HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-18 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Agenda PacketPage 1 of 2
SARATOGA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
July 10, 2018
8:30 AM REGULAR MEETING
Linda Callon Conference Room, City Hall | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
1. Site Visit(s):
a. 15320 Peach Hill Road
b. 20601 Brookwood Lane
2. Call to order:
3. Roll Call-Annette Stransky, Marilyn Marchetti, Paula Cappello, Alexandra Nugent, Dr.
Jo Rodgers, and Rina Shah
4. Oral Communications
Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the
agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the
matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
5. Approval of June 12, 2018 minutes
6. New Business:
a. 15320 Peach Hill Road – Subdivision of property listed on the Heritage Resource
Inventory
b. 20601 Brookwood Lane – Demolition of carriage house, property listed on the
Heritage Resource Inventory
7. Staff Comments:
a. None
8. Old Business:
a. Saratoga Avenue/Heritage Lane – Review of draft memo to City Attorney
b. Project status provided by Commissioners
c. Update of Heritage Preservation Month 2019
9. Adjournment
Page 2 of 2
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability -
related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact th e City Clerk’s Office at (408)
868-1294 or npimentel@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business
day before the start of the meeting.
Any recommendation made by the Heritage Preservation Commission may be appealed to the Planning Commission
within ten (10) days of the date of the decision. The appeal shall be taken by filing with the Secretary of the
Heritage Preservation Commission a written notice and filing fee within ten (10) days of the date of the decision.
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Heritage
Preservation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Community
Development Department Director at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials
distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the Director
at the time they are distributed to the Heritage Preservation Commission.
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Janet Costa, Administrative Assistant, for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting
of the Heritage Preservation Commission was posted and available for public review on July 5, 2018 at the City of
Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
City of Saratoga
H ERITAGE P RESERVATION C OMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
Page 1 of 3
Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2018/ 8:30 A.M.
Type: Regular Meeting
Place: City Hall /Administrative Conference Room - 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
1. Site Visit
a. None
2. Call to order: Chair Stransky called the meeting to order at 8:33 AM
3. Roll Call:
Present: Chair Annette Stransky, Commissioners Marilyn Marchetti, Dr. Jo Rodgers,
Alexandra Nugent, Paula Cappello, and Rina Shah
Absent: None
Staff: Nicole Johnson, Planner II, Sandy Baily, Special Projects Manager
4. Oral Communications:
None
5. Approval of minutes from May 8, 2018 meetings.
Shah/Rodgers moved to approve the minutes. Motion passed. Ayes: Marchetti, Stransky,
Nugent, and Cappello. Noes: None. Absent: None Abstain: None
6. New Business:
a. Reserve library and find a speaker for 2019 National Heritage Preservation Month
Commissioner Stransky recommended that the HPC reserve the library and find a speaker
as soon as possible for next May. Commissioner Nugent recommended Dave Weinstein
as a speaker to discuss mid-century architecture. There might be a possibility of also
getting Steven Eichler. Commissioner Stransky said she would work with the library in
booking the rooms and Commissioner Nugent would contact Weinstein.
6. Staff Comments:
a. HPC meeting time
Page 2 of 3
Nicole Johnson discussed the matter and informed the HPC that the first, third and fourth
Thursdays of the month in the afternoon and evening were available. Due to conflicts of
some of the Commissioners and due to City staff’s current increased night meeting
commitments with the General Plan update, the HPC decided to table the matter until
later next year.
b. HPC Commissioner binders
Nicole Johnson recommended that the HPC should take their binders with them in the
event there is an item on an agenda where they would need to review information
provided in their binder prior to the meeting.
c. HPC Training-CA Modern Architecture
Nicole Johnson suggested a California Preservation Foundation webinar training
regarding California Modern Architecture for the HPC. The HPC agreed that their
regular meeting in August would be a good time for the training. The HPC commented
that the Planning Commission and City Council should be invited.
d. Saratoga Avenue/Heritage Lane update
Sandy Baily discussed staff’s findings regarding HPC’s role in reviewing work along the
heritage portion of Saratoga Avenue. Based on the research information provided in the
memo to the HPC, staff has interpreted that the City Code is written to regulate HPC
review for work done only within the public right-of-way of a heritage lane, not beyond
the limits of the right-of-way (excluding for fences). The HPC disagreed with staff’s
interpretation and requested an interpretation from the City Attorney. Rodgers and
Marchetti will work together in developing a draft memo from the HPC to the City
Attorney to justify their interpretation. The draft memo will be finalized at the next
meeting.
