-use trails and over 65 acres of lawn
area.
2. Major Recreational Facilities
Los Gatos has fifteen recreational facilities containing one or more sports
fields on-site. Table OSP-2 provides a summary of each facility's fields and
recreational league use. As shown in the table, thirteen of the fifteen
identified facilities currently have one or more baseball fields, for a total of 24
baseball fields.
These facilities are owned by public, quasi-public and private organizations,
including:
• Town of Los Gatos
• Los Gatos Union Elementary School District
• Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
• Los Gatos Union School District
• Campbell Union School District
• Community or faith-based groups
• f1 Private school
Of the fifteen facilities, two are unavailable for use by outside groups or
leagues. Out of the thirteen facilities available for use by outside leagues or
teams, six have availability for additional activities and scheduled uses -Balzer
Field, Blossom Hill Park, Live Oak Manor Park, Oali Meadow Park, Rolling
Hills Middle School and the Mulberry School.
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TABLE OSP-2 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
ame of Facility Total
Campus or
Facility Size
(Acres)
Number
of Baseball
Fields Size of
Multi-Use
Field Area
(Square Feet)
Balzer Field 0.9 1 0
Blossom Hill Park 9.2 1 11,000
Live Oak Manor Park 4.1 0 17,000
Oak Meadow Park 12 0 33,600
Blossom Hill Elementary School 3 3 36,000
Daves Avenue Elementary School 2 2 36,000
Louise Van Meter Elementary
School 2 5 2 21,600
Raymond J. Fisher Middle School 9 1 59,400
Los Gatos High School 25 2 213,000
Alta Vista Elementary School 8.2 4 0
Stratford School 7.3 2 49,500
Jewish Community Center of
Silicon Valley (JCC) NA 0 30,600
Venture Christian Church & Los
Gatos Christian School NA 1 45,000
Hillbrook School' 14 1 NA
Mulberry School 6:8 2 0
Totals 22 516,700
Facility not available to public.
Source: Los Gatos Open Space Inventory, 2008.
Two of the facilities with fields have complete availability during the spring
season: Oak Meadow Park and the Mulberry School. However, Oak
Meadow Park is generally ahigh-use park where picnicking, use of the
playground, hiking and biking occur. Organized athletic activities would
displace these informal uses. In addition, the Mulberry School is currently
considered very undesirable for league activities due to its uneven terrain.
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Therefore, for organized athletic events to occur on the Mulberry School
field, renovations may be necessary.
The eight facilities that are currently at capacity (no additional field
availability) include all four schools of the Los Gatos Union Elementary
School District, Los Gatos High School, two schools in the Union School
District and the Jewish Community Center. In addition to student and
resident use, several of the fields are utilized by local sports leagues for team
practices and games. These leagues include: LGS Recreation, Los Gatos
Unified Soccer League, Los Gatos Little League, Los Gatos-Saratoga Softball
Association, Los Gatos Pony League, Union Little League, Pacific Union
Academy and the Branham Hill Girls Softball League, Currently, LGS
Recreation and the Los Gatos Unified Soccer League each utilize seven
different facilities for athletic activities throughout Los Gatos. Los Gatos
Little League holds games and practices at five different facilities within Los
Gatos.
Additionally, eleven of the facilities include amulti-use field area that permits
scheduled activities and is appropriate for organized group sporting events.
These facilities provide a total of approximately 516,700 square feet of multi-
use field space within Los Gatos. These fields are utilized by school children,
organized teams and sports leagues, as well as by the general public.
E. Prehistoric and Native American Resources
The Santa Clara Valley, possibly including the Los Gatos area, was most
likely settled by native Californians between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago.
Penutian peoples migrated into central California around 4,500 years ago and
were firmly settled around the San Francisco Bay by 1,500 years ago. The
descendants of the native groups who lived between the Carquinez Strait and
the Monterey area are the Ohlone, also know by the name of their linguistic
OSP-8
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OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
group, Costanoan. The Somontac, a Costanoan linguistic group, resided in
the area of what is today Los Gatos.l
Like many other Native Americans in California, the acorn was the Ohlone's
dietary staple. Acorns were knocked from trees with poles, then leached to
remove bitter tannins and eaten as mush or bread. The Ohlone used a range
of other plant resources, including buckeye, California laurel, elderberries,
strawberries, manzanita berries, goose berries, toyon berries, wild grapes,
wild onion, cattail, amole, wild carrots, clover and chuchupate. Animals
hunted by the Ohlone and their neighbors included black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk, antelope and marine malnmals. Smaller animals such as dog,
skunk, raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, geese, ducks, salmon, sturgeon and mollusl~s
were also hunted, fished or gathered. In addition to sustenance, the Bay
Area's flora and fauna provided the Ohlone with raw materials for clothing,
shelter and boats.2
Intensive Hispanic exploration and settlement of the Bay Area began in the
late eighteenth century, at which time Ohlone culture was radically
transformed. European settlers established the mission system and exposed
the Ohlone to diseases to which they had no immunity. Mission San
Francisco, at which Ohlone froln the entire Bay Area were converted, was
founded in 1776. Studies of mission records list the Somontac at Mission
Santa Cruz between 1793 and 1801.3 Mission Santa Cruz, in the present City
of Santa Cruz, was founded in 1791. Following the secularization of the
~ Milliken, Randall, 1995. Anthropological Papers No. 43. A Time of Little
Choice, The Disintegration of Tribal Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area 1769-1810.
Ballena Press Menlo Park, California, page 254.
z Levy, Richard, 1977. Costanoan. In California, edited by Robert F. Heizer.
Handbook of North American Indians, Volume 8; Willialn C. Sturtevant, general
editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D:C., pages 485-495.
' Milliken, Randall, 1995. Anthropological Papers No. 43. A Time of Little
Choice, The Disintegration of Tribal Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area 1769-1810.
Ballena Press Menlo Park, California, page 254.
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missions in 1834, native people in the Bay Area moved to ranchos, where
they worked as manual laborers.4
F. Goals, .Policies and Actions
The following goal, policy and action statements are intended to preserve and
conserve open space in Los Gatos.
Goal OSP-1 To acquire open space areas within the Town of Los
Gatos, particularly lands which provide recreational
uses and will protect the public health, welfare, and
.safety of residents and visitors, including lands in
flood plains, watershed lands, or lands subject to
fire or geologic hazards. (O.G.1.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy OSP-1.1 Promote coordination with all levels of government in
utilizing available resources for the acquisition and
development of open space areas. {O.P.1.1)
Policy OSP-1.2 Use open space acquisitions to support the programs in
the Conservation and Safety Elements of this General
Plan. (O.P.1.2)
Policy OSP-1.3 Acquire and maintain open space areas in order to define
the Town's southern boundary as passive recreation open
space. (O.P.1,3 -revised)
Levy, Richard, 1977. Costanoan. In California, edited by Robert F. Heizer.
Handbook of North American Indians, Volume 8; William C. Sturtevant, General
Editor. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., pages 485-495.
OSP-10
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DRAFT 202.0 GENERAL PLAN
D P E N SPACE , PARKS AND R H C R H A T I O N E L E M E N T
Policy OSP-1.4 Acquire parcels via fees or purchase of easements.
(O.P.1.4)
Actions
.Action OSP-1.1 Develop and institute an acquisition program consistent
with the Housing Element that includes fee purchase,
easement dedications and land donations. Areas to be
considered: Novitiate, .hillside open space, additional park
sites, closed school sites and large land-locked parcels.
(O.I.1.4 -revised)
Goal OSP-2 To preserve open space in hillside areas as natural
! ~ open space. (OP 4.3)
Policies
Policy OSP-2.1 Preserve the natural open space character of hillside lands,
f~`3 including natural topography, natural vegetation, wildlife
~.:.
habitats and migration corridors, and viewsheds. (OP 4.5)
Policy OSP-2.2 Provide for open space areas in the hillsides. The provision
of open space areas should not detract from the existing
character of the Town's hillsides. (O.G.4.1-revised)
Policy OSP-2.3 In all hillside developments, the dedication of open space in
fee or as an easement shall be required to protect unique
natural features, habitats and migration corridors, and to
preserve the rural atmosphere. (OI 4.2 -revised)
Policy OSP-2.4 Adjacent parcels in the hillsides shall provide an
~` ~ uninterrupted band of useable segments for wildlife
corridors and recreational use, if applicable. (CD.P.2.5 -
revised)
OSP-11
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
Policy OSP-2.5 Maximize preservation of open space and scenic vistas in the
hillside area by requiring dedications in fee (preferred) or
easements and by restricting buildable areas on lots. Where
buildable areas are restricted through clustering, planned
developments, or other means, these means shall not allow
higher overall density on the parcel than would otherwise
be allowed by the zoning, Dedications should be granted to
the Town and Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District.
(L.I.8.8 -revised)
GoaIOSP-3 To make open space areas within the Town
accessible to all residents of and visitors to the
Town, as appropriate. (O.G.2.1)
Policies
Policy OSP-3.1 Access shall be consistent with types and locations of open
space areas and shall protect the safety, privacy and
security of adjacent residential areas. (O.P.2.1 and O.P.3.4
combined)
Policy OSP-3.2 Improve connections between existing on-street bicycle
lanes, multi-use trails and open space. (new)
Policy OSP-3.3 All open space areas and related facilities shall provide
adequate access for the physically disabled. (O.P.2.2 -
revised)
Policy OSP-3.4 All developed parks shall provide disabled access and
facilities, unless access and facility improvements would be
detrimental to public safety or welfare. (O.I.2.3 -revised)
OSP-12
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Policy OSP-3.5 Consider access from new residential developments to
open space where appropriate. (O.P.2.3)
Policy OSP-3.6 Access roads shall be located, developed and maintained in
ways that avoid negative impacts on open space areas.
(O.P.2.5 -revised)
Policy OSP-3.7 All open space adjacent to developments shall have access
from streets. (O.I.2.1 -revised)
Policy OSP-3.8 All publicly owned natural open space shall have access by
trails or local streets, with adequate protection of rare and
sensitive plants and animals and their habitats, and of
adjacent residential areas. (O.L2.1 -revised)
Goal OSP-4 To provide recreational facilities that address the
needs of the community. (new)
Policies
Policy OSP-4.1 Acquire and develop snore active and passive community
recreation spaces and/or facilities. (new)
Policy OSP-4.2 Encourage the development of amenities in parks and
other recreational facilities that cater to a variety of ages.
(new)
Policy OSP-4.3 Provide a variety of recreational facilities and programs to
address the needs of families. (new)
Policy OSP-4.4 Continue to work with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation
District, local school districts and churches to provide
shared recreational and sports facilities. (new)
OSP-13
TO\~N OP LOS GATO S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
PolicyOSP-4.5 °1z-~~v^w'~ lincoura~e community gardens on appropriate
public and private properties. (new)
Policy OSP-4.6 Consider including more non-traditional active recreation
spaces. (new)
Actions
Action OSP-4.1 Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing
active recreational game spaces such as bocce courts and
outdoor chess in existing parks. (new)
Action OSP-4.2 Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of
constntcting a community pool facility. (new)
Action OSP-4.3 Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing
a sports complex with multi-use fields that can
accommodate more than one type of sport. (new)
Action OSP-4.4 1/stablish and adopt Hiles and responsibilities for dogs and
their owners in existing public recreation areas. (new)
[Town: Commission stated that they already .adopted
these. Please confirm.]
Action OSP-4.5 Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of providing
dedicated off-.leash dog recreation areas ~~a~~~ ~II~--•~~~
„t~ I,,,,~1, a,.n , ,.:~:,...,...v,.. (new)
Action OSP-4.6 Conduct a study to determine the feasibility and need for
developing more picnic areas within parks. (new)
Action OSP-4.7 Conduct a study to determine the appropriate use of "air
space" over Seven Mile Reservoir. (L.L7.9 -revised)
OSP-14
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE., PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT
Goal OSP-5 To create and maintain open space areas and parks
that enhance and blend into existing natural
habitats, residential neighborhoods and other Town
features. (O.G.3.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy OSP-5.1 Promote a system of Town parks and trails. (O.P.1.5)
(,
~m ,;
Policy OSP-5.2 Maximize the use of public utility easements, flood control
channels, school grounds and other quasi-public areas for
recreational uses and playfields. (O.P.1.5)
Policy OSP-5.3 Encourage the development of informal gathering spaces
for visitors and local residents in appropriate locations
throughout the Town. (new)
Policy OSP-5.4 Maintain the Town's high standards for landscaping and
tree preservation, helping to maintain cohesiveness
between existing neighborhoods and surrounding open
space areas and reducing disturbances to adjacent natural
habitats. (O.P.3.2 -revised)
Policy OSP-5.5 Utilize private and public landscaping to help open space
and park areas along Town streets blend with the
surrounding neighborhood. (O.P.3.3 -revised)
Policy OSP-5.6 Preserve open space and public uses upon the sale of
existing school property in order to preserve school
playing fields as developed open spaces. (O.P.3.5)
Policy OSP-5.7 Use the Public School Overlay Zone to keep closed school
sites in public ownership and to preserve the playing fields
as developed recreation space. (O.I.3.1)
OSP-15
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Policy OSP-5.8 Require all new development to provide informal outdoor
gathering spaces, where feasible. (new)
Policy OSP-5.9 Encourage new multi-family residential development to
include tot lots or similar shared open space for young
children. (new)
Actions
.Action OSP-5.1 Maintain and update the parks and open space inventory
every ten fire-years. (new)
Action OSP-5.2 Adopt Best Management Practice park service standards
for the Town. (new)
Action OSP-5.3 Install interpretive signage at a~-parks, providing a
description of features such as the park's amenities, its
history, any species that live in or near the park and
existing. or historic waterways. (new)
Action OSP-5.4 Identify Native American/Cultural resources and Heritage
Trees with interpretive signs. (new)
Action OSP-5.5 Develop an electronic database and ArcGIS files for all
parks, trail and open space easements, trails, and
recreational facilities. (new)
GoaIOSP-6 To consider the provision of open space in all
development decisions within the Town. (O.G.5.1 -
revised)
Policies
Policy OSP-6.1 Promote private open space in all planning decisions for
new development. (O.P.5.1-revised)
OSP-16
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE , PARK 5 AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Policy OSP-6.2 New development projects shall include conditions to
preserve open space. (O.I.5.3 -revised)
Policy OSP-6.3 Consider effects on watershed areas, plant and wildlife
' r habitats, and migration corridors before allowing
development of any open space. (O.P.5.2 -revised)
Policy OSP-6.4 Consider health, welfare and public safety in the design of
open space facilities. (O.P.5.3)
Policy OSP-6.5 Provide permanent common open space in high-density
developments. (O.P.5.4)
Policy OSP-6.6 Maintain adequate open space along the Highway 85
corridor as property is developed. (O.P.1.6)
Policy OSP-6.7 Encourage the use of Williamson Act contracts and
Planned Development applications as a means to preserve
open space. (O.I.1.1)
Policy OSP-6.8 Encourage the use of innovative development techniques
which will provide open .space within individual
developments, public or private. (O.P.5.5)
Policy OSP-6.9 Town staff shall evaluate all development projects to
determine the benefit of requiring open space dedication.
