Los Altos City Council
March 11, 2025

P1. Other Identifier: HRI #15: Civic Center Orchard
DPR 523A (9/2013) *Required information
State of California  The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial
NRHP Status Code
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer Date
*P2. Location:  Not for Publication  Unrestricted
*a. County Santa Clara and (P2c, P2e, and P2b or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad Mountain View Date 2021 T 37 ; R 78 ; NE 1/4  of  of Sec ; B.M.
c. Address 1 N. San Antonio Road City Los Altos Zip 94022 d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/or linear resources) Zone , mE/ mN e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, decimal degrees, etc., as appropriate) APN 170-42-029, 170-43-001
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The Civic Center Orchard is part of the Civic Center complex on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and San Antonio Road to the west. The civic center complex consists of City Hall, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Community Center, Los Altos Library, J. Gilbert Smith House, Los Altos History Museum, Hillview Baseball Field, Hillview Park, a playground, and parking areas. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial buildings. (See Continuation Sheet.) *P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP39 Other (orchard) *P4. Resources Present:  Building  Structure  Object Site  District  Element of District  Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Description of Photo: (view, date, accession #)
Northwest of the library, looking
northeast.
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Source: Historic  Prehistoric
 Both
1901, June 2000 DPR form for the
Civic Center Orchard
*P7. Owner and Address:

City of Los Altos
*P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation,
and address)
Treanor,
351 California St., Suite 800, San
Francisco, CA 94104
*P9. Date Recorded: January 20,
2025
*P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Intensive Survey
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter "none.")
None.
*Attachments:  None  Location
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):

P5a. Photograph or Drawing (Photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects.) 728
Agenda Item # 10.
*Resource Name or # (Assigned by recorder) HRI #15: Civic Center Orchard *NRHP Status Code CA REG: 5S1

DPR 523B (9/2013) *Required information
State of California  The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#

BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
(This space reserved for official comments.)
(Sketch Map with north arrow required.) N
B1. Historic Name:

B2. Common Name: Civic Center Orchard
B3. Original Use: Agricultural B4. Present Use: Mixed
*B5. Architectural Style: N/A
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations) Established 1901.
*B7. Moved?  No Yes Unknown Date: Original Location:
*B8. Related Features: J. Gilbert Smith House
B9a. Architect: N/A b. Builder: N/A
*B10. Significance: Theme Early Development/Agriculture Area Los Altos

Period of Significance. c.1900-1961 (50 year mark) Property Type Orchard Applicable Criteria NR/CR/Local (A/1, B/2)
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.) In 1901, J. Gilbert Smith purchased land near San Antonio Road (then Giffin Road), on which he constructed a house and planted a small number of apricot trees. Over the years, he and his wife, Margaret Hill Smith, purchased more land that eventually totaled 15 acres. The land was used to grow apricot trees, except for approximately 1 acre of land around the house, which was reserved for yard space. In 1954, the Smiths sold a portion of their land to the City of Los Altos.

Their home and the surrounding nearly acre of land was not part of that sale, however a provision in their wills stated the house and land be donated to the City upon their deaths.1 (See Continuation Sheet.)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) N/A *B12. References:

See Continuation Sheets.

B13. Remarks: This DPR form updates previous DPRs completed for the site, 2000 and 2011. *B14. Evaluator: Treanor *Date of Evaluation: January 20, 2025 729
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

*P3a. Description, Continued:

The Civic Center Orchard is one of the last remaining orchards in Los Altos, and additionally holds significance for being planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. In 1981, the Civic Center Orchard was designated as a historical landmark in the City of Los Altos, as described in Resolution No. 81-23. The historical designation included the J. Gilbert Smith House and its surrounding garden. The legal description of the property, as taken from Resolution No. 81-23, discusses the boundaries of three parcels and includes a clause that reads: “All other structures on the land, as well as a presently undefined portion of the orchard necessary to accommodate the future Council Chambers, are specifically excluded.” Since no other description is provided for the “undefined portion of the orchard,” it is unknown which areas of the land were excluded in the 1981 designation boundaries. Resolution No. 91-31 was passed in 1991 and describes a modification to the historic landmark orchard boundary. While the modification is not detailed in the resolution, the boundaries are reduced since its original designation in 1981. Resolution No. 91-31 is accompanied by a hand drawn sketch labeled “Exhibit A,” showing the new landmark designation boundaries of the Civic Center Orchard.

Figure 1. Exhibit A of Resolution 91-31, boundaries of the historic orchard (City Council of Los Altos Resolution No. 91-31 attachment).

The Civic Center Orchard surrounds City Hall and is largely broken up into two main areas with a strip of land east of San Antonio Road and City Hall and continues east of City Hall, occupying land south of the surface parking lot and north of the Los Altos Library. The orchard connects north of the Los Altos Library and south of City Hall. Although the boundaries of the orchard have remained the same since its modification in 1991, many trees within the orchard have been replaced over time since some have died or were removed due to disease. In early 2024, the orchard was planted with many new apricot saplings and irrigation was added.2 The number of trees planted within the boundaries of the resource have varied over 730
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

time and there is not a defined number of trees or planting sites established with the original designation in 1981 or modification in 1991.
*B6. Construction History, Continued:

Historic Context and Chronology of the Civic Center Orchard When J. Gilbert Smith arrived in Los Altos on August 1, 1901, he purchased five acres of land near the area by San Antonio Road (formerly Giffin Road), Edith Avenue, and railroad tracks that are no longer extant.

The land was undeveloped, with poppies, lupine, and trees. By 1902, Smith had planted apricots trees on the five acres and began construction on his home, the Smith House.3 Smith’s orchard was developed within a period establish by the National Park Service as the United States’ modern orchard fruit growing era (1881-1945). Orchards established between the years of 1881 and 1945 were characterized by a limited variety of fruit types grown within a farm because not every variety of fruit was commercially viable. Prior to this period, hundreds of fruit varieties were found on farms and orchards throughout the United States.

Research did not confirm what all the types of apricot J. Gilbert Smith grew throughout his career as an orchardist, however the orchard that has been maintained by the City consists of only Blenheim apricot trees and saplings.4
According to Fruitful Legacy, a text issued by the National Park Service that provides information on the history of orchards in the United States, pruning orchard trees to have shorter trunks was a technique that began in the early 20th century and became widespread after World War II. A pruned tree trunk, approximately 18 to 36 inches in height, led to a shorter tree overall, which allowed for a more manageable canopy. The practice also encouraged early fruit bearing because the pruning also had the effect of altering the hormones of the tree. A photograph (Figure 2) taken in the early 20th century shows J. Gilbert Smith among his orchard trees, which appear to have short trunks and broad canopies. Fruit trees of this period not only featured a shorter trunk but would have been pruned to have one of a variety of canopy forms. In the historic photograph (Figure 2), Smith’s fruit trees had an “open bowl vase” styled canopy, which did not have a central leader branch that extended from the center of the tree, but rather had three to five main shoots that radiated from the head of the trunk. This “open bowl vase” style created an opened center that allowed sunlight to reach deep into the canopy. This style benefited the grower since they had more control of the tree height. The central leader style was more common since it required less skill and labor since the “open bowl vase” style needed more interventions, such as pruning.5 731
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 2. Gilbert Smith in his apricot orchard, early 20th century (Los Altos Remembered).

The typical spacing of trees in orchards also changed in the early 20th century. Earlier orchards were tightly spaced, however with the rise of tractors, wider rows were needed for the angle of turning of the machine.

The rectangle shape of the orchard was adopted when a square orchard was previously more popular. Trees planted 15 feet of each other and 20 feet between rows became more common, opposed to a tighter square of the 19th century.6 Apricot orchards in the Unites States grown between 1880 and 1945 commonly held 100 trees per acre on a 20- by 20- foot grid. Contemporary apricot orchards are arranged on a 10- by 20- foot grid with 200 trees per acre.7 As described below in the chronology section of this report, the orchard has changed over time. The Civic Center Orchard is currently arranged on rectangular areas of land with orthogonal rows with trees spaced on an approximately 12- by 12- foot grid.

A chronology of the orchard between 1948 and 2022 is shown below through aerial photographs. The first aerial photograph below (Figure 3) is from 1948 and shows what the area looked like before the Smiths sold a portion of their land to the City of Los Altos.

Figure 3. 1948 aerial photograph of Los Altos and the approximate area of the Smith orchard blocked out in green, yellow, and orange (Google Earth Historic Imagery).

N
732
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

The Smith orchard land was sold to the City of Los Altos in 1954. Shown below is an aerial photograph of the general area of the Smith orchard land in 1956 (Figure 4).

Figure 4. 1956 aerial photograph of the general area of the orchard, Smith House is identified with a red arrow.

In 1981, the City of Los Altos designated the orchard, the Smith House, and the surrounding garden as a local historical landmark, per Resolution No. 81-23, which included the boundaries of three parcels. The resolution also included a clause: “All other structures on the land, as well as a presently undefined portion of the orchard necessary to accommodate the future Council Chambers, are specifically excluded.” Since the excluded land is not specified or detailed in the resolution, the boundaries of the initial landmark designation are unclear. Shown below is a 1981 aerial photograph of the property. San Antonio Road N
733
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 5. 1980 aerial photograph of the property a year prior to designation as a City Landmark. No specific orchard boundaries were included in the resolution, rather the language simply called out the orchard on the land described in the legal property descriptions provided, which included all three parcels previously owned by the Smiths.

Figure 6. 2022 aerial photograph with the three parcels, as described in the legal description of Resolution No. 81-23 indicated in a graphic overlay.

Parcel No. 1
Parcel No. 2 Parcel No. 3
N
N
734
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

The boundaries of the Civic Center Orchard were modified in 1991, as described in Resolution No. 91-31.

Included in Resolution No. 91-31 is a sketch of the boundaries of the historic orchard. Shown below is a 1991 aerial photograph with an overlay of the boundaries described in the sketch (Figure 7) and a 2022 aerial photograph with an overlay of the boundaries (Figure 8).

Figure 7. 1991 aerial photograph of the orchard with the boundaries as presented in Resolution No. 91-31, red arrow identifies Smith House for reference.

N
735
Agenda Item # 10.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 8. Aerial photograph of the Civic Center, Smith House identified with a red arrow for reference (Google Earth, April 2022).

The orchard is eligible under Criteria A/1 (Association with significant events) and B/2 (Persons significant to our past). The orchard is a designated City of Los Altos Historical Landmark. In 1981, the orchard was designated a City Landmark per Resolution No. 81-23, and in 1991, the orchard’s landmark boundaries were modified, per Resolution No. 91-31. Treanor concurs with the previous DPR evaluation:

The Civic Center orchard is one of the last active apricot orchards remaining in Los Altos and was first planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. Despite the orchard's decrease in size and adjacent new construction, the site retains a fair degree of integrity. Therefore, it is listed on the Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory as a Historic Resource and is assigned the California Register Status Code 5S1: "Individual property that is listed or designated locally."8 *B12. References (Endnotes):
1 “To Set the Record Straight: A Letter from the Civic Center Orchard.” The Town Crier, February 18, 1970. 2 2024 orchard maintenance background information provided by City staff. 3 Smith, J. Gilbert. “Reminiscences of J. Gilbert Smith. Notes made in 1957.” in A Collection of Historical Materials, Los Altos California. City of Los Altos, 1957.
4 City of Los Altos, Maintenance Division. Apricot Orchard Management & Guidelines. Updated August 2016; Google Earth; Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 63-64. 5 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009),8, 88-91. 6 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 90-91. 7 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 145. 8 Circa: Historic Property Development. Civic Center Orchard, 1. N San Antonio Road, Los Altos Primary Record. July 2011.

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Proposed project site
Historic Orchard Boundary
J. Gilbert Smith House
740
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San Antonio Rd.
741
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Parcel No. 1
Parcel No. 3 Parcel No. 2
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N
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1 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com

FINAL MEMORANDUM
Date January 21, 2025
To Sean Gallegos, Senior Planner, City of Los Altos
From Mimi McNamara, Project Manager
Kristy Weis, Vice-President and Principal Project Manager Subject Los Altos Library Courtyard Project – CEQA Categorical Exemption Qualification I. Introduction to Categorical Exemptions
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contain classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and are, therefore, exempt from the provisions of CEQA. CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 – 15333 constitute the list of categorically exempt projects and contain specific criteria that must be met in order for a project to be found exempt, including CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities (Class 1) and Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (Class 3). Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 includes a list of exceptions to exemptions, none of which may apply to a project in order for it to qualify for a categorical exemption (i.e., if an exception applies, a project is precluded from being found categorically exempt).

The City of Los Altos, serving as the Lead Agency, has completed this Memorandum of environmental review for the Los Altos Library Courtyard project (“project”) in compliance with CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et. seq.), and the regulations and policies of the City of Altos. This Memorandum describes the proposed project and provides analysis and evidence to support a determination by the City of Altos that the project would be eligible for a Categorical Exemption under CEQA.

II. Existing Conditions
The approximately 0.2-acre project site is located at the Los Altos Civic Center north of the existing Los Altos Library. The Civic Center complex is located on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and San Antonio Road to the west. The Civic Center complex consists of City Hall, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Community Center, Los Altos Library, J. Gilbert Smith House, Los Altos History Museum, Hillview 764
Agenda Item # 10.
2 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Baseball Field, Hillview Park, Bus Barn Theater, historic Civic Center Apricot Orchard, a playground, parking and landscaping areas. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial buildings. The project site is developed with a trellis for the library, patio for the library, and paved pedestrian pathway that connects to other facilities in the Civic Center. The project site’s regional location and general vicinity are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively. Figure 3 provides an aerial photograph of the project site and the surrounding land uses, as well as the Civic Center boundary.

III. Background Information
The existing Los Altos Library is a public library that is part of the Santa Clara County Library District.1 The Los Altos Library is an approximately 28,050 square foot building that includes one community meeting room (with a maximum capacity of 100 people) and a collection of over two million books, movies, and other media. The Los Altos Library and Woodland Library (a branch location of the Los Altos Library) serve the residents of Los Altos.

The Los Altos Library currently hosts a variety of events including book clubs, story time, meditation, music performances, life skills classes (e.g., cooking), social events, art classes, and educational programs (e.g., language classes, history lessons, gardening talks, and apricot orchard education). These events take place during the library’s normal operating hours. The Los Altos Library operates Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Parking for the library is provided in a parking lots directly south and east of the library. Operators of the library are looking to continue hosting existing library events with the flexibility to host them outdoors and expand its programming opportunities and partnerships with community groups including the Los Altos History Museum, GreenTown, and Master Gardeners.

