TOWN OF LOS GATOS MEETING DATE: 07/22/2020 ITEM: 7 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

DATE: July 16, 2020

TO: Historic Preservation Committee

FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director

SUBJECT: 2040 General Plan Initial Draft Environment and Sustainability Element and 2020 General Plan Community Design Element

BACKGROUND:

The Los Gatos General Plan update process has so far included:

• Task A: Initiation; • Task B: Background Report; • Task C: Issues, Opportunities, and Constraints Report; • Task D: General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles; and • Task E: Land Use Alternatives Report.

Based on the Background Report, visioning, and alternatives planning in previous tasks, the General Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPAC) has begun Task F, which is the process of reviewing the Goals, Policies, and Implementation Programs of the General Plan elements.

In addition to the Vision and Guiding Principles, the General Plan is made up of a collection of elements, or topic categories. State law requires the General Plan to address nine elements: land use; circulation; housing; conservation; open space; noise; safety; environmental justice; and air quality. The Town’s existing General Plan contains the following elements:

• Land Use Element; • Community Design Element; • Housing Element (not part of this update); • Transportation Element; • Vasona Light Rail Element; • Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element (reviewed on March 5, 2020); • Environment and Sustainability Element; • Noise Element;

PREPARED BY: SALLY ZARNOWITZ, AIA, LEED AP Planning Manager

110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

PAGE 2 OF 2 SUBJECT: 2040 General Plan Initial Draft Environment and Sustainability Element and 2020 General Plan Community Design Element DATE: July 16, 2020

BACKGROUND (continued):

• Safety Element; and • Human Services Element (now called the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element, reviewed on June 18, 2020).

This update will integrate the environmental justice and air quality topic categories into the existing elements. This update will also include some consolidation and renaming of elements, and redistribution of goals, policies, and implementation programs between the elements.

The Town Council has indicated that the current General Plan is serving the community well, and this update provides the opportunity to refine the General Plan, address emerging trends and recent State laws, and consider new issues.

DISCUSSION:

Under Task F, the GPAC has been reviewing the Goals, Policies, and Implementation Programs of one or more of the General Plan elements at each of their recent meetings. The initial draft of each element provided to the GPAC has been reviewed and updated to be consistent with State law, and to match the new formatting for the 2040 General Plan.

At their July 2, 2020 meeting, the GPAC reviewed the initial draft of the Environment and Sustainability Element (Attachment 1), and made recommendations for any additions, deletions, or revisions. The initial draft is anticipated to be returned to them for review on August 20, 2020. It is recommended that the Historic Preservation Committee provide comments on the Cultural and Historical Resources section related to environmental review for consideration by the GPAC in their review.

At their September 17, 2020 meeting, the GPAC is anticipated to begin review of the initial draft of the Land Use and Community Design Element. It is recommended that the Historic Preservation Committee provide comments on the Historic Preservation section of the existing 2020 General Plan Community Design Element (Attachment 2) related to design review for consideration by the GPAC in their review.

Staff looks forward to the discussion with the Committee.

Attachments: 1. 2040 General Plan Initial Draft of the Environment and Sustainability Element 2. 2020 General Plan Community Design Element

N:\DEV\HISTORIC PRESERVATION\HPC Sheets\2020\07-22-20\Item 7 - Initial Draft Envir and Sustain and Existing Comm Design Elements\Staff Report.docx Environment and Sustainability Element

Residents of the Town of Los Gatos are vitally interested in retaining the charm and character of their community, conserving natural resources, and reducing waste. This Element is concerned with protecting and enhancing each of these important aspects of the Town. The Environment and Sustainability Element promotes resource sustainability to protect the Town’s built and natural ecologies for current and future generations. [Source: Existing General Plan, modified]

State law requires that a General Plan include a Conservation Element that includes how the Town will conserve, develop, and use natural resources, including biological resources, water resources, and energy resources. This Element also addresses and references the reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHG) and air quality in the 2012 Sustainability Plan, since clean air is an important natural resource and a vital component of a healthy environment. Water service, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste and recycling are discussed in the Public Facilities and Services Element. [Source: Existing General Plan]

This Element involves preservation of visual resources, the cultivated and natural environment, historical resources and their cultural significance, and energy conservation. The discussion on Historic Districts, historical structures, and how they are persevered, enhanced, and integrated is in the Community Design Element. Concerns about some of these resources are shared with adjacent communities, such as climate change and air quality, and the Town is committed to playing its part in local and regional conservation efforts of the resources identified below. [Source: New Text]

This element is divided into the following sections:

Section Title Page Key Terms ...... 7-2 Aesthetics ...... 7-3 Agricultural and Forestry Resources ...... 7-4 Biological Resources ...... 7-8 Air Quality ...... 7-13 Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...... 7-16 Energy ...... 7-19 Cultural and Historical Resources ...... 7-20 Tribal Cultural Resources ...... 7-23 Geology and Soils ...... 7-23 Hydrology and Water Quality ...... 7-24 Implementation Programs ...... 7-32

June 2020 Public Review Draft 7-1 ATTACHMENT 1 Public Review Draft Policy Document

Key Terms

Adaptation. Adaptation is preparing for climate change impacts that are expected to occur by making adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects that are aimed at minimizing harm or taking advantage of beneficial opportunities.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2). A naturally occurring gas that exists in the earth’s atmosphere. CO2 is also a by-product of burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as land-use changes and other industrial processes. It is the principal man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) that affects the earth's radiative balance. It is the reference gas against which other GHGs are measured and, therefore, has a global warming potential of one.

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e). CO2e is the measure of how much heat trapping potential a given type of greenhouse gas has on average over a 100-year time period, based on its molecular structure compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 has a baseline of one, while other gases can be tens to thousands of times higher. The carbon dioxide equivalent for a gas is derived by multiplying the tons of the gas by the associated global warming potential. Carbon dioxide equivalents are commonly expressed as "metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents” (MT CO2e). Different molecules decay at different rates, causing their heat trapping potential to decline over periods of decades to centuries.

Climate Change. Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from: natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the earth's orbit around the sun; natural processes within the climate system (e.g., changes in ocean circulation); human activities that change the atmosphere's composition (e.g., through burning fossil fuels); and the land surface (e.g., deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification, etc.).

Criteria Pollutants. The criteria pollutants are the six principle pollutants harmful to public health and the environment for which the Environmental Protection Agency has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The pollutants are: carbon monoxide (CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Greenhouse Gas (GHG). Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. GHGs contribute to the greenhouse effect. Some GHGs such as CO2 occur naturally and are emitted to the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities. Other GHGs (e.g., fluorinated gases) are created and emitted solely through human activities. The principal GHGs that enter the atmosphere because of human activities include water vapor, CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and fluorinated gases [hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)].

Particulate Matter. Particulate matter is fine metal, smoke, soot, and dust particles suspended in the air. Particulate matter is measured by two sizes: course particles (PM10), or particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter; and fine particles (PM2.5), or particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.

Riparian. Of, on, or pertaining to the bank of a natural course of water. For example, riparian vegetation is composed of plant species normally found near streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and other freshwater bodies.

Wetlands. Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. This definition of wetlands requires three wetland identification parameters to be present: wetland hydrology; hydric soils; and hydrophytic vegetation. Wetlands can be areas that are consistently inundated or seasonally inundated. Wetlands are delineated according to the USACE 1987 Wetlands Delineation Manual and are a subset of Waters of the United States.

7-2 Public Review Draft June 2020 7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Aesthetics

Community aesthetics refer to the appearance of a community and are important component to the way residents feel about their community in terms of the relationship between people and the natural environment. Aesthetic resources improve quality of life and foster a sense of pride for the community. The range of visual resources in Los Gatos attracts visitors and provides pleasure to residents. [Source: New Text]

Scenic Views and other Natural Visual Resources Natural visual resources primarily refer to the physical landscape, addressed here in Section 7.1 Aesthetics, Section 7.2, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, and Section 7.3, Biological Resources. While the following sections discuss the specific criteria of conserving these resources, Section 7.1, Aesthetics, addresses the way in which natural and built environments provide a sense of place specific to Los Gatos and are important to the community identity. It includes scenic vistas, designated scenic highways and roadways, and other natural settings important to the quality of life for the Town residents and visitors. [Source: New Text]

Situated at the northeastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos is defined by a beautiful natural setting that is part of the Town’s fabric in the form of striking views of the forested hillsides, mature trees, and creekside trails. The foothills and higher elevations afford views toward the greater Santa Clara Valley looking north and east. State Route (SR) 9 is an officially designated State Scenic Highway that bisects the town on a north to south axis, just west and south of Los Gatos as Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. The portion of SR 17 between the SR 9 interchange and Santa Cruz is eligible for State Scenic Highway designation. [Source: modified from the 2020 Los Gatos General Plan CD Element and New Text]

Throughout the community, wooded terrain provides a distinctive sense of place in Los Gatos, where residential development and native or landscaped vegetation commingle to support the distinctive Town character. The urban forest in Los Gatos has been recognized by a Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, noting the Town’s commitment to preserving this important feature. [Source: modified from the 2020 Los Gatos General Plan CD Element and New Text]

NOTE: Goals and policies pertaining to parks, trails, and opens space are covered in the Open  Space, Parks, and Recreation Element.

The following goals, policies, and programs aim to protecting and promoting aesthetic resources in Los Gatos.

Promote and protect viewsheds and scenic resources. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal CD-16, modified]

Scenic Resources Require design review for developments that due to their site location and massing block views from roadways and public spaces of the surrounding hillsides. [Source: Existing Policy CD-16.1 and 16.3, modified]

Scenic Easements Encourage the use of scenic easements in specific areas, particularly in hillside development and in the downtown. [Source: Existing Policy CD-16.2, modified]

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Undergrounding Requirements Encourage when possible, new development that has utilities placed underground. If undergrounding isn’t possible, an in-lieu fee shall be paid toward future undergrounding. [Source: New Policy]

Maintain and enhance the tree canopy trees and significant natural features for the future. [New Goal]

Tree Protection Update the Town’s Tree Protection Ordinance to ensure tree removal and replacement during development is consistent with the latest in tree conservation standards to support the Town’s Arbor Day Foundation status as a Tree City USA. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.1, modified]

Landscaping in Public Spaces Maintain existing trees and introduce new ones, where appropriate, to protect and enhance street and public space appearance. Encourage generous plantings in parking lots and public spaces where new tree canopies can maximize beneficial effects. [Source: New Policy]

Landscape Design Continue to update landscape design guidelines for development consistent with Biological Resources goals and policies. Landscape design should promote the implementation of native species, drought tolerant species, and fire-wise plants and designs, including in hillside areas, and future planning areas. [Source: New Policy]

Agricultural and Forestry Resources

Woodland/forest communities account for approximately 4,329 acres in the Los Gatos area and include riparian woodlands, oak woodlands, broad-leaved upland forest, and non-native ornamental trees. In the Town of Los Gatos Sphere of Influence (SOI) riparian woodlands occur along Los Gatos Creek, Guadalupe Creek, Pheasant Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek, and other creeks and drainages. The riparian woodlands support a dense, well-developed canopy of riparian trees dominated by a mix of native species and non-native trees, including ornamentals. Oak woodlands are located primarily in the southern and eastern portions of the Los Gatos. The forestland throughout the southern and eastern portions of Los Gatos are no longer used as a source of timber for logging. Many of these areas are designated as protected recreational and open space, serving as wildlife habitat and as an important resource for residents and visitors (See the Open Space and Recreation Element for more on this topic). Approximately 1,650 acres of shrubland fall under this woodland designation, including undeveloped parcels that are currently designated for light agriculture in the Town limits and in the SOI (Figure 7- 1). [Source: Existing General Plan, Biological Resources Section, modified]

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Agricultural Land in Los Gatos and Sphere of Influence

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The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, commonly known as the Williamson Act, enables local governments to preserve specific agricultural and open space lands by entering into a contractual agreement with private landowners, who receive tax relief on designated agricultural and open space properties. Approximately 125 acres of land in the Town limits and 358 acres of land outside of the Town limits and in the SOI are under Williamson Act contracts (see Figure 7-2). The North Forty is an area on the northern edge of Town that has historically been under production with walnut groves and fruit orchards. This area is zoned for residential development, and a two-phase residential project is underway that includes affordable housing for older adults and commercial uses and schools. [Source: New Text]

The following goals and policies will guide the preservation and conservation of agricultural resources.

