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Los Gatos Town planning commission continues review of Trico Drive house; applicant to return June 24
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Summary
The Los Gatos Town Planning Commission continued a hearing on a proposal to demolish a 1,080‑sq‑ft house and build a new 3,196‑sq‑ft single‑story home at 16724 Trico Drive, directing the applicant to revise the design to better address consulting‑architect and neighbor concerns; the item was continued to June 24, 2026.
The Los Gatos Town Planning Commission on April 8 continued a public hearing on a proposal to demolish an existing 1,080‑square‑foot home at 16724 Trico Drive (APN 424‑21‑025) and replace it with a new 3,196‑square‑foot, single‑story house after commissioners and neighbors raised concerns about neighborhood compatibility and specific design features.
Senior Planner Erin Walters summarized the application (Architectural Site Application S‑25‑002) and said the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under section 15303 (new construction of small structures). Walters told the commission that a consulting architect reviewed an initial submittal in February 2025 and identified issues with massing, roof form, materials and setback; the applicant submitted revised plans that resolved some items but left three consulting‑architect recommendations outstanding. Based on the remaining inconsistencies with the residential design guidelines and neighborhood compatibility, staff recommended denial.
Project architect Terry Martin said he took over the project mid‑last year, described outreach the team had undertaken with adjacent neighbors and said the owners were surprised by a flurry of last‑minute letters raising concerns about mass and character. Martin also told the commission his office had received scam letters falsely claiming the project had been approved and demanding Bitcoin payments, a matter he said he wanted the commission to be aware of.
Neighbors and other members of the public offered mixed reactions. One commenter who identified herself as Courtney said she and several neighbors measured Farley Road and found curb‑to‑curb widths that differ from earlier staff figures in places, including three points under 35 feet and one at 34 feet, and she urged staff to document those measurements for an upcoming hearing. Other speakers described the proposed house as out of character with surrounding one‑story Eichler and California ranch‑style homes; one commenter said the design would reduce curb appeal and property values, while another Zoom speaker, Lee, urged some flexibility for modern designs in portions of town.
Commissioners pressed the architect on several specific design elements: the two roof pitches, an accent "blade" wall on the front elevation, window proportions and the overall massing. Several commissioners said they were not opposed to contemporary or distinctive architecture in general but felt the prominent blade wall and some proportions would benefit from softening and from following more of the consulting architect's advice. The applicant said the owners were not "married" to the current elevation and that the team was willing to revise the front facade and other details.
After questions of staff about timing and process for redesign, Commissioner Stump moved to continue the hearing to a date certain so the applicant could work with staff and the consulting architect; Commissioner Burnett seconded. The applicant estimated a realistic turnaround of about two months, and the commission amended the motion to continue the item to June 24, 2026. The continuance passed unanimously.
The commission did not take a final action on the design at the April 8 meeting. The applicant will work with staff and, where appropriate, the town consulting architect to revise plans and return to the Planning Commission on June 24, 2026 (or later if additional review or renoticing is required).
