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Commission approves controversial two-story home at 116 Vallecitos Way with privacy conditions
Summary
After extensive testimony from neighbors about privacy, view loss and demolition risks, the Planning Commission approved a two-story replacement at 116 Vallecitos Way 4-3, subject to conditions including planting 10-foot privacy trees after demolition and obscuring one bathroom window to protect neighbors' privacy.
The Los Gatos Planning Commission approved a contentious application on June 24 to demolish an existing home and build a new two-story house at 116 Vallecitos Way, voting 4-3 after extended public comment focused on privacy, shadows and demolition safety.
Staff presentation (Sean Mullins) reminded commissioners the project was reduced from its prior configuration: plate height and roof pitch were lowered (total height reduced by 19 inches), the applicant reduced floor area by 62 square feet, and the design added a solid privacy wall along the north-facing balcony and a landscaping plan to provide screening. Mullins also noted fire and building-review requirements remain at the permit stage.
Neighbors described shadow impacts, loss of views and privacy, and concerns about asbestos and dust during demolition. "This home will stand out in our neighborhood," said Dr. Heather Aiken, who told commissioners the two-story home would block views and create privacy intrusions for adjacent yards. Jan Freeman and other residents asked the commission to deny the current proposal or require more substantial design changes.
Designer Michelle Minor and landscape designer Haley Loughgren presented a 3-D sight-line study and a planting plan; Minor offered to plant taller (10-foot) screening trees at the time of planting and to obscure one bathroom window that faces a neighbor's courtyard. "We will be happy to offer to plant 10-foot tall trees at the time of planting," Minor said.
Vice Chair Barnett moved to approve the application subject to conditions that included planting 10-foot trees after demolition and requiring the specified bathroom window to be obscured (or frosted); the motion also incorporated the standard staff findings and the revised development plans. The motion passed 4-3 after commissioners split over whether the modest reductions to area and height sufficiently addressed bulk and massing concerns.
Staff reminded the public that the commission's decision can be appealed to the Town Council within 10 days.