IV. Project Description
The project would remove the existing trellis, patio, and pedestrian pathway located directly north of the existing Los Altos Library and construct an approximately 8,265 square-foot outdoor courtyard. The courtyard would consist of new hardscape and pedestrian pathways, an outdoor multi-purpose seating area including an audio-visual system, and landscaping. The proposed pedestrian pathway would provide connections to City Hall and the existing parking lot to the east.

The purpose of the courtyard is to host and support existing events at the Los Altos Library in conjunction with allowing for expanded programming opportunities. The courtyard would provide a flexible area to accommodate a variety of events year-round. A site plan of the proposed courtyard is shown on Figure 4.
1 Santa Clara County Library District. “About Los Altos Library.” Accessed July 18, 2024. https://sccld.org/los-altoslibrary/#:~:text=The%20Los%20Altos%20Library%20is%20housed%20in%20a%2028%2C050%20sq.&text=A%20Community%20 Meeting%20Room%20with,million%20books%2C%20movies%2C%20and%20more. 765
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82 82
85 101
101
35 84 237
280
280
280
Foothill Expressway
Central Expressway
Woodside Road
San
Francisco
Bay
Sunnyvale
Los Altos
Mountain View
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
East Palo Alto
Woodside
Project Site
REGIONAL MAP FIGURE 1
San Francisco Bay
Pacific Ocean
Monterey Bay
01 2 3 4 .5 5 Miles
San José
Fremont
Oakland
San Francisco
Santa Cruz Morgan Hill
San José
Fremont
Menlo Park
Sunnyvale Los Altos
Oakland
San Francisco
Santa Cruz Morgan Hill
Project Site
3 766
Agenda Item # 10.

North San Antonio Road South San Antonio Road
West Edith Avenue
Angela Drive
Mt. Hamilton Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Pepper Drive
East Edith Avenue
Valley Street
Eleanor Avenue
South Gordon Way
MerriƩ Road
North Gordon Way
Almond Avenue
Osage Avenue
Los Altos Avenue
1st Street
Foothill Expressway
2nd Street
3rd Street
Main Street
University Avenue
Sunkist Lane
Garland Way
North San Antonio Road South San Antonio Road
West Edith Avenue
Angela Drive
Mt. Hamilton Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Pepper Drive
East Edith Avenue
Valley Street
Eleanor Avenue
South Gordon Way North Gordon Way
MerriƩ Road
Almond Avenue
Osage Avenue
Los Altos Avenue
1st Street
Foothill Expressway
2nd Street
3rd Street
Main Street
University Avenue
Sunkist Lane
Garland Way
Project Boundary
Base Map: ESRI, ArcGIS
0 100 400 600 800 Feet
VICINITY MAP FIGURE 2
4 767
Agenda Item # 10.

CIVIC CENTER

BOUNDARY

CIVIC CENTER

APRICOT

ORCHARD

LIBRARY COURTYARD

PROJECT SITE
REFERENCE: EXHIBIT "A" OF
91-31 RESOLUTION

PARKING FOR LIBRARY PATRONS ARE

INCLUSIVE OF ALL PARKING SPACES

THROUGHOUT THE CIVIC CENTER

BOUNDARY INCLUDES CIVIC

CENTER HARDSCAPE

IMPROVEMENTS

COMMUNITY CENTER

HILLVIEW PARK

BASEBALL FIELD

HISTORY MUSEUM

HILLVIEW PARK

SOCCER FIELD

BUS BARN THEATER

LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER YOUTH

APRICOT ORCHARD CENTER

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CITY HALL

HILLVIEW AVENUE
E. EDITH AVENUE
S. SAN ANTONIO ROAD

ELEANOR AVENUE
PROJECT SITE AREA: 8,265 SQ.FT.

CIVIC CENTER: 566,280 SQ.FT.

LOT COVERAGE: 1.4%
Source: SSA Landscape Architects, June 20, 2024.
0 25 100 150 200 Feet
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF PROJECT SITE AND LAND USES FIGURE 3 5 768
Agenda Item # 10.

Source: SSA Landscape Architects, December 10, 2024.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER APRICOT ORCHARD
T/R

MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP

MATCHLINE
ITEM

1.0 HARDSCAPE

CONSTRUCT CONCRETE PAVING

CONSTRUCT VEHICULAR CONCRETE PAVING

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVERS

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVER EDGING

CONSTRUCT STAIRS WITH HANDRAIL

2.0 STRUCTURES

CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALL - PIP

CONSTRUCT RETAINING SEATWALL

CONSTRUCT PERGOLA

CONSTRUCT SOUND WALL

CONSTRUCT A/V WALL

3.0 FENCING

PROVIDE & INSTALL CORTEN FENCE

PROVIDE & INSTALL DECORATIVE LASER CUT CORTEN
GATES

PROVIDE & INSTALL CUSTOM CORTEN GATE

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD FENCE

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD GATES

PROVIDE & INSTALL GLASS FENCE

4.0 SITE FURNISHINGS

NOT USED

INSTALL RELOCATED SQUIRREL BIKE RACK

INSTALL TRASH RECEPTACLE

EQUIPMENT CABINET

5.0 MISCELLANEOUS

RELOCATED ORCHARD INFORMATION SIGN - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE

DONOR RECOGNITION SIGNAGE - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE

1.1 1.2

1.3 1.4

1.5 2.1

2.2 2.3

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.3 3.4

3.5 3.6

4.1 4.2

4.3 4.4

5.1 5.2

SITE SCHEDULE
P.A.

IMPERVIOUS AREA: 3,080 SQFT
PERMEABLE PAVING AREA: 3,575 SQFT
PLANTING AREA: 920 SQFT
TOTAL: 7,575 SQFT

SITE IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY
P.A.

P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A.

1.1 WM
GAS

1.1 TYP.

5.1 TYP. OF (1 EA)

1.1 TYP.

1.3 TYP.

TYP. OF (1 EA) 4.2
A
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

2.1 TYP. 3.6 TYP.

1.4 TYP.

2.3 2.2 TYP.

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.4 3.3
TYP. 5.2
P.A.

1.2 TYP.

4.3 TYP. OF 1

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

4.4 SEE (L-1.1)

WM PG&E
A/C
EP

TRANSFORMER
WATER
SYSTEM

3.3 TYP.

3.3 TYP.

1.5 TYP.

SYMBOL ITEM

GRAPHIC LEGEND
P.A.

SITE REFERENCE 0.0

DETAIL REFERENCE
SHEET REFERENCE X/L-0.0

VEHICULAR CONCRETE
PAVING

CONCRETE PAVING

PERMEABLE PAVERS

PLANTING AREA

BEGINING/ END OF SITE ELEMENT

ENTRANCE

ORCHARD BOUNDARY
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

ORNAMENTAL TREE OUTSIDE

LIMIT OF WORK

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
0 4 8 16 Feet
CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN FIGURE 4
3 6
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Agenda Item # 10.
7 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com The courtyard features (including programming), site access and parking, and construction details are described below.

Courtyard Features
Physical Improvements
The courtyard would include concrete pedestrian pathways (approximately 3,080 square feet of impervious area) along the length of the courtyard to City Hall to the north and the public parking lot east of the library. Most of the courtyard would consist of permeable pavement (approximately 3,575 square feet). A retaining wall with seating within the eastern portion of the project site would also be constructed. The entire courtyard would be fenced in with a mix of corten (or steel), wood, and glass fencing ranging from approximately five to seven feet tall.

An outdoor multi-purpose seating area would be the courtyard’s primary feature and include an approximately 1,412 square foot pergola that would be up to 11.2 feet tall. The area would provide bench seating, sound system, and five outdoor display screens to support existing and future community events. There would be six surface mount speakers (approximately 12-inches tall, 7.5- inches wide, and with a 6.9-inch depth) placed on the pergola with two in the front, middle, and back of the area. The speakers would connect to the one, 75-inch outdoor display screen and four, 65-inch outdoor display screens. All outdoor equipment associated with the outdoor display and sound system would be placed within a climate-controlled equipment enclosure located within the area when not in use. Not all events would require the use of the sound and/or display systems. No mechanical pieces of equipment, such as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning unit, or emergency equipment (like a backup generator) are proposed.

The construction of the project would result in the removal of three ornamental trees adjacent to the northern boundary of the Los Altos Library. No trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be removed as part of the project. The new landscaping proposed as part of the project would include trees and a variety of shrubs planted along the perimeter of the courtyard. As shown in Figure 5, three new trees would be planted north of the pergola along the proposed corten fence, and approximately 223 new shrubs would be planted throughout the courtyard as part of the project.

Programming
The proposed courtyard would be used to host existing events already occurring at the library. It is expected the events hosted in the courtyard would draw in an average of 10 to 50 people.

Specialized events are assumed to have a turnout of approximately 100 people. All events would take place during the existing library operating hours. No changes are proposed to the library operating hours. No additional employees would be hired to support the outdoor events proposed. 770
Agenda Item # 10.

Source: SSA Landscape Architects, December 10, 2024.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER APRICOT ORCHARD
T/R

MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP

MATCHLINE

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME CONT CANOPY QTY TREES
CER CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS / WESTERN REDBUD 24"BOX 12' 3

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME SIZE SPACING QTY SHRUBS
CA CAREX PRAEGRACILIS / CALIFORNIA FIELD SEDGE 1 GAL 24" o.c. 62 LL LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'ARCTIC FROST' / ARCTIC FROST RUSH 1 GAL 30" o.c. 46 LOM LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'BREEZE' / BREEZE™ MAT RUSH 1 GAL 45" o.c. 47 S SISYRINCHIUM BELLUM / BLUE-EYED GRASS 1 GAL 12" o.c. 68

PLANT SCHEDULE
WUCOLS

VERY LOW
LOW
LOW

VERY LOW

MODERATE
CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS 10-18' HT. X 10-18' WIDE

PROPOSED TREES

IMAGE NAME SIZE AT MATURITY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD
EXISTING TREES, TYP.

EXISTING TREES

EXISTING ORCHARD

SAPLING

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION TRUNK SIZE

EXISTING ORCHARD

EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE

TO BE REMOVED
TREE
UNDER 3"
5"

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD
25' SIDE SETBACK

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
1 12” TREE
10” TREE
14” TREE
2 3
0 4 8 16 Feet
PROJECT LANDSCAPING PLAN FIGURE 5
8 771
Agenda Item # 10.
9 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Site Access and Parking
The proposed courtyard would be accessible from within the Los Altos Library and from exterior gates along the pedestrian pathways connecting to the site. There would be an entry from the Los Altos Library that would provide direct access to the courtyard. A corten gate would provide access at the most northern point of the courtyard and a wood gate would provide access to the southwestern corner of the site. The last access point would be along the most eastern boundary of the project site. There would be a total of four site access points. Refer to Figure 4 for the site access entry points.

No changes to the existing parking facilities serving the library or larger Civic Center are proposed.

The existing, squirrel-shaped bike rack and two other bike racks (three short-term bicycle parking spaces) would be relocated from their locations near the Los Altos Library northern doorway entrance to the western concrete pathway (see Figure 4 for the location).

Construction
The construction of the courtyard would take approximately nine months with an anticipated start date of late 2025. Construction would include demolition, site preparation, excavation/grading, paving, and structural building (including construction of fence and pergola). It is anticipated that the project would use the following construction equipment: small backhoe, excavator, skid steer loader grader, and electrical hand tools. The project would excavate to a maximum depth of five feet for the pergola post and retaining wall footings. The grading of the site would result in 115 cubic yards of soil being excavated and disposed of at an appropriate facility. While the proposed construction and improvements would encroach into the dirt area of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, no existing trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be removed as a result of the project.

Access to the Los Altos Library via its rear entrance would not be possible due to the construction of the proposed courtyard. However, access to the library via the main access doors would continue to be available. Once the project has been constructed, both entrances to the library would be available.
772
Agenda Item # 10.
10 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com V. Analysis of Eligibility for Categorical Exemption
Section 21084 of the Public Resources Code requires the CEQA Guidelines to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment, and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Several classes of projects have been declared to be categorically exempt from the preparation of environmental documents (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300).

A project is eligible for a Categorical Exemption if it: (1) meets the criteria of one of the identified classes and (2) does not meet any of the exceptions to a Categorical Exemption identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2. This two-part analysis is provided below.

Part 1: Categorical Exemption Class Criteria Findings
The project qualifies under two exemption classes – Class 1 and 3, as discussed below.

Class 1 – CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion. Examples include, but are not limited to, interior or exterior alterations; restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures to meet current public health and safety standards; or maintenance of existing landscaping, native growth, and water supply reservoirs. An example identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 of a project that would qualify for this exemption is an addition to an existing structure provided that the addition will not result in an increase of more than 10,000 square feet if:
 The project is in an area where all public services and facilities are available to allow for maximum development permissible in the General Plan and  The area in which the project is located is not environmentally sensitive.

Another example is the demolition and removal of individual small structures such as accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences.

The project meets the criteria for a Class 1 exemption because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility (i.e., Los Altos Library) consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard. The proposed courtyard area would be approximately 8,265 square feet, which is below the 10,000 square foot criteria identified in the CEQA Guidelines and mentioned above. The proposed courtyard is also consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the site. The project site is also within an urban area of Los Altos that is currently served by existing public facilities and services (e.g., fire and police department). Additionally, the project would result in the removal of small, accessory structures including the existing trellis, patio, and pedestrian pathway located directly north of the existing Los Altos Library. The project site is also not environmentally 773
Agenda Item # 10.
11 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com sensitive as discussed later in this memorandum. Based on the above, the project would involve a negligible expansion of the Los Altos Library existing patio.

Class 3 – CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences.

The project meets the criteria for a Class 3 exemption because it is the construction of an accessory courtyard (which is similar to a patio and includes fencing) for the existing Los Altos Library. As mentioned above, the approximately 8,265-square foot proposed courtyard would replace the existing Los Altos Library patio. The proposed courtyard would serve the patrons of the Los Altos Library. For these reasons, the project would meet the exemption criteria for a new construction or conversion of small structures.

Part 2: Categorical Exemptions Exceptions Findings
The purpose of this section is to document whether any of the exceptions listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project. An analysis of each of these exceptions in reference to the project is provided below.
(a) Location. Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be located – a project that is ordinarily insignificant in its impact on the environment may in a particularly sensitive environment be significant. Therefore, these classes are considered to apply all instances, except where the project may impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies.

Applicability: This exception only applies to Class 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 categorical exemptions.