7. Old Business:
a. Project status provided by Commissioners
The HPC discussed updates they had regarding the projects they were working on.
b. Events/Calendar: Blossom Festival (June 23)
Commissioner Stransky went over the logistics of the upcoming Blossom Festival and
Commissioner Shah said that she would help out at the booth. HPC requested getting a
tablecloth for their table with the name of their Commission. Commissioner Marchetti
will follow up with staff regarding the matter.
8. Adjournment
Chair Stransky adjourned the meeting at 9:53 A.M.
Page 3 of 3
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Nicole Johnson
Planner II
City of Saratoga
Page 1 of 1
Community Development Department
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 10, 2018
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
FROM: Nicole Johnson, Planner II
SUBJECT: SUB18-0002: 2 lot Subdivision
15320 Peach Hill Road (Subdivision)
Property Location: 15320 Peach Hill Road
Property APN: 517-22-112/517-22-121
Project Applicant: David & Teresa Carey
Project Description:
The applicant is proposing a two lot subdivision of a 4.449 acre property. The existing home on
the property is on Saratoga’s Heritage Preservation inventory (Carey House). The home was
built in 1929 and was designed by architect Birge Clark.
Following is a summary of the proposed project:
Create two new lots from an existing 4.449 acre property
o Lot 1-1.963 acres
o Lot 1- 2.486 acres
No development or demolition is proposed on lot 1 where the historic home is located.
Staff Comment:
Staff is requesting input from the HPC regarding the following comments for the proposed
application:
Does the proposed subdivision adversely affect the character of the historic home on the
property?
Permit Criteria: The Planning Department, on recommendation of the Heritage Preservation
Commission, shall authorize a permit if it is determined that the following applicable criteria is
met:
a. The proposed work is consistent with the purposes and objectives of Chapter 13 of the
Municipal Code.
b. The proposed work does not adversely affect the character of the historic resource.
Attachments:
1. Development Plans
2. DPR
Attachment 1
Mount Diablo
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
NRHP Status Code
4of Carey House*Resource Name or #
HP-88-01 P1. Other identifier:
*P2. Location:
Santa Clara County*a. County
Castle Rock Ridge*b. USGS 7.5' Quad 1973 Photoinspected .8 S.T .2 W.R
Peach Hill Rd. c. Address:SaratogaCity 95070Zip
10S d. UTM:(give more than one for large and/or linear resources) Zone mE/mN
east side of Peach Hill Road south of Piedmont Road.
e.Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
(Assigned by recorder):
and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a location map as necessary.)
;;
;
This pink-stucco house, designed by prominent local architect Birge Clark, features a red-tile
roof, a prominent wood balcony, and a partially cantilevered second story, typifying the
Monterey Colonial style. The main massing of the house is comprised of a two-story cross-
gabled form with a one-story wing offset to the side at an oblique angle. A recessed heavy-
timber balcony frames the front entry which consists of a heavy carved wood door set deeply
into a simple recess, giving the impression of very thick walls. To the side of the balcony,
the second story is shallowly cantilevered; the overhang is supported by carved wood beams.
This portion of the central wing has a shallow bay window on the ground floor and a
symmetrical pair of steel casement windows above. The chimney rises at the end of this two-
story section and is made of painted stucco topped by a red tile cap echoing the style of the
house. The house sits on a rise in several acres of landscaped grounds.
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements, include design, material, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
HP2. Single family property*P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other (Isolates, etc.)*P4. Resources Present:
None
Location Map
Sketch Map
Continuation Sheet
Building, Structure, and Object Record
Archaeological Record
District Record
Linear Feature Record
Milling Station Record
Rock Art Record
Artifact Record
Photograph Record
Other (List):
*Attachments:
Archives & Architecture: City of Saratoga Statement of Historic Context, 2009.
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none".)
View facing northeast, July 2009.
P5b.Description of Photo:
(View, date, accession #)
Historic Prehistoric Both
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and Source:
David John & Teresa Raquel Carey
15320 Peach Hill Rd.
Saratoga CA 95070
*P7. Owner and Address:
Archives & Architecture, LLC
PO Box 1332
San Jose, CA 95109
*P8. Recorded By: (Name,
affiliation, and address)
10/26/09*P9. Date Recorded:
Reconnaissance
*P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
1929
* Required InformationDPR 523A (1/95)
Not for Publication Unrestricted
1
517-22-112APN#
B.M.