Preserve agricultural lands as a biological resource. [Source: New Goal]

Placement of New Residential Uses Mitigate potential adverse health and safety impacts associated with the establishment of new residential and other sensitive land uses near agricultural operations using pesticides applied by spray techniques. [Source: New Policy]

Project Siting Prohibit the introduction of new incompatible land uses and environmental hazards into existing residential areas. [Source: New Policy]

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Land under Williamson Act Contracts in Los Gatos

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Biological Resources

Los Gatos is ecologically diverse and includes a variety of terrain, from flat topography at the Santa Clara Valley edge to wooded hillsides of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the southern and eastern portion of the Town. Creeks and streams stemming from the southerly mountains bisect the area, which is bordered by riparian habitats. Vasona Lake is on the west side of Los Gatos, west of SR-17, while Lexington Reservoir is located southwest of Los Gatos adjacent to SR-17. Seasonal wetlands and marshes provide specialized habitat for numerous species. Figure 7-3 depicts vegetation and wildlife habitat distribution. (Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified)

Los Gatos habitat types include oak woodland and forest land, riparian forestland, grassland and forbs, and wetlands and bodies of water. A few special status species have the potential to occur in Los Gatos including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, American peregrine falcon, and over a dozen other species. Even though these species are currently not active in Los Gatos, there are several areas within the Planning Area that include suitable critical habitat areas for these species, as illustrated in Figure 7-4. (Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified)

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Types

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Critical Habitat

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

The following goals and policies guide the preservation and conservation of biological resources.

Protect, conserve, and enhance natural and urban habitats and ecosystems to sustain the biodiversity and natural beauty of Los Gatos. [Source: New Goal]

Ecosystem Protection Protect and enhance public and private open space ecosystems in Los Gatos. (Source: New Policy)

Open Space Maintain and support a network of open space that protects the urban and natural forest and offers all residents access to nature. Carefully manage access and passive recreational use to protect habitats and wildlife from the impacts of humans and domestic animals (Source: New Policy)

Habitat Management Encourage management of private open space areas, agricultural land, and residential gardens as habitat that supports wildlife in a way that enhances that habitat, reinforces natural wildlife management, and is consistent with open space management plans. (Source: New Policy)

Soil Protection Protect soils in urban and natural areas, recognizing that heathy soils are necessary to filter water, sustain plants and animals, and support building structures. (Source: New Policy)

To pPreserve and protect native plants and plant communities in the TownLos Gatos, and promote appropriate use of local, native plants in habitat restoration, and landscaping. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-1, modified]

Use Native Plants Require the usese of native plants that are indigenous to the Los Gatos area on Town-owned and controlled property. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.6, modified]

Special Status Native Plant Species Require public and private projects shall to protect special-status native plant species to the greatest extent possible. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.2, modified]

Special Status Plants Prohibit development that significantly depletes, damages, or alters existing special-status plants. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.3]

Invasive Plant Species Prohibit the use of invasive plant species listed by the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal- IPC) for all new construction. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.5]

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Plant Requirements for New Development Require new development to use native plants or other appropriate non-invasive plants to reduce maintenance and irrigation costs and the disturbance of adjacent natural habitat. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-1.7]

To pProtect wetlands and riparian corridors, including intermittent and ephemeral streams. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-3, modified]

ENV-6.1 Preserve Riparian Corridors and Habitats Preserve riparian corridors and riparian habitats and avoid disturbances to these areas. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-3.1]

Prevent Damage from Development Ensure that development prevents damage to native plants in the hillsides, riparian areas, watershedswetlands, and other sensitive natural habitats. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-3.2, modified]

Retain Natural Conditions Retain creek beds, riparian corridors, water courses, and associated vegetation in their natural state to assist groundwater percolation and prevent erosion, downstream sedimentation, and other degradation. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-3.3, modified]

Riparian Corridors Require setbacks or other protective measures as appropriate to protect riparian corridors. Avoid fencing, piping, and other interventions that can damage and degrade riparian corridors. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-3.4, modified]

Planting Native Plants Promote the planting of local native trees and shrubs where development occurs on land surrounding reservoirs and streams, especially adjacent to areas where banks or channels have been modified for flood protection. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-3.5]

Conserve and protect wildlife populations. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-4, modified]

Protecting Wildlife Ensure that public and private projects shall not significantly deplete, damage, or alter existing wildlife habitat or populations. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.1, modified]

Coordination with State and Federal Agencies Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other appropriate agencies to protect wildlife species and habitats. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.2]

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Habitat and Migration Corridors Maintain open space and native plant communities that provide habitat and migration corridors for native wildlife species. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.3]

Areas of Significant Habitat Diversity Identify and protect areas with significant habitat diversity or importance for wildlife, such as riparian corridors, wildlife movement corridors, and large tracts of undeveloped land. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.4]

Limit Public Access Limit public access in areas that support rare wildlife populations and sensitive nesting and breeding sites. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.5]

Nesting Sites Nesting sites shall be preserved Preserve nesting sites in new development and within existing development unless a mitigation plan is approved. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.7, modified]

Minimize Use of Herbicides Minimize and, where feasible, eliminate the use of herbicides and slow-to-biodegrade pesticides on Town property to minimize potential damage to native plants, birds, and other wildlife. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.8]

Herbicides and Pesticides Adjacent to Aquatic Habitats Adjacent to creeks and other water bodies, Require the use appropriate use of herbicides and pesticides adjacent to creeks and other water bodies that are approved for use in aquatic habitats. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.9, modified]

Require Open Space Dedications Require open space dedications as a means to protect wildlife where necessary. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.10, modified]

Ensure Limited Development Impacts Town staff shall review site plans to Eensure that existing significant wildlife habitats and migration corridors are not adversely affected by either individual or cumulative development impacts. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.11, modified]

Preservation of Habitats Preserve the habitats of native plants, specifically rare species within the Planning Area. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-4.6, modified]

Air Quality

The air we breathe is a shared resource. In general, air pollution describes the introduction of harmful particles or molecules into the atmosphere. Air pollutants can cause harm to humans, animals, and plants that breathe in or absorb these materials. The amount of harm depends on the type and concentration of the pollutant. Air pollution affects all Californians regardless of where they live or how they address the environment in their daily

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lives. Polluted air damages our health, our agricultural industry, and our natural environment. (Source: Existing General Plan, modified)

Los Gatos is in the Santa Clara Valley subregion of the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin and is under the jurisdiction of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). The California Air Resources Board compiles air quality data from a regional air quality monitoring network. In general, air quality in the Los Gatos area is like that of the greater Bay Area, with ozone and particulate matter being the greatest concerns. In Los Gatos, vehicular emissions, waste disposal, cleaning and industrial products and processes, and petroleum production are the largest sources of air pollution and odor. (Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified)

Sensitive Land Uses Sensitive populations, or sensitive receptors, are persons and places more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than the population generally. These sensitive receptors typically include children under 14 and older adults over 65 years of age, athletes, and persons with cardiovascular or chronic pulmonary diseases. Some locations are considered sensitive receptors as well, depending on the people who use them or activities conducted there. Examples include places where high concentrations of sensitive populations might gather, such as residential areas, hospitals, daycare facilities, facilities that serve older adults, places of worship, schools, and parks. (Source: New Text)

The following goals and policies will guide the management of air quality.

To conserve the air resources of the Town and maintain and improve acceptable air quality in Los Gatos. Enhance the air quality in Los Gatos and surrounding region to protect the health and welfare of residents and visitors.Ensure clean, healthful air for Los Gatos. and the local region. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-12, modified]

Air Quality Goals Ensure that lLocal land use decisions shall consider Federal, State, and regional air quality goals as part of the environmental review process. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.1, modified]

Alternatives to Individual Auto Use Require consideration of alternatives to individual auto use the mitigation of increases to vehicle miles traveled whenever the environmental review document concludes that the traffic generated by a development project would result in adverse impacts from air and noise pollution. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.2, modified]

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multi-family projects. [Source: New Policy]

Reduce Particulate Emissions from Vehicles Support education programs that promote the reduction of particulate emissions from vehicles, such as reducing idling time. [Source: New Policy]

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Metropolitan Transportation Commission Recommendations Support Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recommendations for reduction of auto pollutants including encouraging the use of clean, alternative energy sources for transportation, heating, and cooling, wherever practical. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.6, modified]

Reduce Effects of High Air Pollution Concentrations Require design criteria for site plans to reduce the effects of high air pollution concentrations associated with roadways by appropriate placement of structures, use of landscaping, and parking arrangements. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.3]

Reduce Emissions from Commercial Sources Reduce particulate emissions from dry cleaning, light manufacturing, wood burning, and landscape maintenance. [Source: New Policy]

Support Regional Efforts to Reduce Air Pollution Coordinate with and support Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), BAAQMD, MTC, State, and Federal planning efforts and programs aimed at reducing air pollution within the airshed, including ongoing monitoring and management of major pollutants affecting Los Gatos and the region, with a particular focus on PM10. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.4, modified]

Air Pollution Impacts for Site Plans Require that sSite plans shall be reviewed to include an assessment of the potential adverse impact from air pollution and recommend alternatives to reduce such impacts, including coordinating with developers to phase and stage construction to assure lowest emission levels practical. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.5, modified]

Construction Management Plans For significant projects, Rrequire project proponents to prepare and implement a construction management plan, which will include Best Available Control Measures, among other approaches to reduce emissions. Appropriate control measures will be determined on a project-by-project basis and should be specific to the pollutant for which the daily threshold is exceeded. Such control measures may include, but not be limited to:

. Minimize simultaneous operation of multiple construction equipment units;

. Water the construction area to minimize fugitive dust;

. Require off-road diesel powered vehicles used for construction to comply with California vehicle emissions standards; and

. Minimize idling time by construction vehicles. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.9]

Construction Best Management Practices During construction, Eensure all applicable best management practices during construction are used in accordance with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) BAAQMD

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standards to reduce emissions of criteria pollutants. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.7, modified]

Best Available Control Measures Require that all Best Available Control Measures including compliance with California vehicle emissions standards shall be incorporated to reduce construction emissions. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-12.8, modified]

Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Climate change is a global problem caused by the cumulative warming effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Its effects are seen across California as evidenced in the rise in average temperatures and extreme heat days, and the increased frequency and severity of wildfires. The pressure on water supply, shifts in growing seasons, and the increase in populations that are exposed to these effects combine to increase vulnerability for residents of Los Gatos. Governments at all levels, non-governmental agencies, and private citizens and businesses are now acting to mitigate GHG emissions as quickly as possible to reduce or avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. The Los Gatos area is projected to have increases in riverine flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, and drought as a result of climate change. The increased wildfire risk is addressed in detail in the Safety Element. [Source: General Plan Background Report, modified and New Text]

GHGs are the result of both natural and human activities. The consumption of fossil fuels for power generation and transportation, forest fires, decomposition of organic waste, and industrial processes are the primary sources of GHG emissions. Without human intervention, the earth maintains an approximate balance between the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere and its storage in oceans and terrestrial ecosystems. [Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report]

The State’s target is to reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, in line with the Town’s most recent Sustainability Plan. In 2012, the Town of Los Gatos adopted a Sustainability Plan that included targets, strategies, actions, and measures to reduce GHG emissions, as well as an inventory of communitywide GHG emissions. Transportation was the largest source of emissions, (65 percent of total emissions), followed by the residential building energy (18 percent) and commercial and industrial building energy (12 percent). Emissions associated with solid waste, water and wastewater, and stationary equipment accounted for approximately five percent of emissions combined. The 2030 State target ensures that successes in the first 20 years of the century will continue and that a full range of initiatives can be implemented to contribute to clean technology and related jobs [Source: General Plan Background Report, modified]

The following goals and policies will guide the management of greenhouse gas emissions and to address the climate change impacts affecting the region.

