Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · January 10, 2024
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2024
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Vice Chair Steve Raspe, Commissioner Susan Burnett, Commissioner Melanie Hanssen,
Commissioner Kathryn Janoff, Commissioner Adam Mayer, and Commissioner Emily Thomas.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – November 15, 2023
2. Approval of Minutes – November 29, 2023
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Thomas.
VOTE: Motion passed 5-0, with Commissioner Mayer abstaining.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. 212 Thurston Street
APN 410-15-039
Property Owner/Applicant: Meleah Guillardo
Project Planner: Maria Chavarin
Requesting Approval for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence and
Construction of a New Single-Family Residence with Reduced Setbacks on Property
Zoned R-1D. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2024
(CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15303(a): New Construction or Conversion of Small
Structures.
Maria Chavarin, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Meleah Guillardo, Property Owner/Applicant
- I am requesting approval to build a new home, as the current structure is very out of date
and an eyesore in the neighborhood. I also plan to repair the garage. I look forward to
being a good and accommodating neighbor.
Chris Spaulding, Architect
- This is a very small lot adjacent to the commercial zone. We designed the proposed home
with the anticipation that something large or unattractive might be built on the adjacent
commercial property, and also to meet the applicant’s needs and to the extent possible
protect the neighbors’ privacy, light, and views. We made revisions to the second floor
windows with the exception of the master bedroom windows, but propose a hedge to
accommodate the rear neighbors’ privacy concerns. We seek reduced setbacks because
they would reduce the shadows onto the rear neighbors a little bit and allow space for the
applicant to have a small porch on the front, as requested by the Town’s consulting
architect. Even with the reduced setbacks the proposed house is still farther back than the
existing house, and it allows for a little larger back yard for the applicant.
Bill Hopps
- I reside on Olive Street behind the property. My biggest concern is the scale of the project,
being much larger than any other home, especially the homes behind it, and it would
impact our light visibility out of the back. The hedge the applicant suggests is great, but the
master bedroom windows were not changed in size and they have a good view of our back
entryway and bedroom and I’m not sure the hedge would sufficiently block it. The Town’s
consulting architect has said the size and scale of the proposed home is out of character for
the neighborhood, and that seems to have been ignored.
Marta Iglesias
- My husband and I own 105 Olive Street, which shares the garage and a little bit of fence
with the subject site. I thank the applicant for taking some measures to respect our
privacy. My concern that has not been addressed is that the house next door to the
subject site is also a two-story house, but it is much lower and I can barely see it, but the
applicant’s proposed house is much taller. Can the applicant’s two-story home be lowered
by five feet to be like the house next to it? I’m happy privacy measures would be taken,
but I don't know that the proposed hedge would protect our privacy, because the proposed
house is very prominent.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2024
Carolyn Bechtel
- I live at 103 Olive Street and this is directly in my back yard over the fence. I will miss my
sky view and trees, but I appreciate progress and people building their homes in this Town.
I’m not clear on what is happening with the master bedroom windows, which would look
directly into my bedroom.
Lee Quintana
- If the garage is going to have a separate application, should a condition of approval be
added that the occupancy permit not be finalized until the garage has also been repaired?
If the house is moved back, it would probably have more impact on the rear yard
neighbors, and if it is moved forward it would have more impact on the street, so the
question is not whether it should be moved back or forward but whether it should be
modified to be not so massive and imposing.
Moses Guillardo
- The applicant is my daughter. My bother and I have run a landscape construction company
for a long time. I hear the neighbors behind my daughter’s property and what they ask in
terms of the house height. I would bring in English Laurel between eight to nine feet tall,
and if necessary I would bring in 14 to 16 foot camphor trees to screen the back, and we’re
going to build a brand new fence, so there would be privacy, although the neighbors would
still see the mountains. We looked at fixing up the current house, but it is not fixable and is
a tear down. We would like to make a change and build something nice for Los Gatos.
Meleah Guillardo, Property Owner/Applicant
- While I respect my neighbors’ privacy concerns, I want to acknowledge that I have my own
privacy concerns. I won’t be looking into my neighbors’ yards all day, and I want to have
my own privacy protected as much as possible, which is why we are making these changes.