F. Maggi, L. Dill, & J. Kusz
Date
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer Date
Page
15320
Attachment 2
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
2CS*NRHP/CRHR Status Code
Carey HouseResource Name (Assigned by recorder)
4of
Wright House B1. Historic Name:
15320 Peach Hill Rd. B2. Common Name:
Single family residential B3. Original Use:Single family residentialB4. Present Use:
Monterey Colonial*B5. Architectural Style:
Constructed 1929.
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)
No Yes Unknown*B7. Moved?n/aDate:n/aOriginal Location:
None known.
*B8. Related Features:
Birge Clark B9a. Architect:Unknownb. Builder:
Architecture*B10. Significance: Theme Glen UnaArea:
1929Period of Significance:ResidentialProperty Type:(3)Applicable Criteria:
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The Carey House is listed on the Saratoga Heritage Resources Inventory, included as a part of
HP-88-01. It qualified under Criteria a, c, and d:
a) the property exemplifies and reflects special elements of the cultural, social, economic, aesthetic,
and architectural history of Saratoga;
c) the property embodies distinctive characteristics of the Monterey Colonial style, type and period; and
d) the property is representative of a notable design by architect Birge Clark.
The Carey House also appears eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources under
Criterion (3), as the house embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Spanish Eclectic
style within Saratoga's City of Homes period, and represents the work of master architect Birge
Clark.
(Continued on page 4, DPR523L)
DPR 523B (1/95)*Required Information
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes)
Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission, Historic
Resources Inventory form, 1988.
*B12. References:
Listed Heritage ResourceB13. Remarks:
Franklin Maggi*B14. Evaluator:
October 26, 2009*Date of Evaluation:
(Sketch Map with north arrow required.)
(This space reserved for official comments.)
2
None
Primary #
HRI #
Page
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
4of
DPR 523J (1/95)*Required Information
* Map Name:Multiple n.t.s.* Scale:Varies* Date of Map:
Carey House*Resource Name or #(Assigned by recorder)3
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
4of
DPR 523L (1/95)*Required Information
(Continued from page 2, DPR523b, B10)
Historical Background
This residence was constructed in 1929 for a cost of $36,000. It was designed by architect
Birge Clark. It appears that in 1930 the house was owned by the Wright family who apparenty
owned the residence until 1962, when it was sold to the Behel family. The Wright family
ownership was not confirmed as a part of this recording. In 1983, the house was purchased by
John and Teresa Carey.
Architectural Context
Palo Alto native, Birge Clark (1893-1989) attended Stanford where his father, Arthur B. Clark,
headed the Art Department. After acquiring an architecture degree from Columbia University,
Clark entered World War I, in which he was awarded a Silver Star. Returning from the war, Clark
opened an office in Palo Alto where he was the only architect in the city between 1922 and
1930. He designed a large number of projects during this time in the greater Palo Alto area,
including 98 private residences and over 200 total buildings over the 5 decades of his
professional career. Clark is regarded as having designed virtually all of Palo Alto’s
commercial and civic buildings during the 1920’s and the 1930’s, and the overwhelming majority
of those had been modeled in the “Spanish Eclectic” or “Early California” style with which his
name is synonymous. Some of the most notable projects include the university houses on the
Stanford campus (39 in all) and the President Hotel on University Avenue.
Integrity
The house retains its architectural design, workmanship and materials, as well as a compatible
setting and original location, and the property continues to embody the historical associations
and feelings of this residence.
* Recorded By F. Maggi, L. Dill, & J. Kusz
Carey House*Resource Name or #(Assigned by recorder)
Continuation Update10/26/2009* Date
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page 4
Page 1 of 1
Community Development Department
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 10, 2018
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
FROM: Sandy L. Baily, Special Projects Manager
SUBJECT: HPC 18-0004 - Demolition of Carriage House – 20601 Brookwood Lane
Property Location: 20601 Brookwood Lane
Property APN: 503-23-022
Project Owner: Helen and Ian Whiting
Background:
In 1988, the Heritage Preservation Commission added the house on the subject property to
Saratoga’s Heritage Resource Inventory. The DPR for the property makes reference to a
carriage house and other accessory structures (Attachment 1). There is no information regarding
when the carriage house was constructed. In 2010 a building permit was approved for the new
doors. No documentation was found when the new windows and reroof occurred.
