Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · August 25, 2021
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2021
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, August 25, 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 Jeffrey Suzuki, Commissioner Reza Tavana,
Absent: Commissioner Melanie Hanssen, Commissioner Emily Thomas
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – July 28, 2021
Chair Janoff announced that the Appeal for Item 2 of the Consent Calendar had been
withdrawn.
2. 15897 Camino Del Cerro
Architecture and Site Application S-20-006
APN 523-24-044
Applicant: Robin McCarthy
Appellant: Jack Hardin
Property Owners: Francesco Iacopino and Leire Carbone Aguero
Project Planner: Ryan Safty
Consider an Appeal of a Development Review Committee decision approving a request
for demolition of an existing single-family residence, construction of a new single-family
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2021
residence to exceed floor area ratio (FAR) standards, and site work requiring a Grading
Permit on property zoned R-1:8.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Barnett to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Tavana.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Wood Road
Architecture and Site Application S-21-003
APN 510-47-045
Applicant: Gary Kohlsaat, Architect
Property Owners: Omari and Kavita Bouknight
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
Consider approval for construction of a new single-family residence and site
improvements requiring a Grading Permit on vacant property zoned HR-5.
Sean Mullin, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Kavita Bouknight, Owner
- They revised their proposal according to the Planning Commission’s feedback. They
modified their roof design to be flat, which reduces the height by 3’ in the most visible area
and 2’ in the least visible sections. They also propose screening trees. Utilizing these two
methods has reduced their visibility from 34.9-percent to 24.2-percent.
Simon Lawnsdale, Templeton Lane
- The proposed home is not visible from Bella Vista Avenue. The applicants have tried to fit in
with the Town’s character with their approach. He appreciates the applicants as a family
moving into Los Gatos and he approves of the project.
Adam Wright, Vista Del Mar
- He supports the applicants and their project. He is a long-time friend of the applicants and
is thrilled they have chosen to be part of the Los Gatos community. The applicants have
been diligent and sincere in their effort to live up to the spirit of the guidelines and would
be a tremendous addition to the community.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2021
Justin Draa, Neighbor
- He is the neighbor who granted the exclusive use easement and is directly affected by this
project. He is thrilled at the prospect of the vacant lot being developed because it attracts
vandalism. He supports the project and was pleased to see the screening trees plan. The
home’s design conforms well to the neighborhood and he likes the tiered approach that
follows the slope of the hillside.
David Ebrahimi
- Before they purchased their property they made sure everything was in-line for the right-
of-way and access to the one-acre lot. The access and right-of-way to that lot has always
been there. With the lot line adjustment he did not know how it could be diminished. They
have done detailed research and have an engineer.
Jiajun Lin, Neighbor
- People in his neighborhood work together to beautify areas and it is his understanding that
the applicant intends to do something to beautify the entrance of Wood Road. He fully
supports the project.
Dave Pierce
- He has known the applicants for many years and knows they will be outstanding members
of the community. It appears they have done their due diligence with respect to home
design.
Kavita Bouknight, Owner
- With respect to the right-of-way and easement, they respect Mr. Ebrahimi’s right to access
his parcels and have met with him twice. There is clearly an access road to get up to the
parcels. They are happy to address this and work out the issue privately with the goal that
he will be able to access his parcels.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Barnett to approve an Architecture and Site
application for Wood Road. Seconded by Commissioner Tavana.
VOTE: Motion passed 4-1 with Commissioner Burch dissenting.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2021
OTHER BUSINESS
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joel Paulson, Director of Community Development
The Draft 2040 General Plan and its accompanying EIR for are out for circulation and
public comment. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive verbal
comments reading the EIR on September 8, 2021, and written comments will be
accepted until September 13, 2021 at 5:00p.m.
The Town is getting ready to update its Housing Element and is recruiting for up to four
additional public members to join the General Plan Committee to form the Housing
Element Advisory Board, which will conduct that review and recommend a draft
Housing Element to the Planning Commission and Town Council.
The Town Council and Planning Commission will hold a study session on September 20,
2021 at 4:00p.m. to discuss the Draft General Plan.
Town Hall (Clerk’s Department, Parks and Public Works, and Community Development
Department) will reopen for the public to enter next week.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
August 25, 2021 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
AUGUST 25, 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/85494108942?pwd=LzZ1VEh3T0FMWDdGWXdMS1lTZjA2UT09.
Passcode: 137979.
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
AUGUST 25, 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 (Items appearing on the Consent Items are considered routine Town business
and may be approved by one motion. Any member of the Commission may request to have an
item removed from the Consent Items for comment and action. Members of the public may
provide input on any or multiple Consent Item(s) when the Chair asks for public comments on the
Consent Items. If you wish to comment, please follow the Participation Instructions contained on
Page 2 of this agenda. If an item is removed, the Chair has the sole discretion to determine when
the item will be heard.)
1. Draft Minutes of the July 28, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting
2. Consider an Appeal of a Development Review Committee Decision Approving a Request
for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence, Construction of a New Single-
Family Residence to Exceed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Standards, and Site Work Requiring a
Grading Permit on Property Zoned R-1:8. Located at 15897 Camino Del Cerro. APN
523-24-044. Architecture and Site Application S-20-006. Property Owners: Francesco
Iacopino and Leire Carbone Aguero. Applicant: Robin McCarthy. Appellant: Jack Hardin.
Project Planner: Ryan Safty.
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.)
3. Consider Approval for Construction of a New Single-family Residence and Site
Improvements Requiring a Grading Permit on Vacant Property Zoned HR-5. Located on
Wood Road. APN 510-47-045. Architecture and Site Application S-21-003. Property
Owners: Omari and Kavita Bouknight. Applicant: Gary Kohlsaat, Architect. Project
Planner: Sean Mullin.
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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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