Support local and regional efforts to reduce the Town’s contribution to climate change. [Source: New Goal, replacing Existing General Plan Goal ENV-13 and ENV-14]

Reduce Town Contribution to GHG emissions Take action to achieve target reductions in GHG emission levels from operation of Town facilities and services to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2040. [Source: New Policy]

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Include Adaptation Measures in all Planning Documents Require all planning documents to incorporate newly identified and revised adaptation measures consistently, including the Safety Element, the Sustainability Plan, and the Emergency Operation Plan. [Source: New Policy]

Support Climate Change Initiatives Support initiatives, legislation, and actions to respond to climate change. [Source: New Policy]

Raise Climate Change Impacts Awareness Collaborate with local organizations, such as health care providers, public health advocates, and fire prevention organizations, to raise awareness about climate change impacts and to disseminate public emergency preparedness and response information as it relates to climate change. [Source: New Policy]

Address Heat Island Effects Encourage development to address “heat island” effects by including cool roofs, cool pavements, and strategically placed shade trees. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-13.1]

Sustainable Practices for Businesses Attract and retain businesses that incorporate sustainable practices into their operations and that produce goods or services that contribute to sustainability. [Source: Existing Policy ENV- 13.2]

Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Use Promote energy conservation in business and residential uses by encouraging installation of fixture and appliance upgrades, installation of solar panels, and other retrofits to existing structures. [Source: New Policy]

Employer Incentive Programs Support employer incentive programs for carpooling and use of other forms of alternative transportation. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-14.1]

Local Employment Opportunities Promote local employment opportunities to reduce consumption of fuel used for commuting. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-14.2]

Carpool, Walk, Bike to School Work with local school districts to encourage carpooling, walking, and bicycling to schools. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-14.3]

Encourage and Incentivize Alternative Fuels The Town shall Ssupport the use of non-polluting fuels by encouraging the inclusion of facilities for alternative fuels in new public and private developments and by offering incentives to encourage retrofits. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-14.4, modified]

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Green Building Foster awareness and encourage adoption of green building practices that include the design and development of environmentally responsible commercial and residential development and retrofits. [Source: New Policy]

GreenPoint Guidelines Continue to require that all remodeled homes and new home construction complies with the adopted GreenPoint Guidelines to reduce GHG emissions reduction.. [Source: Existing Policy GB-2, 2012 Sustainability Plan, modified]

Regional Green Building Programs Coordinate with other local governments, special districts, nonprofits, and other public organizations to share resources, achieve economies of scale, and develop green building policies and programs that are optimized on a regional scale. [Source: Existing Policy GB-6, 2012 Sustainability Plan]

bBecome a zero-waste Town throughTo encouraginge sustainable procurement, extended producer responsibility and innovative strategies to become a zero- waste Town. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-15, modified]

Move toward Zero Waste Encourage practices that take the Town closer to being a zero waste municipality through:Strive to become a zero waste community.

. limiting the amount of waste sent to landfills; . promoting a reduce and reuse first approach to consumer waste; and . providing opportunities for composting, safe disposal of hazardous waste and bulky items, and other strategies, including enhancing construction and demolition debris recycling programs to increase diversion, where possible. [Source: Existing Policy ENV- 15.7, modified]

Energy-Efficient Town Operations Continue to pursue energy-efficiency in Town operations and model reduction and recycling methodologies in Town facilities for the community. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-15.1, modified]

Reusable/Recyclable Packaging Encourage or, where feasible, require the use of bags, and packaging, and other materials that can be reused or recycled. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-15.2, modified]

Salvaged, Recycled-Content, and Local Construction Materials Encourage the use of recycled-content construction materials in new construction that have low production energy costs for building materials, hard surfaces, and non-plant landscaping.. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-15.3 and SW-3 2012 Sustainability Plan]

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Reuse and Rehabilitate Existing Buildings Encourage the rReuse and rehabilitate existing buildings when appropriate and feasible in order to reduce waste, conserve resources and energy, and reduce construction costs. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-15.4, modified]

Life-Cycle Costing Incorporate a “life-cycle costing” approach into Town purchasing considerations that takes into account long-term cost savings from energy efficient products. [Source: Existing Policy ENV- 15.5]

Recycling Areas in Residential Developments Require recycling and composting facilities in all new single-family and multi-family residential developments that are redeveloping or remodeling to provide recycling areas for their residents along with other waste-reduction resources. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-15.6, modified]

Energy

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) distributes electricity throughout Los Gatos, with supplies purchased from Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE). PG&E supplies natural gas to the community as well. The Town is committed to its partnership with other local communities under the umbrella of SVCE. Through this partnership, Los Gatos residents and businesses receive carbon-free electricity at lower rates than those that arise from fossil fuel consumption. SVCE works to innovate and implement new clean energy programs and presents many of these innovations at community meetings, Earth Day events, and presentations to businesses. SVCE’s 2018 Community Benefits Summary indicates Los Gatos achieved the following results: [Source: New Text]

. 184 million kilowatt hours of electricity from carbon-free sources; . $826,000 in on-bill savings for SVCE customers; . 14,358 households and businesses served; . 100 percent renewable electricity powers all municipal facilities that have the GreenPrime upgrade; and . 54.3 million pounds of GHG emissions avoided through use of clean energy.

Achieving these goals adds to the overall GHG reduction strategy, with a focus on lowering dependence on carbon-based fuels and energy sources. Energy efficiency involves a careful balance of assessing energy sources, educating the public on home and business renewable energy use, implementing energy efficiency strategies, and encouraging and incentivizing widespread and ongoing implementation of those strategies. [Source: New Text]

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Source clean, efficient energy supplies from cost-effective, renewable sources. [Source: New Goal]

Carbon-Neutral Energy Support the SCVE, to continue to procure carbon-neutral energy for long-term and short-term supplies, including renewable resources. [Source: New Policy]

Energy Efficiency Invest in cost-effective energy efficiency and energy conservation programs in municipal facilities. [Source: New Policy]

Future Demand Reduction Explore cost-effective, reliable, and feasible energy efficiency and demand reduction opportunities and contine to use the Sustainability Plan to include education programs for these opportunities. [Source: New Policy]

Conservation and Reduction Maximize the conservation and efficient use of energy in existing and new residences, businesses, and municipal buildings in Los Gatos. [Source: New Policy]

Solar Support the maximum economic use of solar electric (photovoltaic) systems on-site to augment the renewable energy portfolio available to new development, businesses, and municipal facilities. [Source: New Policy]

Organic Waste Recycling Support opportunities to maximize energy recovery from organic materials such as yard trimmings, food waste, and other compostable resources. [Source: New Policy]

Cultural and Historical Resources

Cultural resources are most frequently identified with prehistoric (archaeological) or historic resources. Archaeological resources refer to the material remains produced by human beings (e.g., artifacts, structures), whether intentionally or accidentally. The scientific study of these remains can lead to identification of activities, types of adaptation to the environment, and changes in activities and organization that groups of people in the past experienced. Furthermore, these remains often have special significance to Native Americans, ethnic groups, special interest groups (e.g., avocational archaeologists), and the public. [Source: New Text]

Cultural resources can include both physical features and non-renewable, nonmaterial resources such as cognitive systems (including meanings and values attached to items of material culture, biota, and the physical environment), religion and world views, traditional or customary behavior patterns, kinship and social organization, and folklore. Goals, policies, and programs related to Native American cultural resources can be found in Section 7.8: Tribal Cultural Resources. [Source: New Text]

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Historical resources refer to the period following outside contact. These resources include historic event or activity sites, historic archaeological sites, standing architecture and other significant properties, and documents and other sources of historical information, and objects of material culture. Historical resources in Los Gatos include the Forbes Flour Mill and Mill Annex, the Kotani-En Estate and Garden, the Town’s first firehouse, the Los Gatos Historic Commercial District, and the McCullagh-Jones and Yung See San Fong historic homes. [Source: New Text]

The Los Gatos Public Library houses an archive of cultural documents, including photographs, newspapers, books, and other resources that document the rich and varied history of Los Gatos, its settlement and subsequent development. The collection developed from a collaborative effort between the Library and the various museums of Los Gatos and included donations in the form of money, time, equipment, and archive materials from more than 100 individuals and 20 companies, organizations, clubs, and associations. [Source: New Text]

NOTE: Goals and policies concerning historic districts are covered in the Community Design  Element.

The following goals and policies will guide the preservation and conservation of archaeological and cultural resources.

Protect Los Gatos’s archaeological and cultural resources to maintain and enhance a unique sense of place. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal OSP-9]

Archaeological and Cultural Resources Evaluate archaeological and/or cultural resources early in the development review process through consultation with interested parties and the use of contemporary professional techniques in archaeology, ethnography, and architectural history. [Source: Existing Policy OSP-9.1]

Protect Resources Protect archaeological resources, including natural land formations, sacred sites, historic habits, and remains of settlements in place before Los Gatos was founded. [Source: New Policy]

Archaeologically and Culturally Significant Structures Ensure the preservation, restoration, and appropriate use of archaeological and/or culturally significant structures and sites. [Source: Existing Policy OSP-9.2]

Human Remains Treat with respect and dignity any human remains discovered during implementation of public and private projects within the Town. and fully comply with California laws that address the identification and treatment of human remains. [Source: Existing Policy OSP-9.3, modified]

Uncovered Cultural Resources Require that if cultural resources, including archaeological or paleontological resources, are uncovered during grading or other on-site excavation activities, construction shall stop until appropriate mitigation is implemented. [Source: Existing Policy OSP-9.4]

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Burial Sites Encourage development to avoid impacts to burial sites by designing or clustering development to avoid archaeological deposits that may contain human remains. [Source: Existing Policy OSP-9.5]

Conserve and protect Los Gatos’s historic buildings, sites, and resources. [Source: New Goal]

Historic Resource Upkeep and Preservation Encourage public and private upkeep and preservation of resources with historic merit, including residences and sites listed or eligible for listing in the State or Federal registers. [Source: New Policy]

Municipal Historic Resources Preserve significant historic resources owned by the Town of Los Gatos while allowing them to be altered to meet contemporary needs consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. [Source: New Policy]

Funding Seek State and Federal funding for preservation of buildings of historical merit, both listed and potentially eligible for listing. Consider partnerships between public and private entities for capital and program improvements. Encourage owners of potential historic resources to adapt and rehabilitate these buildings through participation in State and Federal tax credit programs. [Source: New Policy]

Historic Commercial District Reinforce the scale and character of the Los Gatos Historic Commercial District by promoting significant buildings, including regulating signage to be in keeping with the historic style and aesthetic of the district. [Source: New Policy]

Proposed Alterations If a proposed project would substantially affect sites or structures of special character, or potential historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest that has not been evaluated for inclusion in the State or Federal registers, part of the plan review shall include consideration of eligibility prior to issuance of demolition or alterations permits. Minor exterior improvements that do not affect the architectural integrity of potentially significant buildings (as determined by the Historic Preservation Committee) shall be exempt from more extensive review. Examples of minor improvements may include repair or replacement in-kind that do not alter character-defining features. [Source: New Policy]

Adaptive Reuse Promote adaptive reuse of older buildings and allow compatible non-conforming uses for the life of historic buildings. [Source: New Policy]

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History Archives Continue support of library and private, non-profit efforts to maintain historic resource collections, including collaborative efforts to acquire funding, educate the community, and provide access for researchers. [Source: New Policy]

Tribal Cultural Resources

Los Gatos is in an area traditionally occupied by the Ohlone (or Costanoan) people, which extends from the point where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers flow into the San Francisco Bay to Point Sur, with the interior Coastal Ranges most likely constituting the inland boundary. Before outside contact, Ohlone lived in base camps of tule-reed houses and seasonal specialized camps. Ohlone ate food gained by hunting, gathering, and fishing. Mussels were particularly important to their diet, as well as sea mammals and acorns. (Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified)

Seven Franciscan missions were built in Ohlone territory in the late 1700s, and all members of the Ohlone group were eventually brought into the mission system. After the establishment of the missions, the Ohlone population dwindled from roughly 10,000 people in 1770 to 1,300 in 1814. In 1973, the population of people with Ohlone descent was estimated at fewer than 300. The descendants of the Ohlone united in 1971 and have since arranged political and cultural organizations to revitalize aspects of their culture. (Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report)

This section provides goals and policies to conserve and protect Ohlone tribal cultural resources.