(O.L5.1 -revised)
Policy OSP-6.10 Town .staff shall evaluate and update the Hillside
Development Standards .and Guidelines as needed to
include measures that address open space in new
development. (O.L5.2 -revised)
Actions
Action OSP-6.1 Adopt standards specifying the type and quantity of open
space required for new developments. (L.I.2.5 -revised)
OSP-17
TO\~VN OP LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Action OSP-6.2 Sponsor an existing agency or create a new agency to
encourage private property owners to dedicate open space
easements to the Town. (L.L8.9)
Goal OSP-7 To preserve and enhance Los Gatos Creels and the
Los Gatos Creek Trail as open space amenities.
(new)
Policies
Policy OSP-7.1 Restore Los Gatos Creek to a more natural state,
~K9 removing concrete channelization, where feasible. (new)
Policy OSP-7.2 Insure that Los Gatos Creek Trail is accessible to and safe
for all users. (new)
Actions
Action OSP-7.1 Work with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
', Department, the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
Caltrans to develop a restoration plan for channelized
segments of Los Gatos Creek. (new)
Action OSP-7.2 Seek and obtain funding for creek restoration. (new)
Action OSP-7.3 Seek and obtain funding for beautification projects and
trail connection opportunities along Los Gatos Creek and
the Los Gatos Creek Trail. (new)
Action OSP-7.4 Conduct a study to determine if there are additional access
opportunities along the Los Gatos Creek Trail. (new)
Action OSP-7.5 Conduct a study to .determine the accessibility and safety
of the existing access points along the Los Gatos Creek
Trail. (new)
OSP-18
TO\~N OP LOS GATO S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Goal OSP-8 To preserve and enhance Ross Creek as an open
space amenity. (new)
Policy
Policy OSP-8.1 Restore Ross Creels to a more natural state, removing
('w..l concrete channelization, where feasible. (new)
Action
Action OSP-8.1 Work with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Department, the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
Caltrans to develop a restoration plan for channelized
segments of Ross Creek. (new)
Goal OSP-9 To protect Los Gatos's archaeological and cultural
resources to maintain and enhance a unique .sense
of place. (new)
Policies
Policy OSP-9.1 Evaluate archaeological and/or cultural
resources early in the development review
process through consultation with interested
parties and the use of contemporary
professional techniques in archaeology,
ethnography and architectural history. (new)
Policy OSP-9.2 Ensure the preservation, restoration and
appropriate use of archaeological and/or
culturally significant structures and sites. (new)
OSP-19
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
D R A F T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
OPEN SPACE , PARKS AND RECREATION E L E M E N T
Policy OSP-9.3 Treat with respect and dignity any human
remains discovered during implementation of
public and private projects within the Town
and fully comply with California laws that
address the identification and treatment of
human remains.. (new)
Policy OSP-9.4 Require that if cultural resources, including
archaeological or paleontological resources, are
uncovered during .grading or other on-site
excavation activities, construction shall stop
until appropriate mitigation is implemented.
(new)
Policy OSP-9.5 Encourage development to avoid impacts to
burial sites by designing or clustering
development to avoid archaeological deposits
that may contain human remains. (new)
Actions
Action OSP-9.1 Develop guidelines for project review to ensure that
potential impacts to archaeological and/or cultural
resources are minimized. (new)
OSP-20
9 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
A. Introduction
Residents of the Town of Los Gatos are vitally interested in conserving
natural resources and reducing waste. This element is designed to protect and
enhance natural resources and the environment. The Environment and
Sustainability Element promotes the sustainability of resources and the
Town's natural ecology for both current and future generations. The Town
has identified its .need for energy conservation in both existing and future
developments and structures. Issues associated with natural resource
conservation are often regional in scope and extend beyond the Town's
physical boundaries.
State law requires that a General Plan include a Conservation Element. In
accordance with State law, this Element addresses the conservation,
development and utilization of natural .resources, including biological
resources, water resources, greenhouse .gasses and energy resources. This
Element also addresses air quality since clean air is an important natural
resource and a vital component of a healthy environment.
This Element is divided into the following sections:
• Biological Resources
• Water Resources
Air Quality
0 Greenhouse Gases
• Energy Resources
Each of these components is divided into the following sections:
e Background Information: Provides background information about the
various resources within Los Gatos.
• Goals, Policies and Actions: Provides guidance to the Town related to
decisions affecting the resources addressed in this Element.
ENV-1
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2-020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
B. Biological Resources
Los Gatos is proud of its status as a "Tree City U.S.A." Trees and other plant
life can prevent soil erosion, landslides and flooding while ensuring a scenic
buffer from the effects of development and providing wildlife habitats.
Wildlife populations must be preserved as having intrinsic value that
contributes to the quality of Town life, while keeping in mind the safety and
well being of Town residents.
1. Background Information
a. Plant Resources
Plant resources, or vegetation types, in the Los Gatos are summarized in
Table ENV-1. Figure ENV-1 identifies their locations. Most of the land in
northern and central Los Gatos is identified as "developed." The southern
and southeastern portions of the Los Gatos area, including both the Town
limits and Sphere of Influence (SOI), are primarily undeveloped and support
most of the woodland/forest and shrubland habitats in the area.
i. Developed
Approximately 4,727 acres of the Los Gatos area are included in the
developed cover type, including residential development,. commercial and
industrial developments, roads, schools, as well as developed parks with
playgrounds, picnic areas, fields and associated ornamental landscaping.
Lexington Quarry and La Riconada County Club are both considered
developed.
ii. Grassland
Grasslands account for approximately 610 acres in the Los Gatos area. This
vegetation community is dominated by non-native annual grasses and
includes native and non-native forbs (any herb that is not a grass). More
disturbed grasslands and grasslands adjacent to developed habitats are more
likely to support ruderal species (weeds). Less disturbed areas and serpentine
grasslands, known to occur in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
ENV-2
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL P LA N
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
TABLE ENV-1 .ACREAGES OF VEGETATION AND
WILDLIFE HABITAT TYPES
Vegetation and
Wildlife Habitats Types Acreage
Developed 4,727
Grassland 610
Shrubland 1,650
Woodland/Forest 4,329
Agriculture' 85
Open Water 75
Total 11,476
~ The acreage of agriculture is slightly different from Table LU-1 of the
Land Use Chapter. The Land Use acreage is based on Santa Clara
County Assessors Parcel Data, conforming to legal parcel boundaries.
The acreage in this analysis is based on interpretation of aerial
photographs. Vegetation mapping and does not conform to legal parcel
boundaries.
District's (MROSD) open space preserves and Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve (OSP), are more likely to support native grasses and fortis and
special-status plants.
iii. Shrubland
There are approximately 1,650 acres of Shrubland in the Los Gatos area,
occurring mostly in the MROSD preserves and in undeveloped parcels in the
south. Some shrublands also occur in the vicinity of Heinz OSP and Santa
Rosa OSP. Many of the shrublands are chaparral communities, which
generally occur on hotter, drier south-facing slopes and ridges.
ENV-3
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
D R A P T 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L.A N
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Figure ENV-1 Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Types
ENV-4
TO\VN OF LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
iv. Woodland/Forest
Woodland/forest communities account for approximately 4,329 acres in the
Los Gatos area and include riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, broadleaved
upland forest and non-native ornamental trees. Riparian woodlands occur
along Los Gatos Creek, Guadalupe Creek, Pheasant Creek, San Tomas
Aquino Creek, :and other creeks and drainages. The riparian woodlands
support a dense, well developed canopy of riparian trees dominated by a mix
of native species and include non-native trees. Oak woodlands are located
primarily in the southern and eastern portions of the Los Gatos and are
dominated by native trees, but some areas are dominated by ornamental trees.
v. Agriculture
This cover type consists of approximately 85 acres in the Los Gatos area and
includes orchards and row crops. One of the largest agriculture areas is the
North Forty area, which contains walnut and fruit trees.
vi. Open Water
Open water habitat consists of approximately 75 acres in the Los Gatos area
and includes ponds and reservoirs. Vasona Reservoir and the northern tip of
the Lexington Reservoir (in the Town's SOI) are the two main open water
bodies. Cherry Springs Pond in Sierra Azul OSP is also open water habitat.
vii. Creeks
Creeks .include perennial and ephemeral creek channels, and aboveground and
underground reaches. Most of these creeks are considered part of the
Guadalupe River watershed. Los Gatos Creek is one of the primary creeks in
the area, flowing north to south into and out of the Vasona Reservoir.
viii. Wetland
Seasonal wetlands, marshes and other wetland habitats generally occur
throughout Los Gatos's grasslands, shrublands and woodland/forest
communities as well as along creeks and the edges of some open water bodies.
ENV-5
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
b. Soil Resources
The Town of Los Gatos is characterized by hilly terrain located on the lower
slope. of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Town utilizes landscape and grading
plans to prevent soil erosion and slippage, helping to conserve soil resources.
c. Wildlife Resources
As previously mentioned, wildlife resources, or habitat types, are summarized
in Table ENV-1. Figure ENV-1 identifies their locations.
i. Grassland
Grasslands provide habitat for a relatively small number of wildlife ..species
due to the uniform structure of vegetation. However, the grasslands on the
sites support populations of small rabbits and rodents, which provide an
important potential prey base for avian and mammalian predators. Likewise,
deer and coyotes utilize the grasslands as part of their foraging habitat.
ii. Shrubland
Wildlife species that are typical of shrubland communities in the region
include western fence lizard, California quail, Anna's hummingbird, Bewick's
wren and black-tailed jackrabbit.
iii. Woodland/Forest
Woodlands and forests provide habitat fora large variety of wildlife species.
They are particularly important as nesting habitat for migratory and resident
birds. Dead snags also provide roosting places for various species of bats.
When dead trees fall, the trunks provide many microhabitats for amphibians,
reptiles, small mammals and a diversity of insects and other invertebrates.
Many of the wildlife species typical of woodland/forest and shrubland
habitats generally utilize both habitats.
iv. Agriculture
Agricultural areas provide habitat for several species of birds, amphibians,
reptiles and mammals. Small mammals that occur in the agricultural areas
and crop fields provide a prey base for raptors, snakes and larger mammals.
ENV-6
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
v. Open Water
Bird species found at Vasona Reservoir and the northern tip of the Lexington
Reservoir, in the Town's SOI, generally include: snowy egret, great egret,
double-crested cormorant, mallard, Canada goose and killdeer. Western pond
turtles live in both reservoirs, as well as a variety of native and non-native fish
species.
vi. Creeks
Some of the creeks and drainages within the Los Gatos area are known to
support suitable habitat for steelhead, other freshwater fish and amphibians.
The creeks are also .likely to provide a valuable source of water for local
terrestrial wildlife.
vii. Wetland
Wetlands provide important breeding habitat for amphibians .such as the
western toad. Some species previously mentioned rely on these wetland
habitats as a source of water and food. The wetlands may also be used as a
water source, on a seasonal basis, for local wildlife.
viii. Developed
Landscaped and native trees within the developed areas of the Los Gatos area
provide roosting, foraging and/or nesting habitat for many wildlife species.
The larger trees provide nesting habitat for raptors, owls and other birds.