Project Description:
The property owner is requesting approval to demolish the carriage house. According to the
property owner and architect, the windows and doors are not original, interior beams and a
wooden floor were added and the roof was modified to a slate tile material with skylights.
Staff Comments:
Staff is requesting input from the HPC regarding the following comment for the proposed
demolition:
Does the proposed demolition adversely affect the character of the property’s historic
resource?
Permit Criteria: The Planning Department, on recommendation of the Heritage Preservation
Commission, shall authorize a permit if it is determined that the following applicable criteria is
met:
a. The proposed work is consistent with the purposes and objectives of Chapter 13 of the
Municipal Code.
b. The proposed work does not adversely affect the character of the historic resource.
Attachments:
1. DPR form for 20601 Brookwood Lane
2. Current photographs of carriage house
3. Partial site plan
Mount Diablo
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
PRIMARY RECORD
NRHP Status Code
4of Willard House*Resource Name or #
HP-88-01 P1. Other identifier:
*P2. Location:
Santa Clara County*a. County
Cupertino*b. USGS 7.5' Quad 1980 Photorevised .8 S.T .1 W.R
Brookwood Lane c. Address:SaratogaCity 95070Zip
10S d. UTM:(give more than one for large and/or linear resources) Zone mE/mN
north side of Brookwood Lane west of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.
e.Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate)
(Assigned by recorder):
and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a location map as necessary.)
;;
;
This large one-and-one-half-story, multi-gabled residence is surrounded by extensive gardens
on a spacious lot; it is barely visible from the public right-of-way. The split bargeboards,
wide roof, and knee braces are typical of a Craftsman bungalow; houses from the Craftsman era—
about 1905 to 1925—embody a local design response to the Arts-and-Crafts movement, as
presented in such historic magazines as Craftsman. The walls are clad in horizontal, wood lap
siding with possible replacement windows that fit within original trim. The porches on the
south and east sides have French doors opening from first floor. A small barn, carriage house
and shed on the property are well maintained, as is a gazebo in the rear garden and an arbor
in the front garden. Other than the possible changes to the windows, there do not appear to
have been any major alterations or additions to the house and it appears in excellent
condition.
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements, include design, material, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
HP2. Single family property*P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other (Isolates, etc.)*P4. Resources Present:
None
Location Map
Sketch Map
Continuation Sheet
Building, Structure, and Object Record
Archaeological Record
District Record
Linear Feature Record
Milling Station Record
Rock Art Record
Artifact Record
Photograph Record
Other (List):
*Attachments:
Archives & Architecture: City of Saratoga Statement of Historic Context, 2009.
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none".)
View facing north, July 2009.
P5b.Description of Photo:
(View, date, accession #)
Historic Prehistoric Both
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and Source:
Ian & Helen Whiting
20601 Brookwood Lane
Saratoga CA 95070
*P7. Owner and Address:
Archives & Architecture, LLC
PO Box 1332
San Jose, CA 95109
*P8. Recorded By: (Name,
affiliation, and address)
10/26/09*P9. Date Recorded:
Reconnaissance
*P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
1916, 93 years old.
* Required InformationDPR 523A (1/95)
Not for Publication Unrestricted
1
503-23-022APN#
B.M.
F. Maggi, L. Dill, & J. Kusz
Date
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer Date
Page
20601
Attachment 1
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
3CS*NRHP/CRHR Status Code
Willard HouseResource Name (Assigned by recorder)
4of
F. B. Willard House B1. Historic Name:
20601 Brookwood Lane B2. Common Name:
Single family residential B3. Original Use:Single family residentialB4. Present Use:
Craftsman*B5. Architectural Style:
Constructed circa 1916.
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)
No Yes Unknown*B7. Moved?n/aDate:n/aOriginal Location:
Small barn, carriage house
*B8. Related Features:
Unknown B9a. Architect:Unknownb. Builder:
Architecture*B10. Significance: Theme Congress Springs / Pierce RoadArea:
c1916Period of Significance:ResidentialProperty Type:(3)Applicable Criteria:
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The Willard House is listed on the Saratoga Heritage Resources Inventory, included as a part of
HP-88-01. It qualified under Criteria a and c:
a) the property exemplifies and reflects special elements of the cultural, social, economic, aesthetic, and
architectural history of Saratoga; and
c) the property embodies distinctive characteristics of the Craftsman style, type and period.