Protect and respect Los Gatos’s tribal cultural resources. [Source: New Goal]

Tribal Consultation Ensure local Native American tribes are involved early and often on potential disturbance, recovery, and preservation of tribal cultural resources, including development of strong consultation protocols with appropriate Native American tribe(s), as required by California Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52. [Source: New Policy]

Tribal Prohibitions Use appropriate procedures to accommodate tribal concerns when the tribe has a religious prohibition against revealing precise information about the location or previous practice at a sacred site. [Source: New Policy]

Geology and Soils

Los Gatos is in the central portion of the Coast Ranges Physiographic Province of California, a series of coastal mountain chains that run parallel to central California. The geology in Los Gatos is characterized by hilly terrain situated on the lower slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. [Source: New Text]

Soils in Los Gatos differ in texture, depth, and drainage, all of which are determined largely by the environments in which the soils formed. Soils in the northern and central urban areas of Town contain a substantial amount of

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sand with clay and, to a lesser degree, silt. Soils on the hillsides and mountains on the east and south portions of Town are approximately half clay mixed with substantial sand, and with less silt. The primary soil types in the Los Gatos area are clay and clay loam. Soils in Los Gatos are well-drained, exhibit rapid to very rapid runoff and tend to have moderate permeability. However, some upper soils in the more developed portions of the Town may have been disturbed or contain imported fill materials, and therefore may not be accurately described by soil surveys. [Source: New Text]

The potential for erosion generally increases with steepness of slope, rainfall, and by fire or grading in areas where the protective soil and/or vegetation cover has been removed. Due to the varied topography of Los Gatos, the erosion potential within the Town also varies by location. The potential for erosion in Los Gatos is highest in the eastern, southern, and southwestern areas of the Town. Erosion potential decreases toward the center of Town and is minimal in the flat areas just east of the SR 17 corridor. However, erosion potential is high to very high in the areas at the north end of the Los Gatos Creek corridor. [Source: New Text]

The Town utilizes landscape and grading plans to prevent soil erosion and slippage, helping to conserve soil resources. [Source: Existing General Plan, Biological Resources, and General Plan 2040 Background Report]

NOTE: Goals and policies concerning geological hazards are covered in the Hazards and Safety  Element.

This section provides goals, policies, and programs to conserve and protect soil resources.

Conserve and protect soil resources of the Town. [Source: Existing General Plan,

Goal ENV-2, modified]

Erosion Control Plans Require all new developments in areas subject to soil erosion and slippage to shall furnishto provide effective erosion control plans to minimize soil erosion. The erosion control plans shall be implemented prior to construction operations and maintained throughout the construction process. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-2.1, modified]

Adequate Erosion Control Plans Require all construction plans shall to be reviewed to determine the adequacy of erosion control plans during and after construction. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-2.2, modified]

Minimize Grading Require grading permits to ensure that the grading of slopes and sites proposed for development will be minimized. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-2.3]

Hydrology and Water Quality

Maintaining water quality and availability is a high priority and a complex challenge that becomes more critical as supplies become more uncertain due to climate change and a growing population. Policies and programs in this section address the quality and reliability of the Town’s long-term water supply, including during periods of drought. To maintain water quality, surface water and groundwater must be protected from the impacts of past and future development using methods such as low-impact development requirements and the careful regulation of sub-surface dewatering. The Town supports the efforts of regulatory bodies, such as the San Francisco

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Regional Water Quality Control Board, the agency that controls discharge to San Francisco Bay from stormwater and other sources. The control of wastewater and stormwater is discussed in more detail in the Public Facilities and Services Element. [Source: New Text]

Surface Hydrology Wetlands and water habitats cover approximately 75 acres in the Los Gatos Planning Area and include ponds and reservoirs. Vasona Lake and the northern tip of the Lexington Reservoir are the two main open water bodies in the Town and its SOI. Cherry Springs Pond in Sierra Azul OSP is also open water habitat. Seasonal wetlands, marshes, and other wetland habitats occur throughout Los Gatos in grasslands, shrublands, and woodland/forest communities, as well as along creeks and the edges of some open water bodies. [Source: Existing General Plan, updated from General Plan 2040 Background Report]

Creeks in Los Gatos include perennial and ephemeral creek channels, and aboveground and underground reaches. Most of these creeks are considered part of the Guadalupe River watershed. Los Gatos Creek is one of the primary creeks in the area, flowing south to north into and out of the Vasona Lake. Figure 7-5 depicts these habitats in the planning area. [Source: Existing General Plan]

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Wetlands and Water Habitats

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Natural Drainage Systems Los Gatos is in the Guadalupe Watershed and the Santa Clara Valley Groundwater Sub-basin. The sub-basin parallels the northwest trending Coast Ranges and is approximately 22 miles long and 15 miles wide, with a surface area of 225 square miles. Its boundaries are formed by the Diablo Range on the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains on the west, extending from the northern border of Santa Clara County to the groundwater divide near Morgan Hill in the south. The sub-basin receives approximately 15 inches of rainfall per year. [Source: Existing General Plan and General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

The Town has several surface water channels within its limits: Los Gatos Creek, San Tomas Aquinas Creek, and Smith Creek flow south to north through the Town, and Ross Creek flows in a northeasterly direction. A large valley in Los Gatos drains northward to the San Francisco Bay by means of tributaries that include Coyote Creek, the Guadalupe River, and Los Gatos Creek. Other unnamed natural water courses are also located inside Town limits. An extensive man-made storm drainage system including pipe networks, ditches, and culverts also serves to drain stormwater runoff into the natural creeks that cross the Town. [Source: Existing General Plan and General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

Groundwater Los Gatos is in the Santa Clara Valley Groundwater sub-basin (groundwater sub-basin), a structural trough that parallels the northwest trending Coast Ranges. The groundwater sub-basin is approximately 22 miles long and 15 miles wide, with a surface area of 225 square miles (Figure 7-6). The sub-basin received approximately 15.0 inches of rainfall per year. In the northern areas of the Sub-basin, a series of clay layers results in a low permeability zone. The southern area is an unconfined zone, or forebay, where the clay layer does not restrict recharge. [Source: Existing General Plan and General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

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Planning Watershed

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Groundwater Management The Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) manages the groundwater sub-basin with the primary objectives to recharge the basin, conserve water, increase water supply, and prevent waste or reduction of the SCVWD’s water supply. Historically, over-extraction of the groundwater basin has resulted in occurrences of subsidence in Santa Clara County. Subsidence occurs when underground water levels drop and clay layers compact, resulting in a loss of aquifer capacity. To avoid any further subsidence and loss of aquifer capacity, the SCVWD works to maintain the basin by augmenting natural percolation of rainfall and local stream runoff with imported water. The SCVWD supports a recharge program that includes 18 major recharge systems with in-stream and off-stream facilities. [Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

SCVWD operates a treated groundwater recharge/ surface water reinjection program that promotes treated groundwater reuse from the clean-up of contaminated sites and recharges groundwater from local and imported surface water. Based on these efforts, the groundwater elevation in the groundwater basin has been rising steadily for the past 40 years. As stated in the 2017 SCVWD Annual Groundwater Management Report, the groundwater supply has reached a “normal” stage (stage 1) of the District’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan and indicates good water supply conditions. [Source: General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

Groundwater Quality Groundwater quality in the Santa Clara Valley sub-basin is generally good. Natural interactions between water, the atmosphere, rock minerals and surface water influence groundwater quality in the groundwater sub-basin, but man-made compounds such as nitrogen-based fertilizer, solvents, and fuel products can also affect groundwater quality. The most significant threat to water quality is from commercial water pollutants such as those from automobile uses, dry cleaners, and underground storage tanks, although some wells may be vulnerable to pollutants such as metal plating and finishing, electrical and electronics manufacturing, and chemical/petroleum processing. [Source: Existing General Plan and General Plan 2040 Background Report, modified]

A few water quality problems have been detected in the sub-basin. High mineral salt concentrations have been identified in the upper aquifer zone along San Francisco Bay, the lower aquifer zone underlying Palo Alto and the southeastern portion of the forebay area of the Santa Clara Valley sub-basin. Nitrate concentrations in the South County (Coyote and Llagas sub-basins) are elevated and high nitrate concentrations are sporadically observed in the Santa Clara Valley Sub-basin. Monitoring continuously, installing physical barriers to runoff, and treating water properly are key activities used throughout the wastewater treatment and water conveyance system to maintain water quality standards. Drinking water standards are met at public water supply wells without the use of treatment methods. [Source: New Text]

The following goals and policies will guide the preservation and conservation of water resources.

PTo protect and preserve watersheds and water quality. [Source: Existing General Plan, Goal ENV-5, modified]

Avoid Water Contamination from New Development Require all applicants shall to demonstrate that new development will not contaminate surface water and/or groundwater. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.1, modified]

Preserve Land Contiguous to Reservoirs and Stream Channels Apply land use regulations, scenic easements, or other appropriate measures to keep the maximum amount of land immediately contiguous to reservoirs and stream channels undeveloped and undisturbed. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.2]

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Santa Clara Valley Water District Cooperate with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and other agencies to protect watersheds and riparian habitats from degradation. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.3]

Preserve Existing Creeks Preserve existing creeks and avoid disturbances to these areas. [Source: Existing Policy ENV- 5.4]

Creek Dedication When a development project is adjacent to a designated creek, Require that the approval of a development adjacent to a designated creek shall include a condition that the creek be dedicated to the Town in fee with a maintenance easement granted to the Santa Clara Valley Water District. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.5, modified]

Alternative Paving Materials and Designs Encourage alternative materials and designs to limit driveways, parking areas, and parking lots in all zones except the C-2 zone. Examples include, but are not limited to, pervious paving material, and “ribbon strip” driveways, which have pavement in tire areas and grass or gravel in the middle. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.6]

Parking Lot Drainage Parking lots should be designed to Implement bioswales and other innovations such that runoff from parking lots drain into landscaped areas and rainwater percolates into the ground. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.7, modified]

Open Space and Recreation Prioritization Require that open sSpace and recreation shall be the priority land use designation for lands immediately adjacent to reservoirs, creeks, and streams. [Source: Existing Policy ENV-5.8, modified]

Stormwater Runoff Reduce pollution in urban runoff from residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and transportation land use activities. [Source: New Policy]

Street-Sweeping Conduct regular street-sweeping to collect trash and road surface pollutants before they enter stormwater drainage systems. [Source: New Policy]

Sustainable Practices Support low water and limited artificial fertilizer and pesticide application landscaping practices on public and private properties. [Source: New Policy]

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Protect and preserve water resources and infrastructure in a manner that sustains plant and animal life, supports urban activities and recreation, and protects public health and safety. [Source: New Goal]

Residential Water Conservation Implement and maintain cost-effective, Town-wide water conservation and efficiency programs for all residents through education, rebates, assistance programs, and building requirements. [Source: New Policy]

Commercial and Business Conservation Encourage owners of commercial and industrial properties to conserve water by replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures, installing drought-tolerant and water-wise landscaping, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation. [Source: New Policy]

Human, Plant, and Animal Water Needs Manage the water supply to address human use as well as that needed to sustain plant and animal life. [Source: New Policy]

Resiliency During Drought Establish a varied approach to ensuring a resilient water supply and its management in Los Gatos during significant periods of drought. [Source: New Policy]

Rainwater Retain and use rainwater on municipal facility sites, to the extent possible. Encourage rainwater harvesting and irrigation use in commercial and residential uses. [Source: New Policy]

Groundwater Participate in the regulation of groundwater use to protect it as a natural resource and preserve it for potential use during extended drought conditions. [Source: New Policy]

Subsurface Water Conserve and maintain subsurface water resources by exploring ways to reduce the impacts of development dewatering and other excavation activities. [Source: New Policy]

Low-Impact Development Encourage Low Impact Development measures to limit the amount of impervious surface in new development and to increase the retention, treatment, and infiltration of urban stormwater runoff. LID measures should also apply to major remodeling projects and to public and recreation projects where possible. [Source: New Policy]

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Implementation Programs

Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing A Tree Ordinance ENV-2.1 Parks and      Review the Tree Ordinance annually and Public Works update as necessary to ensure regulations Community meet leading standards for tree health Development practicesperiodically for necessary updating. [Source: Existing Action ENV-1.1, modified] B Tree Protection ENV-2.1 Parks and      Explore ways to prevent and repair damage Public Works to trees and tree roots inflicted by buildings

and infrastructure. [Source: New Implementation Program] C Maintenance of Trees ENV-2.1 Parks and      Maintain and irrigate healthy trees in parks, Public Works open space, parking lots, and Town rights-

of-way and identify and replace unhealthy trees in the same areas. [Source: New Implementation Program] D Irrigation of Trees ENV-2.1 Parks and      Continue to invest in the care and irrigation Public Works of street trees and those on public property

during drought conditions. [Source: New Implementation Program] E Williamson Act ENV-3.1 Community      Work to maintain Williamson Act agricultural Development preserve contracts in the Town and SOI.