Black-tailed deer use the trees within the developed areas for shelter and
foraging habitat. Additionally, urban-adapted mammal species, such as
raccoon and opossums, occur in the developed areas.
ix. Wildlife Movement Corridors
Large tracts of open space, such as the ones present in the MROSD OSP,
provide substantial wildlife corridors for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals. Undeveloped parcels, riparian creek corridors and the riparian
woodlands allow wildlife to migrate, forage and/or disperse. The creek
channels provide movement corridors for aquatic species such as fish, frogs
and invertebrates. Los Gatos Creek is one of the .few urban creeks in the
ENV-7
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Santa Clara Valley that is relatively undisturbed and intact and therefore is an
important wildlife corridor in the Santa Clara Valley.
d. Special-Status Species
Four special-status plant species and five special-status wildlife species are
known to occur in the Los Gatos area. Figure ENV-2 shows the California
Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) occurrences of special-status plants and
animals in the Los Gatos area. The CNDDB is a database of the status and
location of rare plants and is maintained by California Department of Fish
and Game (CDFG). The CNDDB does not include any known records of
federal or State listed plants in the Los Gatos SOI.
i. Special-Status Plants
Four special-status plant species are .currently known to occur in the Los
Gatos area. There are an additiona128 special-status plants with the potential
to occur in the Los Gatos area based on the potential presence of suitable
habitat. These special-status plant species potentially occur in grassland,
shrubland, woodland/forest, open water, creek and wetland habitats. The
special-status plant species known to occur in the Los Gatos area include:
• Western leatherwood e Robust monardella
• Loma Prieta hoita • Most beautiful jewel-flower
ii. Special-Status Wildlife
Five special-status wildlife species are known to occur in the Los Gatos area
and 27 other special-status wildlife species may potentially occur based on the
possible presence of suitable habitat of the species. The special-status wildlife
species known to occur in the Los Gatos area include:
• Steelhead • Western pond turtle
• California red-legged frog • Pallid bat
• Foothill yellow-legged frog
ENV-8
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Figure ENV-2 Special Status Plant and Wildlife Species
ENV-9
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 3 0 GENERAL P L A N
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
e. Urban Biodiversity
Los Gatos Creek and San Tomas Aquino Creek provide habitat for a diverse
array of plants and wildlife species within the urban areas. The Town
contains an abundance of native and ornamental landscaped trees within the
riparian corridors, urban parks, commercial areas and residential
neighborhoods. Birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals reside in these areas
and have adapted to living in an urban environment. The diversity of plant
and wildlife species within the Los Gatos area provides an opportunity for the
public to become educated about natural resources, plants and animals.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
a. Plant Resources
Goal ENV-1 To preserve and protect native plants and plant
communities in the Town, and promote the
appropriate use of local, native plants in habitat
restoration and landscaping. (CG 4.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy ENV-1.1 Preserve trees that are protected under the Town's Tree
Protection Ordinance, as well as other native heritage,
heritage and specimen trees. (C.P.4.2 -revised)
Policy ENV-1.2 Public and private projects shall protect special-status
native plant species. (C.P.4.7 -revised)
Policy ENV-1.3 Prohibit development that significantly depletes, damages
or alters existing special-status plants. (C.P.4.8 -revised)
Policy ENV-1.4 Prohibit off-road vehicles and off-trail bicycles in native
plant habitats. (C.P.4.14 -revised)
ENV-10
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Policy ENV-1:5 Prohibit the use of invasive plant species listed by the
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) for all new
construction. (new)
Policy ENV-1.6 Use native plants that are indigenous to the Los Gatos area
on Town-owned and controlled property, ---~h~~~~le.
Policy ENV-1.7 Require new development to use native plants or other
appropriate non-invasive plants to reduce maintenance and
irrigation costs and the disturbance of adjacent natural
habitat. (C.I.4.1-revised)
Actions
Action ENV-1.1 Review the Town Tree Protection Ordinance periodically
for necessary updating. (C.I.4.2)
Action ENV-1.2 Amend the grading ordinance to establish standards to
maintain and preserve existing native plant species.
(C.L4.3)
Action ENV-1.3 Create and make available a list of native, non-
invasiveplants for the local area. (new)
b. Soil Resources
Goal ENV-2 To conserve the soil resources of the Town.
(C.G.1.1)
Policies
Policy ENV-2.1 All developments in areas subject to soil erosion and
slippage shall furnish effective erosion control plans to
minimize soil erosion. The erosion control plans shall be
implemented prior to construction operations and
ENV-11
TOWN OF .LOS GATOS
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY'ELEMENT
maintained throughout the construction process. (CI 1.1 -
revised)
Policy ENV-2.2 Construction plans shall be reviewed to determine the
adequacy of erosion control plans during and after
construction. (CP 1.2)
Policy ENV-2.3 Require grading permits to ensure that the grading of
slopes .and sites proposed for development will be
minimized. (L.I.8.2 -revised)
c. Wetland and Riparian Resources
Goal ENV-3 To protect wetlands and riparian corridors,
including intermittent and ephemeral streams.
(C.G.2.6 -revised)
Policies
Policy ENV-3.1 Preserve riparian corridors and riparian habitats and avoid
disturbances to these areas. (C.P.4.4 -revised)
Policy ENV-3.2 Ensure development prevents damage to native plants in
the hillsides, riparian areas, watersheds and other sensitive
natural habitats. (C.G.4.2 -revised)
Policy ENV-3.3 Retain creek beds, riparian corridors, water courses and
associated vegetation in their natural state to assist
groundwater percolation and prevent erosion and
downstream sedimentation. (C.P.2.10)
Policy ENV-3.4 Require setbacks or other protective measures as
appropriate to protect riparian corridors. (C.P.2.14 -
revised)
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Policy ENV-3.5 The Town shall plant and promote the planting of local
native trees and shrubs on land surrounding reservoirs and
streams, especially adjacent to areas where banks or
channels have been modified for flood protection. (C.I.2.4
- revised)
Actions
Action ENV-3.1 Collaborate with private and public property owners
along creeks to prepare development plans for Los Gatos
and Guadalupe Creeks which include:
a. The use of flood-prone areas and riparian habitats as
open space;
b. .Redevelopment, including recontouring and
.landscaping where the natural environment has been
altered by channelization; and
c. .Paths for bicyclists and/or hikers. (C.I.2.2 -revised)
Action ENV-3.2 Adopt a Riparian Policy to protect riparian corridors.
new
d. Wildlife Resources
Goal ENV-4 To conserve wildlife populations. (C.G.5.1)
Policies
Policy ENV-4.1 Development shall not significantly deplete, damage or
alter existing wildlife habitat. (C.P.4.8 -revised)
Policy ENV-4.2 Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and
Game, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other
appropriate agencies to protect wildlife species and
habitats. (C.P.5.2 -revised)
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Policy ENV-4.3 Maintain open space and native plant communities that
provide habitat and migration corridors for native wildlife
species. (C.P.5.3 -revised)
Policy ENV-4.4 Identify and protect areas with significant habitat diversity
or importance for wildlife, such as riparian corridors,
wildlife movement corridors and large tracts of
undeveloped land. (C.P.5.5 -revised)
Policy ENV-4.5 Public and private projects shall provide the maximum
protection of wildlife populations. (C.P.5.6 -revised)
.Policy ENV-4.6 Limit public access in areas that support rare wildlife
populations and sensitive nesting and breeding sites.
(C.P.5.7 -revised)
Policy ENV-4.7 Preserve the habitats of native plants, especially rare
species or species that have significant local value to the
Town. (C.P.4.3 -revised)
Policy ENV-4.8 Existing nlaFesting sites shall be preserved in new
development and within existing development. (C.P.4.6 -
revised)
Policy ENV-4.9 Minimize and, where feasible, eliminate the use of
herbicides and slowly bio-degrading pesticides on Town
property to minimize potential damage to native plants,
birds and other wildlife. (C.P.5.1-revised)
Policy ENV-4.10 Adjacent to creeks and other water bodies, use appropriate
herbicides and pesticides that are approved for use in
aquatic habitats. (new)
Policy ENV-4.11 The Town shall require Open space dedications as a means
to protect wildlife. (C.I.5.3)
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Policy ENV-4.12 Town staff shall review site plans to ensure that existing
significant wildlife habitats and migration corridors are
not adversely affected by either individual or cumulative
development impacts. (C.I.5.1-revised)
Action
Action ENV-4.1 Develop a IVIi~ration Corridor Plan for hillside areas in
Los Gatos. (new)
C. Water Resources
The mission of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)'is to provide
a healthy, safe and enhanced quality of living in Santa Clara County through
watershed stewardship and comprehensive management of water resources in
a practical, cost effective and environmentally sensitive manner. The Town
of Los Gatos works closely with the SCVWD to ensure a clean, safe and
quality water supply for its residents. Additionally, given the Town's
semiarid climate, the Town endeavors to promote water conservation
measures to the greatest extent possible. More information regarding Water
Service, Wastewater and Stormwater can be found in the Human Services
Element.
1. Background Information
The SCVWD was created by the California State Legislature, which identified
the SCVWD's purpose and authority. The SCVWD is mandated to:
• To protect Santa Clara County from flood and Stormwater.
• To provide comprehensive conservation and management of flood, storm
and recycled waters for all beneficial uses.
• To increase and prevent the waste of the water supply in the SCVWD.
• To enhance, protect and restore streams, riparian corridors and natural
resources in connection with other purposes of water supply and flood
protection.
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a. Regional Water Quality
The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act requires that states develop a list of water
bodies that do not meet water quality standards, establish priority rankings
for waters on the list and develop action plans, called Total Maximum Daily
Loads (TMDL), to improve water quality. The list of impaired water bodies
is typically revised every two years. The only listing for water bodies in the
Town is Los Gatos Creek, which is currently being addressed as part of an
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved TMDL.
b. Regional Groundwater
The Town is located within the Santa.Clara Valley Groundwater sub-basin
(groundwater sub-basin), which is a structural trough that is parallel to the
northwest trending Coast Ranges. The groundwater sub-basin is
approximately 22 miles long and 15 miles wide, with a surface area of 225
square miles. Annual precipitation for the Santa Clara sub-basin ranges from
less than 16 inches in the valley to more than 28 inches in the mountains.
i. Groundwater Management
The groundwater sub-basin is managed by the SCVWD, whose primary
objectives are to recharge the groundwater basin, conserve water, increase
water supply and prevent waste or diminution of the District's water supply.
The SCVWD endeavors to maintain the basin at equilibrium by augmenting
natural percolation of rainfall and local stream runoff with imported water.
As stated in the SCVWD Groundwater Management Report, the
groundwater basin throughout the County appears to be in good condition.
ii. Groundwater Quality
Natural interactions between water, the atmosphere, rock minerals and
surface water control groundwater quality within the groundwater sub-basin.
However, man-made compounds such as nitrogen-based fertilizer, solvents
and fuel products can also affect groundwater quality. Groundwater quality
in the Santa Clara Valley sub-basin is generally -high. Drinking water
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standards are met at public water supply wells without the use of treatment
methods.
In a normal year, less than half of Santa Clara County's water is drawn from
local groundwater aquifers or rainwater captured in the reservoirs operated
by the SCVWD. More than half of the supply is brought into the County of
Santa Clara through the State Water Project, the federal Central Valley
Project and San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy system. Local rainfall, or runoff,
flows into the ten SCVWD reservoirs for storage and blending with the
imported water before groundwater recharge or treatment.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal ENV-5 To protect and preserve watersheds and water
quality. (C.G.2.2 -revised)
Policies
Policy ENV-5.1 Applicants shall demonstrate that new development will
not contaminate surface water and/or groundwater.
(C.P.2.11-revised)
Policy ENV-5.2 Apply land use regulations, scenic easements, or other
appropriate measures to keep the maximum amount of
land immediately contiguous to reservoirs and stream
channels undeveloped and undisturbed. (C.P.2.1-revised)
Policy ENV-5.3 Cooperate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
other agencies to protect watersheds and riparian habitats
from degradation. (C.P.2.9 -revised)
Policy ENV-5.4 Preserve existing creeks and avoid disturbances to these
areas. (L.P.8.6 -revised)
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Policy ENV-5.5 When a development project is adjacent to a creek, the
approval shall include a condition that the .creek be
dedicated to the Town in fee with a maintenance easement
granted to the Santa Clara Valley Water District. (L.P.8.7)
Policy ENV-5.6 Encourage alternative materials and designs to limit
driveways, parking areas and parking lots in all zones
except the C-2 zone. Examples include, but are not
limited to, pervious paving material and "ribbon strip"
driveways, which have pavement in tire areas and grass or
gravel in the middle. (L.I.8.4 -revised)
Policy ENV-5.7 Parking lots should be designed to drain into landscaped
areas. (L.I.8.4 -revised)
Policy ENV-5.8 Open Space and recreation shall be the priority land use
designation for lands immediately adjacent to reservoirs,
creeks and streams. (C.P.2.4 -revised)
Actions
Action ENV-5.1 Revise the Town Code to limit the impervious surfaces
allowed in most zones. (L.I.8.4 -revised)
D. Air Quality
The air we breathe is a shared resource. Air pollution affects all Californians,
regardless of where they live or their environmental lifestyles. In addition to
the human impact, polluted air also damages our agricultural industry and
our natural environment. The air pollution potential of the Santa Clara
Valley is high. The Valley has a large population and the largest complex of
mobile air pollution sources in the Bay Area.
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1. Background Information
Air quality in the San Francisco Bay Air Basin is overseen by the
Environmental Protection Agency Region IX office at the federal level, the
California Air Resources Board (GARB) at the State level and by the. Bay
Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) at the regional level.
The Town works with these agencies in order to do its part to devise methods
of air resource conservation that address both local and regional air quality
issues.
a. Regional Climate and Meteorological Conditions
The Town of Los Gatos is located in the Santa Clara Valley subregion of the
Basin. Temperatures in this region are warmer in the summer with mostly
clear skies and cooler nights. Winter temperatures range from mild to very
cool. Wind patterns in the Santa Clara Valley are influenced greatly by
terrain, with the greatest wind speeds in the spring and summer, particularly
in the afternoon and evenings.
b. Air Pollutants
i. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless toxic gas that is emitted by
mobile and stationary sources as a result of incomplete combustion of
hydrocarbons or other carbon-based fuels. In cities, automobile exhaust can
cause as much as 95 percent of all CO emissions.
ii. Ozone
Oa occurs in two layers of the atmosphere, the troposphere and stratosphere.
The stratospheric (the "good" Os layer) extends upward from about 10 to 30
miles and protects life on earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.- The
troposphere extends from the earth's surface to approximately 10 miles above
ground level, where it meets the stratosphere. Within the troposphere, Oa is
a photochemical pollutant produced from the reaction between volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sunlight. VOCs and
NOx are considered key 03 precursors. To reduce 03 concentrations, it is
necessary to control the emissions of these precursors. High Os
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concentrations can form over large regions from motor vehicles and
stationary sources emissions and can be carried hundreds of miles from their
origins.
iii. Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are highly reactive gases that are a primary OS
precursor and react in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Nitrogen dioxides
(NO2) occur in areas that have a high concentration of combustion sources
such as motor vehicle engines, power plants, refineries and other industrial
operatlons.
iv. Suspended Particulate Matter
Suspended Particulate Matter (PM) arises from sources such as road dust,
diesel soot, combustion products, construction operations and dust storms.