The Willard House also appears eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources
under Criterion (3), as the house embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Craftsman
house-type within Saratoga's City of Homes period.
(Continued on page 4, DPR523L)
DPR 523B (1/95)*Required Information
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (list attributes and codes)
Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission, Historic
Resources Inventory form, 1988.
*B12. References:
a,c
c,d
Listed Heritage Resource
B13. Remarks:
Franklin Maggi*B14. Evaluator:
October 26, 2009*Date of Evaluation:
(Sketch Map with north arrow required.)
(This space reserved for official comments.)
2
None
Primary #
HRI #
Page
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCATION MAP
4of
DPR 523J (1/95)*Required Information
* Map Name:Multiple n.t.s.* Scale:Varies* Date of Map:
Willard House*Resource Name or #(Assigned by recorder)3
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page
State of California - The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
4of
DPR 523L (1/95)*Required Information
(Continued from page 2, DPR523b, B10)
Historical Background
This residence was built in 1916 for F.B. Willard, an executive of the "City of Paris"
department store in San Francisco. He lived here until the 1950s. In the 1950's Dr. McKuen, a
dentist, purchased the house from the Willards. In 1959, the house was sold to John Kahle who
lived here until at least the 1980s. Although the architect is unknown, notes provided by the
Kahle family at the time of the 1980s recording indicate an association with Julia Morgan. This
information could not be confirmed as a part of this study.
Integrity
The house and outbuildings retain adequate architectural design, workmanship and materials, as
well as a compatible setting and original location, and the property continues to represent the
historical associations and feelings of this residence.
* Recorded By F. Maggi, L. Dill, & J. Kusz
Willard House*Resource Name or #(Assigned by recorder)
Continuation Update10/26/2009* Date
Primary #
HRI #
Trinomial
Page 4
Attachment 2
Attachment 3
Page 1 of 8
Date: July 5, 2018
To: Nicole Johnson, Planner II
From: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
Subject: Response to June 12 memo regarding HPC’s ‘Role Regarding Heritage Lanes’
At the June 12 meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), the HPC was
presented with a memorandum regarding the role of the HPC in the preservation of the Saratoga
Avenue Heritage Lane. Heritage Lanes were initially created to:
Preserve the width and appearance of roads associated with Saratoga’s
earlier development.
Prevent widening and improvement to current city standards of certain roads, as currently
required in conjunction with new development and infill projects.
Discourage increased traffic on certain roads.
The HPC was created in 1981.The ordinance that created the commission included the concept
of a Heritage Lane. A portion of Saratoga Avenue was designated a Heritage Lane because it
met the following criteria:
a) It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the cultural, social, economic, political,
aesthetic, engineering or architectural history of the City, the County, the State or the nation;
or
(e) It embodies or contributes to unique physical characteristics representing an established
and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or district within the City; or
(f) It represents a significant concentration or continuity of site, buildings, structures or
objects, unified by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical or natural development; or
(g) It embodies or contributes to a unique natural setting or environment constituting a
distinct area or district within the City having special character or special historical,
architectural or aesthetic interest or value.
The DPR for the Saratoga Avenue Heritage Lane notes that the lane was “Established by the
early 1850s initially connecting the town of Santa Clara and the settlements in and near what is
now known as Saratoga Village.” The DPR also notes that “properties on both sides of the
street” are “Related Features.”
Records from City Council meetings held in 1981 include concern regarding the “limited scope
of ordinance with respect to Heritage Lanes” and that “Heritage Lanes were not adequately
defined by the ordinance.”
At the June 12 meeting, the HPC discussed the memorandum summarizing the staff research
findings and also discussed the historic role of the HPC regarding buildings adjacent to Saratoga
Avenue. Because this new interpretation is a major change in how the HPC oversees preservation
Page 2 of 8
of a Heritage Lane, commission members decided to respond, in writing, to the memorandum
and to request that the City Attorney provide input. The commission also discussed the
possibility of a City Code amendment to clarify preservation of a Heritage Lane.
Heritage Preservation Commission powers and duties include “Review and comment upon all
applications for building, demolition, grading or tree removal permits involving work to be
performed upon or within a designated historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district, and
all applications for tentative map approval, rezoning, building site approval, use permit, variance
approval, design review or other approval pertaining to or significantly affecting any heritage
resource.” Historically, the HPC and the Planning Department has taken this code to mean that
the commission should review and provide recommendations regarding structures adjacent to the
lane. The commission is now being asked to limit its review to work done on the roadway itself,
along with trees, some fencing and native plant landscaping in front of these fences. The
commission has no known history of reviewing landscaping along Saratoga Avenue.