Therefore, this exception does apply to the project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2(a). The project is not located in a particularly sensitive environment. As described in Section II Existing Conditions, the project site is developed with a paved patio underneath a trellis and utilized on a regular basis by library patrons and employees and visitors of the Civic Center. The area surrounding the project site is disturbed and fully developed with buildings and street infrastructure. The project site is not located in environmentally sensitive area where there are hazardous conditions (refer to question e below) or known environmental resources of critical concern (e.g., agriculture and farmland, biological resources, or mineral resources).2,3 As discussed
2 California Department of Conservation. “California Important Farmland Finder.” Updated September 29, 2021. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8ab78d6c403b402786cc231941d1b929. 3 City of Los Altos. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for The Los Altos General Plan Update. November 2022. Page 32. 774
Agenda Item # 10.
12 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com in more detail under question f, the project site is not listed on a National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, or the City’s local inventory.4,5,6,7 A small portion of the northern boundary of the project site overlaps with the boundaries of a City-designated historic landmark, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, but the project would not result in the removal of any existing apricot trees. As discussed further below in the Section V Part 2: Categorical Exemptions Exceptions Findings, a Secretary of Interior’s Standards Compliance Review (Standards Compliance Review) was completed and the analysis found that the project would not result in a significant impact to this historic resource. For these reasons, the project would not result in a significant impact on a particularly sensitive environment due to the project location. (b) Cumulative Impact. All exemptions for these classes are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time is significant.

Applicability: For this analysis, cumulative impacts are considered for successive projects that modify an existing public government building (as they are the same project type as the proposed project) in the same place (i.e., within the Civic Center boundary as shown in Figure 3). The following list represents all projects occurring within the Civic Center boundary that are public government building modifications:
• Los Altos City Hall Expansion at Youth Center Building – This approved project consists of interior and exterior building alterations to the existing Youth Center Building to convert the building into new office space for City Hall Staff. 8 Modifications include interior reconfiguration, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, lighting and telecom system modifications, tie-in to the new emergency operations center, exterior patios and access paths, and associated underground utilities.
9 This project is currently under construction.
• Los Altos Community Center Emergency Operations Center – This approved project would include an emergency operations center (EOC) for emergency and natural disasters into the existing one-story Los Altos Community Center. This project includes the installation of radio and satellite equipment; replacement of existing HVAC system equipment with a new 4 National Park Service. “National Register Database and Research - Spreadsheet.” Last Modified July 10, 2024. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm. 5 California State Parks. “California Historical Resources – Search by County.” Accessed January 2, 2025. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=43 6 City of Los Altos. Historic Resources Inventory – Section III Historic Landmarks. Updated November 2013. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historical_commission/page/43354/hri_sec_iii_landmarks_3.8.

22.pdf. 7 City of Los Altos. Historic Resources Inventory – Section IV Historic Resources Inventory. Updated March 2023. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historical_commission/page/43354/hri_sec_iv_historic_resourc es_3.15.23.pdf
8 City of Los Altos. Los Altos City Hall Office Expansion at Youth Center Building Notice of Exemption. March 20, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/297487- 1/attachment/DGPMUND44QxRTy_ll0y9ksen2qhn158RcNetQfFM2B82Alh0G-QRmmK4UyxKAYB9EiyIf6HyLzXDuuD50 9 City of Los Altos. “Notice to Contractors Los altos City Hall Expansion at Youth Center Building Project CF-01044”. December 21, 2023. Accessed August 26, 2024.
https://bids.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/notice_to_contractors_39.pdf 775
Agenda Item # 10.
13 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com system; and installation of an emergency back-up generator adjacent to the Bus Barn Theater.10 This project is currently under construction.

The construction of both projects listed above would be completed in mid-2025. The two listed projects are also located in different areas of the Civic Center boundaries and, thus, would impact different sensitive receptors (e.g., residents). Since construction of the Youth Center Building and Community Center Emergency Operations Center would (1) end prior to construction of the project and (2) would occur in different locations, no singular sensitive receptor would be exposed to successive construction impacts, such as air quality or noise impacts. Additionally, the cumulative impacts of the above two projects and the proposed project would be less than significant due to each project’s conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and standard requirements (including Regional Water Quality Control Board Construction General Permit water quality requirements, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District dust control measures) that are in place to ensure the effects of individual projects are not cumulatively significant.

Furthermore, the proposed courtyard project would not include any unusual construction methods (e.g., longer construction hours, vibratory drilling, or numerous haul truck trips) that would have a significant impact on the environment.

In addition, the City of Los Altos is currently requesting proposals for remodeling design services for the Los Altos Library.11 The scope and details on the remodeling of the Los Altos Library is currently unknown but anticipated to be limited to interior improvements. Due to this remodeling being in the early design phase, this potential project is speculative and not included in the cumulative impact. Furthermore, any renovation or improvements proposed for the Los Altos Library would be subject to a separate review process, which would evaluate cumulative impacts with respect to the proposed project. The separate review process would identify feasible measures required to reduce potential cumulative impacts, if any are identified.

Based on the above discussions, the proposed project and successive projects of the same type as the project within Civic Center area would not result in a significant cumulative impact. For these reasons, Exception (b) is not applicable to this project. (c) Significant Effect. A categorical exemption shall not be used for an activity where there is a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances.
10 City of Los Altos. NOE Justification – Los Altos Emergency Operations Center Project. February 28, 2023. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/285597-1/attachment/N71GnviiO6- 5MvDtHXf5AZVEE17wXvMuZfkv0P0v7dw_ZuqYOz8_sKDjxP6Wv4OwQVIt8uAuKNnJGDj_0. 11 City of Los Altos. “Request for Proposal – Design Services for Los Altos Main Library Improvements.” July 17, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024.
https://bids.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/rfp_los_altos_main_library_improvement_cover_letter_7-17- 24_final.pdf.
776
Agenda Item # 10.
14 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Applicability: The project is consistent with the adopted land use (i.e., Public and Institutional) and zoning designation (i.e., Public and Community Facilities) for the project site.12,13 The proposed project and project site do not contain any features that are unique or unusual for a courtyard, or other kind of similar ancillary structure, that would be part of an existing facility, such as the Los Altos Library. The construction of the project would not be atypical and include construction activities, duration, and equipment that would be expected of other similar minor construction projects. In addition, an analysis of environmental factors where unusual circumstances (unique to the project) could be identified is included below. These environmental factors include air quality, geologic hazards, and biological resources.

Air Quality
The construction of the proposed project would last for approximately nine months and require the demolition of existing structures, excavation, grading, and the hauling of soil and debris. To reduce the potential effects on air quality resulting from construction activities, the project would implement standard Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) best management practices to limit the amount of fugitive dust generated by the vehicles and equipment on-site.

These standard measures to reduce fugitive dust are applicable for all projects in the region.

Compliance with the proposed construction measures would be ensured through a City Standard Condition of Approval.

Standard Condition of Approval
The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to reduce fugitive dust emissions. Emission reduction measures shall include, at a minimum, the following measures:
(a) All exposed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, and graded areas) shall be watered two times per day;
(b) All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered; (c) All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited;
(d) All sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used; (e) All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph.
12 City of Los Altos. “City of Los Altos Land Use Map.” October 26, 2019. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/39021/los_altosland_use_final_w_labels-24x36-20181026.pdf. 13 City of Los Altos. “City of Los Altos Zoning Map.” October 26, 2018. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/39021/los_altoszoning_final_w_labels-24x36-20181026.pdf. 777
Agenda Item # 10.
15 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com (f) All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site. (g) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measures Title 13, Section 2485, of the California Code of Regulations). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points; and (h) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation. (i) Publicly visible signs shall be posted with the telephone number and name of the person to contact at the lead agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s General Air Pollution Complaints number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

With implementation of the above standard condition of approval, the project would reduce the potential air quality effects generated during construction by controlling and reducing the opportunities for fugitive dust emissions, which are the typically the result of earth moving activities, from being released into the air.

Geologic Hazards
The project site is not located in a state or county recognized landslide or liquefaction hazard zone, and there are no unusual geologic or seismic characteristics that might create a hazard to future site users.14,15 While the project site is not located in a geologically hazardous zone, the entire San Francisco Bay Area is subject to seismic related geologic activity, which is typical for this region.

Similar to other developments proposed in Los Altos, the project would conform to the standard engineering, building practices, and techniques specified in the California Building Code to reduce potential geological impacts.

Biological Resources
Due to the developed and disturbed nature of the project site, there is no habitat suitable for locally occurring special-status plant or animal species. Also, human activity in the area is high, resulting in a low likelihood that wildlife species sensitive to human disturbance would be present on or adjacent to the project site. Although the project site does not have valuable habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species, the project site and surrounding area contain trees, which could serve as habitat for nesting birds, a common wildlife species to be present in urban environments.
14 Santa Clara County. “Santa Clara County Geologic Hazard Zones Map.” Map. October 26, 2012. https://stgenpln.blob.core.windows.net/document/GEO_GeohazardATLAS.pdf 15 California Geological Survey. “Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation.” Map. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/.
778
Agenda Item # 10.
16 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Nesting birds are protected under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 2800.10. Additionally, Section 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the CDFW code prohibit take of all birds and their active nests, including raptors and other migratory nongame birds (as listed under the MBTA). As mentioned above, the project would result in the removal of three ornamental trees. Tree removals (neither of which are historic trees) would be undertaken pursuant to applicable City permits and requirements (i.e., tree removal permit pursuant to Section 11.08.070 of the City’s Municipal Code).

To comply with these existing federal and state regulations, the project includes the completion of a nesting bird survey prior to construction of the project to avoid potential impacts to birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW. Compliance with the proposed pre-construction measures would be ensured through the City’s Standard Condition of Approval.

Standard Condition of Approval
The following measures shall be implemented to avoid potential impacts to birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW:
• Pre-construction Nesting Bird Survey: To the extent practicable, vegetation removal and construction activities shall be performed from September 1 through January 31 to avoid the general nesting period for birds. If construction or vegetation removal cannot be performed during this period, pre-construction surveys will be performed no more than two days prior to construction activities to locate any active nests as follows:
o The applicant shall be responsible for the retention of a qualified biologist to conduct a survey of the project site and surrounding 500 feet for active nests—with particular emphasis on nests of migratory birds—if construction (including site preparation) will begin during the bird nesting season, from February 1 through August 31. If active nests are observed on either the project site or the surrounding area, the applicant, in coordination with the appropriate City staff, shall establish no-disturbance buffer zones around the nests, with the size to be determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (usually 100 feet for perching birds and 300 feet for raptors). The no-disturbance buffer shall remain in place until the biologist determines the nest is no longer active or the nesting season ends. The project applicant shall submit a report indicating the results of the nesting survey and any designated buffer zones to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the issuance of any demolition, tree removal, or grading permit, whichever occurs earliest. If construction ceases for seven days or more and then resumes during the nesting season, an additional survey performed by a qualified biologist prior to construction resuming shall be completed to avoid impacts on active bird nests that may be present. The results of the additional nesting survey shall be submitted via a report to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the restart of construction activities. 779
Agenda Item # 10.
17 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Implementation of the above standard condition of approval would reduce potential impacts to nesting birds if they were to occupy the site during project construction by (1) avoiding the construction the nesting season (of February 1 through August 31, inclusive) or (2) requiring preconstruction surveys and establishment of buffers for active nest if avoidance is infeasible.

Furthermore, the removal of a limited number of existing trees to accommodate new development is not unusual for developments proposed in Los Altos. The three trees would be replaced with three, new 24-inch box trees to be planted north of the pergola along the corten fence along with additional landscaped areas (see Figure 5 for the landscaping plan). All existing trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard surrounding the project site would remain as is and would not be removed.

Overall, the construction and operation of the project would comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, as necessary, and standard conditions of approval would be imposed, consistent with conditions imposed on other development projects in the Los Altos. The proposed courtyard development would not include any unusual operational features or characteristics that would have a significant impact on the environment. No exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(c).
(d) Scenic Highways. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway. This does not apply to improvements which are required as mitigation by an adopted negative declaration or certified EIR.

Applicability: There are no officially designated state scenic highways in the project area. The nearest officially designated state highway is Interstate 280, located approximately five miles northwest of the project site, and it is not visible from the project site.16 Nor is the project site visible from Interstate 280. The project would not damage scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway, and no exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(d).
(e) Hazardous Waste Sites. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.

Applicability: The project site is not included on any lists compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code; therefore, no exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(e). 17,18,19
16 California Department of Transportation. “California State Scenic Highway System Map.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa. 17 California Environmental Protection Agency. “Cortese List Data Resources.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/. 18 Department of Toxic Substances Control. “EnviroStor.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/
19 State Water Resources Control Board. “GeoTracker.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/ 780
Agenda Item # 10.
18 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com (f) Historical Resources. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

Applicability: Existing historic resources in proximity to the project site are the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and the J. Gilbert Smith House. As previously mentioned, a section of the northern boundaries of the courtyard project overlaps with the Civic Center Apricot Orchard southern boundaries and approximately 100 feet west of the J. Gilbert Smith Home from its closest boundary.

The J. Gilbert Smith Home is not immediately adjacent to the project site nor does it share any immediate space with the site. A Standards Compliance Review, or historic resources evaluation, was prepared by the City’s consulting historian, TreanorHL, in January 2025 to evaluate if the proposed project would cause a substantial adverse change in the historical significance of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and J. Gilbert Smith House. It is included in this Environmental Memo as Appendix A. Background information and a brief description of these two historic resources are provided below.

J. Gilbert Smith arrived in what would be the City of Los Altos (founded in 1912) in 1901 from Oregon. When he settled into the area, J. Gilbert Smith purchased approximately 10 acres of land near San Antonio Road and Edith Avenue for the purpose of building a residence and establishing an orchard. With his wife, Margaret Hill, J. Gilbert Smith cultivated and maintained an apricot orchard until 1954. At one point, the orchard was approximately 15 acres large.

In 1954, the City of Los Altos offered to buy the 10 acres of J. Gilbert Smith’s orchard to develop the future Civic Center. J. Gilbert Smith sold the land to the City with two main stipulations: (1) the City would establish a history museum on the site and (2) the remaining apricots trees on the property needed to be maintained and replaced as needed. The City followed the conditions imposed by J.

Gilbert Smith by turning his residence into a museum and maintaining the remaining orchard land with apricot trees.20
• Civic Center Apricot Orchard – The apricot trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard were first planted by J. Gilbert Smith, one of the first Los Altos residents to establish a fruit orchard in Los Altos in the early 1900s. The orchard is historically important to the City since the Civic Center Apricot Orchard is the last remaining orchard in Los Altos and the orchard also holds significance for being planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith.21 The City of Los Altos designated the orchard as a City Landmark in 1981 per Resolution No. 81-23, and the boundaries of the orchard were modified by the City in 1991 under Resolution No. 91-31. The 1991 orchard boundaries and total area have not changed and is the same today.
20 Circa: Historic Property Development. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record for J. Gilbert Smith House. Recorded July 2011. Page 2. 21 TreanorHL. Los Altos Library Courtyard Project. Los Altos, California Standards Compliance Review. January 2025. Page 9. 781
Agenda Item # 10.
19 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com • J. Gilbert Smith House – The J. Gilbert Smith House is located on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and Antonio Road to the west. The building shares the block with the Los Altos Library, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Youth Center, Los Altos City Hall, Los Altos Community Center, Hillview Baseball Field, and some residential buildings approximately 360 feet east of the J. Gilbert Smith House.

