Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · February 10, 2021
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
This meeting was conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with
State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID19
pandemic and was conducted via Zoom. All planning commissioners and staff participated
from remote locations and all voting was conducted via roll call vote.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Kathryn Janoff , Vice Chair Kendra Burch, Commissioner Jeffrey Barnett,
Commissioner Melanie Hanssen, Commissioner Jeffrey Suzuki, Commissioner Reza Tavana, and
Commissioner Emily Thomas.
Absent: None.
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – January 13, 2021
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Tavana.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
PAGE 2 OF 4
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2021
2. 62 Ellenwood Avenue
APN 510-20-068
Applicant: Lisa Nichols, Arcanum Architecture, Inc.
Property Owners: Lisa and Case Swenson
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
Requesting Approval for demolition of an existing single-family residence, construction
of a new single-family residence, removal of a large protected tree, and site
improvements requiring a Grading Permit on property zoned R-1:12.
Continued from the December 9, 2020 Planning Commission meeting.
Sean Mullin, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
New Commissioners Suzuki and Thomas stated for the record that they had reviewed the
previous video regarding 62 Ellenwood Avenue from the December 9, 2020 Planning
Commission meeting and have knowledge of the entire record.
Opened Public Comment.
Tim Chappelle, Arcanum Architecture
- At the last hearing they discussed compatibility with the neighborhood, narrowing the
driveway width, and the fence height. There had been concerns that the design was too
modern for the neighborhood, so they changed the architecture to a charming Northern
California cottage with softer, all natural materials, looking more like a traditional home.
They also reduced the driveway width from 18 feet to 14 feet and made the fence more
rustic and neighborhood friendly with wood.
John Merten, Studio Green
- They have introduced layers in the planting and moved the fence back and softened the
materials in response to comments regarding making it more historically appropriate and
more natural.
Mark Beck, 60 Ellenwood Avenue
- They liked the original design, but think the new changes are spectacular and the design is
even better than before. They support the project 100 percent and ask the Commission to
approve it.
Kate Chimenti
- They live across the street from the project. The applicant has told them they will mitigate
the parking problems due to construction and asked for reassurance that there will not be
vehicles parked in front of their home.
PAGE 3 OF 4
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Lee Quintana
- The Fence Ordinance was recently passed with a new requirement of the 3-foot height in
the front and she is concerned about why the fence can't be moved back so it is still in
compliance with the Fence Ordinance, and if it is a security problem then giving the
exception would void the provision of the Fence Ordinance.
Mark Beck, 60 Ellenwood Avenue
- The applicant has agreed to pull their fence back, but his and other neighbors' fences are in
a line and most are higher than what the applicants are asking for. To pull the fence back
even farther from the property line would make their street line look funny. They asked for
the project to be approved, but without the fence being pulled back any farther.
Tim Chappelle, Arcanum Architecture
- Because of the property's pie shape they believe they would be able to heavily park the
front, because they have a lot of street frontage, and mitigate any neighborhood concerns
regarding parking.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Burch to approve an application for demolition
of an existing single-family residence, construction of a new single-family
residence, removal of a large protected tree, and site improvements
requiring a Grading Permit on property zoned R-1:12 for 62 Ellenwood
Avenue, with the fence relocated to reduce the height of the existing
fence. Seconded by Commissioner Hanssen.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chair Janoff announced that she had made the following committee assignments:
Commissioner Hanssen – Conceptual Development Advisory Committee, General Plan
Committee
Commissioner Tavana – Conceptual Development Advisory Committee
Commissioner Barnett – Conceptual Development Advisory Committee
Commissioner Thomas – General Plan Committee
Commissioner Suzuki – Historic Preservation Committee
Vice Chair Burch – Historic Preservation Committee
Chair Janoff – General Plan Committee
PAGE 4 OF 4
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 10, 2021
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joel Paulson, Director of Community Development
Welcomed new Commissioners Suzuki and Thomas who were appointed on January 19,
2021.
The Town Council held a Strategic Priorities session on January 26, 2021. Additional
information will be forwarded soon to all commissions regarding the outcome of those
discussions.
A joint Planning Commission/Town Council study session will be held on February 23,
2021 with a panel dealing with economic development topics.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
General Plan Advisory Committee
Commissioner Hanssen
- The General Plan Advisory Committee met January 7, 2021, January 21, 2021 and February
4, 2021 with the focus on updating the General Plan. The Committee completed review of
the initial draft of the Land Use Element. The initial draft of the Community Design Element
will be reviewed at the next meeting on February 18, 2021. The Committee will then move
on to the revised initial draft of the Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element.
- Thanked Commissioner Burch for her service for the past two years on the General Plan
Committee and welcomed Commissioner Thomas to the General Plan Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
February 10, 2021 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
110 EAST MAIN STREET
LOS GATOS, CA
Kathryn Janoff, Chair
Kendra Burch, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Barnett, Commissioner
Melanie Hanssen, Commissioner PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC PROCESS
Jeffrey Suzuki, Commissioner
Reza Tavana, Commissioner
Emily Thomas, Commissioner
How to participate: The Town of Los Gatos strongly encourages your active participation in the
public process, which is the cornerstone of democracy. If you wish to speak to an item on the
agenda, please follow the participation instructions on page 2 of this agenda. If you wish to speak
to an item NOT on the agenda, you may do so during the “Verbal Communications” period, by
following the participation instructions on page 2 of this agenda. The time allocated to speakers
may change to better facilitate the Planning Commission meeting.