A review of a July 26, 1991 memo to the City Council from then Planning Director Steve Emslie
summarizes the characteristics of Saratoga Avenue as “two traffic lanes lined by old trees and
homes,” and notes that 17 homes along the proposed heritage lane were already on the heritage
inventory. Further, the memo states that “the designation indicates the intention and desire to
preserve certain characteristics or qualities of the street. In order to do so, the city may include
regulations in the ordinance designating a street, to ensure compatibility with its historic
character. Measures such as maintenance of the street width and existing vegetation as well as
preservation of historic homes may be addressed in the ordinance to preserve the historic street
character.”
It is the purpose of the HPC to:
(a) Safeguard the heritage of the City by providing for the protection of irreplaceable heritage
resources representing significant elements of its history;
(b) Enhance the visual character of the City by encouraging and regulating the
compatibility of architectural styles within historic areas which reflect established
architectural traditions;
(c) Encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City's past, and
foster civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use
of the City's heritage resources;
(d) Stabilize and improve property values within the City and increase the economic and
financial benefits to the City and its inhabitants derived from the preservation, rehabilitation,
and use of heritage resources;
(e) Integrate the conservation of heritage resources into the public and private development
process and identify as early as possible and resolve conflicts between the preservation of
such resources and alternative land uses.
Page 3 of 8
Questions:
How can the HPC ensure that the historic appearance and character of the heritage lane is
preserved if it does not offer recommendations regarding construction, alteration, demolition,
removal or relocation of any buildings, improvements or other structures that are adjacent to
the lane?
Page 4 of 8
Is not the character of the lane determined both by the character of the road, as well as the
character of the structures that exist along that roadway?
How can the HPC work to preserve the historic qualities of the heritage lane if the commission is
limited to a review of trees, fences and landscape that are adjacent to the lane?
If it does not seek input from the HPC, how will the Planning Department determine:
(a) The proposed work is consistent with the purposes and objectives of this Chapter.
(b) The proposed work does not adversely affect the character of the designated
historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district.
(c) In the case of construction of a new building, structure or other improvement upon or within
a designated historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district, the exterior of such
improvements will not adversely affect and will be compatible with the external appearance of
the existing landmark, lane or district.
Clarification needed:
The HPC requests further clarification of the phrase “within a heritage lane,” since the DPR for
Saratoga Avenue notes that the properties bordering the lane are “related features” and there are
no buildings located on the road itself.
Recommendation:
1.) The ordinance included the concept of a 'Heritage Lane’ when the HPC was created in
1981, at which time the HPC determined that a portion of Saratoga Avenue was designated a
Heritage Lane because it met the specific criteria previously described. Therefore, the HPC
believes that the City Attorney should review all related materials to clarify the HPC’s role as it
related to Heritage Lanes.
2.) To clarify the ordinance, the HPC recommends that the definition of a Heritage Lane,
under 13-05.020 – Definitions, be amended to include “and its related features adjacent to the
lane.” (Designated heritage lane means a street, road, avenue, boulevard, pathway or trail, and its
related features, designated as a heritage resource pursuant to this Chapter.)
3.) The HPC recommends that it continue to review structures on both sides of the Heritage
Lane. If there are changes to the procedures that were followed in the past, or there is a lag in
the time before we can clarify or request to amend the ordinance so it is more clear, the entire
community and the residents on the Heritage Lane will be confused.
Page 5 of 8
Related sections from the Code of Ordinances follows (copied directly from Chapter 13).
According to City Ordinance 13-05.020 - Definitions
Designated heritage lane means a street, road, avenue, boulevard, pathway or trail designated as
a heritage resource pursuant to this Chapter.
Chapter 13 - HERITAGE PRESERVATION
13-05.010 - Purpose.
It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the recognition, preservation,
enhancement and use of heritage resources within the City is required in the interest of the
health, economic prosperity, cultural enrichment and general welfare of the people. The
purpose of this Chapter is to:
(a) Safeguard the heritage of the City by providing for the protection of irreplaceable heritage
resources representing significant elements of its history;
(b) Enhance the visual character of the City by encouraging and regulating the compatibility of
architectural styles within historic areas which reflect established architectural traditions;
(c) Encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the City's past, and foster
civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of
the City's heritage resources;
(d) Stabilize and improve property values within the City and increase the economic and
financial benefits to the City and its inhabitants derived from the preservation, rehabilitation,
and use of heritage resources;
(e) Integrate the conservation of heritage resources into the public and private development
process and identify as early as possible and resolve conflicts between the preservation of
such resources and alternative land uses.