The J. Gilbert Smith House is a two-story, wood-frame, shingled farmhouse constructed between 1901 and 1905. The main façade of the residence faces west with a wrap-around porch in front of the wooden entrance door. On the front and back of the residence are dormers, or structured vertical windows, that protrude from the roof. On the southern portion of the house is a shallow one-story staircase that leads to the second floor. The entire residence has a rustic design that is still evident today. Overall, the residence still maintains its original plan, style, and form, although minor alterations have occurred through the years as the residence has been converted into a museum for the public.22 The J. Gilbert Smith House has significance due its association with early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. The residence was designated a historical landmark by the City of Los Altos per Resolution No. 81-23 in 1981. The historical designation included the historic house, the surrounding garden, and the apricot orchard, also known as the Civic Center Apricot Orchard. In August 1987, the house was also designated as a California Point of Historical Interest.

Analysis of the project’s impact on the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and J. Gilbert Smith House is provided below in terms of its consistency with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources portion of the City’s adopted General Plan.

Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
For the purposes of this analysis, a project that conforms with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation would be considered not to cause a significant impact on historic resources. In this context, rehabilitation is the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.23 There are 10 standards for the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards) that are used as thresholds in this analysis. 22 Circa: Historic Property Development. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record for J. Gilbert Smith House. Recorded July 2011. Page 2. 23 TreanorHL. Los Altos Library Courtyard Project. Los Altos, California Standards Compliance Review. January 2025. Page 20. 782
Agenda Item # 10.
20 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Civic Center Apricot Orchard
The 10 Standards and analyses as it pertains to Civic Center Apricot Orchard are provided in the table below. In summary, based on the information in Table 1 and Appendix A, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would continue to be able to convey its historical value since the project would conform with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation criteria.

Table 1: Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Analysis for the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis

1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to
the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.

Standard 1 Analysis: The project would result in the
construction and operation of a courtyard that would
serve the existing Los Altos Library. The proposed
courtyard would be directly south of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard and impede on the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard (which
consists of a dirt area that is unplanted). Based on
the general, historic planting pattern, this dirt area
that the project would impede upon could
accommodate approximately seven orchard trees.24
However, no trees currently exists within this dirt
area and no existing apricot trees would be removed
to accommodate the courtyard. Three ornamental
trees (not orchard trees) located at the rear entrance
of the library and at the end of the pedestrian
pathway leading to the existing parking lot (refer to
Figure 4 for the exact tree locations) would be
removed and replaced with three new trees. The
proposed change to the project site would not alter
the defining characteristic of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard or conceal the orchard’s historic purpose
since the orchard would remain intact. The
obstruction of seven potential planting sites would
also not alter the historic purpose of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard since the historic significance of the
orchard is based on the existing trees planted (and
the Resolution No. 91-31 boundaries) not the
potential for new trees. The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard would continue to maintain its historic use
as an apricot orchard since the project would not
remove any existing orchard trees. Therefore, the
project would comply with Standard 1 as related to
the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

2. The historic character of a property shall be treated and preserved. The removal of historic materials or
Standard 2 Analysis: The defining feature of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard that gives the resource its
24 Ibid. Page 15.
783
Agenda Item # 10.
21 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis alteration of features and spaces that characterize a
property shall be avoided.
historic character are the existing apricot trees. As
stated above, the project would encroach into the
southern boundary edge of an unplanted area of the
Civic Center Apricot Orchard. While the
encroachment would obstruct the potential planting
of seven trees, no existing apricot trees are within
this area currently and no existing apricot trees
within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard boundary
would be removed as a result of the project.

Therefore, the obstruction would not constitute the
removal of trees and the character-defining feature
of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would remain
intact during project construction and operation. The
encroachment on the southern edge of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard’s boundary would not affect
the orchard’s historic character since this historic
resource would still communicate its use and
function as an orchard via the existing trees.

Therefore, the project would comply with Standard 2
as related to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding
conjectural features or architectural elements from
other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

Standard 3 Analysis: The proposed courtyard would
be located along and partially within the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard. As
described in Section IV Project Description, the
project would construct a courtyard (adjacent to the
northern boundary of the Los Altos Library)
consisting of new hardscape (including pedestrian
pathways), a multi-purpose seating area, an audiovisual system for the multi-purpose seating area, and landscaping. The courtyard would include new
permeable paved area along with new landscaping
along the boundaries of the courtyard. The pergola
for the multi-purpose seating area would be wood
while the fencing around the courtyard would be a
mix of metal, wood, and glass. None of the proposed
improvements would add architectural features or
elements that give a false historic appearance and
alter the historical development of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard. Additionally, the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard would still be recognizable as an
orchard because no existing apricot trees would be
removed and the obstruction of the current dirt area
along the southern boundary of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard boundary (that could potentially be
planted with seven trees) does not define the
orchard. Therefore, the authenticity of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard would remain and the project
784
Agenda Item # 10.
22 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis would comply with Standard 3 as related to the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes
that have acquired historic significance in their own
right shall be retained and preserved.

Standard 4 Analysis: The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard boundaries were last changed in 1991 as
shown in Figure 3. While the project would encroach
into the southern boundary of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard, the slight overlap would not require
tree removal nor would it diminish the historic
significance of the 1991 Civic Center Apricot Orchard
boundaries. In addition, the obstruction of the dirt
area (which could potentially be planted with seven
trees) would not change the historic significance of
the Civic Center Orchard since: (1) all existing orchard trees would remain and (2) the orchard has
decreased in size since its purchase by the City in
1954 with the construction of buildings and walkways
and the 1991 boundary modification. Even with the
historic decrease in the orchard boundary, the land
still communicates the orchard use. The Civic Center
Apricot Orchard that exists today would retain and
continue to preserve its historic significance. There
have been no other changes to the orchard that have
acquired historic significance in their own rate that
require retention or preservation. Therefore, the
project would comply with Standard 4 because the
historical boundary change that occurred under
Resolution No. 91-31 would remain as is with
implementation of the project.

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction
techniques or examples of fine craftsmanship that
characterize a property will be preserved
Standard 5 Analysis: The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard does not demonstrate any distinct
construction techniques or craftsmanship since the
orchard is composed of only apricot trees. The
removal of the three ornamental trees and the
library’s existing trellis, patio, and paved pedestrian pathway adjacent to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
would also not be impactful since they are not
examples of fine craftsmanship. Therefore, the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard would maintain its existing,
distinctive apricot trees, the project would comply
with Standard 5.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration
requires replacements of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials.

Standard 6 Analysis: The project does not propose to
repair or replace any features of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard as no existing apricot trees would be
removed. All existing apricot trees would remain as is
with the proposed project. Therefore, the project
would comply with Standard 6.
785
Agenda Item # 10.
23 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated
by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as
sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials
shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible.

Standard 7 Analysis: Standard 7 is not applicable. The
project does not include chemical or physical
treatments to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

8. Significant archaeological resources affected by a
project shall be protected and preserved. If such
resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will
be undertaken.

Standard 8 Analysis: Los Altos has archaeological
heritage and historic resources dated from the early
1900s. The area of Los Altos was also home to the
Ohlone and Muwekma Indian tribes, who lived near
creekside locations within the city boundaries.25
Therefore, previously unknown subsurface resources
could potentially be unearthed during project
construction. As described in Section IV Project
Description, the project would include ground
disturbing activities such as excavating to a depth of
five feet. While the likelihood of encountering buried
cultural resources would be lower with the shallow
depth of excavation proposed, the project would be
required to implement the following standard
condition of approval to avoid impacts to unknown
subsurface resources.

Standard Condition of Approval
The following standard measure would be
implemented as part of the project to avoid impacts
to unknown subsurface resources:
• Discovery of Archaeological Resources: If
prehistoric or historic-period cultural
materials are unearthed during grounddisturbing activities, then all construction work within 100 feet of the find shall be
halted and the Development Services
Director or the Director’s designee shall be
notified. The project applicant shall contract
with a qualified archaeologist and Native
American representative that is traditionally
and culturally affiliated with the geographic
area as described in Public Resources Code
Section 21080.3 to examine the find.

Prehistoric materials might include, but are
25 City of Los Altos. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for The Los Altos General Plan Update. November 2002. Page

20. 786
Agenda Item # 10.
24 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis limited to, obsidian and chert-flaked stone
tools (e.g., projectile points, knives,
scrapers) or tool-making debris; culturally
darkened soil (“midden”) containing heataffected rocks and artifacts; stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles,
handstones, or milling slabs); and batteredstone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period materials
might include stone, concrete, or adobe
footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and
deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic
refuse. If the find is determined to be
potentially significant, the archaeologist, in
consultation with the Native American
representative, shall develop a treatment
plan that could include, but not limited to,
site avoidance, capping, or data recovery. A
report of findings documenting any data
recovery shall be submitted to the
Development Services Director or the
Director’s designee and the Northwest
Information Center (if applicable). Project
personnel shall not collect or move any
cultural materials.

With implementation of the above standard
condition of approval, the project would reduce the
cultural resource impacts during construction to a
less than significant level by stopping construction
and preparing and implementing a research design
and treatment plan if any archaeological resources
are found thereby protecting the resource .

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new
construction will not destroy historic materials,
features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the
old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to
protect the integrity of the property and its
environment.

Standard 9 Analysis: As previously mentioned, the
addition of the proposed courtyard project would
result in a slight encroachment into the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

Although the spatial relationships among the trees
within the orchard would change (especially with the
obstruction of the limited dirt area on the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard), the
orchard is a fluid historic resource that frequently
changes with the removal and replacement of trees.

The obstruction of the dirt area within the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard (which
could potentially be used for about seven future tree
planting sites) also would not destroy historic
787
Agenda Item # 10.
25 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis materials, features, and spatial relationships that
characterize the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
because this resource does not currently rely on this
dirt area or its potential planting sites to convey the historic nature of the orchard. Furthermore, no
existing apricot trees would be removed, which are
the main historic feature of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard. The Civic Center Apricot Orchard would still
be able to visually communicate its historical function as an orchard post-construction of the project.

While the project would be distinct and easily
identifiable as a new addition to the area due to the
modern elements proposed (such as the new
hardscape and multi-purpose seating area with an
audio-visual system), the new courtyard would be
compatible with the scale and proportion of the
surrounding development. The pergola would be
approximately 11.2 feet tall, similar to the height of
the Los Altos Library and Los Altos City Hall, which is within the Civic Center boundaries. The concrete
pedestrian pathways that would lead to City Hall or
the east parking lot would be similar to the existing
pathways on-site. The size and scale of the courtyard
would not overwhelm the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard either because the courtyard would be of
similar height as the existing buildings surrounding
the orchard and the orchard’s defining feature (the
apricot trees) would all remain. Therefore, the
project would not diminish or destroy the historic
materials, features, and spatial relationships that
characterize the Civic Center Apricot Orchard as the
project would be compatible with the historic size,
scale and proportion, and massing of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new
construction will be undertaken in such a manner that,
if removed in the future, the essential form and
integrity of the historic property and its environment
would be unimpaired
Standard 10 Analysis: The project includes the
construction and operation of a courtyard with an
multi-purpose seating area sheltered by a pergola.

The outdoor multi-purpose seating area would
include bench seating and have an audio-visual
system with six speakers and five screen monitors
mounted to the top of the pergola. New hardscape
and landscaping elements would also be constructed.

If all features of the project were to be removed in
the future, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be
unimpaired. Additionally, the dirt area within the
southern boundary of the Civic Center Apricot
788
Agenda Item # 10.
26 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis Orchard that would be obstructed by the project
would revert back to its existing, exposed condition if the project improvements were removed in the
future. Removal of the proposed courtyard would not
harm the form or integrity of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard since removal of the project would not
require removal of any existing apricot trees.

Therefore, the project would comply with Standard

10. J. Gilbert Smith House
The J. Gilbert Smith House would be maintained and remain as is since the courtyard project would not encroach into any portion of the residence or change the existing residence. There would be no repairs, additions, or treatments (chemical or physical) to the J. Gilbert Smith House as a result of the project. The historic materials, features, and spatial relationship that characterize the J. Gilbert Smith House would remain intact due to the lack of project interference. Therefore, the project complies with all 10 standards under the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as they relate to the J. Gilbert Smith House.

Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, the project was compared to criteria from the Los Altos Community Design and Historic Resources (CDHR) portion of the Los Altos General Plan. Criteria 1, 3, 7, 10, 11, and 12 from Community Design and Historic Resources Element 1 (Community Identity and Character) and Community Design and Historic Resources Element 12 (Preserve Significant Historic Resources) were applied to the project. Criteria 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 under Element 1 are not applicable to the project.

Table 2: Project Consistency with Applicable Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources Elements and Criteria
Los Altos CDHR Elements and Criteria Analysis
CDHR 1: Community Identity and Character*
1) Maintaining the low density, low profile residential character of the community through zoning regulations
and design guidelines;
Criteria 1 Analysis: The project is not a residential
project but the criteria is applied to compare the
project to the surrounding buildings. The pergola
that would be part of the project would have a
maximum height of approximately 11.2 feet. The
fencing surrounding the courtyard would be a mix of
wood, metal, and glass with the fence being a
maximum height of seven feet. Both the pergola
and fencing would have low profiles that would be
similar to the surrounding single-story buildings
789
Agenda Item # 10.
27 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Los Altos CDHR Elements and Criteria Analysis
(e.g., Los Altos Library and City Hall) and not change
the character of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, J.

Gilbert Smith House, and larger Civic Center.

Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
3) Preserving trees, especially those designated as
heritage and landmark trees;
Criteria 3 Analysis: The project would not remove
any Civic Center Apricot Orchard apricot trees and
all apricot trees, which are designated heritage
trees26, would be preserved (i.e., not impacted by
the project). While a limited dirt area within the
southern boundary of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard which could be seven potential apricot tree
planting sites will be obstructed due to the
construction of the project, no trees currently exist
in the dirt area. The project would remove three
ornamental trees and plant three new replacement
trees. Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
7) Promoting site planning and project design with an
emphasis on small town scale and
Criteria 7 Analysis: As mentioned above in Criteria 1
Analysis, the scale of the project is similar to the Los Altos Library building and would not be taller than
the surrounding buildings within the Civic Center.

Therefore, the existing small town scale and feel
would be maintained with the courtyard project.

