Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · March 24, 2021
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 24, 2021
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, March 24, 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, and Commissioner Emily Thomas
Absent: Commissioner Reza Tavana
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – March 10, 2021
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar. Seconded by Vice Chair Burch.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 140 Arroyo Grande Way
Architecture and Site Application S-20-013
APN 424-23-048
Property Owner/Applicant: Yogesh Jhamb
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2021
Requesting approval for demolition of an existing single-family residence and
construction of a new single-family residence on property zoned R-1:8.
Sean Mullin, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Yogesh Jhamb (Owner/Applicant):
- The project is driven by the need for more space for family. Their home fits in well with the
neighborhood because there are homes across the street that are around 16 feet tall. They
have no windows with views into the living and yard spaces of the adjacent homes because
there are no aligned windows. The floor level of the proposed home is the same as the
current home. Side windows are only used when street and back yard facing windows are
not possible. Their fence is 7-feet on one side and 6-feet on the other and they are willing
to share the expense to increase the fence height. Their photos show that the proposed
home would not block sunlight to their neighbors. The front extension of the home would
not block the street view of the adjacent home.
Charlene Land, 124 Arroyo Grande Way:
- They live to the north of the subject site. They support neighborhood improvements and
have remodeled their own house, but the size and scale of the proposed project pushes
every setback and the story poles indicate the house would loom over the neighborhood.
They would like the roof to be lowered because it impacts their south-facing windows. The
home's height would reduce the amount of sky they would see out of their windows. They
also have privacy concerns due to the window size.
Ian Land, 124 Arroyo Grande Way:
- The houses in the immediate area are the same height. Their sky view would be eliminated
by the proposed home, leaving only tiny slivers. The typical roof in the neighborhood is hip
and gable. They are asking for windows to be no higher than their fence height. They have
top-down window blinds that they would use and are willing to work with the applicants on
the fence height.
Anna Hellmer:
- They live kitty-corner to the subject site. This project is too large and complex as proposed.
The applicants did no outreach to neighbors other than their two adjacent neighbors. This
huge mass and structure would eliminate the sunlight in their yard, the viewscapes they
have enjoyed for 25 years, and would be a huge house in the middle of a block of one-story
homes, mostly Craftsman bungalows. There may not be a second story to the proposed
home, but it looks like it is two stories. They would like to see the scale of the home
reduced.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2021
Mark Hellmer:
- He is concerned regarding privacy with the height of the windows looking over the fences.
The applicant has offered to raise the fence height, but anything over 6 feet would exceed
the Los Gatos fence height requirement. The proposed house would block most of the view
from their back yard and blocks out the tree line they see.
Romia (phonetic):
- They are the neighbors behind the subject site and they have not been consulted at all
regarding the project. They are concerned about privacy because they would be greatly
affected if the house were built. They are also concerned about such large construction so
close by because she has asthma.
Joe Feng, 144 Arroyo Grande Way:
- They live next door to the subject site. The Los Gatos residential design guidelines state
that windows should be placed to minimize views into the living and yard space of adjacent
properties. The proposed windows are too large, too high, and look over the fence.
Yogesh Jhamb (Owner/Applicant):
- They did not reach out to all the nearby households because of COVID, but they can work
with anyone. The two homes in back of their property are on ground that is raised by 2
feet, so the fence is not 6 feet, it is 8 feet, but they can share the cost to raise it. The
sunlight to 124 Arroyo Grande Way is blocked by two huge trees in their back yard, not
their roof. The neighbors are concerned that the proposed home would not fit into the
neighborhood, but they believe the neighborhood will eventually transition into larger
homes like the one they are trying to build. They have been mindful of window size and
placement because their floor level stays the same.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
Opened Public Comment.
Commissioners asked a question of the applicant regarding continuing the item.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to continue the public hearing for 140
Arroyo Grande Way to a date certain of May 12, 2021, with direction.
Seconded by Vice Chair Burch.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2021
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joel Paulson, Director of Community Development
None.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
General Plan Update Advisory Committee
Commissioner Hanssen
- GPAC met on March 18, 2021:
o Completed review of the Community Design Element.
o Set timeline to finish review of the General Plan update before it is sent to the
Planning Commission and Town Council.
o GPAC will meet April 1, 2021 to review the Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice
Element. The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
Historic Preservation Committee
Vice Chair Burch
- HPC met on March 24, 2021; considered three items:
o 44 Bayview Avenue
o 17631 Bruce Avenue
o 445 Los Gatos Boulevard
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
March 24, 2021 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
MARCH 24, 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]
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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/83372296303?pwd=WDM1RnVFdVp6a01xM1NySHhydm9sQT09
Passcode: 653587.
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.
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
MARCH 24, 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. Draft Minutes from March 10, 2021 Planning Commission 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 and
Construction of a New Single-Family Residence on Property Zoned R-1:8 Located at 140
Arroyo Grande Way. APN 424-23-048. Architecture and Site Application S-20-013.
Property Owner/Applicant: Yogesh Jhamb. Project Planner: Sean Mullin.
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 at the reference desk of the Los Gatos Town Library,
located at 100 Villa Avenue; the Community Development Department and Clerk Department, both located at 110 E.
Main Street; and are also available for review on the official Town of Los Gatos website. Copies of desk items
distributed to members of the Commission at the meeting are available for review in the Town Council Chambers.
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.
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