13-10.040 - Powers and duties.
Heritage Preservation Commission powers and duties include
Review and comment upon all applications for building, demolition, grading or tree removal
permits involving work to be performed upon or within a designated historic landmark, heritage
lane or historic district, and all applications for tentative map approval, rezoning, building site
approval, use permit, variance approval, design review or other approval pertaining to or
significantly affecting any heritage resource. The Commision's comments shall be forwarded to
the City agency or department processing the application within thirty days after receiving the
request for such comments.
Page 6 of 8
Article 13-20 - PERMITS
13-20.010 - Permit required.
It is unlawful for any person to alter, demolish, remove, relocate or otherwise change any
exterior architectural feature or natural feature of a designated historic landmark or to construct,
alter, demolish, remove or relocate any building, improvement or other structure upon any
property located within a designated heritage lane or historic district, or to place, erect, alter or
relocate any sign upon or within a designated historic landmark, heritage lane or historic
district, without first obtaining a written permit to do so in the manner provided in this Article;
provided, however, that the foregoing requirements shall not apply when alternative permit
requirements for a specific historic landmark, heritage lane, or historic district have been
specified by the ordinance designating the landmark, lane, or district.
(Amended by Ord. 213 § 3(A), 2002)
13-20.070 - Criteria.
The Planning Director, on the recommendation of the Heritage Commission, or the Planning
Commission or City Council on appeal, shall authorize issuance of a permit, or a conditional
permit, if and only if, it is determined that:
(a) The proposed work is consistent with the purposes and objectives of this Chapter.
(b) The proposed work does not adversely affect the character of the designated
historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district.
(c) In the case of construction of a new building, structure or other improvement upon or within
a designated historic landmark, heritage lane or historic district, the exterior of such
improvements will not adversely affect and will be compatible with the external appearance of
the existing landmark, lane or district.
13-25.020 - Ordinary maintenance and repair.
Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, painting,
landscaping or repair of any exterior feature in or upon any designated historic landmark or
property located within a designated heritage lane or historic district that does not involve a
change in design, material or the external appearance thereof, nor does this Chapter prevent the
construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or removal of any designated
historic landmark or property located within a designated heritage lane or historic district
which has been certified by the City building inspector, or fire chief, or other code enforcement
officer as being in unsafe or dangerous condition which cannot be rectified through the use of
the California State Historic Building Code.
Page 7 of 8
13-25.030 - Duty to keep in good repair.
The owner, occupant, or the person in actual charge of a designated historic landmark or property
located within a designated heritage lane or historic district shall keep and maintain in good
condition and repair all exterior portions thereof, all interior portions thereof when subject to
special regulation or control as specified in the designating ordinance or permit, and all interior
portions thereof whose maintenance is necessary to prevent deterioration and decay of any
exterior architectural feature or natural feature.
13-25.040 - Enforcement.
(a) The violation of any provision contained in this Chapter is hereby declared to be unlawful
and shall constitute a misdemeanor, subject to the penalties as prescribed in Chapter 3 of
this Code.
(b) The Planning Director shall have the duty and authority to enforce the provisions of this
Chapter, and any other laws, rules or regulations of the City which govern or relate to the
issuance of permits for work to be performed upon or within a designated historic landmark
or property located within a designated heritage lane or historic district, by any or all of the
following means:
(1) Serving notice upon the owner or occupant requiring the correction or removal of
any violation of this Chapter.
(2) Issuance of citations for violation of any provision of this Chapter.
(3) Authorizing and instructing the City Attorney to initiate appropriate legal proceedings
against any person who violates this Chapter, including actions for injunctive relief to restrain
or enjoin such violation.
(4) Request enforcement assistance from the County Sheriff's Department and the
City Community Service Officers.
15-29.070 - Fences adjacent to heritage lanes.
In addition to the regulations set forth in Section 15-29.010 of this Article, fences adjacent to a
designated heritage lane shall comply with the following requirements:
c. Setback. No fence which exceeds three feet in height shall be constructed within the required
setback area fronting a heritage lane. This minimum setback may be required to be increased to a
maximum of fifty feet upon the finding that such increased setback is necessary to preserve the
historic qualities of the heritage lane.