There are two forms or PM, Course Particulate Matter (PMIO) and Fine
Particulate Matter (PM2.s). PM scatters light and significantly reduces
visibility. In addition, these particulates penetrate into lungs and can
potentially damage the respiratory tract.
c. Toxic Air Contaminants
A Toxic Air Contaminant (TAC) is "an air pollutant that may cause or
contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious illness, or
which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health." The 189
substances that have been listed as federal .hazardous air pollutants are TACs
under the State's air toxics program.
d. Significant Sources of Air Pollution or Odors
Major sources of air pollution within Santa Clara County and the Town of
Los Gatos include mobile and area sources. These sources include:
• Stationary Sources
• Fuel Combustion
• Waste Disposal
• Cleaning and Surface Coating
• Petroleum Production and Marketing
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• Industrial Processes
• Area-wide Sources
• Solvent Evaporation
• Miscellaneous processes
• Mobile Sources
• On-Road Mobile Sources
• Other Mobile Sources
According to Santa Clara County's emissions inventory, mobile sources are
the largest contributor of pollutants.
e. Sensitive Land Uses
Sensitive populations (sensitive receptors) are more susceptible to the effects
of air pollution than the general population and typically include children
under 14, elderly over 65, athletes and people with cardiovascular and chronic
respiratory diseases. Depending on the population groups or activity, some
land use locations are considered more sensitive with respect to changes in air
quality. Locations that may contain a high concentration of these sensitive
population groups include residential areas, hospitals, day-care facilities,
senior facilities, libraries, places of worship, schools and parks.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal ENV-6 To conserve the air resources of the Town and
maintain and improve acceptable air quality in Los
Gatos. (CG 3.1 and CG 3.2 combined)
Policies
Policy ENV-6.1 Require local land use decisions to support air quality
goals. (CP 3.6 -revised)
Policy ENV-6.2 Require a plan for alternatives to individual auto use
whenever the traffic generated by any development would
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result in an adverse increase in air and noise pollution.
(CP 3.5 -revised)
Policy ENV-6.3 Require design criteria for site plans to reduce the effects
of high air pollution concentrations associated with
roadways by appropriate placement of structures, use of
landscaping and parking arrangements. (CP 3.1)
Policy ENV-6.4 Support Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD), Metropolitan Transportation Commission
(MTC), State and federal planning efforts and programs
aimed at reducing air pollution within the airshed. (CP
3.2)
Policy ENV-6.5 Site plans shall be reviewed to include an assessment of the
potential adverse impact from air pollution and
recommend alternatives to reduce such impacts. (CI 3.1 -
revised)
Policy ENV-6.6 Support MTC recommendations for reduction of auto
pollutants. (CI3.2)
Policy ENV-6.7 During construction, ensure all applicable best
management practices are used in accordance with Bay
Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
standards to reduce emissions of criteria pollutants.
Policy ENV-6.8 Require all construction equipment for public and private
projects to comply with the California Air Resources
Board (GARB) vehicle standards. Best Available Control
Measures shall be incorporated to reduce construction
emissions.
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Policy ENV-6.9 Require project proponents to prepare and implement a
Construction Management Plan, which will include Best
Available Control Measures, among others. Appropriate
control measures will be determined on a project-by-
project basis, and should be specific to the pollutant for
which the daily threshold is exceeded. Such control
measures may include, but not be limited to:
a. ..Minimizing simultaneous operation of multiple
construction equipment units.
b. Watering the construction area to minimize fugitive
dust.
c. Requiring off-road diesel powered vehicles used for
construction to be new low emission vehicles, or to
use retrofit emission control devices such as diesel
oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters
verified by California Air Resources Board (GARB).
d. Minimizing idling time by construction vehicles.
Actions
Action ENV-6.1 Study a ban on gardening equipment that may adversely
affect air quality. (C.I.3.5)
E. Greenhouse Gases
Through the implementation of this General Plan it is possible to reduce the
Town's local greenhouse gas .(GHG) emissions. The Los Gatos Town
Council has already passed a resolution adopting the Cities for .Climate
Protection Campaign (CCP) led by the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Local Governments for Sustainability.
The CCP helps local governments and communities to reduce GHG
emissions and their associated environmental impacts. To achieve its goal of
reducing GHG emissions and improving air quality, the Town will establish a
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GHG reduction target, develop and implement an action plan, and monitor
and report progress.
1. Background Information
The earth's atmosphere contains a group of naturally occurring gases that are
responsible for maintaining a habitable climate. These gases allow sunlight to
enter the earth's atmosphere freely and then prevent a portion of the resulting
heat from exiting into the atmosphere. .Because of their ability to contain
heat, these gases are known as greenhouse gases, or GHGs. Natural levels of
GHGs exist in balanced proportion, resulting in steady maintenance of the
temperature within earth's atmosphere. Emissions from human activities,
such as energy production and motor vehicle use, elevate the concentrations
of GHGs, upsetting their natural balance. When GHG concentrations exceed
natural concentrations in the atmosphere, the "greenhouse effect" of trapped
heat is enhanced, and the phenomenon known as global warming occurs.
a. State Mandates
In June 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger established California's GHG
emissions reduction targets in Executive Order S-3-05. The Executive Order
established goals to reduce statewide GHG emissions to the following levels:
• Reduce emissions to 20001evels by 2010;
• Reduce emissions to 19901evels by 2020; and
• Reduce emissions to 80 percent below 19901evels by 2050.
i. Assembly Bill32
In 2006, Assembly Bill (AB) 32, known as the California Global Warming
Solutions Act, was adopted to further the goals of Executive Order S-3-05.
AB 32 represents the first enforceable statewide program to limit GHG
emissions from all major industries, with penalties for noncompliance. This
legislation sets a cap on statewide GHG emissions and establishes the
regulatory framework to achieve corresponding reductions in statewide
emissions levels. AB 32 charges the California Air Resources Board (GARB)
with implementation of the act. CARB's responsibilities include monitoring
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compliance and enforcing any rule, regulation, order, emission limitation,
emission reduction measure or market based compliance mechanism adopted.
ii. Senate Bill 375
In 2008, Senate Bill (SB) 375 was adopted to further reduce GHG emissions
from automobiles and light trucks by requiring CARB to provide GHG
emission reduction targets from the automobile and light truck sector. SB
375 directs CARB to calculate statewide emissions reduction targets and to
assign regional emissions reduction targets to each metropolitan planning
organization (MPO) in the State. The MPO .for Los Gatos is the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). SB 375 requires that
certain regional transportation planning and programming activities be
consistent with the sustainable communities strategies, and provides
incentives for local governments that adopt policies and programs consistent
with the sustainable communities strategy.
b. Greenhouse Gases
The most common GHG that results from human activity is carbon dioxide,
followed by methane and nitrous oxide. Many other trace gases have greater
ability to absorb and re-radiate long wave radiation; however, these gases are
not as plentiful. California State law defines GHGs to include the following:
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. Uses and characteristics of these
gases include:
• Carbon dioxide (COz) is primarily generated by fossil fuel combustion
in stationary and mobile sources. The vast majority of COz emissions
come from the combustion of fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and
natural gas.
• Methane (CHa) is the primary component of natural gas, which is used
for space and water heating, steam production and power generation.
Modern landfills, agricultural operations, coal mines, oil and natural gas
operations are the primary sources of methane emissions.
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ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
• Nitrous oxide (Nz0) is produced by both natural and human related
sources. Natural sources of nitrous oxide are bacteria in the soil and
oceans. The majority of nitrous oxide produced by human activity is a
result of agriculture, including nitrogen fertilizers and animal waste,
which promote nitrous oxide production from naturally-occurring
bacteria. Industrial processes and internal combustion engines also
produce nitrous oxide.
• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are typically used as foam-blown
insulation and as refrigerants for both stationary refrigeration and mobile
air conditioning.
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are primarily created as byproducts of
aluminum production and semi conductor manufacturing.
• Sulfur hexafluoride (SFc) is .most commonly used as an electrical
insulator in high voltage equipment that transmits and distributes
electricity.
• Other Compounds have the potential to contribute to the greenhouse
effect. These compounds include ozone, 1,1,1-trichloroethane,
hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons.
c. Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other GHGs are emitted as the
result of certain natural and technological processes. Many human activities
rely on those processes. Therefore,. emissions levels can be minimized by
reducing those activities.
i. Direct Sources of Greenhouse Gases
There are two types of .sources that directly emit GHGs: stationary sources
(buildings, factories, power plants, etc.) and mobile .sources (cars, trucks,
airplanes, etc.). There are also two types of stationary sources: point sources,
which would be an individual facility such as an oil refinery, and area sources.
Area sources are an agglomeration of individual facilities that emit GHGs
through daily activities, which would be a combination of sources such as
residential heating, painting and varnishing, or dry cleaning.
ENV-26
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DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
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ii. Indirect Sources of Greenhouse Gases
The two main indirect sources of GHG emissions are electricity consumption
and water treatment. The facilities in California and the western United
States that provide water and power to homes and businesses in Los Gatos
emit GHGs. These GHGs are emitted at the power plant or water
conveyance facility, not in Los Gatos, but they are caused by homes and
businesses in Los Gatos. This section describes emissions from significant
indirect sources.
d. Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to the BAAQMD, of the nine Bay Area counties, Santa Clara
County has the second highest annual direct emissions of GHG emissions.
Santa Clara County is also the most populous County in the Bay Area. Of
the emissions attributed to Santa Clara County, approximately 53 percent of
emissions come from motor vehicles, 20 percent from point sources and 27
percent from area sources.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal ENV-7 To promote a sustainable community by protecting
environmental resources without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs.
(L.G.8.2 -revised)
Policies
Policy ENV-7.1 Encourage development to address "heat island" effects by
including cool roofs, cool pavements and strategically
placed shade trees. (new)
Policy ENV-7.2 Attract and retain businesses that incorporate sustainable
practices into their operations and that produce goods or
services that contribute to sustainability. (new)
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Actions
Action ENV-7.1 Develop a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan
and/or Climate Action Plan to control and reduce GHG
emissions. Development of this plan shall include the
following steps:.
a. Conduct a baseline analysis (GHG emissions
inventory) for 1990, or most appropriate baseline
year;
b. Adopt an emissions reduction target;
c. Develop strategies and actions for reducing emissions;
d. Develop strategies and actions within a climate
change preparedness analysis for adaptation to
climate change;
e. Implement strategies and actions; and
f. Monitor emissions and verify results.
Require Town operations and .actions, as well as land use
approvals to be consistent with this plan(s). This plan
shall be in place prior to adoption of any specific plan.
Adopt- the Climate Action Plan within 24 months of
adoption of the Updated General Plan.
Action ENV-7.2 Develop applicable Planning and Building design review
standards to evaluate a project's contribution to GHG
emissions. (new)
Action ENV-7.3 Develop a "heat island" mitigation plan that inchides
guidelines for cool roofs, cool pavements and strategically
placed shade trees. Amend the applicable Design
Guidelines to integrate the .guidelines. p~~••~~~ ~II ~~-•-
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ENV-28
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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lat3~seape, ~hfelt-i~eh~~r~, siEle~~s, esl~~y-ate
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Goal ENV-8 To reduce overall greenhouse .gas emissions to 1990
levels by 2020. (new)
Policies
Policy ENV-8.1 Support employer incentive programs for carpooling and
use of other forms of alternative transportation. (new)
Policy ENV-8.2 Promote local employment opportunities to reduce
consumption of fuel used for commuting. (C.P.7.8)
Policy ENV-8.3 Work with local school districts to encourage carpooling
to schools. (new)
Policy ENV-8.4 The Town shall encourage the use of non-polluting fuels
by requiring the inclusion of natural gas fueling stations
and electric charging stations in development approvals.
(T.I.4.3)
Policy ENV-8.5 Encourage electric charging stations in new public and
private developments and remodels, including parking
garages; develop incentives to encourage retrofits in
existing facilities. (CI 3.4)
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Actions
Action ENV-8.1 Provide incentives for new projects that provide parking
spaces reserved for electric vehicles (EVs) and have a
charging connection. (new)
Action ENV-8.2 Identify opportunities to increase and/or change the
Town's vehicle fleet to maximize the use of alternative
fuels. (new)
Action ENV-8.3 Conduct a study to determine appropriate ~h
criteria for using vehicle miles traveled when evaluating
mun~eipal-~erviees at~d~ development applications.
(new)
Goal ENV-9 To encourage sustainable procurement, extended
producer responsibility and .innovative strategies to
become azero-waste Town. (new)
Policies
Policy ENV-9.1 Continue to pursue energy-efficiency in Town operations.
(C.P.7.6)
Policy ENV-9.2 Encourage the use of bags and packaging that can be
reused or recycled. (new)
Policy ENV-9.3 Encourage the use of recycled-content construction
materials in new construction. (new)
Policy ENV-9.4 Reuse and rehabilitate existing buildings when appropriate
and feasible in order to reduce waste, conserve resources
and energy, and reduce construction costs. (new)
ENV-30
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ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Policy ENV-9.5 Incorporate a "life-cycle costing" approach into Town
purchasing considerations that takes into account long-
term cost savings from energy efficient products. (new)
Policy ENV-9.6 Require all new and existing multi-family developments
that are redeveloping or remodeling to provide recycling
areas for their residents. (new)
Actions
Action ENV-9.1 Establish and maintain a "sustainability information
center" at Town Hall to inform the public and distribute
available brochures. (C.I.7.4)
Action ENV-9.2 Develop a plan for becoming a zero waste community.