Furthermore, the courtyard project would maintain
the pedestrian pathways connecting to sidewalk
adjacent to South San Antonio Road and provide
connection to City Hall and the east parking lot.

Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
10) Developing distinguishing gateways to the City
representative of its unique characteristics;
Criteria 10 Analysis: The term gateway is referring
to the primary entrances into Los Altos from other
cities and towns and how the City would like
attractive gateways at the primary entrances to the
City to distinguish Los Altos from its neighboring
cities.27 The project is not located at a city
entryway.28 Therefore, the project would comply
with this criteria.
11) Encouraging community events throughout the City Criteria 11 Analysis: As mentioned in Section IV Project Description, the proposed courtyard would
26 Per the Los Altos Municipal Code Chapter 11.08.020, Heritage tree means any tree so designated by the historical commission, based on the finding that the tree has character, interest, or value as part of the development of, and/or exemplification of, the cultural, educational, economic, agricultural, social, indigenous, or historical heritage of the city. 27 City of Los Altos. “Community Design & Historic Resources Element,” Los Altos General Plan 2002-2020. November 2022.

28 Ibid. Figure CDHR-1.
790
Agenda Item # 10.
28 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Los Altos CDHR Elements and Criteria Analysis
support the existing events occurring at the Los
Altos Library, including book clubs, music
performances, and educational programs, in
addition to allowing for expansion of the Library’s
programming opportunities and partnerships with
community groups including the Los Altos History
Museum, GreenTown, and Master Gardeners.

Therefore, the project would continue to encourage
community events for the public to attend. The
project would comply with this criteria.

CDHR 12: Preserve Significant Historic Resources
Assess development proposals for potential impacts to
significant historic resources pursuant to Section
15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines. For structures that
potentially have historic significance, require a study conducted by a professional archaeologist or historian to determine the actual significance of the structure and
potential impacts of the proposed development. Require
modification of projects to avoid significant impacts, or require mitigation measures. Protect historical buildings and sites to the extent possible, including modifications to Uniform Code requirements for historic structures.

Element 12 Analysis: The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard and J. Gilbert Smith House were both
designated as local historical landmarks in 1981 by
the City of Los Altos and are historic resources. Both
resources have been recorded on Department of
Parks and Recreation 523 forms as historic
resources. There are no other designated historic
resources in proximity to the project site.

As discussed in Table 1 above, and in more detail in
Appendix A, the project would not change, alter, or
remove any historical features of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard. The J. Gilbert House would also
remain unchanged without alterations due to the
distance between the project and the residence. As
a result, the J. Gilbert Smith House would retain its
historic integrity and significance. Therefore, the
project would be consistent with all the Secretary of
the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and
comply with the applicable criteria of the
Community Design and Historic Resources Element
of the Los Altos General Plan.

CDHR = Community Design & Historic Resources
Note: *
CDHR 1 criteria 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 , 9, and 12 are not applicable Based on the above discussion, the project would not result in a substantial adverse change in the historic significance of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard or J. Gilbert Smith House, and the project would not impede on the preservation of these historic resources. Therefore, no exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(f).
791
Agenda Item # 10.
29 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com VI. Conclusion
As documented in Section V Analysis of Eligibility for Categorical Exemption, with the incorporation of the City’s standard conditions of approval, none of the exceptions contained in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project and the project is consistent with the criteria in CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303. The project, therefore, qualifies as exempt from the provisions of CEQA under Class 1 and 3 of the CEQA Guidelines.

APPENDIX
Appendix A: Secretary of Interior’s Standards Compliance Review Report 792
Agenda Item # 10.

City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 11, 2025
Prepared By: Nick Zornes
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Appeal No. 2 – Appeal of Design Review Permit (DR24-0002)

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
☐Business Communities
☐Circulation Safety and Efficiency
☐Environmental Sustainability
☐Housing
☐Neighborhood Safety Infrastructure
☒General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the Los Altos Planning Commission for Design Review Permit (DR24-0002) for a new library courtyard, and affirming that the proposed project is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures), of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970 and that none of the exceptions outlined in Section 15300.2 apply.

FISCAL IMPACT
Not Applicable.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
City Council’s action upholding the decision of the Planning Commission is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Design Review Permit (DR24-0002) for a new library courtyard was analyzed for its associated impacts under CEQA, and it was determined to be exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures), of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970 and that none of the exceptions outlined in Section 15300.2 apply.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
 On June 27, 2023, the City Council discussed location and general design characteristics in consideration of a new outdoor patio for the Los Altos Library at the Civic Center.  On November 28, 2023, the City Council authorized the use of Civic Center land for the construction of an outdoor library patio and directed the review to the Planning 793
Agenda Item # 11.

Commission for final design approval.

PREVIOUS COMMISSION CONSIDERATION
 On February 6, 2025, the Historical Commission and Planning Commission held a Joint Meeting to consider the library courtyard patio project.

BACKGROUND
On February 6, 2025, the Los Altos Historical Commission and Planning Commission held a Joint Meeting to consider the approval of a courtyard patio at the Los Altos Library. Jointly the commissions conducted a Public Hearing where they received a presentation from City Staff, and Project Applicant, asked clarifying questions, received Public Testimony, deliberated, and rendered a decision.

The Los Altos Historical Commission rendered a unanimous approval (3-0-1) from all commissioners in attendance (one commissioner was absent) to Adopt a Resolution approving a Historical Alteration Permit (H24-0003) for a new library courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road per the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and find the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures).

The Los Altos Planning Commission rendered approval (4-1-1) by majority vote from all commissioners in attendance (one commissioner was absent) Adopt a Resolution approving a Design Review Permit (DR24-0002) for a new library courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road per the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and find the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures).

On February 14, 2025, an appeal was filed for the approved project. The following Appeal was received:
 One (1) appeal was filed by the Preservation Action League Los Altos (PALLA), Maria Bautista, for the decision of the Los Altos Planning Commission on Design Review Permit (D24-0002).

The appeal was filed pursuant to Title14 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.

APPELLANTS REASON FOR APPEAL
The appellants reason for appeal filed with the City of Los Altos is attached as Attachment #1 to this agenda report.

ANALYSIS
Design Review Permit (DR24-0002)
The approved project is for an outdoor courtyard with a new pergola, hardscape and pedestrian pathways, outdoor multi-purpose seating area including an audio-visual system, and landscaping.

The entire courtyard will be fenced in with a mix of corten steel, wood, and glass fencing ranging from approximately five to seven feet tall.
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The project was designed to preserve and complement the architectural integrity of the library, with the proposed new courtyard, pergola, and improvements to the existing library. The design emphasizes the integration of elements, materials, and scale that harmonize with the traditional architecture of the library building; however, the library building is not a historic resource and requires no specific architectural style. The approved project pergola is constructed of wood, concrete, and metal, along with wall-mounted monitors and concrete and wood seating. These features and materials are thoughtfully designed to complement the library’s traditional board-andbatten and stucco siding, as well as its aluminum windows. The selected exterior materials and finishes reflect high quality, durability, and permanence, ensuring a cohesive and lasting design.

The project includes the removal of three (3) trees (one flowering cherry, one Japanese maple, and one purple plum) adjacent to the northern area of the Los Altos Library. The new landscaping plan incorporates the planting of numerous trees and shrubs, featuring a variety of native and droughttolerant species that provide seasonal interest, shade, and visual appeal. Concrete pedestrian pathways will be installed along the length of the library, connecting to the east parking lot and extending north toward City Hall, while the courtyard paving will feature permeable pavement to enhance sustainability. The landscaping design includes inviting pathways, seating areas, and open spaces to encourage gathering and improve accessibility. Thoughtfully planned landscape and hardscape features complement the surrounding buildings and parking areas, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment for visitors.

The project fully screens all mechanical equipment from public view within an existing walled enclosure, and new sound and display systems will be housed in enclosures that complement the overall design of the building.

The project complies with the development standards in the PCF zoning district because it is compatible with the character of the neighborhood as the design maintains an appropriate relationship with adjacent structures, minimizes bulk, and preserves existing trees to the extent possible, and meets the findings of Section 14.78.060 of the Los Altos Municipal Code (LAMC).

Environmental Review for Design Review Permit
The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard. The proposed courtyard area would be approximately 8,265 square feet, which is below the 10,000 square foot criteria identified in the CEQA Guidelines and mentioned above. The project courtyard is also consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the site and is within an urban area of Los Altos that is currently served by existing public facilities and services.

The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it is the construction of an accessory courtyard patio for the existing Los Altos Library. As mentioned above, the approximately project courtyard would replace the existing Los Altos Library patio.
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ATTACHMENTS

1. Appeal Filed

2. February 6, 2025, Agenda Item – Joint Planning Commission/Historical Commission Meeting
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J O I N T P L A N N I N G C O M M I S S I O N A N D

H I S T O R I C A L C O M M I S S I O N

A G E N D A R E P O R T
Meeting Date: February 6, 2025
Subject: Library Courtyard Project at 13 South San Antonio Road Prepared by: Sean Gallegos, Senior Planner
Initiated by: Natalie Tan for SSA Landscape Architects, Applicant Attachments:

1. Draft Resolution Approving a Historical Alteration Permit

2. Draft Resolution Approving a Design Review Permit

3. Project Plans

4. Department of Park and Recreation Form 523A and 523B

5. Secretary of the Interior Standards Compliance Review

6. Categorical Exemption Memorandum
Recommendation

1. It is recommended the Historical Commission take the following action:

Adopt a Resolution approving a Historical Alteration Permit (H24-0003) for a new library courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road per the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and find the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures) – Attachment 1.

2. It is recommended the Planning Commission take the following action:

Adopt a Resolution approving a Design Review Permit (D24-0002) for a new library courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road per the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and find the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures) – Attachment 2.
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 2 Background
Property Description
The project site is located at the Civic
Center complex (Figure 1), which is
located on a block bound by Angela
Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and
Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview
Avenue to the south, and San Antonio
Road to the west. The civic center
complex consists of City Hall, Los
Altos Police Department, Los Altos
Community Center, Los Altos Library,
J. Gilbert Smith House, Los Altos
History Museum, Hillview Baseball
Field, Hillview Park, Bus Barn Theater,
Civic Center Orchard, a playground,
parking, and landscaping areas. The
surrounding area is a mix of residential
and commercial buildings.

Project Overview
The existing Los Altos Library is part of the Santa Clara County Library District. The Los Altos Library is a 28,050 square foot building that includes one community meeting room (with a maximum capacity of 100 people) and a collection of over two million books, movies, and other media. The library currently hosts a variety of events including book clubs, story time, meditation, music performances, life skills classes (e.g., cooking), social events, art classes, and educational programs (e.g., language classes, history lessons, gardening talks, and apricot orchard education).

These events take place indoors during the library’s normal operating hours. The Los Altos Library operates Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Parking for the civic center is open and shared by all uses on site. Operators of the library are looking to continue hosting existing library events with the flexibility to host them outdoors.

The proposed project would remove the existing trellis, patio, and reorient the pedestrian pathway located directly north of the existing Los Altos Library and construct an outdoor courtyard. The courtyard would consist of new hardscape and pedestrian pathways, an outdoor multi-purpose seating area including an audio-visual system, and landscaping. The proposed pedestrian pathway would provide connections to City Hall and the existing parking lot to the east. The purpose of the courtyard is to host and support existing events at the Los Altos Library in conjunction with allowing for expanded programming opportunities. The courtyard would provide a flexible area to accommodate a variety of events year-round. The courtyard would include concrete pedestrian pathways along the length of the courtyard to City Hall to the north and the parking lot east of the library. Most of the courtyard would consist of permeable pavement. The entire courtyard would Figure 1: Location Map
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 3 be fenced in with a mix of corten steel, wood, and glass fencing ranging from approximately five to seven feet tall.

An outdoor multi-purpose seating area would be the courtyard’s primary feature. The area would provide bench seating, and five outdoor display screens with audio to support existing and future community events with a pergola above. All outdoor equipment associated with the outdoor display and audio system(s) would be placed within a climate-controlled equipment enclosure located within the area when not in use. Not all events would require the use of the audio and/or display systems. No mechanical pieces of equipment, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning unit, or emergency equipment like a backup generator are proposed (Attachment 3 – Project Plans).

Civic Center Orchard Historic Landmark
In December 2024, the historic firm Treanor an independent conusltant and subject matter expert on historic resources updated the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Primary Record forms 523A and 523B for the Civic Center Orchard (Attachment 4). The attached DPR form updates the previous DPRs completed for the site in 2000 and 2011. The historian confirmed and determined the following related to the Civic Center Orchard as apart of their independent analysis.

In 1901, J. Gilbert Smith purchased land near San Antonio Road (then Giffin Road), where he constructed a house and planted a small orchard of apricot trees. After marrying Margaret Hill Smith, the couple expanded the orchard, ultimately developing a thriving apricot operation that became a significant part of the area’s agricultural heritage. Over the years, the Smiths acquired additional land, growing the orchard to a total of 15 acres, with approximately 1 acre surrounding the house reserved for yard space.

When J. Gilbert Smith arrived in Los Altos on August 1, 1901, he purchased five acres of land near the area by San Antonio Road (formerly Giffin Road), Edith Avenue, and railroad tracks that are no longer extant. The land was undeveloped, with poppies, lupine, and trees. By 1902, Smith had planted apricots trees on the five acres and began construction on his home, the Smith House.

Smith’s orchard was developed within a period establish by the National Park Service as the United States’ modern orchard fruit growing era (1881-1945). Orchards established between the years of 1881 and 1945 were characterized by a limited variety of fruit types grown within a farm because not every variety of fruit was commercially viable. Prior to this period, hundreds of fruit varieties were found on farms and orchards throughout the United States. Research did not confirm what types of apricot J. Gilbert Smith grew throughout his career as an orchardist, however the orchard that has been maintained by the City consists of only Blenheim apricot trees and saplings.

In 1954, the Smiths sold a portion of their land to the City of Los Altos, though their home and the nearly 1-acre surrounding property were not included in the sale. A provision in their wills stipulated that the house and land be donated to the City upon their deaths.

The Civic Center Orchard was designated as a historical landmark in 1981 through Resolution No. 81-23, which included a legal description of the property boundaries of three (3) parcels. The resolution specified that “all other structures on the land, as well as a presently undefined portion of the orchard necessary to accommodate the future Council Chambers, are specifically excluded.” 806
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 4 However, the resolution did not define the exact boundaries of the "undefined portion of the orchard," leaving certain areas outside the historic designation unclear.

