Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Gatos, CA · December 11, 2024
Minutes
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2024
The Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL
Present: Vice Chair Emily Thomas, Commissioner Jeffrey Barnett, Commissioner Susan Burnett,
and Commissioner Melanie Hanssen
Absent: Chair Steve Raspe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT ITEMS (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
1. Approval of Minutes – November 13, 2024
2. Annual Review of an approved Conditional Use Permit for an existing private school
(Hillbrook School) on property zoned HR-1. Located at 300 Marchmont Drive. APNs 532-
10-001 and 532-11-011. Conditional Use Permit Application U-12-002.
Applicant/Property Owner: Mark Silver/Hillbrook School. Project Planner: Jocelyn
Shoopman.
Commissioner Barnett stated that he would recuse himself from voting on the Item 2 due to
his proximity to the Hillbrook School.
Commissioner Hanssen stated that with Commissioner Barnett’s recusal there would no
longer be a quorum.
MOTION: Motion by Vice Chair Thomas to approve adoption of the Consent
Calendar, and to continue Item 2, Hillbrook School, to a date certain of
January 8, 2025. Seconded by Commissioner Hanssen.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
PAGE 2 OF 5
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. 120 Oak Meadow Drive
Architecture and Site Application S-22-021
Subdivision Application M-20-011
Planned Development Application PD-20-002
APN 529-10-131
Applicants: Terence J. Szewczyk (M-20-011 and PD-20-002) and Jay Plett, Architect (S-
22-021).
Property Owner: Marty and Penny McFarland
Project Planner: Sean Mullin
Requesting approval for modification of Planned Development Ordinance 1412,
subdivision of one lot into two lots, construction of a single-family residence, and site
work requiring a Grading Permit on property zoned O:PD. Categorically exempt
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15315: Minor Land Divisions; 15303: New
Construction; and 15304: Minor Alterations to Land.
Sean Mullin, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
Jay Plett (Applicant)
We believe the project has been very well designed and respects the native mature oak
trees, with the house intentionally designed around the trees’ preservation. Mr. McFarland and
I met with the HOA members and agreed on the debris fence and obscure window, and they
were fine with our resubmitted plans and sent an email to Planning Manager Mullin to the
effect that they consented to the changes.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Barnett to recommend to Town Council
approval of modification of Planned Development Ordinance 1412,
Architecture and Site Application, Subdivision Application, and Planned
Development Application for 120 Oak Meadow Drive. Seconded by
Commissioner Hanssen.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2024
4. Town Code Amendment Regarding Parking Standards
Town Code Amendment Application A-24-009
Location: Town Wide
Applicant: Town of Los Gatos
Forward a recommendation to the Town Council on an ordinance amending Chapter 29
(Zoning Regulations) of the Town Code regarding Parking Standards. Pursuant to
Implementation Program AA of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. Adoption of this
ordinance is exempt pursuant to CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3) in that it can be seen with
certainty that it will not impact the environment.
Sean Mullin, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
No public comments.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Hanssen to recommend to Town Council
approval of a Town Code Amendments regarding Parking Standards.
Seconded by Commissioner Barnett.
Commissioner Hanssen amended the motion to state that a clearer definition of “transit
stop” shall be incorporated and put in the code.
The seconder of the motion agreed to the amendment to the motion.
VOTE: Motion passed 3-1 with Commissioner Burnett dissenting.
5. Town Code Amendment Regarding Considerations for an Architecture and Site
Application, Findings for a Conditional Use Permit, Manufactured Housing, and Private
Open Space and Community Recreation Space Requirements
Town Code Amendment Application A-24-008
Project Location: Town Wide
Applicant: Town of Los Gatos
Forward a recommendation to the Town Council on amendments to Chapter 29 (Zoning
Regulations) of the Town Code regarding considerations for an Architecture and Site
Application, findings for a Conditional Use Permit, manufactured housing, and private
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MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2024
open space and community recreation space requirements, pursuant to Implementation
Program AQ of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. Adoption of this ordinance is exempt
pursuant to CEQA, Section 15061 (b)(3) in that it can be seen with certainty that it will
not impact the environment.
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.
Opened Public Comment.
No public comments.
Closed Public Comment.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Barnett to recommend to Town Council
approval of Town Code Amendments regarding considerations for an
Architecture and Site application, findings for a Conditional Use Permit,
manufactured housing, and private open space and community
recreation space requirements. Seconded by Commissioner Hanssen.
Commissioners discussed the matter.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
6. 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Calendar
Opened Public Comment.
No public comments.
Closed Public Comment.
PAGE 5 OF 5
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2024
REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
A ceremony to mark the transition of Mayor and Vice Mayor was held the previous
evening. New Mayor Matthew Hudes and Vice Mayor Rob Moore will continue forward
for the next year.