.(new)
Action ENV-9.3 Revise existing construction and demolition ordinance to
require at least 50 percent diversion (i.e. reuse or recycling)
of non-hazardous construction waste from disposal. {new)
Action ENV-9
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Action ENV-9.5 Expand educational programs to inform residents about
reuse, recycling, composting, waste to energy and zero
waste programs. (new)
F. Energy Resources
Energy .production, conservation and patterns of energy consumption are of
growing importance to individuals, agencies and jurisdictions. Energy
resources, while varied, are not limitless. The traditional energy resources
used (gas, electricity) are non-renewable, and conservation of these resources
for future generations is imperative.
ENV-31
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
1. Background Information
Typically, the most important factors influencing residential energy
consumption are the size of the house, the type of house (detached single-
family or multi-family structure)., the number of major appliances, and the
construction and siting of the structure. Residential energy needs are often
fulfilled by electricity or a combination of gas and electricity. Space heating is
the most energy-consuming activity in residential structures.
The State of California requires local governments to address energy
conservation and efficiency in new construction. The State Building Standard
Code, including Title 24, applies to any new structure, additions to an
existing structure, changes to the footprint of a structure, remodeling of a
structure, or changes to water and heating systems, Title 24 of the State
Administrative Code has recently been amended to mandate more stringent
conservation and efficiency requirements for new residential and non-
residential construction.
The Town of Los Gatos has several opportunities to promote energy
conservation and reduce energy consumption, mainly through enforcing
construction standards and through its own operations.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal ENV-10 To foster development that reduces the use of non-
renewable energy resources and expands the use of
renewable resources and alternative fuels. (new)
Policies
Policy ENV-10.1 Require construction and use of technologies that
maximize energy conservation. (C.P.7.1-revised)
Policy ENV-10.2 Require the use of energy conservation techniques and
technology in existing development. (C.P.7.2 -revised)
ENV-32
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
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ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAIN ABILITY ELEMENT
Policy ENV-10.3 Protect existing development from loss of solar access.
(C.P.7.5)
Policy ENV-10.4 Encourage the use of renewable energy sources and
alternative fuels. (C.P.7.7)
Policy ENV-10.5 Promote, incentivize and recognize energy efficiency
efforts of local non-residential uses. (new)
Policy ENV-10.6 Require new subdivisions to examine the feasibility of
incorporating site layouts that allow for passive solar
heating and cooling. (new)
Policy ENV-10.7 Require new development to incorporate measures that
reduce energy use through solar orientation by taking
advantage of shade, prevailing winds, landscaping and sun
screens. (new)
Actions
Action ENV-10.1 Continue to adopt the following energy saving steps for
Town facilities and operations:
a. Conduct, with assistance from PG&E, a thorough
energy audit of all Town facilities to identify cost-
effective opportunities for conservation and use of
solar energy systems.
b. Designate ahigh-level staff person as the Town
Energy Manager who is responsible for coordinating
and meeting in-house energy conservation goals.
c. Establish realistic yearly goals for reductions in
Town energy costs and keep Town personnel aware
of program status.
d. Establish a fuel conservation program for the Town
vehicle fleet and require Gas Cap driver training for
all employees who use fleet vehicles. (C.I.7.5)
ENV-33
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ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Action ENV-10.2 Study the feasibility of requiring energy and water
efficiency audits at time-of--.sale for commercial and
residential properties. (new)
Goal ENV-11 To promote green buildings that minimize
consumption of energy and natural resources. (new)
Policies
Policy ENV-11.1 Require new construction and remodels to use energy- and
resource-efficient and ecologically sound designs,
technologies and building materials, as well as recycled
materials to promote sustainability. (CD.P.1.12 -.revised)
Policy ENV-11.2 Require higher levels of energy efficiency as house size
increases. (C.P.7.9)
Policy ENV-11.3 Encourage reductions in the use of nonrenewable
resources in building construction, maintenance and
operations. (C.P.6.4)
Policy ENV-11.4 Encourage new multi-family construction to include green
roofs and common space for community gardens. (new)
Policy ENV-11.5 Require all new homes to follow the Town's adopted
GreenPoint Rated Building Guidelines. (new)
Policy ENV-11.6 Provide incentives for projects that achieve a LEED-Silver
or higher rating or comparable GreenPoint rating. (new)
Policy ENV-11.7 Require BLEED certification or comparable
certification for new non-residential buildings over 5,000
square feet. (new) [Note: majority of the GPAC disagrees
with this change, but a minority agrees]
ENV-34
TO\i'N OP LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
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Policy ENV-11.8 Provide expedited permit processing for new construction
or substantial remodels that exceed Title 24 requirements
by at least 20 percent. (new)
Policy ENV-11.9 New Town-owned facilities shall serve as examples of
sustainable development by utilizing recycled and
renewable resources, water conserving fixtures and
landscaping, and energy efficient systems and appliances.
(new)
Policy ENV-11.10 Continue to promote the weatherization of all homes
through publicizing available utility energy audit and
financing programs and investigate the possibility of
contracting with PG&E to identify participants. (C.I.7.3 -
revised)
Policy ENV-11.11 Provide public education and publicity about energy
efficiency and emissions reduction programs and
incentives. (new)
Policy ENV-11.12 Provide green building information, marketing, training
and technical assistance to property owners, development
professionals, schools and special districts. (new)
Policy ENV-11.13 Coordinate with other local governments, special districts,
nonprofits and other public organizations to share
resources, achieve economies of scale and develop green
building policies and programs that are optimized on a
regional scale. (new)
Policy ENV-11.14 Provide permitting-related and other incentives for energy
efficient building projects, for example by giving green
projects priority in plan review, processing and field
inspection services. (new)
ENV-35
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 G E N.E R A L P L A N
E N V I R O NME N T AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
Actions
Action ENV-11.1 Develop policies, incentives and design guidelines that
encourage the public and private purchase and use of
durable and nondurable items, including building
materials, made from recycled materials or renewable
resources. (C.L6.5)
Action ENV-11.2 Amend the Town Code to establish regulations, in
addition to Title 24 requirements, that promote and
require the conservation of energy and the use of
renewable energy sources as follows:
a. Protect solar access to existing buildings and all
installed solar energy systems.
b. Develop specific design guidelines .for energy efficient
architectural designs, site plans and landscaping to be
used during plan review of all new developments.
c. Require the provision and protection of solar access
in all new development through the dedication of
private solar access covenants.
d. Require that all new developments be designed to
take advantage of passive solar heating and cooling
opportunities as specified by Section 66473.1 of the
Subdivision Map Act.
e. Require the use of solar water heaters on all new
.residential buildings where solar access is available
and natural gas in not available. Require pre-
plumbing for solar water heaters on all other new
residential construction where solar access is
available.
f. Require solar energy as the primary means of heating
new swimming pools, where solar access is available.
g. Identify any current Town regulation that may limit
feasible energy conservation or solar energy
ENV-36
TOWN O F LO S G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
ENVIRONMENT AND S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E L E M E N T
applications and consider modification. The word
"feasible" is as defined in Sec. 66473.1. (C.I.7.1)
Action ENV-11.3 Establish outdoor lighting standards in the Town Code to
address enemy efficiency. ~'~egL~i~e etttc~c~~lig~l~t-i~g
ixt~r-~te~e-ei~e~g~-effi~~~equi~ ~nt
r:.,«...,,,~ ..,.c,.«.. I:,.~.«:.....,~a ,.n
„..1..: «,.I1e,7 ,. .. I:,.l.«:~,. «,. I.o ,. ,.11,.,7 1...,
eLtE°I~zi -oi~ix~st£'6ixomiEQl tii~3c swzcen.
..,.a c;... ~ (new)
Action ENV-11.4 Consider adopting the Santa Clara County Cities
Association recommendations or regional standards/
recommendations for green building requirements. (new)
Action ENV-11.5 Train all plan review and building inspection staff in green
building and enemy efficiency materials, techniques and
practices. (new)
Action ENV-11.6 Identify and remove regulatory or procedural barriers to
implementing green building practices in the Town, such
as updating codes, guidelines and zoning. (new)
ENV-37
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ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENT
ENV-38
12 HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
A. Introduction
Major land use and development decisions have important physical,
economic, social and environmental implications that must be considered by
public officials during any planning process. A Human Services Element in
the General Plan provides a venue for bringing human concerns into the
physical planning process. Human Services are those services in the
community, both public and private, designed especially to meet the social,
health, safety, communication, education and artistic needs of people.
This Element expands upon the Town's role and responsibilities pertaining to
the broad areas of human services and assessing needs for available resources.
Through an effective Human Services Element the Town will be better able
to assist individuals .and families in achieving and maintaining high levels of
social well-being, leading to a more positive and satisfied community.
The Town should be involved in resolving human needs, but may not
necessarily be responsible for directly delivering all services. The Town
recognizes the value of public and private agencies working together to
effectively deliver services and also recognizes the benefits of long-range
planning. For services not directly provided by the Town, the Town may
assume any of the following four roles to assist in developing more effective
delivery of Human Services in Los Gatos: resource coordinator; educator and
advocate; facilitator; and evaluator.
This Element is divided into the following sections:
• Youth Services
• Senior Services
• Schools
• Libraries
• Town Arts
Public Health
• Fire Protection
• Police Service
• Water Service
Wastewater
• Stormwater
• Solid Waste and Recycling
HS-1
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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.HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
Each of these components is divided into the following sections:
s Background Information: Provides background information about the
various resources within Los Gatos.
o Goals, Policies and Actions: Provides guidance to the Town related to
decisions affecting the resources addressed in this Element.
B. Public Health
The Town of Los Gatos wants to help ensure a healthy community through
planning efforts that can directly enhance the wellness of the community.
1. Background
Public health .and planning professionals now recognize that increasing
individuals' physical activity is paramount to healthy populations, and that
the built environment greatly influences lifestyle choices that promote such
activity. Communities which are conducive to active modes of
transportation and accessible recreation show increased physical activity rates,
and well-planned land use strategies can effectively increase individual
wellness as well as access to healthy foods. Such benefits are particularly
important for the youth and senior populations in Los Gatos.
Goals, policies and actions that promote active modes of transportation are
also found in the Land Use Element and Transportation Element. Land use
planning has recently become a recognized tool for incre~5ing individuals'
physical activity rates, access to healthy foods and access to health care.
Increasing daily .activity and providing access to quality care and diet are not
only vital to human health and longevity, but can also significantly reduce the
frequency of the leading causes of death in Santa Clara County: cancer,
coronary heart disease and stroke.
HS-2
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
Policies related to community health-are also addressed in other sections of
this General Plan, including:
• Emergency preparedness in the Safety Element.
• Parks and recreational opportunities in the Open Space Element.
• Water and air quality in the Environment and Sustainability Element.
• Fire and Police services in this Human Services Element.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-1 To ensure resources and programs are available .for
the health needs of the entire community,
including youth and seniors. (HS.G.2.1)
Policies
Policy HS-1.1 Encourage the retention of three nearby hospitals: Good
Samaritan Hospital, El Camino Hospital and Mission
Oaks Hospital. (HS.P.2.1-revised)
Policy HS-1.2 Coordinate and promote health services provided by other
agencies through the media to local residents of target
groups. (HS.I.2.2 -revised)
Action
Action HS-1.1 Annually review programs the Town supports to assure
they meet the health needs of target groups. (HS.I.2.1)
Action HS-1.2 Identify health services that are either not readily available
or may need some public funding. (HS.P.2.2)
HS-3
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAPT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
C. Youth Services
Having community activities and services catering to young persons 18 years
of age or younger is important for families in Los Gatos. The Town of Los
Gatos recognizes that youth services must be identified and developed to
foster a healthy and active environment for youth growing up in Los Gatos.
1. Background Information
A majority of Los Gatos households, or approximately 60 percent, are family
households, while almost 30 percent of all households in Los Gatos have at
least one youth under the age of 18. Young persons under the age of 18
represent approximately 20 percent of the total population in Los Gatos.
Youth represent the future of Los Gatos, and providing and maintaining
services for youth continues to be an important issue to the Town.
Information on youth organizations, library services, family and community
events and Town policies for youth can be found on the Town's website in
the Youth and Teen Resources section. The Town of Los Gatos provides the
following youth services.
a. Youth Commission
Formed in 2004, the Los .Gatos Youth Commission includes 20 young
persons who live in Los Gatos and go to schools throughout Santa Clara
County. Youth on this Commission are in grades 8 through 12 and are
formally appointed by the Town Council. The Youth Commission
represents the youth community of Los Gatos and is supported by the Los
Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department. The purpose of this Commission is
to increase communication between adults and youth in Los Gatos and to
give youth an avenue for expressing their voice in Town affairs and on issues
related to youth in Los Gatos.
b. Community Services Commission
Two of the nine members appointed to the Community Services
Commission in Los Gatos are high school youth. The Community Services
Commission advises the Town Council on housing and community
HS-4
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
H U.M A N S H R V I C E S E L E M E N T
development issues in Los Gatos. This Commission develops partnerships
with public and private agencies that can help support various housing and
community programs. The two youth members of the Community Services
Commission must be high school students who have completed the ninth
grade. Youth members must also fall under one of the two following sets of
requirements:
o The student must be a resident of Los Gatos and attend an accredited
high school that does not necessarily need to be in Los Gatos; or
• The student must have a Los Gatos mailing .address and attend an
accredited high school in Los Gatos.
c. Parks Commission
'Similar to the make-up of the Community Services Commission, two of the
nine members of the Parks Commission are youth. Youth members of the
Parks Commission also adhere to the same requirements as outlined above for
youth members of the Community Services Commission. The Parks
Commission advises the Town Council on issues related to public parks,
trails, grounds, street trees and Town beautification.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-2 To recognize the special needs of children and
youth. (HS.G.7.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy HS-2.1 The Town shall interact with applicable agencies and
entities that provide children's services to ensure their
needs are met. (HS.P.7.1)
Policy HS-2.2 Town staff shall meet with agencies as needed to identify
the needs of children in the community and to coordinate
providing adequate programs such as childcare services.
