Los Gatos planning commission pauses 12‑lot Twin Oaks subdivision after public objections over trees, drainage and CEQA

The Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission on Dec. 17 heard more than three hours of testimony and technical questioning about a proposed 12‑lot subdivision at 178 Twin Oaks Drive and voted to continue the item so staff and the applicant can provide additional information.

Senior Planner Erin Walters summarized the application as a request to subdivide a 17.5‑acre vacant lot into 12 single‑family home lots with associated architecture and site applications, grading, and removal of protected trees. "Of the 12 single family homes, 3 are designated to be affordable, representing 25% of the total units," Walters told commissioners, and she said an initial study and proposed mitigated negative declaration (MND) had been prepared and peer‑reviewed by town consultants.

Town Attorney Gabrielle Whelan told the commission the project was being considered under several state laws, including Senate Bill 330, the state density bonus law and the Housing Accountability Act (the so‑called builder’s remedy). "Pursuant to Senate Bill 330, the town is limited to five public hearings on any SB‑330 project," Whelan said, and explained that applicants who vested before the town’s housing element certification may be eligible to use the builder’s remedy and certain density‑bonus incentives, concessions and waivers.

The bulk of the meeting was public comment and a technical question‑and‑answer session. Neighbors and environmental groups raised three recurring concerns: tree loss and wildlife habitat, stormwater/drainage impacts to Ross Creek and adjacent yards, and whether the MND adequately addresses potential significant…