[Source: New Implementation Program] F Re-Designation of Properties Not in ENV-3.1 Community      Williamson Act Development Designate all Williamson Act properties

Agriculture and remove the Agriculture designation for those properties that are no longer under the Williamson Act. [Source: New Implementation Program] G Ecosystem Protection ENV-4.1 Parks and      Promote and support ecosystem protection ENV-4.2 Public Works and environmental education programs for

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing

residents and developers. [Source: New Implementation Program] H Landscape Maintenance Education ENV-4.1 Parks and      Develop and provide education programs ENV-4.3 Public Works for Town staff, residents, and developers ENV-4.4 Community regarding landscape maintenance and Development irrigation practices that protect the urban forest and wildlife species, along with water supplies. [Source: New Implementation Program] I Hillside Landscape Design Guidelines ENV-4.4 Parks and      Update Public Works Update the hillside landscape design Community guidelines to include requirements to Development optimize soil volume, porosity, structure, and health. Add information on location, shape, and configuration of soil beds, particularly relative to bioswale components in commercial and residential design. [Source: New Implementation Program] J Soil Health Education ENV-4.4 Parks and      Cooperate with local resources to develop Public Works informational materials on soil health and retention, including permaculture and other innovations for public and private landscapes. [Source: New Implementation Program] K Plant Native Species ENV-5.1 Parks and      Provide information and support programs ENV-5.2 Public Works that encourage residents to enhance their ENV-5.3 ENV-5.4 private gardens with native plant species ENV-5.5 and low-impact landscaping. [Source: New Implementation Program] L Grading Ordinance ENV-5.1 Parks and      Amend the grading ordinance to establish ENV-5.2 Public Works standards to maintain and preserve existing ENV-5.3 ENV-5.4 Community native plant species. [Source: Existing ENV-5.5 Development Action ENV-1.2] M Native and Special Species Catalog ENV-5.1 Parks and      Create and make availablePublish a list of ENV-5.2 Public Works native, special status, and native special ENV-5.3 ENV-5.5

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing

status non-invasive plants for the local area Community species in Los Gatos and the SOI on the Development Town website, and update list in Hillside

Development Standards and Guidelines.

[Source: Existing Action ENV-1.3, modified] N Invasive Species Catalog ENV-5.4 Parks and      Publish a list of invasive plant species on ENV-5.5 Public Works the Town website. Disseminate information about their use and eradication. [Source: Existing Action ENV-1.3, modified] O Development Plans for Los Gatos and ENV-6.1 Parks and      Guadalupe Creeks ENV-6.2 Public Works Collaborate with private and public property ENV-6.3 ENV-6.4 Community owners along creeks to prepare Development development plans for Los Gatos and Guadalupe Creeks to include the following: . The use ofUsing flood-prone areas and riparian habitats as open space;

. Redeveloping channelized areas, including recontouring and landscaping where channelization has altered the natural environmentRedevelopment, including recontouring and landscaping where the natural environment has been altered by channelization; and

. Installing paths for bicyclists.

[Source: Existing Action ENV-3.1, modified] P Riparian Policy ENV-6.1 Parks and      Adopt a riparian policy to protect riparian ENV-6.2 Public Works corridors. [Source: Existing Action ENV-3.2] ENV-6.3 ENV-6.4 Community Development Q Community Stewardship ENV-6.1 Parks and      Develop a community stewardship program ENV-6.3 Public Works that promotes clean-up days, education about the ecological function and benefits of

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing

riparian corridors. [Source: New Implementation Program] R Artificial Turf ENV-6.2 Parks and      Determine the appropriate use of artificial ENV-6.3 Public Works turf. [Source: Existing Action ENV 6.3] Community Development S Lighting ENV-6.2 Parks and      Require careful lighting design in and near Public Works natural riparian corridors to direct light away Community and to maximize the distance between Development nighttime lighting and the corridor. [Source: New Implementation Program] T Recreational Trails ENV-6.3 Parks and      Limit development of recreational trails in Public Works riparian corridors to one side. [Source: New Implementation Program] U Migration Corridor Plan ENV-7.3 Parks and      Support the ongoing identification of critical Public Works linkages for wildlife, particularly in hillside Community communities, but throughout the Town. Development Develop standards and ordinances designed to preserve these migration corridors. Develop a Migration Corridor Plan for hillside areas in Los Gatos. [Source: Existing Action ENV-4.1, modified] V Air Quality Standards ENV-8.1 Community      Adopt standards that target reduction of ENV-8.4 Development very fine particulate matter (PM2.5) through a combination of incentive programs and control measures. [Source: New Implementation Program] W Development near Heavily Traveled ENV-8.1 Community      Roads ENV-8.6 Development Implement BAAQMD standards for designing buildings that will be situated near heavily travelled roads to minimize exposure to vehicle emissions. [Source: New Implementation Program]

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing X Alternatives to Individual Auto Use ENV-8.2 Parks and      Develop a comprehensive TDM program to Public Works encourage ride sharing, cycling, and other

alternatives to individual auto use. [Source: New Implementation Program] Y EV Charging Stations ENV-8.3 Community      Update the Zoning Ordinance to establish a Development ratio for electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new projects or substantial renovations. [Source: New Implementation Program] Z Electric Vehicle Parking Incentives ENV-8.3 Community      Provide incentives, such as giving priority in ENV-8.4 Development plan review, processing, and field inspection services, for new and existing commercial and residential projects that provide parking spaces reserved for electric vehicles and have a charging connection. [Source: Existing Action ENV-14.1] AA Particulate Matter ENV-8.7 Community      Promote understanding of health impacts ENV-8.8 Development from particulate emissions and offer information to residents and businesses about steps for reducing particulate matter, such as reducing or eliminating wood- burning stoves and fireplaces or transitioning to “green” dry cleaning facilities. [Source: New Implementation Program] BB Concrete & Asphalt Use ENV-8.8 Parks and      Explore and implement feasible and cost- Public Works effective ways to reduce concrete and asphalt use in parks and public projects. [Source: New Implementation Program] CC Sustainability Information Center ENV-9 Community      Establish and maintain a “sustainability ENV-9.4 Development information center” at Town Hall to inform ENV-10.2

the public and distribute brochures and provide information. [Source: Existing Action ENV-15.1 and CA.2 2012 Sustainability Plan]

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing DD Sustainability Plan ENV-9.1 Community      Update the 2012 Sustainability Plan to ENV-9.2 Development reflect recent updates in federal, State law ENV-9.3 ENV-9.4 as well as revise GHG targets for the Town. ENV-9.5 [Source: New Implementation Program] EE Sustainability Plan Update ENV-9.1 Community      Following the update to the Sustainability ENV-9.2 Development Plan, revise all planning documents to ENV-9.3 ENV-9.4 reflect the changes to targets and actions ENV-9.5 and to align processes. [Source: New Implementation Program] FF Design Review Standards for GHG ENV-9.1 Community      Emissions ENV-9.3 Development Develop applicable Planning and Building ENV-9.4 ENV-9.11 design review standards to evaluate a project’s contribution to GHG emissions and bring all planning materials into line with these standards. [Source: Existing Action ENV-13.2, modified] GG Continually Assess Local Climate ENV-9.1 Community     Change Vulnerabilities ENV-9.2 Development Every five years, reassess progress toward ENV-9.3 GHG reduction goals and update the Sustainability Plan to ensure continued progress in reducing GHG emissions from operation of Town facilities and services and from the community. [Source: New Implementation Program] HH Green Building Initiatives ENV-9.1 Town Manager     Develop an incentive program to encourage ENV-9.3 individuals and businesses to complete ENV-9.4 ENV-11.1 green retrofits on properties through ENV-11.2 incentives such as tax credits and financing opportunities. [Source: New Implementation Program]

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing II Heat Island Mitigation Guidelines ENV-9.1 Community      Prepare specific heat island mitigation ENV-9.3 Development building guidelines in line with the ENV-9.5 ENV-9.6 Sustainability Plan and the Green Building

Ordinance (Ordinance 2257).for cool roofs, cool pavements, and strategically placed shade trees. Amend applicable building and remodel Design Guidelines to integrate these specific guidelines. [Source: Existing Action ENV-13.3, modified] JJ Climate Change Education ENV-9.11 Town Manager      Work with local organizations to support educational programs that raise awareness Parks and Public Works about climate change and resiliency actions, including ways residents and business owners can contribute to GHG reduction, including increased recycling opportunities (hazardous household waste, e-waste, and large household items). [Source: New Implementation Program] KK Energy Conservation and Reduction ENV-9.7 Community      Develop and implement programs that Development promote energy reduction/efficiency Town Manager upgrades, zero waste practices, and use of renewable energy and building materials. [Source: New Implementation Program] LL Reduce Driving ENV-9.7 Parks and      Develop programs to educate and ENV-9.8 Public Works incentivize driving reduction, including ENV-9.9 Town Manager carpooling, walking, cycling, and increased use of public transportation. [Source: New Implementation Program] MM Regional Cooperation ENV-9.7 Town Manager      Collaborate with large regional employers to ENV-9.8 increase availability of ride share and other ENV-9.9 programs from Los Gatos to corporate campuses and central areas in Silicon Valley cities where the employers are located. [Source: New Implementation Program] NN Upgrade Town’s Vehicle Fleet ENV-9.9 Parks and      Public Works

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing

Identify opportunities to increase and/or change the Town’s vehicle fleet to maximize the use of alternative fuels. [Source: Existing Action ENV-14.2] OO Green Building Technical Assistance ENV-9.9 Community      Provide technical assistance, directly or Development through referral services as appropriate, to developers and homeowners wishing to incorporate green building techniques. [Source: New Implementation Program] PP Incentivize Alternative Fuel Availability ENV-9.11 Community      Develop a specific incentive program to Development increase the number of alternative fuel Town Manager stations. [Source: New Implementation Program] QQ Zero Waste Sustainability Plan ENV-10.1 Parks and      Update Sustainability Plan to include more Public Works specific policies and actions for reducing Community waste and increasing reusing/recycling to Development maximum possible levels. [Source: New Implementation Program] RR Zero Waste in Town Facilities ENV-10.1 Parks and      Implement zero waste program in municipal ENV-10.2 Public Works facilities that models the actions for Town Manger businesses and residents. [Source: New Implementation Program] SS Solid Waste Reduction ENV-10.1 Parks and      Adopt programs that reduce the amount of ENV-10.2 Public Works materials entering the solid waste stream to ENV-10.3 ENV-10.4 achieve Statewide waste reduction targets. ENV-10.5 [Source: New Implementation Program] ENV-10.7 TT Recycling Access ENV-10.7 Parks and      Revise recycling facilities requirement to Public Works include a variety of waste-reduction facilities, including food and garden composting and hazardous waste. [Source: New Implementation Program]

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing UU Zero Waste Education ENV-10.1 Parks and      Provide ongoing education about the ENV-10.2 Public Works environmental benefits of reducing wasteful ENV-10.3 ENV-10.4 Town Manger consumption and avoiding products with ENV-10.5 excessive packaging, recycling, refilling ENV-10.7 empty containers, separating food and yard waste for composting, and using rechargeable batteries, among other topics. [Source: New Implementation Program] VV Energy Reduction Education ENV-11.2 Parks and      Combine with other sustainability education Public Works programs to develop and disseminate information about energy demand reduction opportunities. [Source: New Implementation Program] WW State and Federal Energy Standards ENV-11.4 Parks and      Continue to incorporate state and federal Public Works energy efficiency standards and policies into the Sustainability Plan, municipal code, Community ordinances, and guidelines. [Source: New Development Implementation Program] XX Solar Implementation on Town Facilities ENV-11.4 Parks and      Implement solar facilities on municipal Public Works buildings to the greatest extent possible.