(HS.I.7.1-revised)
HS-5
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
Goal HS-3 To expand youth programs and services offered
within the Town. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-3.1 Continue to support A Place For Teens, the Los Gatos-
Saratoga Recreation District and other similar
organizations in offering both daytime and nighttime
recreational activities and events. (new)
Policy HS-3.2 Coordinate with local non-profits and agencies such as the
Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation District to provide
opportunities for .and participation in music, visual and
performing arts programs. (new)
Policy HS-3.3 Encourage youth art by periodically displaying youth
artwork in gallery space in the Town Council Chambers:
Libra and the Civic Center. (new)
Policy HS-3.4 Coordinate with .local organizations to support and
encourage youth volunteer opportunities at the Senior
Center and senior housing facilities, so that youth can
interact with seniors. (new)
Actions
Action HS-3.1 Develop a program to offer Town sponsored events geared
toward youth and teens, such as arts and cultural fairs,
educational activities and music concerts. (new)
Action HS-3.2 Work with A Place for Teens and the Los Gatos-Saratoga
Recreation District to study the possibility of expanding
The Venue or a similar teen facility to offer a larger
variety of programming specific to different age .groups.
(new)
HS-6
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
Action HS-3.3 Conduct a study to identify the activities and/or develop
the facilities that teens would like to see in the Town.
(new)
Goal HS-4 To continue to work with the Youth Commission
and encourage community involvement of all youth
in the community. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-4.1 Continue to provide a variety of programs and events for
Town youth. (new)
Policy HS-4.2 Engage youth in Town beautification and other civic
improvement efforts. (new)
Actions
Action HS-4.1 Develop a program of youth volunteer and/or
employment opportunities far~ettt~r-in connection with
programs ~e~a.ri.rt ~it~~og-ra}rrr~rHig-and services
provided by the Town. (new)
Action HS-4.2 ~-~~~~~-~ ~ ~°,.i:....a Supplement the Town's existing
volunteer resource center that provides information on
local organizations and volunteer opportunities. (new)
Action HS-4.3 Create a centralized youth career resources center or an
on-line resource for jobs and internships with local
businesses. (new)
Goal HS-5 To promote safe, youth-friendly environments
within the Town. (new)
HS-7
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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HUMAN SERVICES E L E M E N T
Actions
Action HS-5.1 Work with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation District or
a similar organization to create a program to educate
youth and teens about Internet use safety ~,.„mot,
(new)
Action HS-5.2 1~LOrI- -- :.t^ e n1,.,.,, r,,.. ~r,,,.„~ .,„a ~t,,, r ,, r• c
Action HS-5.3 Encourage 1v',..,1, ~ ~~~~ ... „interactive
indoor play facilities for children and families te-develeg
,.i. r,,,.:I:~:,.,...:.>^;„ ~t,.. ter,...,„. (new)
Action HS-5.4 Encourage c~.. a., `>n,. r..,.,.:~.:~:~-• ..r ,.rr,.~:~~
a~businesses yes that appeal to youth and
teens. (new)
Action HS-5.5 11U°rl~ v`it h i ;ricl uI-.c[33}3e9SeS-ce-p're'i i~e 19EQcfe333 fe4' "Qll
Action HS-5.6 Study the feasibility of developing or finding D~elep-a
theatre venue specific to youth performances. (new)
Goal HS-6 To ensure that bicycling and walking is safe for
youth throughout the Town. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-6.1 Promote educational programs for youth that encourage
safe and fun bicycle commuting and recreational riding.
(new)
HS-8
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
.DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLAN
HUMAN SERVICES E L E M E N T
Policy HS-6.2 Promote the Safe Routes to School program, which
supports safety improvements that encourage .safe walking
and bicycling to school. (new)
Policy HS-6.3 Coordinate with local businesses, organizations and school
(~ districts to develop innovative programs, such as "Walking
School Buses" and "Bicycle Trains" that encourage youth
to commute to and from school in groups. (new)
Actions
Action HS-6.1 Coordinate with local organizations and school districts to
develop a program to offer bicycle safety and education
classes for youth. (new)
Action HS-6.2 Identify safety improvements that will allow for safe
walking and bicycling to schools. (new)
Action HS-6.3 Coordinate with schools and the police department to
develop and implement a teen driver safety program.
D. Senior Services
Seniors, or persons identified as age 65 and older, are a significant and
growing population group in Los Gatos. The Town of Los Gatos recognizes
that as this population group continues to grow, senior services must be
identified and developed to accommodate their needs.
1. Background Information
The Los Gatos population is growing older. The current median age of the
Los Gatos population is estimated to be 45 years,. while in 1970 it was
estimated to be 30 years. The older population is evidenced by the increasing
proportion of the Los Gatos population who are age 65 and older. According
to the 2000 U.S. Census, the number of seniors in Los Gatos has increased
HS-9
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2 0 2 0 GENERAL P L A N
HUMAN SERVICES E L E M E N T
from 11 percent of the total population in Los Gatos in .1970 to 15 percent by
2000. Currently, it is estimated that seniors represent 17 percent of the total
population in Los Gatos.
The Town of Los Gatos contracts with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation
District for services, information and activities for seniors living in Los Gatos.
Many of these services are provided at the Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center
at 208 E. Main Street in Los Gatos.
a. Healthcare and Social Services
Los Gatos provides a majority of its healthcare and social service programs
for seniors through the Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center. The Los Gatos-
Monte Sereno Police Department also offers a daily senior check-in program
called Operation C.A.R.E.
i. Los GatosAdultRecreation Center
The Adult Recreation Center is a gathering place .for seniors in Los Gatos and
provides several senior healthcare and social services. The Center provides
case management services to seniors. This service includes advice and
referrals to social service agencies, and assistance in completing applications
for social services. The location of the Center is shown on Figure HS-1.
Through the Adult Recreation Center, volunteer counselors give assistance to
seniors interested in drawing up a "durable power of attorney," or health care
power of attorney. Volunteer counselors also provide other services such as
neutral healthcare insurance advice and information and income tax
asslstance.
ii. Operation C.A.R.E. Program
Operation C.A.R.E., or Caring About Resident Elders, is a program run by
the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department that offers a free, daily
phone call to check-in on the welfare of seniors who may be living alone. A
.Police Dispatcher will call at an agreed-upon time with the .senior and if
unable to reach the senior or any of the senior's emergency contacts, a Police
HS-10
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL .PLAN
HUMAN SERVICES :ELEMENT
Officer will be sent to the home to check on his/her welfare. Seniors can
register for this free service through the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police
Department.
b. Housing
The Town of Los Gatos encourages the development of affordable housing
for seniors in Los Gatos. Affordable developments located in Los Gatos
include:
s Villa Vasona • Blossom Hill
• Los Gatos Fourplex • Anne Way
• The Terraces of Los Gatos
Villa Vasona, Blossom Hill and Anne Way offer affordable senior units to Los
Gatos residents, while the Terraces of Los Gatos, a senior residential care
facility run by American Baptist Homes of the West, offers 59 beds and has
independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing programs on-site.
Los Gatos also has a private life care facility called Los Gatos Meadows Life
Care Retirement, run by Episcopal Senior Communities, which has 170 units
of studios, apartments and cottages that house approximately 200 residents.
The Town maintains a Housing Conservation Program, which offers no-
interest and low-interest loans to qualified Los Gatos residents for home
rehabilitation projects. The program is administered by the .Santa Clara
County Housing and Community Development Department and makes
home rehabilitation loans available to qualified Los Gatos renters and owners.
c. Transportation
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates six public
transit bus lines that run through the Town and several park-and-ride lots.
The Town relies primarily on two non-profit organizations to provide
alternative transportation services for .seniors in Los Gatos. The
OUTREACH Senior .Transportation Program provides public paratransit
services as an alternative for seniors who are unable to access or use fixed-
HS-11
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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HUMAN SERVICES E L E M E N T
route public transit. The American Association of Retired People (HARP)
hosts a quarterly senior driver safety course .called the 55 Alive Driver Safety
Program.
HS-12
TOWN O P LOS G A T O S
DRAFT 2020 GENERAL PLA N
HUMAN S E R V I C ES E L E M E N T
Figure HS-1 Youth and Senior Services
HS-13
TOWN O F LOS G A T O S
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HUMAN SERVICES E L E M E N T
The Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center in Los Gatos offers information on
the OUTREACH Senior Transportation Program. The Center also provides
discounted BART tickets for seniors in Los Gatos.
d. Recreational Activities
The Los Gatos Adult Recreation Center is a central gathering place that often
hosts local activities for seniors. The Center also publishes a free bi-monthly
newsletter with information on local events, programs and announcements
geared toward seniors.
The Center hosts a number of events for seniors in Los Gatos, including:
e A weekly Town-sponsored walking group;
• A weekly bingo night, sponsored by the Live Oak Senior Nutrition and
Service Center;
• A Live Oak Nutrition Lunch, followed by a free movie, held on the
fourth Wednesday of every month;
• A weekly board games and table games event, sponsored by the Los
Gatos-.Saratoga Recreation District's 55 (and over) Program; and
• An annual Senior Thanksgiving dinner with food from local restaurants.
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation District offers several classes geared
toward seniors, ranging from dance and exercise to writing, language and
technology education. The Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation District publishes
a monthly newsletter and also organizes day and extended day trips for
seniors. Information on such trips offered through other senior centers can
also be obtained through the Center. in Los Gatos.
The Los Gatos Public Library offers several programs and services for seniors,
seven days a week. A monthly book club, Internet classes, a weekly knitting
group and quarterly evening programs featuring special guests are among the
many free programs offered to all. The Library offers a variety of materials
.including a magnified and large type section.
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Several non-profit agencies also provide assistance and support for seniors in
Los Gatos. Senior programs managed by non-profit agencies include:
• Live Oak Adult Day Services
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Operation Brown Bag
• The Health Place, San Jose State University's School of Nursing
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-7 To coordinate and .provide programs for social
interaction for senior citizens. (HS.G.1.1)
Policies
Policy HS-7.1 The Town shall act as a clearinghouse for social programs
provided by other agencies and groups that provide aid for
social problems. (HS.P.1.1)
Policy HS-7.2 Continue to use the local media and Town newsletter to
promote senior programs. (HS.I.1.2)
Policy HS-7.3 Encourage the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation District and
other service providers to provide a wide variety of senior
programs. (HS.P.1.1)
Policy HS-7.4 Coordinate with local organizations to support
opportunities for seniors to interact with youth in Los
Gatos. (HS.P.1.2)
Policy HS-7.5 Encourage new development to include intergenerational
spaces, such as cafes or family-oriented outdoor spaces.
(HS.P.1.3 -revised)
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Action
Action HS-7.1 Annually review social programs offered by the Town and
other agencies to determine if they meet the needs of
seniors. (HS.I.1.2 -revised)
Action HS-7.2 Collaborate with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation
District and other local organizations to develop a
program to provide additional recreational and fitness
programs for seniors. (new)
Action HS-7.3 Develop or identify an existing facility for a full service
senior center. C~nd;..,~ ~ ,~,:d ~ ~~~ ~~~ ~° ~~-~~~
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.Action HS-7.4 Create and maintain an up-to-date senior resource
directory including information on local services,
recreational activities and senior events. (new)
Action HS-7.5 Annually set funding priorities which include funds for
senior needs. (HS.P.1.2 -revised)
Goal HS-8 To improve mobility and access to care and services
for seniors. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-8.1 The Town shall provide or support senior shuttle services
so that seniors have convenient access to social services,
commercial areas, medical services and transportation.
(new)
Policy HS-8.2 Encourage all new senior housing developments to
provide shuttle services. (new)
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Actions
Action HS-8.1 Seek funding and coordinate with Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) to provide lower,
subsidized public transit fares for seniors. (new)
Action HS-8.2 .Study the feasibility of requiring all new senior housing
developments to provide transportation sh~tle-services.
(new)
Goal HS-9 To encourage a variety of types of senior housing,
including independent living and residential care
facilities within the Town. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-9.1 Encourage new development or substantial .remodels to
incorporate barrier-free design principles to ensure access
for people of all ages and abilities. (new)
Actions
Action HS-9.1 Study the feasibility of providing incentives for the
development of a variety of types of senior housing,
including independent living and residential set~ie~care
facilities. (new)
E. Schools
Quality education is important to the residents of the Town. However,
while local land use and development decisions may impact school facilities,
mitigation for school impacts required of developers may be limited by State
legislation or other factors.
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1. Background Information
Six different school districts serve the residents of the Town of Los Gatos.
These are the Los Gatos Union School District, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint
Union High School District, the Campbell Union School District, the
Campbell Union High School District and the Cambrian Union Elementary
.District. In addition, nearby West Valley Community College, located in the
City of Saratoga, offers academic and career programs. The location of the
elementary and high schools that serve Los Gatos students is shown on Figure
HS-1. Elementary and high school district boundaries are shown in Figures
HS-2 and HS-3, respectively.
a. Los Gatos Union School District
The Los Gatos Union School District has four elementary schools and one
middle school providing educational services to the children of Los Gatos:
• Blossom Hill Elementary School (16400 Blossom Hill Road)
• Daves Avenue Elementary School (17770 Daves Avenue)
o Lexington Elementary School (19700 Old Santa Cruz Highway)
• Van Meter Elementary School (16445 Los Gatos Boulevard)
• Raymond J. Fisher Middle School (19195 Fisher Avenue)
All the elementary schools serve kindergarten through grade 5. Raymond J.