On September 8, 1991, the City
Council adopted Resolution No.
91-31 defined the orchard’s
designated boundaries. Resolution
No. 91-31 is accompanied by a
hand drawn sketch labeled
“Exhibit A,” showing the defined
landmark designation boundaries
of the Civic Center Orchard
(Figure 2). The Civic Center
Orchard surrounds City Hall and is
largely broken up into two main
areas with a strip of land east of San
Antonio Road and City Hall and
continues east of City Hall,
occupying land south of the surface
parking lot and north of the Los
Altos Library. The orchard
connects north of the Los Altos Library and south of City Hall. The boundaries of the orchard have remained the same since 1991, and many trees within the orchard have been replaced over time since some have died or were removed due to disease. The number of trees planted within the boundaries of the resource have varied over time and there is not a defined number of trees or planting sites established with the original designation in 1981 or in 1991 when the boundaries were clearly defined. The orchard is organized into rectangular sections with orthogonal rows of trees. In early 2024, the orchard was planted with many new apricot saplings and drip irrigation was added.

Figure 3: Aerial Photograph of Civic Center Orchard Boundaries Figure 2: Historic Orchard Boundaries
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 5 City Council Discussion
On June 27, 2023, the City Council discussed location and general design characteristics in consideration of a new outdoor patio for the Los Altos Library at the Civic Center.

On November 28, 2023, the City Council authorized the use of Civic Center land for the construction of an outdoor library patio and directed the review to the Planning Commission for final design approval.

Analysis
General Plan Consistency
The General Plan contains goals and policies for the Civic Center Complex in the Land Use Element and Community Design & Historic Resources Element which emphasize balancing land uses, and ensuring compatibility with adjacent residential land uses and nearby single-family neighborhoods.

The Land Use Element ensures public facilities are available to accommodate planned land uses and that the unique qualities of Los Altos are safeguarded and enhanced. The project is consistent with the General Plan’s goals and aligns due to the project being for governmental use under the Public and Institutional land use designation, and it complies with the permitted uses of the PCF zoning district, which allows uses for facilities owned, leased, or operated by a city, county and state.

The project complies with the Community Design & Historic Resources Element, particularly Community Design Policy 1.8, by promoting thoughtful design that respects the character of its surroundings without duplicating elements or styles. In alignment with Policy 1.8, the project blends harmoniously with the library building through the use of complementary materials, while also featuring contemporary design elements. This approach reflects integrity in design by respecting the physical qualities and character of the area, preserving the visual appeal of the civic center, and maintaining consistency with the architectural identity of the community.

The proposed outdoor library courtyard project for the City Civic Center is designed to enhance the site’s functionality and aesthetic appeal while fully adhering to the historic preservation policies outlined in the Community Design & Historic Resources Element. The applicable policies from the Historical Resources Element are outlined below:
 Policy 1.1 states: “Preserve trees, especially heritage and landmark trees, and trees that protect privacy in residential neighborhoods.”
 Policy 6.1 states: “Ensure that the integrity of historic structures and the parcels on which they are located are preserved through the implementation of applicable design, building, and fire codes.”
 Policy 6.3 states: “Work with property owners to preserve historic resources within the community, including the orchard, or representative portion thereof, on the civic center site.”
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 6 The project complies with Historic Resources Policy 1.1 by preserving all existing Civic Center Apricot Orchard apricot trees, designated as heritage trees, which will not be impacted. While the project results in the loss of approximately seven potential planting sites, this does not affect the orchard's historic significance or integrity. The historic landmark orchard remains understood as such, and the loss of these sites does not substantially alter the orchards’ defining characteristics.

The project complies with Historic Resources policy 6.1 by following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, ensuring that the integrity of both the historic orchard and the parcels they occupy is preserved. In addition, the project is consistent with Section 12.44.140 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which requires adherence to these standards.

The outdoor patio project also complies with Historic Resources Policy 6.3 by integrating harmoniously with the civic center’s historic resources, including the preservation of the orchard or key portions of it. The design incorporates materials that complement the site’s historic character, ensuring the preservation of the civic center’s cultural and historical value while enhancing its functionality for future use.

Zoning Consistency
The project complies with the Zoning Standards of the PCF Zoning District. An analysis of the project’s compliance with PCF Standards is provided on the table below:

PCF Zoning District Standards
Requirement Proposal
Coverage 30%
(172,031 square feet)

6.3%
36,651 square feet
Front Setback 40’ 104’
Interior (Left) Side Setback 25’ 66’8”
Interior Side Setback 25’ 70’
Rear Setback 50’ 653’
Height 30’ 11’2”
Historical Alteration Permit
The Civic Center Orchard is one of the last remaining orchards in Los Altos and holds additional significance as it was planted by early resident J. Gilbert Smith. The proposed project involves constructing a new courtyard north of the Los Altos Public Library, a portion of which overlaps the defined orchard boundaries however does not modify such boundaries. The City hired Treanor, 809
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 7 an independent historic consultant firm, to evaluate the proposed project and prepare a Secretary of the Interior Standards Compliance Review report with their findings (Attachment 5).

The report finds the project does not involve the removal of any character-defining features, which are essential for historic designation as they embody the visual and physical aspects that give a property its historic significance. The Civic Center Orchard’s character defining features include its trees arranged in rectangular plots with orthogonal rows spaced approximately 12 by 12 feet apart. While the project will overlap a small portion of the orchard boundary, it will not impact the orchard’s historic character. The loss of seven (7) potential planting sites will not affect the orchard’s historic significance or integrity, as these sites do not individually convey the orchard’s function or historical value. The remaining orchard trees continue to represent the orchard’s historic character.

The Civic Center Orchard retains its integrity of location, as it has not been moved, as well as its integrity of association and feeling, remaining an orchard since its establishment in the early 20th century. It also retains integrity of design, materials, and workmanship, as the trees’ size, spacing, and arrangement are preserved. Although the civic center has been improved over the last several decades with anticipated new and expanded buildings, the orchard maintains sufficient integrity to convey its historical significance and original function since its initial designation in 1981.

The proposed project will not destroy historic materials, features, or spatial relationships that define the property. The new construction will be clearly differentiated from historic elements while remaining compatible with the size, scale, proportion, and massing of the Civic Center Orchard and its surroundings.

Therefore, the project complies with the Historic Preservation Ordinance, does not adversely impact the resource’s physical integrity or historical significance, and meets the findings of Section

12.44.140.A of the Los Altos Municipal Code (LAMC) and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Design Review Permit
The project proposes an outdoor courtyard with a new pergola, hardscape and pedestrian pathways, outdoor multi-purpose seating area including an audio-visual system, and landscaping. The entire courtyard would be fenced in with a mix of corten steel, wood, and glass fencing ranging from approximately five to seven feet tall.

The project is designed to preserve and complement the architectural integrity of the library, with the proposed new courtyard, pergola, and improvements to the existing library. The design emphasizes the integration of elements, materials, and scale that harmonize with the traditional architecture of the library building; however, the library building is not a historic resource. The proposed pergola is constructed of wood, concrete, and metal, along with wall-mounted monitors and concrete and wood seating. These features and materials are thoughtfully designed to complement the library’s traditional board-and-batten and stucco siding, as well as its aluminum windows. The selected exterior materials and finishes reflect high quality, durability, and permanence, ensuring a cohesive and lasting design.
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 8 The design emphasizes a human-scale building mass by incorporating a low 11.2-foot-tall pergola, along with low seating and fencing features, which effectively soften the project’s appearance and reduce its visual bulk. Additionally, the project includes generous setbacks, such as a left interior side setback of 66.6 feet (exceeding the required 25 feet), a front setback of 104 feet (where 40 feet is required), and a rear setback of 653 feet (where 50 feet is required), contributing to a more visually balanced and context-sensitive design within the civic center campus. The project design aligns with the low-density profile of the adjacent library building and complements other structures on the civic center campus.

The project proposes the removal of three (3) trees (one flowering cherry, one Japanese maple, and one purple plum) adjacent to the northern area of the Los Altos Library. The new landscaping plan incorporates the planting of numerous trees and shrubs, featuring a variety of native and drought-tolerant species that provide seasonal interest, shade, and visual appeal. Concrete pedestrian pathways will be installed along the length of the library, connecting to the east parking lot and extending north toward City Hall, while the courtyard paving will feature permeable pavement to enhance sustainability. The landscaping design includes inviting pathways, seating areas, and open spaces to encourage gathering and improve accessibility. Thoughtfully planned landscape and hardscape features complement the surrounding buildings and parking areas, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment for visitors.

The project fully screens all mechanical equipment from public view within an existing walled enclosure, and new sound and display systems will be housed in enclosures that complement the overall design of the building.

Therefore, the project complies with the development standards in the PCF zoning district because it is compatible with the character of the neighborhood as the design maintains an appropriate relationship with adjacent structures, minimizes bulk, and preserves existing trees to the extent possible, and meets the findings of Section 14.78.060 of the Los Altos Municipal Code (LAMC).

Environmental Review
The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard. The proposed courtyard area would be approximately 8,265 square feet, which is below the 10,000 square foot criteria identified in the CEQA Guidelines and mentioned above. The proposed courtyard is also consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the site and is within an urban area of Los Altos that is currently served by existing public facilities and services.

The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because it is the construction of an accessory courtyard patio for the existing Los Altos Library. As mentioned above, the approximately proposed courtyard would replace the existing Los Altos Library patio.
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Library Courtyard Project at 13 S. San Antonio Road Page 9 The project is consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as outlined in this staff report. It does not result in significant impacts on sensitive environments, geological resources, biological resources, air quality, and is fully supported by necessary utilities and public services.

The project site is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources. While a small portion of the northern boundary overlaps with the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, a City-designated historic landmark, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards Compliance Review concluded that the project would not significantly impact this historic resource as it complies with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Additionally, none of the exceptions outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. A detailed analysis and supporting documentation for the CEQA exemptions are provided in Attachment 6.

Public Notification and Community Outreach
A public meeting notice was posted on the property along San Antonio Road, mailed to property owners within a 300’ radius, and published in the newspaper. The applicant contacted the adjacent neighbors to the south and north in the immediate area for the community outreach. At the time of preparation of this report, the Planning Division has not received any comments on the proposed project.
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RESOLUTION NO. HC 2025-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOS

ALTOS APPROVING A HISTORICAL ALTERATION PERMIT FOR A NEW LIBRARY COURTYARD AT 13 SOUTH SAN ANTONIO ROAD
WHEREAS, the applicant, SSA Landscape Architects, submitted an application for an Historical Alteration Permit (H24-0003) for an outdoor courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road (Los Altos Library), referred to herein as the “Project”; and WHEREAS, said Project is located in the PCF Zoning District, which allows all uses of facilities owned, leased, or operated by the City and the County; and WHEREAS, said Project was processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the Los Altos Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the proposed Project complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation by preserving the historic orchard’s defining characteristics, including its layout, species composition, and spatial organization, while the Project not compromise its integrity. The work avoids adverse impacts to character-defining features and maintains compatibility with the orchard’s historic scale and function. The project ensures the orchard’s long-term preservation and significance as a cultural resource, with no significant adverse impacts to historic resources; and WHEREAS, the Historical Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Project on February 6, 2025 and considered the written record and all public comment and approved the Historical Alteration Permit subject to the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and
WHEREAS, all the requirements of the Public Resources Code, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the regulations and policies of the City of Los Altos have been satisfied or complied with by the City in connection with the Project; and WHEREAS, the findings and conclusions made by the Historical Commission in this Resolution are based upon the oral and written evidence presented as well as the entirety of the administrative record for the proposed Project, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The findings are not based solely on the information provided in this Resolution; and WHEREAS, approval of the Project would be categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (“Existing Facilities”) and Section 15303 (“New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures”) because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard and the construction of an accessory courtyard for the existing Los Altos Library. Additionally, none of the circumstances under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Historical Commission of the City of Los Altos hereby approves Historical Alteration Permit No. H24-0003 for an outdoor courtyard at the Los Altos Library, based on the following findings attached hereto as (Exhibit A) and conditions of approval attached hereto as (Exhibit B) and incorporated by this reference. 813
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EXHIBIT A
Findings
With regard to the Historical Alteration Permit, the Historical Commission finds the following in accordance with Section 12.44.140 of the Municipal Code:

1. The project complies with all provisions of the Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter

12.44) due to the project not adversely affecting the physical integrity or the historic significance of the subject property, and the project being in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; and the project does not adversely affect the physical integrity or historic significance of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, one of the last active orchards in Los Altos. The Civic Center Orchard trees will be retained, and none will be removed. With the remaining orchard trees, the orchard conveys its historic significance and character. The proposed project is compliant with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The project is compliant with the applicable criteria listed in the Community Design and Historic Resources Elements.

2. The project complies with Standards 1-4 of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It preserves the historic apricot orchard with minimal alterations, ensuring its defining characteristics remain intact (Standard 1). No characterdefining features are removed, and new work is limited to unplanted areas, avoiding the removal of any orchard trees. The minor encroachment on the southern boundary does not affect the orchard's historic character, as its orthogonal rows, spacing, and overall organization remain intact (Standard 2). The project avoids adding conjectural historical features or architectural elements from other buildings, maintaining authenticity (Standard 3).

Furthermore, no changes have been made to the orchard that have acquired historic significance, so none require retention or preservation (Standard 4).

3. The project complies with Standards 5-10 of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The orchard’s layout and species composition are preserved by replacing dead trees with Blenheim apricots, consistent with the original plantings. While seven potential planting sites would be lost, this does not diminish the orchard's historic significance, as its layout and existing trees remain (Standard 5). There is no chemical or physical treatment that would negatively impact the orchard’s historic character (Standard 7).

As there are no known archaeological resources in the orchard, Standard 8 is not applicable.

The project preserves historic materials, features, and spatial relationships, and the project is clearly differentiated yet compatible with the historic size, scale, proportion, and massing of the orchard (Standard 9). Finally, while seven planting sites may be obstructed, the essential form and integrity of the orchard remain intact, and these sites could be reestablished in the future. Overall, the project does not result in a substantial adverse change to the significance of the Civic Center Orchard or the J. Gilbert Smith House (Standard 10).

4. The Project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures) because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard and the construction of an accessory courtyard for the 814
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Resolution No. HC 2025-XX Page 3
existing Los Altos Library. Additionally, none of the circumstances under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
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Resolution No. HC 2025-XX Page 4

EXHIBIT B

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

PLANNING DIVISION

1. Approved Plans: The project shall be developed in substantial compliance with the design plans and support materials and technical reports approved as part of the application, except as modified by these conditions as specified below.

2. Expiration: This Permit is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of final approval unless prior to the date of expiration, a building permit is issued, or an extension is granted pursuant to the procedures and timeline for extensions in the Zoning Code.

3. Revisions to the Approved Project: Minor revisions to the approved plans which are found to be in substantial compliance with the approved plans may be approved by the Development Services Director.