(d) Color, material and design. Fences adjacent to a heritage lane may be constructed of wood,
stone, masonry, wrought iron or similar material. The design, color and materials of the fence
shall be approved based upon a finding that the fence will not adversely affect the historic
qualities of the lane and will be compatible with the design and materials of existing buildings
on the site and structures on adjacent properties.
(f) Landscaping. The applicant shall landscape and maintain an area within the right-of-way,
Page 8 of 8
parallel to and along the entire length of the exterior side of a fence in excess of three feet in
height and facing the heritage lane, in accordance with a landscape plan approved by the
Community Development Director. Such landscape plan shall provide for the planting of trees
and vegetation that are native to the area and require little or no maintenance. The landscape
plan may be approved by the Community Development Director upon the finding that the
proposed landscaping will effectively blend the fence with its environment and enhance the
visual appearance of the lane.
Project Status Worksheet
Staff/Commissioner
Assigned Status
Heritage Resource Inventory Candidates
Structures
14625 Big Basin Way Stransky
14285 Saratoga Av Rodgers
18495 Montpere Way Marchetti Anticipates DPR completion in August
13650 Saratoga Av (Library)Stransky Hold
13601 Saratoga Av St Andrew's Cappello Staff reviewing DPR/Can be modified to application form
13716 Saratoga Av Sacred Heart Rodgers
19246 DeHavilland Nugent
19222 DeHavilland Nugent
19223 DeHavilland Nugent
20520 Marion Rd Shah
20602 Marion Rd Shah
20996-21398 Congress Springs Rd (Quarry)Nugent
18530 Montpere Way Marchetti Anticipates DPR completion in August
14301 Saratoga Av Rodgers
14321 Lutheria Way Stransky
20290 Orchard Stransky
20328 Orchard Stransky
20350 Orchard Stransky
14220 Elva Ave - Russian Church Stransky
14104 Oak St Stransky
14791 Oak
20318 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road Stransky
14404 Quito Rd Stransky
Other
Saratoga Federated Church Bell Nugent
Lutheria Way Entrance Posts 14200 & 14222
Lutheria Way Nugent Letters sent to property owners. 45 days up July 1st
Eichler Entrance Feature (four) - Cox Ave Nugent Letters sent to property owners. 45 days up July 1st. Positive contact from homeowner at 19201 Schubert Dr
Concern from homeowner at 19461 DeHavilland Drive
Markers (Point of Interest)
Ohlone Indians Stranksy
Saloon Stranksy
Urban Railroad
Paper Mill
IN PROGRESS ITEMS
Page 1 of 2 7/3/2018
Project Status Worksheet
Staff/Commissioner
Assigned Status
Paste Board Mill
Village Design Guidelines Johnson Council authorized consultant contract to develop guidelines
Heritage Plaques/Signage
Memorial Park
Madronia Cemetary
Heritage Orchard
Training
Webinar CA Modern Architecture Staff August
Events
Blossom Festival 2018
State of the City 2019
Arbor Day 2019
Preservation Month 2019 Library scheduled for May 11th presentation
Allocation for FY 18-19 (For POI Markers &
Training)
Approved 10,000.00
Balance 10,000.00
Other
Connect with Realty Firms
Page 2 of 2 7/3/2018
Year Notes
Added
18500 Montpere Way 2015
19277 Shubert Dr 2017
Discontinued
19365 Allendale 2017 Owner did not want house on Inventory
20021 Bella Vista 2014 Lack of owner consent
14501-14503 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14251 Fruitvale 2014 Lack of owner consent
14519 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent
14413-14415 Big Basin Way (20640 Third St)2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14495 Big Basin Way 2014 Lack of owner consent plus not eligible as it lacks sufficient integrity to its original design
14754 Pierce Rd 2014 Lack of owner consent
2015 Owner did not want house as a landmark
Heritage Tree Inventory
Added
2018
Point of Interest Markers
Installed
Blossom Fesitival 2018
Saratoga Inn/Theater in the Glade 2018
Publications
Heritage Tree Guidebook 2017
FAQ's Historic Preservation 2017
FAQ's Heritage Trees 2017
FAQ's Mills Act 2018
FAQ's Landmarks 2018
Completed/Discontinued
Heritage Resource Inventory
Palm Trees - Yerba Santa Court
Added
Landmarks
Discontinued
Old Grandview Ranch