Fisher Middle School serves Los Gatos students in grades 6 through 8.
b. Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District has two high schools,
.Los Gatos High and Saratoga High, which serve over 3,100 students from
unincorporated Santa Clara County as well as the communities of Los Gatos,
Monte Sereno and Saratoga. Each school offers grades 9 through 12.
c. Campbell Union School District
More than 7,300 students from the communities of Campbell, Los Gatos,
Monte Sereno, San Jose, Santa Clara and Saratoga attend the 12 .schools
within the Campbell Union School District. The four schools within the
District that serve the Town of Los Gatos are Capri, Forest Hill and Marshall
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Lane Elementary Schools, all of which offer kindergarten through grade 5,
and Rolling Hills Middle School, which offers grades 5 through 8.
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Figure HS-2 Elementary School Districts
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Figure HS-3 High School Districts
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The only one of these schools located within the Town of Los Gatos is
Rolling Hills Middle School. All the other schools are located near the
northwest border of the Town in different cities.
d. Campbell Union High School District
Campbell Union High School District serves over 7,700 students at five
campuses: Branham, Del Mar, Leigh, Prospect and Westmont High Schools..
Both Leigh and Westmont High Schools serve the Town of Los Gatos.
e. Union Elementary School District
Union Elementary School District serves approximately 4,400 students
enrolled in eight elementary schools (K-5 grades) and two middle schools
(serving 6-8 grades). The Alta Vista Elementary School serves Los Gatos
students.
f. Cambrian Elementary School District
Cambrian Elementary School District serves approximately 3,142 students
enrolled in four elementary schools (K-5 grades) and one middle school
(serving 6-8 grades). The Farnham Elementary School is the only school in
this district that serves Los Gatos students.
g. West Valley Community College
Located within the City of Saratoga and serving .Los Gatos residents, West
Valley Community College. offers career programs, professional certificates
and degree programs with preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and
universities.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-10 To maintain a system of open communications
between the Town, school districts and the
development community in order to coordinate the
activities of each to achieve the highest quality of
education for all public schools students.
(HS.G.6.1)
Policies
Policy HS-10.1 Encourage developers to engage in early discussions with
the Town and school districts regarding a project, its
potential impacts on schools and the potential to reduce
impacts. These discussions should occur as early as
possible in the project planning stage, preferably preceding
land acquisition. (HS.P.6.1)
Policy HS-10.2 Cooperate with school districts in identifying and
evaluating population and demographic changes that may
impact schools. (HS.P.6.2)
Policy HS-10.3 Allow alternative uses of the sites and facilities of schools,
subject to conditions that will protect the surrounding
neighborhood. (L.P.3.9)
Action
Action HS-10.1 Amend Town development applications to require
applicants to contact the affected school districts to discuss
the impacts of the proposed development. (HS.I.6.1)
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F. Libraries
The Town of Los Gatos .has one public library located within the Town's
Civic Center complex, which was built in 1964 when the population of the
Town was approximately 9,000. Since that time, the population bf the Town
has grown to its current estimated size of 28,800 ..residents, with
approximately 20,000 registered borrowers. The Los Gatos library provides a
variety of services for people of all ages.
1. Background Information
To meet the community's growing library needs, the Town of Los Gatos is in
the process of planning for a new, larger library that will be located on the
southeast corner of the Civic Center complex. The new library is expected to
open in winter 2011/2012. 'The new library will be approximately 30,000
square feet, of a sufficient size to provide the following: a separate space for
children's story-telling programs; a separate teen room; reading and study
areas for users of all ages; computer areas for research, Internet access and
technology education; laptop areas; additional self-check out machines; and
space for the Town's extensive history collection. The new .library will also
have more seating and added space for adult and youth book collections and
multi-media collections.
The current library collection consists of books, audiobooks, magazines and
periodicals, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, CD ROMs, video cassettes, microfilm
and reference materials. A current collection of Los Gatos High .School
textbooks is also available for in-house use. The library also subscribes to
computerized databases which provide access to thousands of archived
newspapers, periodicals, primary source documents, reference works and
media files. These databases are accessible on library computers and remotely
using a library card number.
The library also holds an extensive collection of historical artifacts and
information, with emphasis on the Town of Los Gatos and surrounding
areas. Original photographs and newspapers are available, along with copies
of death certificates and profiles of historic homes. The library provides
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access to research on the original "Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos," the
Hernandez and Peralta families, grantees of the land, the John Lyndon
family, and other early settlers who were important in the founding of the
Town.
The library's History Collection includes information on local authors, such
as Colonel Charles Erskine Scott Wood, Sara Bard Field and Ruth Comfort
Mitchell. The library also owns signed first editions of many local authors.
The digitized collection of nearly 4,000 historic photographs includes the
Hamsher Collection, donated to the library in the mid-1950s, the entire
photo collection of the Museum of Los Gatos, and many other images
donated bylong-time Los Gatos families.
In addition to reference and checkout services, the library offers four story-
times each week; weekly after-school programs; volunteer reading programs;
book discussion groups; knitting groups; computer and Internet access;
wireless Internet access; Internet classes; summer reading programs, and
Friends of the Library programs, featuring special speakers, .artists and
performers. Reference Librarians are also available to assist in locating
materials in the Library. All programs are open to the public and are free of
charge.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-11 To provide a library facility that will accommodate
library services to meet the educational and
informational needs of the community. (HS.G.5.1)
Policies
Policy HS-11.1 Ensure that all residents have access to library services,
including access to computers and other technology.
(new)
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Policy HS-11.2 Maintain the library as an important activity center within
the community. (new)
Actions
Action HS-11.1 Investigate various funding mechanisms for ongoing
operation and expansion of the library facility, services
and programs. (HS.I.5.2 -revised)
G. Arts and Cultural Enrichment
Los Gatos has a thriving arts community that is invaluable to people of all
ages in the Town. The Town has committed to protecting and promoting its
cultural resources, including theaters, museums, art galleries and public art.
The Town also strives to further attract and encourage performing arts in Los
Gatos, including live theater, music and dance.
1. .Programs and Facilities
Los Gatos's Arts Commission and Art Selection Panel are actively involved
in promoting cultural events and public art displays in the Town. The Arts
Commission is an advisory group to the Town Council and works to
encourage the development of music, drama, art and other cultural and
creative activities in Town. The Art Selection Panel reviews proposals for
public artwork that is loaned, purchased, or commissioned by the Town and
makes recommendations to the Arts Commission.
The Arts Commission plans Music in the Park, a summer Sunday afternoon
concert series that is free to the public and hosted .annually at the Civic
Center park, and the annual July Fourth Concert Celebration. The
Commission also manages public artwork in the Council Chambers and
installation of public art at the Civic Center.
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Los Gatos also has two museums -the Art Museum of Los Gatos, located in a
former firehouse on historic Tait Avenue, and the History Museum of Los
Gatos, located in the Forbes Mill annex.
The Town also supports non-profit organizations, ranging from the Los
Gatos Arts Association to A Place for Teens, which host various music and
arts programming.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-12 To enrich the Town by making visual arts, the
performing arts and other cultural amenities more
accessible to the Town's residents, (HS.G.3.1 and
HS.G.4.1 combined)
Policies
Policy HS-12.1 Encourage public art in all new development. (HS.P.3.2)
Policy HS-12.2 Encourage art related- uses (theaters, museums, art
galleries) in new and remodeled retail development.
(HS.P.3.1)
Policy HS-12.3 Limit the conversion of museums and theaters to non-art
related uses. (HS.I.3.1)
Policy HS-12.4 Continue to support music in the plaza. (HS.P.4.1)
Policy HS-12.5 Encourage public and private facilities to host performing
art events. (HS.P.4.2)
Policy HS-12.6 Encourage private/public funding, development and
operation of cultural amenities, activities and centers
consistent with the small town character of Los Gatos.
(L.P.1.11)
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Actions
Action HS-12.1 Develop design guidelines to encourage incorporation of
art and art-related uses in new and remodel developments.
(HS.L3.2)
Policy HS-12.7 Study the feasibility of a performing arts center for the
Town, including options for location and financing.
(HS.I.4.2)
K .Fire Protection Service
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire protection and
emergency response services to the Town of Los Gatos. The Town works
with the Department to protect Town residents and property from injury
and damage resulting from fire hazards.
1. Background Information
The Santa Clara County Fire Department is a California Fire Protection
District serving more than 226,000 residents and approximately 100 square
miles of territory within the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los
Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and
the adjacent unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. The Santa Clara
County Fire Department provides the following services:
• Fire suppression
• Emergency medical response
• Rescue activities
• Building plan review
o Code enforcement
• Hazardous materials regulation
• Fire and life safety inspections for new construction, commercial
businesses, multi-family residential buildings and schools
• Public education
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• Community preparedness program
• Emergency medical services
The support services division maintains fire stations and other facilities,
vehicles and fire apparatus, general supplies and communications systems.
a. Facilities and Equipment
The Santa Clara County Fire Department has 17 fire stations, an
administrative headquarters, a maintenance facility, and five other support
facilities. Three fire stations are located within the Town of Los Gatos.
These stations include the Los Gatos, Winchester, and Shannon fire stations
and are shown on Figure HS-4. The Redwood and Quito stations located
adjacent to Los Gatos also provide fire protection services to the Town.
Each station serving the Town provides emergency medical service (EMS),
Advanced Life Support (ALS), and responds to all types of fires (wildland,
structure, vehicle etc).
b. Service Standards
The Santa Clara County Fire Department has the following service standards:
• First unit shall arrive on scene in less than seven minutes from dispatch
of alarm at least 90 percent of the time.
• Second unit shall arrive on scene in less than nine minutes from dispatch
of alarm at least 90 percent of the time.
• Remaining units .shall arrive on scene in less than 15 minutes from
dispatch of alarm at least 90 percent of the time.
A fire company with at least one paramedic shall arrive on scene in less than
seven minutes from dispatch of alarm no less than 90 percent of the time.
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Figure HS-4 Emergency Services
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-13 Provide adequate fire protection and emergency
medical response services to Town residents. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-13.1 Work with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to
ensure that first response travel time is maintained and
enhanced where possible. (new)
.Policy HS-13.2 Work with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to
continue to increase the emergency response facilities and
personnel necessary to meet residential and employment
growth in the Town. (new)
Policy HS-13.3 New development .shall be required to incorporate
adequate emergency water flow, fire resistant design and
materials and evacuation routes. (new)
Policy HS-13.4 New development shall be accessible to emergency
vehicles and shall not impede the ability of service
providers to provide adequate emergency response. (new)
Goal HS-14 Promote coordination between land use planning
and fire protection. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-14.1 Build and require roadways that are adequate in terms of
width, radius and grade to accommodate Santa Clara
County Fire Department fire-fighting apparatus, while
maintaining Los Gatos's neighborhoods and small-town
character. (new)
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Policy HS-14.2 Identify and mitigate fire hazards during the project
review and approval process. (new)
Policy HS-14.3 New development shall satisfy fire flow and hydrant
requirements and other fire-related design requirements as
established by the Town and recommended by the Santa
Clara County Fire Department. (new)
Policy HS-14.4 Encourage the installation of interior emergency sprinkler
systems, fire-safe building materials, early warning systems
and sufficient water supply systems for fire suppression in
new development or remodels. (new)
Policy HS-14.5 Work with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to
plan fire station locations to maintain or enhance current
response levels. (new)
I. Police Service
Police protection for the Town of .Los Gatos is provided by the Los
Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department. The Town is characterized as a
relatively safe, quiet community with limited crime.
1. .Background Information
The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department provides police protection
services to the Town of Los Gatos and the City of Monte Sereno through a
contract established in 1995. The police department serves a combined
population of approximately 34,000 residents. The department provides the
following core services:
• Response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service
• Identification of criminal activity and dispatch services
o Investigation and prosecution of crimes
• Recruiting, hiring and training of personnel
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• Crime prevention and community outreach
• Traffic safety
• Maintenance of property records and criminal evidence
• Community problem-solving
a. Facilities
The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department has two primary locations
in Los Gatos. The Town's Civic Center complex serves as headquarters for
police administration, records and dispatch. The Police Operations building
houses police operations including patrol operations, the investigations unit
and evidence storage. The operations captain, a patrol and administrative
sergeant, an evidence technician and other personnel are located at this site. It
is anticipated that by winter 2010, the Police Operations will also house the
briefing room, training room and Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The location of existing and proposed police facilities is shown in
Figure HS-4.
b. Service Standards
The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department does not have quantified
service standards. However, the department does have the performance
objective of "providing a safe environment through timely response and
police assistance." The department categorizes calls as Priority One, Priority
Two, or Priority Three. Priority One calls involve either a serious
emergency or public safety hazard. Priority 'Two calls are those that require
immediate response, but are not an emergency. Priority Three calls are all
non-emergency calls. Most calls responded to by the Los Gatos/Monte
Sereno Police Department relate to incidences of vandalism, domestic
disputes, theft and burglary.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-15 To reduce the potential for injuries, damage to
property, economic and social displacement, and
loss of life resulting from crime. (SG 4.1 -revised)
Policies
Policy HS-15..1 Support the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department
to maintain adequate police staffing, performance levels,
and facilities that serve the Town's existing .and future
population. (new)
Policy HS-15.2 Pursue community policing and other crime prevention
measures for increased public safety. (S.P.4.1)
Goal HS-16 Promote coordination between land use planning
and law enforcement. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-16.1 Emphasize the use of physical site planning as an effective
means of preventing crime. Open spaces, landscaping,
parking lots, parks, play areas and other public spaces shall
be designed with maximum possible visual and aural
exposure to community residents. (new)
Policy HS-.16.2 Identify and mitigate law enforcement hazards during the
project review and approval process. (new)
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J. Water Service
The San Jose Water Company has been the Town's water service provider
since 1870. The San Jose Water Company's service area encompasses
approximately 138 square miles including most of the City of San Jose, City
of Cupertino, the entire Cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, the
Town of Los Gatos and parts of unincorporated Santa Clara County.
