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Los Gatos planning commission approves new maintenance buildings at La Rinconada Golf Course
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Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved construction of two new maintenance buildings and associated grading at La Rinconada Golf Course, finding the project complies with town code and is categorically exempt under CEQA; the applicant said upgrades will improve employee conditions and reduce noise by shifting to electric equipment.
The Los Gatos Planning Commission on April 22 unanimously approved a site application to demolish existing maintenance buildings and construct two new maintenance buildings with grading and site improvements at La Rinconada Golf Course.
Planner Ryan Safdie told the commission the proposal covers multiple parcels totaling roughly 118 acres and includes two primary maintenance buildings with more than 7,000 square feet of combined floor area, redesigned employee parking (15 spaces), a fire-truck turnaround and grading for new building pads. Safdie said the project complies with town code and is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines sections 15303 (new construction) and 15301 (existing facilities).
“I’m happy to answer any questions,” Safdie said, summarizing the project’s tree protection and replanting plan and neighborhood outreach included in exhibit materials.
Andy Kimball, general manager at La Rinconada Country Club and the applicant’s representative, told commissioners the existing maintenance facilities date to 1970 and no longer meet modern operational or workspace standards. “By upgrading our facilities, we’ll be able to transition away from traditional combustion based equipment towards electric and in some cases autonomous electric equipment,” Kimball said, adding the change would lower the site’s noise profile and improve working conditions for staff. Kimball said construction is expected to take about seven months.
Commissioner Holmes noted the project’s prior approvals and tree‑removal discussions and voiced support for replacement plantings to offset the removals. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the application as recommended by staff; the motion passed unanimously.
Paulson, the community development director, told the room that anyone unhappy with the commission’s decision may appeal to the Town Council; appeal forms must be filed online within 10 days and require a filing fee.
The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed to the next steps required by the town’s permitting process; staff will track required building, grading and landscaping permits before construction begins.