[Source: New Implementation Program] YY Solar Implementation in Los Gatos ENV-11.4 Community      Incentivize installation of roof-top solar on Development all new construction, including parking facilities, using the latest in green building technology. [Source: New Implementation Program] ZZ Minimize Impacts to Archaeological and ENV-12.1 Community      Cultural Resources ENV-12.2 Development Develop guidelines for project review to ENV-12.3 ENV-12.4 ensure that potential impacts to ENV-12.5 archaeological and/or cultural resources are ENV-12.6 minimized. [Source: Existing Action OSP- ENV-12.7 9.1] ENV-12.8 AAA Identify Cultural Resources ENV-12.5 Community      Identify Native American/cultural resources Development and heritage trees with interpretive signs as

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7. Environment and Sustainability Element

Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing

appropriate. [Source: Existing Action OSP- 5.4] BBB Increase Awareness ENV-13.1 Town Manager      Support a community sense of stewardship ENV-13.2 for historic and cultural resources through ENV-13.3 ENV-13.4 supporting talks, tours, and other programs ENV-13.6 that increase awareness and promote Los ENV-13.7 Gatos as a destination with historic and cultural resources. [Source: New Implementation Program] CCC Adaptive Reuse ENV-13.6 Community      Develop a policy to address adaptive reuse Development of historic buildings including mixed-use, Parks and arts spaces, and other innovative uses that Public Works help preserve the historic nature while making the buildings usable spaces. [Source: New Implementation Program] DDD History Archives ENV-13.7 Library      Seek funding to support preservation and curation of the local history archive at the Los Gatos Public Library. [Source: New Implementation Program] EEE Water Supply and Safety ENV-17.1 Parks and      Educate residents and businesses on ENV-17.2 Public Works efficient water use (indoor and outdoor), tree care, and landscaping options. [Source: New Implementation Program] FFF Water Reuse ENV-17.4 Parks and      Develop an ordinance and guidelines to Public Works provide for the installation of grey water Community reuse in residential and business uses, Development particularly for landscape irrigation. [Source: New Implementation Program] GGG Rainwater ENV-17.5 Parks and      Implement rainwater harvesting in municipal Public Works facilities throughout the Town. Encourage residents and businesses to use rain barrels or other rainwater reuse systems. Offer incentives where possible. [Source: New Implementation Program]

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Responsible

Implements – 2030 – 2040 which Supporting 21 – 2025 – 2025 21 Programs Policy(ies) Department(s) 20 2026 2031 Annual Ongoing HHH Street-sweeping ENV-16.10 Parks and      Increase street-sweeping schedule from Public Works once per month in streets and twice per month in parking lots to bi-weekly in streets and weekly in parking lots. [Source: New Implementation Program] III Sustainable Water Practices ENV-17.8 Parks and      Educate residents and businesses about Public Works low-water landscaping, limited pesticide Community application, and other water-sustaining Development practices. Implement these in municipal practices. [Source: New Implementation Program] JJJ Low-Impact Development ENV-17.8 Parks and      Encourage the use of pervious surfaces and Public Works innovative vegetative bioswales to channel Community stormwater runoff in public and private Development development. Provide materials that describe the most aesthetic, effective options. [Source: New Implementation Program] KKK Water Audit Programs ENV-17.8 Parks and      In collaboration with efforts by local water Public Works purveyors, promote water audit programs Community that offer free water audits to single-family, Development multi-family, large landscape accounts, and commercial customers. Collaborate with purveyors to enact conservation programs for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) accounts and create programs to install ultra-low-flush toilets in facilities. [Source: Existing Action ENV 6.2]

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4 COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

A. Introduction

The Community Design Element is an optional element of the General Plan. This Element is intended to address the small town character of Los Gatos through its physical design elements.

This Element is divided into the following sections. With the exception of the first section, each of the remaining sections has its own set of goals, policies, and actions:

♦ Key Features of the Los Gatos Community ♦ Town-Wide Design Principles ♦ Residential Neighborhoods ♦ Non-Residential Neighborhoods ♦ Downtown ♦ Historic Preservation ♦ Hillside Development ♦ Scenic Resources ♦ Design Review Process

B. Key Features of the Los Gatos Community

The Town’s history forms its existing character. Los Gatos was founded around the Forbes Mill, a flour mill built in 1854. Located in a heavily wooded area, the Town centered around the logging industry in the late 1800s and later became an agricultural town in the early 1900s. In the 1950s, the Town grew primarily as a suburb of the City of San Jose.

Today, Los Gatos maintains its small town residential character and suburban roots. The remains of Forbes Mill and its 1880 annex have been converted into the History Museum of Los Gatos, a landmark now located in the Main Street and Civic Center neighborhood. Los Gatos is also defined by its beautiful natural setting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which is integrated into the Town’s fabric through its views of forested hillsides, mature trees,

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ATTACHMENT 2 TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

and creekside trails. Los Gatos is one of 152 communities in California to be designated a “Tree City USA” and has been in the Tree City USA Program since 1980. This program provides national recognition and technical assistance to towns and cities for preserving and maintaining trees in their jurisdictions.

The majority of Los Gatos is divided into single-family residential lots. Mature trees cover much of the landscape, particularly in the hillside neighborhoods. The small, urban area of Los Gatos is more densely knit, particularly in the southwestern corner of the Town around Highway 17. This area contains neighborhood and regional commercial corridors, as well as civic and cultural uses, and is generally referred to by residents as Downtown Los Gatos. Town-designated historic districts that include structures dating back to the early 1900s are also located within and around this Core Area. Development becomes less dense as it spreads south and east into the hillside areas.

Today, the Town is situated within one of the largest metropolitan areas of northern California and is closely tied to the fast-paced economy of Silicon Valley. Nevertheless, the Town of Los Gatos still retains its small town char- acter and offers a rich community fabric composed of a varied mix of residen- tial, commercial, and light industrial uses that serve the residents and attract visitors.

C. Town-Wide Design Principles

1. Background Information In order to preserve Los Gatos’s unique character and high quality of life, new development must meet very high standards, not only in its appearance but also in its contributions to the social and economic life of the Town. The Town has created and maintained an attractively built environment through careful attention to the design of buildings, landscaping, public improvements, and the preservation of the natural environment.

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2. Goals, Policies, and Actions This section describes overarching design principles that apply to the character of the Town.

Goal CD-1 Preserve and enhance Los Gatos’s character through exceptional community design.

Policies

Policy CD-1.1 Building elements shall be in proportion with those traditionally in the neighborhood.

Policy CD-1.2 New structures, remodels, landscapes, and hardscapes shall be designed to harmonize and blend with the scale and rhythm of the neighborhood and natural features in the area.

Policy CD-1.3 Buildings, landscapes, and hardscapes shall follow the natural contours of the property.

Policy CD-1.4 Development on all elevations shall be of high quality design and construction, a positive addition to and compatible with the Town’s ambiance. Development shall enhance the character and unique identity of existing commercial and/or residential neighborhoods.

Policy CD-1.5 Town staff shall evaluate projects to assess how built characteristics, including scale, materials, hardscape, lights, and landscape, blend into the surrounding neighborhood.

Policy CD-1.6 Town staff shall review properties next to community entry points when they are developed or redeveloped to reflect the gateway concept.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Goal CD-2 To limit the intensity of new development to a level that is consistent with surrounding development and with the Town at large.

Policies

Policy CD-2.1 Building setbacks shall increase as mass and height increase.

Policy CD-2.2 Limit the amount of increase in the floor area of a project when the number of units is reduced as part of the development review process.

Policy CD-2.3 A maximum total floor area for new subdivisions and planned developments shall be set as part of the approval process.

Actions

Action CD-2.1 Conduct a study to consider amending the Below Market Price (BMP) program to set the required number of below- market-rate units based on the total square footage of a project, in addition to setting the requirement based on a percentage of the number of market-rate units.

Goal CD-3 To require utilities, landscaping and streetscapes to contribute to Los Gatos’s high-quality character.

Policies

Policy CD-3.1 Encourage the undergrounding of utilities on substantial remodels.

Policy CD-3.2 Street and structural lighting shall be required to minimize its visual impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Policy CD-3.3 Consider new street lighting only when required for safety.

Policy CD-3.4 Encourage the use of landscaping such as trees, large shrubs, and trellised vines to mitigate the effects of building mass, lower noise, and reduce heat generation.

Policy CD-3.5 All landscaping shall be carefully reviewed to ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing, compatible with its neighborhood and natural environment, and water conserving.

Policy CD-3.6 Utility connections and meters shall be visually unobtrusive from the street.

Policy CD-3.7 Roof mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened and such screening shall be considered as part of the structure for height limitations.

Policy CD-3.8 Solid fencing over 3 feet high shall be designed such that it does not isolate the structures from the street, or shall be set back and landscaped.

Policy CD-3.9 Parking structures and facilities shall have a low profile, be screened from view, and be aesthetically pleasing.

Actions

Action CD-3.1 Prepare and adopt environmentally sensitive landscape design standards using the Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines. Encourage well-planned planting schemes that include appropriately-sized plant material, avoid the use of invasive and non-native plants, and require landscaping of a sufficient density to add to the beauty of the Town.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Goal CD-4 To preserve existing trees, natural vegetation, natural topography, riparian corridors and wildlife habitats, and promote high quality, well designed, environmentally sensitive, and diverse landscaping in new and existing developments.

Policies

Policy CD-4.1 Preserve the Town’s distinctive and unique environment by preserving and maintaining the natural topography, wildlife, and native vegetation, and by mitigating and reversing the harmful effects of traffic congestion, pollution, and environmental degradation on the Town’s urban landscape.

Policy CD-4.2 Maintain street trees, plant additional street trees, and encourage preservation and planting of trees on public and private property.

Policy CD-4.3 Trees that are protected under the Town’s Tree Preservation Ordinance, as well as existing native, heritage, and specimen trees should be preserved and protected as a part of any development proposal.

Policy CD-4.4 Street trees shall be required in new developments.

Policy CD-4.5 New development shall promote visual continuity through tree planting, consistent use of low shrubs, and ground cover.

Policy CD-4.6 Encourage mixtures of tree species, both deciduous and evergreen, to screen projects, add variety, create a more natural environment, and avoid future problems of insect infestation or other blights that might destroy the desired tree cover.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Policy CD-4.7 Landscaping plans should maximize the use of trees for energy efficiency, climate control, screening, shading (especially of parking lots), and aesthetics.

Policy CD-4.8 Landscaping plans shall maximize the use of local native plants and/or drought resistant plants.

Action

Action CD-4.1 Review and enforce any ordinances necessary to preserve trees on public and private property.