The Planning Commission reviewed several items that were introduced at the December
3rd Town Council meeting for the implementation programs and are now on the
calendar for adoption at the December 17th Town Council meeting.
There are several applicants to fill the two vacant Planning Commission seats.
Information on everyone who applied for every open seat on every commission and
committee can be found on the Town Clerk’s website.
This is the last Planning Commission meeting of the year. Director Paulson wished
everyone Happy Holidays and thanked the Planning Commission and staff for their hard
work over the past year.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMISSION MATTERS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true
and correct copy of the minutes of the
December 11, 2024 meeting as approved by the
Planning Commission.
_____________________________
/s/ Vicki Blandin
Agenda
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
DECEMBER 11, 2024
110 EAST MAIN STREET
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 PM
Steven Raspe, Chair
Emily Thomas, Vice Chair
Jeffrey Barnett, Commissioner
Susan Burnett, Commissioner
Melanie Hanssen, Commissioner
Vacant, Commissioner
Vacant, Commissioner
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
The public is welcome to provide oral comments in real-time during the meeting in three ways:
Zoom webinar (Online): Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device: Please click this
URL to join: https://losgatosca-
gov.zoom.us/j/83118490373?pwd=9MOERHNOJkmqOcMWlg00rQaJ9V95ow.3P0k18eYpQFP
_lX3. Passcode: 998041. You can also type in 831 1849 0373 in the “Join a Meeting” page on
the Zoom website at https://zoom.us/join and use passcode 998041.
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.
Telephone: Please dial (877) 336-1839 US Toll-free or (636) 651-0008 US Toll.
(Conference code: 686100). If you are participating by calling in, press #2 on your
telephone keypad to raise your hand.
In-Person: Please complete a “speaker’s card” located on the back of the Chamber benches
and return it to the Vice Chair before the meeting or when the Chair announces the item for
which you wish to speak.
NOTES: (1) Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes or less at the Chair’s discretion.
(2) 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.” All comments received will become part of the
record.
(3) Deadlines to submit written public comments are:
11:00 a.m. the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting for inclusion in the agenda
packet.
11:00 a.m. the Tuesday before the Planning Commission meeting for inclusion in an addendum.
11:00 a.m. on the day of the Planning Commission meeting for inclusion in a desk item.
(4) Persons wishing to make an audio/visual presentation must submit the presentation
electronically to planning@losgatosca.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the Planning
Commission meeting.
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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 (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION) (Before the Planning Commission acts
on the consent agenda, any member of the public 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 of the November 13, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting
2. Annual Review of an Approved Conditional Use Permit for an Existing Private School
(Hillbrook School) on Property Zoned HR-1. Located at 300 Marchmont Drive. APNs 532-10-
001 and 532-11-011. Conditional Use Permit Application U-12-002. Applicant/Property
Owner: Mark Silver/Hillbrook School. Project Planner: Jocelyn Shoopman.
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 Modification of Planned Development Ordinance 1412, Subdivision
of One Lot into Two Lots, Construction of a Single-Family Residence, and Site Work
Requiring a Grading Permit on Property Zoned O:PD. Located at 120 Oak Meadow Drive.
APN 529-10-131. Subdivision Application M-20-011, Planned Development Application PD-
20-002, Architecture and Site Application S-22-021. Categorically Exempt Pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15315: Minor Land Divisions; 15303: New Construction; and 15304:
Minor Alterations to Land. Property Owner: Marty and Penny McFarland. Applicants:
Terence J. Szewczyk (M-20-011 and PD-20-002) and Jay Plett, Architect (S-22-021). Project
Planner: Sean Mullin.
4. Forward a Recommendation to the Town Council on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 29
(Zoning Regulations) of the Town Code Regarding Parking Standards, Pursuant to
Implementation Program AA of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. Adoption of this Ordinance
is Exempt Pursuant to CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3) in that it can be Seen with Certainty that it
will not Impact the Environment. Town Code Amendment Application A-24-009. Project
Location: Town Wide. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.
Page 2
5. Forward a Recommendation to the Town Council on Amendments to Chapter 29 (Zoning
Regulations) of the Town Code Regarding Considerations for an Architecture and Site
Application, Findings for a Conditional Use Permit, Manufactured Housing, and Private Open
Space and Community Recreation Space Requirements, Pursuant to Implementation
Program AQ of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. Adoption of this Ordinance is Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA, Section 15061(b)(3) in that it Can be Seen with Certainty that it Will not
Impact the Environment. Town Code Amendment Application A-24-008. Project Location:
Town Wide. Applicant: Town of Los Gatos.
OTHER BUSINESS
6. 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Calendar
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)
ADA NOTICE In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance
to participate in this meeting, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (408) 354- 6834. Notification at
least two (2) business days prior to the meeting date will enable the Town to make reasonable
arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR §35.102-35.104]
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
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