Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · September 22, 2021
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, September 22, 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 PM
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
Nancy Knight, 308 Harding Avenue
She is an appellant on the 17200 Los Robles Way lot line adjustment appeal which had a
Planning Commission hearing on September 8th. She asked for clarity on the Town’s
obligation to adhere to its ordinances as related to lot mergers.
Alison Steer, 304 Harding Avenue
With respect to the 17200 Los Robles Way lot line adjustment appeal Planning
Commission hearing on September 8th, the Appellants feel the Planning Commission was
misdirected with regard to the Lot Merger Ordinance and permissions afforded by the
SMA.
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – September 8, 2021
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Barnett.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously (6-0), Commissioner Thomas absent during
this vote.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. 244 Harding Avenue
Architecture and Site Application S-21-025
APN 532-36-049
Applicant: Henry Riggs
Property Owner: Marcus Thordal
Project Planner: Jocelyn Shoopman
Requesting Approval for Modification to an Existing Architecture and Site Application (S-
19-016) to Modify the Conditions of Approval on Property Zoned R-1:8.
Jocelyn Shoopman, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Marcus Thordal (Applicant/Owner)
Conversations with more than 30 neighbors regarding the sidewalk led them to
file for this modification to the sidewalk layout, as every single neighbor said
continuing the existing sidewalk is the only layout that makes sense for a sidewalk
that ends after their house and where the lot slopes, and that is his opinion as well.
He supports installing a sidewalk and asked the Commission to focus on the
objective of providing the best fitting sidewalk to the location.
Alison Steer, 304 Harding Avenue
I live around the corner from the subject site. The way the Town is asking the
applicant to lay out the pavement would mean walking along then crossing the
street. She asked why the homeowners of the newly built house at 234 Harding
Avenue were not asked to install a planter strip.
Bill Ehlers, 544 University Ave
Los Gatos has street diversity in its hillsides and sidewalks that don’t always go
perfectly, and that is part of its charm. It doesn’t seem fair to have homeowners
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
always pay for improvements that are dictated by the Town and perhaps some
arbitrary standards that do not apply or are tough to apply to sloped lots. I support
the applicant and encourages the Planning Commission to approve my appeal.
Terry Rinehart, 110 Worcester Loop
I live around the corner from the subject site. How many Commissioners have
walked by the property firsthand because a first-hand observation shows that
having that planter strip in there doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.
Michelle Todus
I live in the neighborhood. Most of the neighborhood has no sidewalks, and if
the Commission feels the neighborhood should have sidewalks then the Town
should approach this with a broader view, because putting the onus on one
homeowner for a 20-foot piece of sidewalk is unfair when the houses on either side
do not have this. The Town should look at what the neighborhood wants in
furthering goals of access and enjoyment.
Marcus Thordal (Applicant/Owner)
I understood from the beginning that he had to install a sidewalk but was
surprised when I realized what the layout was.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to approve a modification to
an existing architecture and site application to modify condition of
approval 44 to state the applicant shall construct an attached
sidewalk consistent with 246 and 248 Harding Avenue and to
extend the length of the property instead of the current condition
with the Town standards for 244 Harding Avenue. Seconded by
Commissioner Tavana.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
Commissioner Barnett requested the motion be amended to require separate
improvement of this property to conform to the sidewalks of 246 and 248 Harding
Avenue at such time as either property is required to put in a parking strip.
The maker of the motion declined to amend the motion.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2021
VOTE: Motion passed 5-1 with Commissioner Thomas dissenting and
Commissioner Suzuki abstaining.
OTHER BUSINESS
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Joel Paulson, Director of Community Development
A Town Council/Planning Commission joint study session was held on September 20th
regarding the Draft 2040 General Plan, which is out for public review and comment.
Public comment for the accompanying Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has
closed but the Draft EIR can still be reviewed.
The next opportunity to discuss the Draft 2040 General Plan will be at a community
meeting via Zoom on October 6th at 6:00 p.m. Information is available at
www.LosGatos2040.com.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
September 22, 2021 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 22, 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/89243487393?pwd=Ulo4WXBaY0dEcHFQTEtPT2FhcGZ6dz09.
Passcode: 253099.
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
SEPTEMBER 22, 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 September 8, 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 Modification to an Existing Architecture and Site Application (S-
19-016) to Modify the Conditions of Approval on Property Zoned R-1:8. APN 532-36-049.
Architecture and Site Application S-21-025. Located at 244 Harding Avenue. Property
Owner: Marcus Thordal. Applicant: Henry Riggs. Project Planner: Jocelyn Shoopman.
OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following
items.)
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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