Goal CD-5 To design a built environment that keeps Los Gatos safe.

Policy

Policy CD-5.1 Street standards shall recognize the existing character of the neighborhood, safety, and maintenance.

Action

Action CD-5.1 Adopt an ordinance that establishes design parameters for buildings, streetscapes, and lighting which help prevent crime.

D. Residential Neighborhoods

1. Background Information Los Gatos is a primarily residential community. The majority of Los Gatos is divided into single-family residential lots of varying densities from the Downtown area to the hillside neighborhoods.

In addition to the goals, policies, and actions listed below, Los Gatos has Residential Design Guidelines that promote safe, compatible, and well- designed housing in Los Gatos.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-6 To promote and protect the physical and other distinctive qualities of residential neighborhoods.

Policies

Policy CD-6.1 Reduce the visual impact of new construction and/or remodels on the Town and its neighborhoods.

Policy CD-6.2 Balance the size and number of units to achieve appropriate intensity.

Policy CD-6.3 Encourage basements and cellars to provide “hidden” square footage in lieu of visible mass.

Policy CD-6.4 New homes shall be sited to maximize privacy, livability, protection of natural plant and wildlife habitats and migration corridors, and adequate solar access and wind conditions. Siting should take advantage of scenic views but should not create significant ecological or visual impacts affecting open spaces, public places, or other properties.

Goal CD-7 To preserve the quality of the private open space throughout Los Gatos.

Policies

Policy CD-7.1 Maximize quality usable open space in all new developments.

Policy CD-7.2 Multi-family residential developments shall include common open space suitable for group gathering.

Policy CD-7.3 All residential developments shall include private open space in proportion to the building size.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Action

Action CD-7.1 Conduct a study to research increasing yard setback regulations to include considerations for building height, and update the Town Code as necessary.

E. Non-Residential Areas

1. Background Information Los Gatos has several commercial and industrial areas that are important to the community. Downtown’s Santa Cruz Avenue corridor is pedestrian- oriented with one- and two-story buildings housing various retail and restaurants. It is a local destination for Los Gatos residents and residents of neighboring communities in Silicon Valley. Los Gatos Boulevard is also a major commercial corridor with several older shopping centers. These older shopping centers are primarily commercial strip malls set back from Los Gatos Boulevard with ample front parking spaces. The malls are typically long, single-story structures with sidewalks and awnings. Near Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos Boulevard has higher density shopping centers with major grocery anchor tenants.

In addition to the goals, policies, and actions listed below, Los Gatos has Commercial Design Guidelines that provide guidance for commercial property owners, promote well-designed commercial buildings, and encourage a cohesive sense of place.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-8 Promote, enhance and protect the appearance of the Los Gatos’s commercial areas.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Policies

Policy CD-8.1 Encourage the preservation of the appearance and function of the industrial areas and the visible labor and products of labor that are evident there.

Actions

Action CD-8.1 Periodically inspect all commercial landscaping to ensure that approved landscaping is maintained.

F. Downtown

1. Background Information The Downtown is the historic heart of Los Gatos. It encompasses the southwest section of Town and is generally bounded by Blossom Hill Road and Pine Avenue to the north; Glen Ridge Avenue to the west; Wood Road, College Avenue, and Cleland Avenue to the south; and Los Gatos Boulevard to the east. Downtown includes the Central Business District General Plan land use designation, shown on the General Plan land use map. Main Street includes a bridge that accommodates pedestrians and cars and connects West Main Street with East Main Street. Buildings along West Main Street near North Santa Cruz and University Avenues exhibit a range of styles, from Queen Anne and Richardson Romanesque to Art Deco. These buildings contribute to the Town-designated Historic Commercial District. Town Plaza Park—Los Gatos’s civic green space—and the History Museum of Los Gatos, housed in the Forbes Mill Annex, are both located in Downtown. For many years, Downtown Los Gatos has been voted “the Best Downtown of Silicon Valley” by readers of local newspapers.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-9 To preserve the character of Downtown Los Gatos and the quality of life for its citizens through high- quality building design.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Policies

Policy CD-9.1 Exterior building materials in the Central Business District should be consistent with those used in existing, tastefully executed surrounding buildings.

Actions

Action CD-9.1 Adopt controls to ensure that new buildings built on existing vacant parcels strengthen the form and image of the Central Business District.

Action CD-9.2 Adopt architectural design controls related to the rehabilitation of buildings within the Central Business District through consistency and compatibility of scale, massing, materials, color, texture, reflectivity, openings, and other details.

Goal CD-10 To maintain the historic character of the Downtown.

Policies

Policy CD-10.1 Encourage the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reuse, and maintenance of existing buildings Downtown.

Policy CD-10.2 Encourage outdoor seating for restaurants/coffee shops when the historic character and quality of the Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods can be maintained.

Actions

Action CD-10.1 Conduct an historic resources survey to identify valuable and historical architectural styles and features within the Central Business District.

Action CD-10.2 Adopt strengthened architectural design controls related to the rehabilitation of buildings within the Central Business District.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Goal CD-11 Preserve and enhance the appearance of the Central Business District through design improvements to streetscapes and landscapes.

Policies

Policy CD-11.1 Street, walkway, and building lighting should be designed to strengthen and reinforce Downtown’s character.

Policy CD-11.2 Downtown signs and graphics should maintain the Town's small scale appearance and be consistent with the Commercial Design Guidelines.

Policy CD-11.3 Public signs, directional signs, informational signs, and other signs within the Central Business District should be designed so as to easily communicate their message, and be distinctive enough in their form and color that the observer will identify them with the Central Business District.

Policy CD-11.4 Street furniture and equipment, such as lamp standards, traffic signals, fire hydrants, street signs, telephones, mail boxes, refuse receptacles, bus shelters, drinking fountains, planters, kiosks, flag poles, and other elements of the street environment, should be designed and selected so as to strengthen and reinforce the Downtown character.

Policy CD-11.5 Trees and plants shall be approved by the Superintendent of Parks and Forestry for the purpose of meeting criteria, including climatic conditions, maintenance, year-round versus seasonal color change (i.e. blossoms, summer foliage, autumn color), special branching effects, and other considerations.

Policy CD-11.6 The area along Santa Cruz and University Avenues between Saratoga Avenue and West Main Street should

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

receive special treatment to accent it as the Town's commercial core or Central Business District and to enhance user familiarity and enjoyment.

Actions

Action CD-11.1 Install treatments, including:

a. Continuation of the Town's Downtown paving and tree planting system within the Central Business District.

b. Specialized lighting and sign systems to distinguish this area, including orientation signs to guide those seeking access to the Town’s parking areas and other destinations.

c. Modifications and improvements to the Town Plaza to heighten its role as the southern visual anchor and gateway to the Downtown area.

Action CD-11.2 Maintain design controls on private signage to enhance the commercial core area.

Action CD-11.3 Develop and adopt a landscaping plan that heightens user understanding of Downtown.

G. Historic Preservation

1. Background Information This section provides an historical overview that illustrates land use and development patterns in Los Gatos from the historic period to the present.

Prior to California’s era of United States governance, Spanish and then Mexican authorities granted large tracts of land to those who rendered services to the government. These tracts, called ranchos, were extensive and contained vast natural resources. Rancho Rinconada de los Gatos was granted

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to Jose Hernandez and Sebastian Peralta by the Governor of Alta California in May 1840. Because of the Mexican-American War in January 1853, Hernandez and Peralta were forced to petition the United States Federal Court in San Francisco to recognize their claim. In March 1860, the United States government issued both men a patent to their 6,631-acre rancho. The Peralta and Hernandez Adobe, originally constructed for Claude Simond, was built in 1853 on Quito Road in the present Town of Los Gatos.

In 1850, Alexander Forbes, former Vice-Counsel in San Francisco for the British Government, purchased 3,000 acres in the vicinity of Los Gatos Creek on the Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos, adjacent to the old Mission Trail between Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. Forbes constructed a flour mill on the east bank of Los Gatos Creek, which opened in 1854. The Town that grew around this building was initially called Forbes Mill, then Forbestown, and finally Los Gatos after the large wild cats that were so prevalent in the surrounding mountains.

In the mid-1850s, Old Santa Cruz Highway opened along with the Southern Pacific Coast Railroad (SPCRR), making Los Gatos an important Town for the logging industry in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The completion of the SPCRR in 1878 set the framework for Los Gatos’s future prosperity. The rail line, which connected San Francisco to Santa Cruz, passed through the Town and allowed passengers to transit the fertile Santa Clara Valley. Many American and European families were drawn to Los Gatos’s mild climate and began purchasing property and planting orchards. In 1873, oil was discovered south of Los Gatos in an area known as Moody Gulch. Oil was produced there until 1922 and, although no longer in use, some oil rigs still remain. In 1958, the gulch was filled to make room for State Route 17.

During the mid-1870s, the Town expanded to the west side of Los Gatos Creek and land prices increased significantly. In 1877, Los Gatos was incorporated and census records list 1,500 inhabitants within the Town’s

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limits. During this period of expansion, the Downtown area of Los Gatos began to develop. The Los Gatos Hotel, originally built in the mid-1860s, was enlarged in 1878. The Los Gatos Gas Company was organized in 1885, at about the same time as the Los Gatos Ice Works, the Bank of Los Gatos, and the Los Gatos and Saratoga Wine Company. In 1886, the Los Gatos school- house was built, and by 1881 the Town had at least two churches.

The railroad made it possible for Los Gatos farmers to ship their produce all over the country. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Los Gatos became a major agricultural area known for its apricots, prunes, grapes, and peaches.

Fruit orchards and logging, Los Gatos’s main industries through World War I, began to weaken during the Depression and through World War II. During the period after World War II, however, the Town experienced strong residential and commercial growth, which continues to the present day.

Today, the Town of Los Gatos has an Historic Preservation Code dedicated to preserving historic and architectural resources in Los Gatos. The Code establishes a Historic Preservation Committee and a Historic Preservation Program that includes a comprehensive series of standards and guidelines concerning the preservation and demolition of historic structures, design guidelines for rehabilitation and new construction, and guidance in the application of historic preservation standards. The Town recognizes an historic resource as follows: any structure/site that is located within an historic district; any structure/site that is historically designated; or any primary structure constructed prior to 1941, unless the Town has determined that the structure has no historic significance or architectural merit. The Town Council designates landmark sites and districts by ordinance. Los Gatos has five historic districts, described below and illustrated on Figure CD-1.

♦ Downtown Commercial Historic District. This district is bounded by Elm Street to the north, Main Street to the south, Los Gatos Creek to the east, and North Santa Cruz Avenue to the west. It is Los Gatos’s only surviving concentration of intact historic commercial buildings and

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Town Boundary City of Sphere of Influence Monte Sereno Water Body Creek A l O m T en I d N ra E C B re e N k A S Z U R C

A T N A S

. Y N T I S R E V I N U

LO S G A TO S B - AC S H A M R A AT N O G A

E G HE ID RN R AN N D LE EZ G

T I A T Z U R C

A T

A N T

L A S Y A . T R I N E S k P R e E e V r I C N N s E o U L t E a G D E s o L

PE N NS YL VA FAIRVIEW NI A

MA BR IN OA DW AY

MAIN

·|}þ17

0 250 500 Feet

Source: Town of Los Gatos, 2008.

Almond Grove Downtown Commercial Broadway University-Edelen Fairview Plaza

FIGURE CD-1

HISTORIC DISTRICTS TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

includes the Town’s earliest commercial roadway intersection and one- half of the 19th century commercial center. Architectural styles in this district include Queen Anne, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Art Deco, all in typical commercial styles with large display windows. None of the buildings exceed two and a half stories and the majority front directly on the sidewalk.