4. Notice of Right to Protest: The conditions of project approval set forth herein include certain fees, dedication requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(d)(1), these conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the amount of such fees, and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further notified that the 90-day period in which you may protest these fees, dedications, reservations, and other exactions pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a) began on the date of approval of this project. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of Section 66020, you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.

5. Indemnity and Hold Harmless: The applicant/owner agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, and hold the City harmless from all costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by the City or held to be the liability of the City in connection with the City’s defense of its actions in any proceedings brought in any State or Federal Court, challenging any of the City’s action with respect to the applicant’s project. The City may withhold final maps and/or permits, including temporary or final occupancy permits, for failure to pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by the City in connection with the City's defense of its actions.

6. Exterior Materials: High-quality materials and finishes shall be used throughout the project and shall remain in compliance with the materials identified in the approved plans, except as modified by the conditions of approval herein. Details regarding all color and architectural details shall be provided in the building permit plan submittal and shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to the issuance of building permits.

7. Special Paving Materials: The color, material, design, and product specifications for the special paving materials used on-site shall be submitted with the building permit drawings.

Final paving design details shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to the issuance of building permits. 816
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8. Lighting Plan: The applicant shall submit a lighting plan in building permit drawings. This plan should include photometric contours, manufacturer’s specifications on the fixtures, and mounting heights. The design and location of outdoor lighting fixtures shall ensure there will be no glare and light spillover to surrounding properties, which is demonstrated with photometric contours extending beyond the project property lines. The lighting plan submitted with building permit drawings must be approved by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to building permit issuance.

9. Landscaping: Detailed landscape and irrigation plans must be included in building permit drawings. Minimum plant sizes are flats or one-gallon containers for ground cover, five-gallon for shrubs, and 24” box for trees. The drawings must be approved by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to building permit issuance and implemented prior to occupancy. All plans should be prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect and shall comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) pursuant to Chapter 12.36 of the Municipal Code. Additional landscaping materials or modifications may be required by the Planning Division at final inspection to ensure adequate planting coverage and/or screening.

10. Utility Landscape Screening: All utility meters, lines, transformers, backflow preventers, etc., must be shown on all site plan drawings and landscape plan drawings. All such facilities shall be located so as to not interfere with landscape material growth and shall be screened in a manner which respects the project design. Additional landscaping materials or modifications may be required by the Planning Division at final inspection to ensure adequate plant screening.

11. Tree Removal Approved: Trees Nos. 1 to 3 shown to be removed on plan Sheet L-1.1 of the approved set of plans are hereby approved for removal. Tree removal shall not occur until a building permit is submitted and shall only occur after issuance of a demolition permit or building permit. Exceptions to this condition may be granted by the Development Services Director.

12. Replacement Trees: The applicant shall offset the loss of each tree with one replacement tree, for a total of three replacement trees. Each replacement tree shall be no smaller than a 24” box and shall be noted on the landscape plan as a replacement tree.

13. Monthly Arborist Inspections: Throughout demolition and construction, a qualified arborist must conduct monthly inspections to ensure tree protection measures and maintenance care are provided. A copy of the inspection letter, including recommendations for modifications to tree care or construction activity to maintain tree health, shall be provided to the Planning Division.

14. Tree Protection Fencing: The grading and landscape plans of the Building Permit submittal shall show the required tree protection fencing which shall be installed around the dripline(s), or as required by the project arborist, of all orchard trees. Tree protection fencing shall be chain link and a minimum of five feet in height with posts driven into the ground and shall not be removed until all building construction has been completed unless approved by the Planning Division.
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15. Orchard Irrigation System: The landscape and irrigation plans of the building permit submittal shall show the existing orchard irrigation system and method for protection during construction to ensure continued irrigation system function.

16. Orchard Sign Relocation: The building permit submittal shall show the proposed location for the relocation of the existing orchard information sign. The proposed sign location shall be reviewed and approved by the Development Serviced Director and City Engineer prior to the issuance of building permit.

17. Construction Noise Reduction: The following noise reduction measures shall be incorporated into construction plans and contractor specifications to reduce the impact of temporary construction-related noise on nearby properties: (a) comply with manufacturer’s muffler requirements on all construction equipment engines; (b) turn off construction equipment when not in use, where applicable; (c) locate stationary equipment as far as practical from receiving properties; (d) use temporary sound barriers or sound curtains around loud stationary equipment if the other noise reduction methods are not effective or possible; and (e) shroud or shield impact tools and use electric-powered rather than diesel-powered construction equipment.

18. Basic Air Quality Construction Measures: The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

Emission reduction measures will include, at a minimum, the following measures: (a) All exposed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, and graded areas) shall be watered two times per day; (b) All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered; (c) All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited; (d) All sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used; (e) All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph; (f) All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site; (g) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measures Title 13, Section 2485, of the California Code of Regulations). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points; (h) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation; and (i) Publicly visible signs shall be posted with the telephone number and name of the person to contact at the lead agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s General Air Pollution Complaints number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

19. Discovery of Contaminated Soils: If contaminated soils are discovered, the applicant will ensure the contractor employs engineering controls and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize human exposure to potential contaminants. Engineering controls and construction BMPs will include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) contractor employees working onsite will be certified in OSHA’s 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training; (b) the contractor will stockpile soil during redevelopment 818
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activities to allow for proper characterization and evaluation of disposal options; (c) the contractor will monitor area around construction site for fugitive vapor emissions with appropriate field screening instrumentation; (d) the contractor will water/mist soil as it is being excavated and loaded onto transportation trucks; (e) the contractor will place any stockpiled soil in areas shielded from prevailing winds; and (f) the contractor will cover the bottom of excavated areas with sheeting when work is not being performed.

20. Discovery of Archaeological Resources: If prehistoric or historic-period cultural materials are unearthed during ground-disturbing activities, it is recommended that all work within 100’ of the find be halted until a qualified archaeologist and Native American representative can assess the significance of the find. Prehistoric materials might include obsidian and chertflaked stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, scrapers) or tool-making debris; culturally darkened soil (“midden”) containing heat-affected rocks and artifacts; stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones, or milling slabs); and battered-stone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period materials might include stone, concrete, or adobe footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse. If the find is determined to be potentially significant, the archaeologist, in consultation with the Native American representative, will develop a treatment plan that could include site avoidance, capping, or data recovery.

21. Discovery of Human Remains: In the event of the discovery of human remains during construction or demolition, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site within a 50’ radius of the location of such discovery, or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains. The Santa Clara County Coroner shall be notified and shall make a determination as to whether the remains are Native American. If the Coroner determines that the remains are not subject to their authority, the coroner shall notify the Native American Heritage Commission, which shall attempt to identify descendants of the deceased Native American. If no satisfactory agreement can be reached as to the disposition of the remains pursuant to this State law, then the landowner shall reinter the human remains and items associated with Native American burials on the property in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance. A final report shall be submitted to the City’s Development Services Director prior to the release of a Certificate of Occupancy. This report shall contain a description of the mitigation programs and its results, including a description of the monitoring and testing resources analysis methodology and conclusions, and a description of the disposition/curation of the resources. The report shall verify completion of the mitigation program to the satisfaction of the City’s Development Services Director.

22. Discovery of Paleontological Resources: In the event that a fossil is discovered during construction of the project, excavations within 50’ of the find shall be temporarily halted or delayed until the discovery is examined by a qualified paleontologist, in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards. The City shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. If the find is determined to be significant and if avoidance is not feasible, the paleontologist shall design and carry out a data recovery plan consistent with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards.

23. Preconstruction Nesting Bird Survey: The applicant shall be responsible for the retention of a qualified biologist to conduct a survey of the project site and surrounding 500 feet for active nests—with particular emphasis on nests of migratory birds—if construction (including site 819
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preparation) will begin during the bird nesting season, from February 1 through August 31. If active nests are observed on either the project site or the surrounding area, the applicant, in coordination with the appropriate City staff, shall establish no-disturbance buffer zones around the nests, with the size to be determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (usually 100 feet for perching birds and 300 feet for raptors). The no-disturbance buffer shall remain in place until the biologist determines the nest is no longer active or the nesting season ends. The project applicant shall submit a report indicating the results of the nesting survey and any designated buffer zones to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the issuance of any demolition, tree removal, or grading permit, whichever occurs earliest. If construction ceases for seven days or more and then resumes during the nesting season, an additional survey performed by a qualified biologist prior to construction resuming shall be completed to avoid impacts on active bird nests that may be present. The results of the additional nesting survey shall be submitted via a report to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the restart of construction activities.

BUILDING DIVISION

24. Building Permit: A building permit is required for the project and building design plans shall comply with the latest applicable adopted standards. The applicant shall submit supplemental application materials as required by the Building Division to demonstrate compliance.

25. Conditions of Approval: Incorporate the conditions of approval into the Building Permit submittal plans and provide a letter which explains how each condition of approval has been satisfied and/or which sheet of the plans the information can found

26. Payment of Impact and Development Fees: The applicant shall pay all applicable development and impact fees in accordance with State Law and the City of Los Altos current adopted fee schedule. All impact fees not paid prior to building permit issuance shall be required to provide a bond equal to the required amount prior to issuance of the building permit.

27. Work Hours/Construction Site Signage: No work shall commence on the job site prior to 7:00 a.m. nor continue later than 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, and no work is permitted on Sunday or any City observed holiday. The general contractor, applicant, developer, or property owner shall erect a sign at all construction site entrances/exits to advise subcontractors and material suppliers of the working hours and contact information, including an after-hours contact.

28. Disturbance Coordinator: The applicant shall designate a “disturbance coordinator” who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints regarding construction noise. The coordinator (who may be an employee of the general contractor) will determine the cause of the complaint and will require reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be implemented. A telephone number of the noise disturbance coordinator shall be conspicuously posted at the construction site fence and on the notification sent to neighbors adjacent to the site. The sign must also list an emergency after-hours contact number for emergency personnel.

29. Americans with Disabilities Act: All improvements shall comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The latest edition of Caltrans ADA requirements shall apply to all 820
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improvements in the public right-of-way. Compliance with all ADA requirements shall be shown on all building permit plans.

ENGINEERING DIVISION

30. Construction Management Plan: The applicant shall submit a construction management plan for review and approval by the Development Services Director and the City Engineer. The construction management plan shall address any construction activities affecting the public right-of-way, including but not limited to excavation, traffic control, truck routing, pedestrian protection, material storage, earth retention and construction vehicle parking. The plan shall provide specific details with regards to how construction vehicle parking will be managed to minimize impacts on nearby single-family neighborhoods. Sidewalks, parking and travel lanes along San Antonio Road and through the Civic Center campus shall not be closed for the full duration of the project. Closures will be reviewed and approved with Encroachment Permit submittals. The applicant shall be required to have a pre-construction meeting with all abutting property owners to discuss the project schedule and to prominently display a sign with the single point of contact the community should interface with for any construction related impacts from the project.

31. Storm Water Management Plan: The Applicant shall submit a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) in compliance with the City of Los Altos Municipal Regional Stormwater (MRP)NPDES Permit No. CA S612008, Order No. R2-2022-0018 dated May 11, 2022. The SWMP shall be reviewed and approved by a City approved third party consultant at the Applicant’s expense. The recommendations from the Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) shall be shown on the building permit plans.

32. Pollution Prevention: The improvement plans shall include the “Blueprint for a Clean Bay” plan sheet in all plan submittals.

33. Storm Water Filtration Systems: The applicant shall insure the design of all storm water filtration systems and devices are without standing water to avoid mosquito/insect infestation.

34. Transportation Permit: A Transportation Permit, per the requirements specified in California Vehicle Code Division 15, is required before any large equipment, materials or soil is transported or hauled to or from the construction site. The Applicant shall pay the applicable fees before the transportation permit can be issued by the Traffic Engineer.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

35. Knox Key Boxes/Locks Where Required for Access: Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The Knox Key Box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official. An approved Knox Lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code. Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or re-keyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
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RESOLUTION NO. PC 2025-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS

APPROVING A DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT FOR A NEW LIBRARY COURTYARD AT 13 SOUTH SAN ANTONIO ROAD
WHEREAS, the applicant, SSA Landscape Architects, submitted an application for Design Review (D24-0002) for an outdoor courtyard at 13 South San Antonio Road (Los Altos Library), referred to herein as the “Project”; and
WHEREAS, said Project is located in the PCF Zoning District, which allows all uses of facilities owned, leased, or operated by the City and the County; and WHEREAS, the Project was processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and Los Altos Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Project on February 6, 2025 and considered the written record and all public comment and approved the Design Review subject to the recommended findings and conditions of approval; and WHEREAS, all the requirements of the Public Resources Code, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the regulations and policies of the City of Los Altos have been satisfied or complied with by the City in connection with the Project; and WHEREAS, the findings and conclusions made by the Planning Commission in this Resolution are based upon the oral and written evidence presented as well as the entirety of the administrative record for the proposed Project, which is incorporated herein by this reference. The findings are not based solely on the information provided in this Resolution; and WHEREAS, approval of the Project would be categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (“Existing Facilities”) and Section 15303 (“New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures”) because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard and the construction of an accessory courtyard for the existing Los Altos Library. Additionally, none of the circumstances under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission of the City of Los Altos hereby approves Design Review (D24-0002) for an outdoor courtyard at the Los Altos Library, based on the following findings attached hereto as (Exhibit A) and conditions of approval attached hereto as (Exhibit B) and incorporated by this reference. 822
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EXHIBIT A
Findings
With regard to the Design Review Permit, the Planning Commission finds the following pursuant to Section 14.78.060 of Los Altos Municipal Code (LAMC):

A. The proposal meets the goals, policies and objectives of the general plan and any specific plan, objective design guidelines and ordinance design criteria adopted for the specific district or area because the project is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan and complies with the ordinance criteria for the Public and Community Facilities (PCF) Zoning District, meeting all zoning standards.

B. The proposal has architectural integrity and has an appropriate relationship with other structures in the immediate area in terms of height, bulk and design because the project preserves the library’s architectural integrity by ensuring the design complements surrounding structures in height, bulk, and character. The contemporary patio and pergola design integrate with the library’s style, maintaining visual harmony. The addition's height and massing are scaled to enhance the civic center while preserving the library and adjacent buildings' integrity. This approach balances contemporary features with historical preservation, ensuring a cohesive and functional public space.

C. Building mass is articulated to relate to the human scale, both horizontally and vertically. Building elevations have variation and depth and avoid large blank wall surfaces. Residential or mixed-use residential projects incorporate elements that signal habitation, such as identifiable entrances, stairs, porches, bays and balconies because the one-story design of the patio reduces the perceived bulk and mass of the addition, ensuring it does not overwhelm the existing library, the civic center site, or the surrounding neighborhood. By limiting the height of the pergola structure, the onestory design minimizes the visual impact and helps the patio blend more naturally with the existing environment. This approach preserves sight lines and maintains the scale of neighboring buildings, allowing the patio to integrate seamlessly into the community. The reduced height ensures the addition complements the existing structures without introducing excessive bulk, helping to preserve the open, airy feel of the space.