I do want to be a good neighbor, but I also want to better the neighborhood and
community.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Janoff to approve demolition of an existing
single-family residence and construction of a new single-family residence
with reduced setbacks on property zoned R-1D with an additional
condition requiring repair of the detached garage prior to certificate of
occupancy for the house. Seconded by Commissioner Hanssen.
The maker of the motion amended the motion to include privacy screening and the window
changes in Exhibit 11.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2024
The seconder of the motion accepted the amendment to the motion.
VOTE: Motion passed 5-1 with Commissioner Burnett dissenting.
Appeal rights were recited.
OTHER BUSINESS
4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to nominate Vice Chair Raspe as Chair
of the Planning Commission 2024 session. Seconded by Commissioner
Burnett.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Motion by Chair Raspe to nominate Commissioner Thomas as Vice Chair
of the Planning Commission 2024 session. Seconded by Commissioner
Janoff.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Jennifer Armer, Planning Manager
The Town Council met on December 19, 2023:
o Denied an appeal of the proposed lot line adjustment at 17200 Los Robles Way
and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision.
o Discussed the Draft Housing Element. There will be additional discussion of the
Housing Element at the Council’s January 16, 2024 meeting. Town staff and the
consultant will prepare revisions in response to the State’s December 1, 2023
letter.
o A meeting of the Housing Element Advisory Board is scheduled for January 18,
2024.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
None.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
January 10, 2024 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
JANUARY 10, 2024
110 EAST MAIN STREET
LOS GATOS, CA
Vacant, Chair
Steven Raspe, Vice Chair
Susan Burnett, Commissioner
Melanie Hanssen, Commissioner PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC PROCESS
Kathryn Janoff, Commissioner
Adam Mayer, 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:
www.LosGatosCA.gov/TownYouTube
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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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 10, 2024
110 EAST MAIN STREET AND TELECONFERENCE
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
LOS GATOS, CA
7:00 PM
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is a hybrid/in-person meeting and will be held in-person at the Town Council Chambers at 110 E.
Main Street and virtually through the Zoom webinar application (log-in information provided below).
Members of the public may provide public comments for agenda items in-person or virtually through
the Zoom webinar by following the instructions listed below. The live stream of the meeting may be
viewed on television and/or online at www.LosGatosCA.gov/TownYouTube.
PARTICIPATION
To provide oral comments in real-time during the meeting:
Zoom webinar: Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this URL to join:
https://losgatosca-gov.zoom.us/j/81903686234?pwd=zuLXUKb-gjISXyDEx0Xg1ItgSlXGSg.WwYpvVgI-
RFm_2OS.
Passcode: 992931. You can also type in 819 0368 6234 in the “Join a Meeting” page on the Zoom
website at https://zoom.us/join.
o 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.
Join by telephone: Join by Telephone: Dial: USA 877 336 1839 US Toll-free or 636 651 0008 US
Toll. Conference code: 686100
o If you are participating by calling in, press #2 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand.
In-Person: If you wish to speak during the meeting, please complete a “speaker’s card” located
on the back of the chamber benches and return it to the Vice Chair. If you wish to speak to an
item on the agenda, please list the item number. If you wish to speak on an item NOT on the
agenda, please list the subject and you may speak during the “Verbal Communications” period.
The time allocated to speakers may change to better facilitate the Planning Commission meeting.
When called to speak, you may be asked to provide your full name and your town/city of residence.
This identifying information is optional and not a requirement for participation. 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 wish to speak to an item or items on the Consent
Calendar, please state which item number(s) you are commenting on at the beginning of your time.
If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may email to Planning@losgatosca.gov the subject
line “Public Comment Item #__” (insert the item number relevant to your comment) or “Verbal
Communications – Non-Agenda Item.” Comments received by 11:00 a.m. the day of the meeting will
be reviewed and distributed before the meeting. All comments received will become part of the
record.
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
JANUARY 10, 2024
7:00 PM
MEETING CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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 November 15, 2023 Planning Commission Special Meeting
2. Draft Minutes of the November 29, 2023 Planning Commission Special 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.)
3. Requesting Approval for Demolition of an Existing Single-Family Residence and Construction
of a New Single-Family Residence with Reduced Setbacks on Property Zoned R-1D. Located at
212 Thurston Street. APN 410-15-039. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Section 15303(a): New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures. PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: Meleah Guillardo. PROJECT
PLANNER: Maria Chavarin.
OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following items.)
4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
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)
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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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