♦ Fairview Plaza Historic District. Fairview Plaza was the original name given to the cul-de-sac termination in the subdivision known as “Fairview Addition.” Fairview Plaza retains the same configuration as originally mapped, with houses oriented around a landscaped park. Approximately three quarters of the homes within the subdivision were built prior to 1900 and retain the character of that era. The pedestrian walk labeled “Turnstile Walk” on the original map remains essentially unchanged and is located at the eastern end of the cul-de-sac. Fairview Plaza is a rare and unique neighborhood because of the authentic, well-maintained Victorian and Craftsman houses in proximity to one another.

Almond Grove Historic District. This district is bounded by Bean Avenue to the south, Glen Ridge Avenue to the west, the lots facing Saratoga Avenue to the north, and the lots facing Santa Cruz Avenue to the east. The lots facing Saratoga and Santa Cruz Avenues bound, but are not included in, the district. Homes in this district represent the first and largest subdivision developed after the incorporation of Los Gatos. The land was once part of an almond orchard owned by John Mason and Edward Auzerais, two prominent Santa Clara County landowners. Almond Grove was developed by four important figures in Los Gatos history: Alphonse Eli Wilder, Augustine Nicholson, Magnus Tait, and John Bean. Many important contributors to the Town’s development lived in this district.

♦ University/Edelen Historic District. This district is bounded by Saratoga Avenue to the north, Main Street to the south, Los Gatos Creek to the east, and the former SPCRR right-of-way to the west. It was originally part of the Mason Tract. Victorian architecture is predominant in this district, including informal wood frame cottages and

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impressive homes, intermixed with Craftsman/Bungalow-style cottages built somewhat later. Also present in smaller numbers are Colonial Revival buildings. Both residential and commercial building types comprise the district.

♦ Broadway Historic District. This district generally includes properties south of West Main Street and west of Santa Cruz Avenue. A 100-acre tract of land, including what is now the Broadway area, was purchased by Henry McCobb in 1863. McCobb planned to subdivide the land and name the new city Cobbsville, but ultimately sold it to John Lyndon, who subdivided the area into 48 lots in 1881, each selling for $125 and up. In 1883, Broadway was opened up to provide access to the Lyndon Subdivision. Broadway was the first plotted residential street. The Broadway District was the first residential subdivision in what is now Los Gatos. Scattered houses and businesses, such as Forbes Mill, preceded Broadway, but this subdivision marked the beginnings of a formally laid-out town.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-12 To preserve significant historic and architectural features within the Town.

Policies

Policy CD-12.1 Avoid demolishing historic buildings, unless the Planning Commission finds, based on substantial evidence, that there is no feasible means to ensure the preservation of the structure.

Policy CD-12.2 Encourage the preservation, maintenance, and adaptive reuse of existing residential, commercial, or public buildings.

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Policy CD-12.3 Preserve and protect historic structures, including those that have been designated or are contributors to existing historic districts. Use special care in reviewing new buildings or remodels in the vicinity of historic structures to address compatibility issues and potential impacts.

Policy CD-12.4 Continue the Town’s careful and proactive historic preservation programs, tempered with compassion and understanding of property owners’ needs, desires, and financial capabilities.

Policy CD-12.5 Zone changes, planned development applications and zoning approvals that may result in the demolition of historic structures shall be referred to the Historic Preservation Committee for review and recommendation.

Policy CD-12.6 New structures within historic districts shall be designed to blend and harmonize with the neighborhood.

Policy CD-12.7 All projects shall consider any adverse effect to historic landmarks and features on or in the vicinity of the proposed project.

Policy CD-12.8 Require any development having potential adverse impacts on historical sites and/or features on or in the vicinity of historical sites:

a. Accommodate the historical structure or feature;

b. Mitigate potential adverse impacts to a level acceptable to the Town; or

c. Relocate the historical feature to an appropriate site.

Policy CD-12.9 Encourage developers to use historic structures or, if not feasible, encourage their donation to the Town.

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Actions

Action CD-12.1 Establish public information programs designed to make owners of historic structures and the general public aware of the value of historic buildings and to encourage their maintenance.

Action CD-12.2 Periodically review historic landmark and preservation legislation and update the Town Code as necessary.

Action CD-12.3 Conduct a study and amend the Town Code to require proposed developments that are otherwise exempt from historic review but that might have an impact on sites of designated or suspected historic significance to be referred to the Historic Preservation Committee for review and recommendation.

Goal CD-13 To support and encourage thoughtful rehabilitation or reuse of historic structures.

Policies

Policy CD-13.1 Rehabilitation of damaged historic structures shall be consistent with the policies of the Safety Element and the State Historic Building Code.

Policy CD-13.2 Renovations or remodels of historic structures shall be architecturally consistent with the original structure.

Policy CD-13.3 Provide applicants and developers with information and staff time to assist in restoration projects.

Policy CD-13.4 Provide information about tax law benefits for rehabilitation of historic structures.

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H. Hillside Development

1. Background Information The Hillsides comprise most of the southern portion of Los Gatos. Rural in character, hillside areas boast larger, wooded lots and private access roads. In January 2004, the Town adopted the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, which apply to all new hillside development and major hillside additions and renovations. The Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines and Hillside Specific Plan, as well as the following goals, policies, and actions, focus on the design and character of hillside development.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-14 To preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides by regulating new homes.

Policies

Policy CD-14.1 Minimize development and preserve and enhance the rural atmosphere and natural plant and wildlife habitats in the hillsides.

Policy CD-14.2 Limit hillside development to that which can be safely accommodated by the Town’s rural, two-lane roads.

Policy CD-14.3 Effective visible mass shall be reduced through such means as stepping structures up and down the hillside, following topographical contours, and limiting the height and mass of wall planes. A maximum of two stories shall be visible from every elevation.

Policy CD-14.4 Projection above the ridge view protection line is prohibited. All building plans shall indicate height in relationship to the ridge view protection line when viewed from specific vantage points and the valley floor.

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Policy CD-14.5 Staff shall require adequate environmental analysis for projects in the hillside area to ensure appropriate consideration of potential environmental impacts associated with projects.

Policy CD-14.6 Preserve and protect the natural state of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides by discouraging inappropriate development on and near the hillsides that significantly impacts viewsheds.

Policy CD-14.7 The Town shall continue to work with the County in updating the County’s Hillside Development Standards, and shall encourage annexations within the Urban Service Boundary.

Actions

Action CD-14.1 Design and implement programs and procedures to mitigate the effects of past developments, and to review and prevent or mitigate the impacts of future development on community sustainability.

Action CD-14.2 Conduct a study to determine whether hillside properties should be downzoned to lower densities.

Action CD-14.3 Update the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.

Goal CD-15 To preserve the natural topography and ecosystems within the hillside area by regulating grading, landscaping, and lighting.

Policies

Policy CD-15.1 Protect the natural ridge lines as defined in the Hillside Specific Plan and Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.

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Policy CD-15.2 Prohibit any grading that would alter the natural ridge line.

Policy CD-15.3 New construction shall be designed to follow natural land contours and avoid mass grading. When possible, flat pads should be avoided and houses should be designed to conform to or step down the contours rather than be designed for flat pads. Grading large, flat yard areas should be avoided.

Policy CD-15.4 Hillside landscaping shall be designed with the following goals in mind:

a. Minimizing formal landscaping and hardscape.

b. Siting formal landscaping and hardscape close to the house.

c. Following the natural topography.

d. Preserving native trees, native plant and wildlife habitats, and migration corridors.

Policy CD-15.5 Review all development proposals to ensure appropriate grading and landscaping and minimal disruption of existing native plants and wildlife habitat.

Policy CD-15.6 Fences shall be of open design unless required for privacy. A minimal amount of land shall be enclosed by fences over five feet high.

Policy CD-15.7 Review all new development proposals to ensure that:

a. Outdoor lighting shall be limited.

b. Permitted lighting shall be of low intensity and for safety purposes.

c. Lighted sports courts shall be prohibited.

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d. The effects of indoor lights should be studied and reduced if found to be excessive.

Actions

Action CD-15.1 Determine maximum buildable slope and revise the Town Code accordingly.

Action CD-15.2 Revise the Town’s grading policy to be consistent with the General Plan, Hillside Specific Plan, and Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.

I. Scenic Resources

1. Background Information Los Gatos is located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is surrounded by views of these mountains, particularly the Sierra Azul ridge. Major streets heading north-south in Los Gatos have views of the ridge to the south. Because of the heavily-wooded nature of the Town, most views are blocked by trees. Some homes in the hillsides have views of the Town and the surrounding area. These views of and from the hillsides help orient residents and visitors within the Town. Because scenic resources are an important part of Los Gatos’s identity, the Town sets forth policies that are intended to preserve and protect them.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-16 Promote and protect viewsheds and scenic resources.

Policies

Policy CD-16.1 Prevent development that significantly depletes, damages or alters existing landscape vistas.

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS 2020 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT

Policy CD-16.2 Encourage the use of scenic easements to preserve viewsheds.

Policy CD-16.3 New structures or remodels shall be designed to respect views from surrounding properties while allowing all affected properties reasonable access to views.

Action

Action CD-16.1 Study the feasibility of establishing a program to acquire scenic easements through dedication or purchase.

J. Design Review Process

1. Background Information Design review is conducted early during the development application process. It ensures adherence to Town design standards, such as the Hillside Specific Plan, Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, and Residential Design Guidelines.

2. Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal CD-17 To conduct careful review of new projects and provide clear direction to property owners, neighbors, and potential developers.

Policies

Policy CD-17.1 Achieve compliance with Town ordinances and regulations through education, incentives, and other proactive measures in addition to issuing citations, collecting fines, or other punitive measures.

Policy CD-17.2 Maintain the Town’s permit streamlining program.

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Policy CD-17.3 Design standards shall be considered for every project. Staff reports shall include a design review section that analyzes the following:

a. Building architecture (in keeping with the surrounding neighborhood) b. Mass and scale c. Utilities d. Landscaping e. Streets and sidewalks f. Signage g. Lighting h. Historical significance i. Accessibility to the disabled j. Siting/Orientation k. Materials and color l. Functionality m. Energy efficiency n. Ridgeline preservation o. Tree preservation p. Open space preservation

Policy CD-17.4 Development proposals on parcels greater than 40,000 square feet may be processed as a planned development.

Policy CD-17.5 Applicants for projects with policy implications or large scale projects may submit applications to the Conceptual Development Advisory Committee prior to a formal development application submittal.

Policy CD-17.6 Encourage developers to engage as early as possible in discussions regarding the nature and scope of the project and possible impacts and mitigation requirements.

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Policy CD-17.7 Require full public review for new commercial development to ensure compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods and the Town.

Policy CD-17.8 Require the erection of story poles prior to the approval of new development.

Policy CD-17.9 When the deciding body’s decision on a zoning approval is based on assumptions derived from the applicant’s proposal, those assumptions shall become conditions of the approval.

Actions

Action CD-17.1 Establish community design guidelines that promote and protect the natural amenities in the Town.

Action CD-17.2 Periodically review architectural standards and design guidelines and update as necessary for completeness, clarity, and effectiveness.

Action CD-17.3 Develop an education and outreach program to inform neighborhoods, realtors, developers, architects, and designers about the Town’s design guidelines and standards. Project application packages should include the relevant guidelines and standards.

Action CD-17.4 Prepare and distribute information describing guidelines for conducting neighborhood meetings and criteria for reporting the results of neighborhood meetings with project applications.

Action CD-17.5 Review and more clearly define the role of the Conceptual Development Advisory Committee.

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Action CD-17.6 Adopt guidelines for development review that protect: a. Rare plants and wildlife and their habitats. b. Natural watersheds. c. Historic sites. d. Aesthetically significant sites.

Goal CD-18 To update the Town Code to reflect current conditions in the Town.

Actions

Action CD-18.1 Amend the Town Code to include a definition of “Com- munity Benefit” that clearly differentiates it from exac- tions.

Action CD-18.2 Perform an audit of the Town Code to eliminate outdated sections and ensure that all regulations are consistent with this General Plan.

Action CD-18.3 Update the Conditional Use Permit Table to revise the list of uses. Considerations should include factors such as size of building and/or floor space occupied, traffic generation and whether the use would dictate a “trademark” style of building.

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