1. Background Information
a. Water Supply
San Jose Water Company provides water from three major sources within its
service area: groundwater, imported .surface water and local raw mountain
surface water.
i. Groundwater
Groundwater is pumped from over 100 wells that draw water from the Santa
Clara groundwater basin, which accounts for 40 percent of the supply. The
San Jose Water Company has rights to pump water from the aquifers in the
service area when it is in compliance with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District (SCVWD) permitting requirements.
ii. Imported Surface Water
Imported surface water is purchased from the' SCVWD, which is the
wholesale supplier to the San Jose Water Company. Surface water is
imported from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and accounts for
approximately 50 percent of the water supply. A smaller portion is
impounded in local reservoirs in Santa Clara County.
iii. Local Mountain Raw Surface Water
Local mountain surface water is also collected from the watershed in the
.Santa Cruz Mountains. San Jose Water Company has "pre-1914 surface water
rights" to raw water in Los Gatos Creek and local watersheds in the Santa
Cruz Mountains. This amount accounts for approximately 10 percent of the
water supply in normal rainfall years.
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b. Water Transmission, Distribution and Storage
San Jose Water Company provides water treatment and distribution for the
Town of Los Gatos.
i. Water Treatment Plant
The Rinconada Treatment Plant in the Town of Los Gatos supplies drinking
water to both residential and commercial users in the west Santa Clara Valley
including the Cities of Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino,
Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Los Gatos. The water
treatment plant can treat and deliver up to 80 million gallons of water per
day.
ii. Water Distribution Pipelines
San Jose Water Company has approximately 29 "stations" within the Town
of Los Gatos. These stations include tanks, pump stations and regulators that
regulate the water pressure. Hillside planning in the Town poses unique
challenges in regard to water supply systems as it is difficult to provide water
at higher elevations within the Town.
iii. Water Storage
Los Gatos is located within the Guadalupe Watershed within the boundaries
of the SCVWD. Reservoirs located within the watershed provide water
storage and are .maintained by the SCVWD, including the Lexington
Reservoir and James J. Lenihan Dam; Vasona Dam and Reservoir; Guadalupe
Dam and Reservoir; Almaden Dam and Reservoir; and Calero Dam and
Reservoir.
c. Water Reuse and Conservation
i. Water Reuse
San Jose Water Company is the wholesale retailer for the South Bay Water
Recycling Program, which takes treated wastewater that would normally be
discharged into the San Francisco Bay and pipes it back into the basin to be
used for landscape irrigation.
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ii. Water Conservation
The SCVWD has called for a voluntary 10 percent reduction in water use
over the past several years for all water users within the District. However,
the voluntary water use reduction program only achieved approximately a
3 to 4 percent reduction. Therefore, the' SCVWD is currently developing a
mandatory conservation program to be implemented by the San Jose Water
Company, if necessary.
San Jose Water Company provides a full range of water conservation
measures to both residential and commercial customers, including the water
audit program, where water inspectors conduct a thorough investigation of
the customer's home or business by inspecting the property for leaks and
measuring the flow of all showers, faucets .and toilets. The .goal of this
program is to identify the source of the customer's water consumption and
recommend methods for more efficient water use.
San Jose Water Company also participates in the SCVWD's clothes washer
rebate program and augments its water audit program by providing customers
with free low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, purchased by the
SCVWD. San Jose Water Company constantly performs asystem-wide audit
by maintaining extensive records on each customer's water use.
San Jose Water Company has personnel that evaluate underground leaks so
that they may be repaired as soon as possible. San Jose Water Company also
has a regular schedule of meter calibration and replacement for all meter types
in the distribution system. San Jose Water Company provides and
participates in numerous education programs, including community outreach
and the distribution of written materials to encourage water conservation.
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2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-17 To conserve the water resources of the Town and
promote the efficient use of water to ensure an
adequate water supply for the Town's plant and
wildlife populations as well as human populations.
(C.G.2.1, C,G.2.4, C.G.2.5 and S.P.3.4 combined)
Policies
Policy HS-17.1 Landscaping and hardscaping shall meet water
conservation requirements in the Water Efficiency
Landscaping Ordinance. (CD.P.1.17 -revised)
Policy HS-.17.2 Require new single-family and multi-family construction
to incorporate water-efficient landscaping following the
Town's Water Efficiency Landscaping Ordinance. (new)
Polic
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Policy HS-17.4 Encourage the use of Bay-Friendly Landscaping standards,
in addition to the landscaping standards in the GreenPoint
.Rated Building Guidelines for new home construction and
remodeled homes. (new)
Policy HS-17.5 Encourage the use of .artificial turf for existing and all new
sports fields. (new)
Policy HS-17.6 Continue to review~all landscape plans as specified by the
Town Code section on Water Efficient Landscaping.
(C.L2.6)
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Policy HS-17.7 Require the use of water-saving devices in new
developments and plumbing-related remodels, and develop
incentives to encourage their installation in existing
development. (C.I.2.9)
Policy HS-17.8 Promote the installation of water-efficient irrigation
management systems and devices, such as
evapotransportation or soil moisture-based irrigation
controls. (new)
Actions
Action HS-17.1 Review and update the Town's Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance with improved large landscape conservation
programs -and agency incentives for non-residential
customers. (new)
Action HS-17.2 In collaboration with efforts by local water purveyors,
promote water audit programs that offer free water audits
to single-family, multi-family, large landscape accounts and
commercial customers. Collaborate with purveyors to
enact conservation programs for commercial, industrial
and institutional (CII) accounts and create programs to
install ultra-low-flush toilets in facilities. (new)
Action HS-17.3 Study the benefits and consequences of using artificial turf,
.specifically related to drainage. (new)
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Goal HS-18 To encourage the ttse of recycled and reclaimed
water. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-18.1 Require the use Of recycled water when available. (new)
Policy HS-18.2 Cooperate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
_~£~ other appropriate agencies to explore options for bringing
reclaimed water to LOS Gatos, and provide incentives to
encourage its use for public and private landscaping and
decorative lakes, ponds and fountains. (C.I.2.10 -revised)
Policy HS-18.3 Use recycled water or ~raywater for Town landscaping,
including parks and medians, where appropriate. (new)
Policy HS-18.4 Encourage dual plumbing in large new commercial and/or
residential developments to enable future use of recycled
water. (new)
Actions
Action HS-18.1 Develop incentives for dual plumbing in new
development. (new)
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K. Wastewater
The West Valley Sanitation District (WVSD) provides wastewater collection
and disposal services for the Cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos,
much of Saratoga and some unincorporated areas of the county within the
district boundary. WVSD serves the entire population of Los Gatos.
1. Background Information
a. Collection System
The WVSD's wastewater collection system consists of main and trunk sewers
as well as sewer laterals, which are maintained and operated by the WVSD.
The WVSD's system within the Town of Los Gatos consists primarily of
gravity mains with the collection system flowing north, exiting the Town
limits through multiple trunk sewers. These systems continue through the
City of San Jose trunk sewers and ultimately to the San Jose/Santa Clara
Water Pollution Control Plant for wastewater treatment and disposal.
b. Wastewater Treatment
The San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant treats and cleans the
wastewater of all the people that live and work in the Cities of San Jose, Santa
Clara, Milpitas, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga and Monte
Sereno. The plant processes wastewater utilizing an advanced, tertiary
wastewater system.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-19 Meet all wastewater treatment demands and federal
and State regulations. (new)
Policies
Policy HS-19.1 Support the West Valley Sanitation District to maintain
wastewater conveyance, treatment and disposal
infrastructure in good working condition in order to
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supply municipal sewer service to the Town's residents
and businesses. (new)
Policy HS-19.2 For individual home site development where public water
and sanitary sewer systems are not available, development
shall be discouraged. Development may be allowed with
private water systems and septic tank systems when such
systems are shown to be adequate, with the condition that
the property owner enters into an agreement to connect to
the public water system and sanitary sewer system when
they become available. (C.I.2.7 -revised)
Policy HS-19.3 Any suspect septic tank systems shall be inspected in order
to prevent surface flow of septic tank seepage. (C.P.2.2 -
revised)
Policy HS-19.4 Any new septic systems shall be reviewed and approved by
Santa Clara County, Department of Environmental
Health, prior to installation. (new)
L. Stormwater
The Town is served by an extensive man-made ,storm drainage system
including pipe networks, ditches and culverts. These systems discharge into
the natural creeks that traverse the Town.
1. Background Information
a. Natural Drainage Systems
The Town of Los Gatos is located south of the San Francisco Bay within the
South Bay Drainage Unit. The South Bay Drainage Unit lies within the
Coastal Range geomorphic province and is characterized by a broad alluvial
valley sloping northward to the San Francisco Bay. Within the Town limits
of Los Gatos there are several major open channel facilities, including Los
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Gatos Creek, Ross Creek, San Tomas Aquinas Creek and Smith Creek.
Other unnamed natural water courses are also located within the Town
limits.
b. Man-Made Drainage Systems
The Town of Los Gatos is served by an extensive man-made storm drainage
system including pipe networks, ditches and culverts. These systems
discharge into the natural creeks that cross the Town. The Town has a map
of their drainage system based on a review of approximately 250
improvement plan sets for information on proposed and existing storm
drains.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-20 To minimize the amount of stormwater runoff, as
well as to protect and improve the water quality of
runoff. (C.G.2.3)
Policies
Policy HS-20.1 Require analysis of the single and cumulative impacts on
water drainage (runoff) and contamination (water quality)
in the environmental review of development projects in all
areas but particularly in or adjacent to hillsides, riparian
corridors and important undeveloped watersheds.
(C.P.2.3 -revised)
Policy HS-20.2 Promote non-point source pollution control programs to
reduce and control the discharge of pollutants into the
storm drain system. (C.P.2.7 -revised)
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Actions
Action HS-20.1 Any development application on riparian lands or
undeveloped watershed areas shall include detailed
evaluations of the individual and cumulative impacts on
water drainage and contamination. (C.I.2.1-revised)
Action HS-20.2 Develop a list of priorities for improvements to the storm
drain system based upon the Storm .Drain Master Plan.
(S.I.3.1-revised)
M. Solid Waste and Recycling
Garbage disposal and recycling has become an issue .for all residents of Los
Gatos. The resources used to produce the items which end up in landfills are
dwindling, and landfill space is also a dwindling resource. Los Gatos
endeavors to work with West Valley Collection and Recycling (WVCR) to
proactively address issues of solid waste and recycling.
1< Background Information
WVCR is the exclusive recycling, green waste and garbage hauler for Los
Gatos, the Cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga and
unincorporated Santa Clara County. All recycling, yard trimmings and
garbage are picked up by WVCR and transported directly to the Guadalupe
Landfill, located in the City of San Jose. The Guadalupe Landfill is located at
15999 Guadalupe Mines Road in the City of San Jose. The Guadalupe
Landfill is a Class III solid waste landfill. It is projected that the landfill will
reach its capacity in 2031.
a. Recycling
WVCR provides single stream recycling to single-family and multi-family
residents as well as commercial customers. Single stream recycling means all
recyclables are placed in a single bin and do not need to be sorted based on
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the material type. All recyclable materials are sorted at WVCR's Materials
Recovery Facility in the City of San Jose.
WVCR accepts a wide variety of recyclable materials from both residential
and commercial customers, including paper and cartons, glass, plastics and
polystyrene, metals and textiles. Additionally, WVCR will pick up used
motor oil and filters as well as used household alkaline batteries from
residential curbsides.
b. Household Hazardous Waste
The Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program provides
household hazardous waste collection services for Santa Clara County,
including Los Gatos. The Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste
Program .accepts household hazardous waste 'by appointment. The nearest
drop-off locations to Los Gatos are located in the City of San Jose. The
program accepts hazardous wastes including: flammables (paints, petroleum
products, polishes), corrosives (acids, bases, batteries, drain clog remover),
toxics (poisons, pesticides, gardening chemicals, ammonia, solvents), oxidizers
(pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide, iodine), biohazards (medicine, syringes,
needles) and various miscellaneous items, such as propane, helium,. small
oxygen tanks and smoke detectors.
2. Goals, Policies and Actions
Goal HS-21 To promote recycling and reuse as well as reduction
in demand. (C.G.6.1)
Policies
Policy HS-21.1 Encourage residential and commercial recycling of
reusable materials. (C.P.6.1)
Policy HS-21.2 Encourage recycling and reuse of building materials from
remodeled and demolished buildings. {C.P.6.2)
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Policy HS-21.3 Collaborate with West Valley Collection and Recycling or
any subsequent waste collection provider to develop waste
reduction education programs. (new)
Actions
Action HS-21.1 Study the feasibility. of constructing a reuse center for
building materials from remodeled and demolished
buildings. (C.I.6.2 -revised)
Goa1~S-22 To conserve landfill- space. (C.G.6.2 -revised)
Policies
.Policy HS-22.1 Cooperate with nearby jurisdictions and regional
jurisdictions to design and implement coordinated
recycling plans. (C.P.6.3)
Policy HS-22.2 Continue and expand recycling programs through the
(~~.~ local waste hauler. (C.I.6.1-revised)
Policy HS-22.3 Continue to work with other West Valley Cities through
the West Valley Cities Solid Waste Joint Powers
Authority to design and implement expanded recycling
programs. (C.L6.3)
Policy HS-22.4 Continue to work with the Santa Clara County Solid
Waste Commission. (C.I.6.4)
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