Town of Los Gatos

The Commission discussed several administrative and project-based topics, including upcoming commission appointments, a transition back to in-person meetings, and the 2023 Spring into Green event. Staff provided reports covering park operations, vegetation management for open space, and current projects at Belgatos. Additionally, reports were presented by the Youth Commission and the Beautification Committee liaison.

The committee discussed and provided direction on a draft short-term rental ordinance, reviewed parameters for a potential parklet pilot program allowing both public use and restaurant service, examined proposed amendments to Town Code regarding fences, hedges, and walls in Hillside Residential zones with a focus on fire safety and wildlife corridors, and considered modifications to the land use appeal process by distinguishing between residential and commercial projects.

The committee discussed and provided direction on potential amendments to several town development and parking regulations. Key topics included amendments to Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, parking lot improvement approval processes, valet parking regulations, and parking assessment district regulations. The committee agreed to recommend these amendments to the Planning Commission and approved a change to the regular meeting schedule to the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The committee reviewed and provided direction on several policy matters. Discussions included proposals to modify demolition regulations, specifically regarding the consideration of interior framing versus surface materials, and potential requirements for sidewalks, gutters, and utility undergrounding. The committee also evaluated the land use appeal process, requesting staff to develop options regarding the responsibility for findings and the handling of new information. Finally, the committee recommended updates to the Town Agenda Format and Rules Policy concerning time limits for presentations and rebuttals by applicants and appellants.

The committee discussed potential modifications to demolition regulations and directed staff to forward recommended amendments to the Planning Commission. Discussions also took place regarding amendments to the Below Market Price (BMP) regulations, with instructions to research other communities, review previous housing plans, and explore residential linkage fees. Additionally, the committee approved modifications to the Town Agenda Format and Rules Policy regarding presentation time limits for public hearings, specifically setting durations for appellant presentations, rebuttals, and general speaker comments.