Effective Proceedings: The purpose of the Planning Commission meeting is to conduct the
business of the community in an effective and efficient manner. For the benefit of the
community, the Town of Los Gatos asks that you follow the Town’s meeting guidelines while
attending Planning Commission meetings and treat everyone with respect and dignity. This is
done by following meeting guidelines set forth in State law and in the Town Code. Disruptive
conduct is not tolerated, including but not limited to: addressing the Commissioners without first
being recognized; interrupting speakers, Commissioners or Town staff; continuing to speak after
the allotted time has expired; failing to relinquish the podium when directed to do so; and
repetitiously addressing the same subject.
Deadlines for Public Comment and Presentations are as follows:
Persons wishing to make an audio/visual presentation on any agenda item must submit the
presentation electronically, either in person or via email, to the Planning Department by 1
p.m. or the Clerk’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the Planning Commission
meeting.
Persons wishing to submit written comments to be included in the materials provided to the
Planning Commission must provide the comments to the Planning Department as follows:
o For inclusion in the regular packet: by 11:00 a.m. the Friday before the meeting
o For inclusion in any Addendum: by 11:00 a.m. the day before the meeting
o For inclusion in any Desk Item: by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting
Planning Commission meetings are broadcast Live on KCAT, Channel 15 (on Comcast) on the 2 nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Live and Archived Planning Commission meetings can be viewed by going to:
https://www.kcat.org/government-meetings
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING,
PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK DEPARTMENT AT (408) 354-6834. NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE TOWN
TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING [28 CFR §35.102-35.104]
Page 1
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
This meeting is being conducted utilizing teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with
State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19
pandemic. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on television and/or online at:
https://meetings.municode.com/PublishPage/index?cid=LOSGATOS&ppid=4bc370fb-3064-
458e-a11a-78e0c0e5d161&p=0. In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20, the public may
only view the meeting on television and/or online and not in the Council Chamber.
PARTICIPATION
If you are not interested in providing oral comments real-time during the meeting, you can view
the live stream of the meeting on television (Comcast Channel 15) and/or online at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFh35XRBWer1DPx-F7vvhcg.
If you are interested in providing oral comments in real-time during the meeting, you must join
the Zoom webinar at:
https://losgatosca-gov.zoom.us/j/84199173675?pwd=eHNWa1JVT1U1RktONEdZU1E1YkpmZz09
Passcode: 254578.
Please be sure you have the most up-to-date version of the Zoom application should you
choose to provide public comment during the meeting. Note that participants cannot turn their
cameras on during the entire duration of the meeting.
During the meeting:
When the Chair announces the item for which you wish to speak, click the “raise hand”
feature in Zoom. If you are participating by phone on the Zoom app, press *9 on your
telephone keypad to raise your hand. If you are participating by calling in, press #2 on
your telephone keypad to raise your hand.
When called to speak, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes, or such other
time as the Chair may decide, consistent with the time limit for speakers at a Council
meeting.
If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may send an email to
PlanningComment@losgatosca.gov with the subject line “Public Comment Item # ” (insert
the item number relevant to your comment) or “Verbal Communications – Non Agenda
Item.” Comments will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting if received by 11:00
a.m. on the day of the meeting. All comments received will become part of the record. The
Chair has the option to modify this action on items based on comments received.
REMOTE LOCATION PARTICIPANTS
The following Planning Commissioners are listed to permit them to appear electronically or
telephonically at the Planning Commission meeting: CHAIR KATHRYN JANOFF, VICE CHAIR
BURCH, COMMISSIONER BARNETT, COMMISSIONER HANSSEN, COMMISSIONER SUZUKI,
COMMISSIONER TAVANA, AND COMMISSIONER THOMAS. All votes during the teleconferencing
session will be conducted by roll call vote.
Page 2
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
7:00 PM
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (Members of the public may address the Commission on any matter
that is not listed on the agenda. Unless additional time is authorized by the Commission, remarks
shall be limited to three minutes.)
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION) (Before the Planning Commission
acts on the consent agenda, any member of the public or Commission may request that any item
be removed from the consent agenda. At the Chair’s discretion, items removed from the consent
calendar may be considered either before or after the Public Hearings portion of the agenda)
1. Drafted Minutes of the January 13, 2021 Meeting
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Applicants/Appellants and their representatives may be allotted up to a total
of five minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the public may be allotted up to
three minutes to comment on any public hearing item. Applicants/Appellants and their
representatives may be allotted up to a total of three minutes maximum for closing
statements. Items requested/recommended for continuance are subject to the Commission’s
consent at the meeting.)
2. Requesting Approval for demolition of an existing single-family residence, construction
of a new single-family residence, removal of a large protected tree, and site
improvements requiring a Grading Permit on property zoned R-1:12. APN 510-20-068.
This property is located at 62 Ellenwood Avenue. PROPERTY OWNER: Lisa and Case
Swenson. APPLICANT: Lisa Nichols, Arcanum Architecture, Inc. PROJECT PLANNER: Sean
Mullin. Continued from the December 9, 2020 Planning Commission meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following
items.)
None.
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS / COMMISSION MATTERS
ADJOURNMENT (Planning Commission policy is to adjourn no later than 11:30 p.m. unless a
majority of the Planning Commission votes for an extension of time)
Writings related to an item on the Planning Commission meeting agenda distributed to members of the Commission
within 72 hours of the meeting are available for public inspection on the official Town of Los Gatos website.
Note: The Town of Los Gatos has adopted the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6; litigation challenging a
decision of the Town Council must be brought within 90 days after the decision is announced unless a shorter time is
required by State or Federal law.
Page 3
Get email alerts for Los Gatos
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.