D. Exterior materials and finishes convey high quality, integrity, permanence and durability, and materials are used effectively to define building elements such as base, body, parapets, bays, arcades and structural elements. Materials, finishes, and colors have been used in a manner that serves to reduce the perceived appearance of height, bulk and mass, and are harmonious with other structures in the immediate area. The Project incorporates high-quality materials to maintain consistency with the traditional architecture of the library and compatibility with the Downtown character. The project has been designed to be compatible with the existing library building, integrating both complementary materials and contemporary design elements. Materials such as the louvered metal pergola with wood-grain finish blades, frameless glass fences, corten steel frame fencing, and wood seating for benches align with the library’s architectural style, incorporating similar color schemes, textures, and finishes. 823
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E. Landscaping is generous and inviting, and landscape and hardscape features are designed to complement the building and parking areas, and to be integrated with the building architecture and the surrounding streetscape. Landscaping includes substantial street tree canopy, either in the public right-of-way or within the Project frontage. The Project’s landscaping plan prioritizes the preservation of the natural landscape by minimizing tree removal and soil disruption. Grade changes have been carefully limited, ensuring that existing vegetation and other natural features remain largely undisturbed. The impact on the orchard is minimal, as no trees currently exist in the area designated for the project. The work involves the removal of the existing trellis, patio, and pedestrian pathway north of the Los Altos Library, along with three ornamental trees. However, these trees are not part of the Civic Center Orchard and are not significant to its historical value. To enhance the area, a variety of new trees and shrubs will be planted along the perimeter of the courtyard, contributing to the overall aesthetic and environmental value of the site
F. Signage is designed to complement the building architecture in terms of style, materials, colors and proportions because no signage is proposed with the submittal. If signage is introduced, it will be reviewed under Chapter 14.68 sign regulations to ensure compatibility with the building’s architecture, including style, materials, colors, and proportions, to maintain architectural cohesion.

G. Mechanical equipment is screened from public view and the screening is designed to be consistent with the building architecture in form, material and detailing. The Project fully screens all mechanical equipment from public view within an existing walled enclosure and new sound and display systems will be enclosed in new enclosures that complement the building’s design.

H. Service, trash and utility areas are screened from public view, or are enclosed in structures that are consistent with the building architecture in materials and detailing. The Project will utilize the existing concealed service, trash, and utility areas within the library building’s design, keeping them out of public view. Trash, electrical, and service rooms are located internally, while a PG&E transformer is placed at the rear alley to minimize visibility from South San Antonio Road, preserving the architectural integrity of the facade.

I. The Project is categorically exempt from environmental review under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures) because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard and the construction of an accessory courtyard for the existing Los Altos Library. Additionally, none of the circumstances under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
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EXHIBIT B

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

PLANNING DIVISION

1. Approved Plans: The project shall be developed in substantial compliance with the design plans and support materials and technical reports approved as part of the application, except as modified by these conditions as specified below.

2. Expiration: This Permit is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of final approval unless prior to the date of expiration, a building permit is issued, or an extension is granted pursuant to the procedures and timeline for extensions in the Zoning Code.

3. Revisions to the Approved Project: Minor revisions to the approved plans which are found to be in substantial compliance with the approved plans may be approved by the Development Services Director.

4. Notice of Right to Protest: The conditions of project approval set forth herein include certain fees, dedication requirements, reservation requirements, and other exactions. Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(d)(1), these conditions constitute written notice of a statement of the amount of such fees, and a description of the dedications, reservations, and other exactions. You are hereby further notified that the 90-day period in which you may protest these fees, dedications, reservations, and other exactions pursuant to Government Code Section 66020(a) began on the date of approval of this project. If you fail to file a protest within this 90-day period complying with all of the requirements of Section 66020, you will be legally barred from later challenging such exactions.

5. Indemnity and Hold Harmless: The applicant/owner agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, and hold the City harmless from all costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by the City or held to be the liability of the City in connection with the City’s defense of its actions in any proceedings brought in any State or Federal Court, challenging any of the City’s action with respect to the applicant’s project. The City may withhold final maps and/or permits, including temporary or final occupancy permits, for failure to pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by the City in connection with the City's defense of its actions.

6. Exterior Materials: High-quality materials and finishes shall be used throughout the project and shall remain in compliance with the materials identified in the approved plans, except as modified by the conditions of approval herein. Details regarding all color and architectural details shall be provided in the building permit plan submittal and shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to the issuance of building permits.

7. Special Paving Materials: The color, material, design, and product specifications for the special paving materials used on-site shall be submitted with the building permit drawings.

Final paving design details shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to the issuance of building permits. 825
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8. Lighting Plan: The applicant shall submit a lighting plan in building permit drawings. This plan should include photometric contours, manufacturer’s specifications on the fixtures, and mounting heights. The design and location of outdoor lighting fixtures shall ensure there will be no glare and light spillover to surrounding properties, which is demonstrated with photometric contours extending beyond the project property lines. The lighting plan submitted with building permit drawings must be approved by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to building permit issuance.

9. Landscaping: Detailed landscape and irrigation plans must be included in building permit drawings. Minimum plant sizes are flats or one-gallon containers for ground cover, five-gallon for shrubs, and 24” box for trees. The drawings must be approved by the Development Services Director or their designee prior to building permit issuance and implemented prior to occupancy. All plans should be prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect and shall comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) pursuant to Chapter 12.36 of the Municipal Code. Additional landscaping materials or modifications may be required by the Planning Division at final inspection to ensure adequate planting coverage and/or screening.

10. Utility Landscape Screening: All utility meters, lines, transformers, backflow preventers, etc., must be shown on all site plan drawings and landscape plan drawings. All such facilities shall be located so as to not interfere with landscape material growth and shall be screened in a manner which respects the project design. Additional landscaping materials or modifications may be required by the Planning Division at final inspection to ensure adequate plant screening.

11. Tree Removal Approved: Trees Nos. 1 to 3 shown to be removed on plan Sheet L-1.1 of the approved set of plans are hereby approved for removal. Tree removal shall not occur until a building permit is submitted and shall only occur after issuance of a demolition permit or building permit. Exceptions to this condition may be granted by the Development Services Director.

12. Replacement Trees: The applicant shall offset the loss of each tree with one replacement tree, for a total of three replacement trees. Each replacement tree shall be no smaller than a 24” box and shall be noted on the landscape plan as a replacement tree.

13. Monthly Arborist Inspections: Throughout demolition and construction, a qualified arborist must conduct monthly inspections to ensure tree protection measures and maintenance care are provided. A copy of the inspection letter, including recommendations for modifications to tree care or construction activity to maintain tree health, shall be provided to the Planning Division.

14. Tree Protection Fencing: The grading and landscape plans of the Building Permit submittal shall show the required tree protection fencing which shall be installed around the dripline(s), or as required by the project arborist, of all orchard trees. Tree protection fencing shall be chain link and a minimum of five feet in height with posts driven into the ground and shall not be removed until all building construction has been completed unless approved by the Planning Division.
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15. Orchard Irrigation System: The landscape and irrigation plans of the building permit submittal shall show the existing orchard irrigation system and method for protection during construction to ensure continued irrigation system function.

16. Orchard Sign Relocation: The building permit submittal shall show the proposed location for the relocation of the existing orchard information sign. The proposed sign location shall be reviewed and approved by the Development Serviced Director and City Engineer prior to the issuance of building permit.

17. Construction Noise Reduction: The following noise reduction measures shall be incorporated into construction plans and contractor specifications to reduce the impact of temporary construction-related noise on nearby properties: (a) comply with manufacturer’s muffler requirements on all construction equipment engines; (b) turn off construction equipment when not in use, where applicable; (c) locate stationary equipment as far as practical from receiving properties; (d) use temporary sound barriers or sound curtains around loud stationary equipment if the other noise reduction methods are not effective or possible; and (e) shroud or shield impact tools and use electric-powered rather than diesel-powered construction equipment.

18. Basic Air Quality Construction Measures: The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

Emission reduction measures will include, at a minimum, the following measures: (a) All exposed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, and graded areas) shall be watered two times per day; (b) All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered; (c) All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited; (d) All sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used; (e) All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph; (f) All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site; (g) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measures Title 13, Section 2485, of the California Code of Regulations). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points; (h) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation; and (i) Publicly visible signs shall be posted with the telephone number and name of the person to contact at the lead agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s General Air Pollution Complaints number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

19. Discovery of Contaminated Soils: If contaminated soils are discovered, the applicant will ensure the contractor employs engineering controls and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize human exposure to potential contaminants. Engineering controls and construction BMPs will include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) contractor employees working onsite will be certified in OSHA’s 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training; (b) the contractor will stockpile soil during redevelopment 827
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activities to allow for proper characterization and evaluation of disposal options; (c) the contractor will monitor area around construction site for fugitive vapor emissions with appropriate field screening instrumentation; (d) the contractor will water/mist soil as it is being excavated and loaded onto transportation trucks; (e) the contractor will place any stockpiled soil in areas shielded from prevailing winds; and (f) the contractor will cover the bottom of excavated areas with sheeting when work is not being performed.

20. Discovery of Archaeological Resources: If prehistoric or historic-period cultural materials are unearthed during ground-disturbing activities, it is recommended that all work within 100’ of the find be halted until a qualified archaeologist and Native American representative can assess the significance of the find. Prehistoric materials might include obsidian and chertflaked stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, scrapers) or tool-making debris; culturally darkened soil (“midden”) containing heat-affected rocks and artifacts; stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones, or milling slabs); and battered-stone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period materials might include stone, concrete, or adobe footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse. If the find is determined to be potentially significant, the archaeologist, in consultation with the Native American representative, will develop a treatment plan that could include site avoidance, capping, or data recovery.

21. Discovery of Human Remains: In the event of the discovery of human remains during construction or demolition, there shall be no further excavation or disturbance of the site within a 50’ radius of the location of such discovery, or any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains. The Santa Clara County Coroner shall be notified and shall make a determination as to whether the remains are Native American. If the Coroner determines that the remains are not subject to their authority, the coroner shall notify the Native American Heritage Commission, which shall attempt to identify descendants of the deceased Native American. If no satisfactory agreement can be reached as to the disposition of the remains pursuant to this State law, then the landowner shall reinter the human remains and items associated with Native American burials on the property in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance. A final report shall be submitted to the City’s Development Services Director prior to the release of a Certificate of Occupancy. This report shall contain a description of the mitigation programs and its results, including a description of the monitoring and testing resources analysis methodology and conclusions, and a description of the disposition/curation of the resources. The report shall verify completion of the mitigation program to the satisfaction of the City’s Development Services Director.

22. Discovery of Paleontological Resources: In the event that a fossil is discovered during construction of the project, excavations within 50’ of the find shall be temporarily halted or delayed until the discovery is examined by a qualified paleontologist, in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards. The City shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. If the find is determined to be significant and if avoidance is not feasible, the paleontologist shall design and carry out a data recovery plan consistent with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards.

23. Preconstruction Nesting Bird Survey: The applicant shall be responsible for the retention of a qualified biologist to conduct a survey of the project site and surrounding 500 feet for active nests—with particular emphasis on nests of migratory birds—if construction (including site 828
Agenda Item # 11.

Resolution No. PC 2025-XX Page 8
preparation) will begin during the bird nesting season, from February 1 through August 31. If active nests are observed on either the project site or the surrounding area, the applicant, in coordination with the appropriate City staff, shall establish no-disturbance buffer zones around the nests, with the size to be determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (usually 100 feet for perching birds and 300 feet for raptors). The no-disturbance buffer shall remain in place until the biologist determines the nest is no longer active or the nesting season ends. The project applicant shall submit a report indicating the results of the nesting survey and any designated buffer zones to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the issuance of any demolition, tree removal, or grading permit, whichever occurs earliest. If construction ceases for seven days or more and then resumes during the nesting season, an additional survey performed by a qualified biologist prior to construction resuming shall be completed to avoid impacts on active bird nests that may be present. The results of the additional nesting survey shall be submitted via a report to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the restart of construction activities.

BUILDING DIVISION

24. Building Permit: A building permit is required for the project and building design plans shall comply with the latest applicable adopted standards. The applicant shall submit supplemental application materials as required by the Building Division to demonstrate compliance.

25. Conditions of Approval: Incorporate the conditions of approval into the Building Permit submittal plans and provide a letter which explains how each condition of approval has been satisfied and/or which sheet of the plans the information can found

26. Payment of Impact and Development Fees: The applicant shall pay all applicable development and impact fees in accordance with State Law and the City of Los Altos current adopted fee schedule. All impact fees not paid prior to building permit issuance shall be required to provide a bond equal to the required amount prior to issuance of the building permit.

27. Work Hours/Construction Site Signage: No work shall commence on the job site prior to 7:00 a.m. nor continue later than 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, and no work is permitted on Sunday or any City observed holiday. The general contractor, applicant, developer, or property owner shall erect a sign at all construction site entrances/exits to advise subcontractors and material suppliers of the working hours and contact information, including an after-hours contact.

28. Disturbance Coordinator: The applicant shall designate a “disturbance coordinator” who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints regarding construction noise. The coordinator (who may be an employee of the general contractor) will determine the cause of the complaint and will require reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be implemented. A telephone number of the noise disturbance coordinator shall be conspicuously posted at the construction site fence and on the notification sent to neighbors adjacent to the site. The sign must also list an emergency after-hours contact number for emergency personnel.

29. Americans with Disabilities Act: All improvements shall comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The latest edition of Caltrans ADA requirements shall apply to all 829
Agenda Item # 11.

Resolution No. PC 2025-XX Page 9
improvements in the public right-of-way. Compliance with all ADA requirements shall be shown on all building permit plans.

ENGINEERING DIVISION

30. Construction Management Plan: The applicant shall submit a construction management plan for review and approval by the Development Services Director and the City Engineer. The construction management plan shall address any construction activities affecting the public right-of-way, including but not limited to excavation, traffic control, truck routing, pedestrian protection, material storage, earth retention and construction vehicle parking. The plan shall provide specific details with regards to how construction vehicle parking will be managed to minimize impacts on nearby single-family neighborhoods. Sidewalks, parking and travel lanes along San Antonio Road and through the Civic Center campus shall not be closed for the full duration of the project. Closures will be reviewed and approved with Encroachment Permit submittals. The applicant shall be required to have a pre-construction meeting with all abutting property owners to discuss the project schedule and to prominently display a sign with the single point of contact the community should interface with for any construction related impacts from the project.

31. Storm Water Management Plan: The Applicant shall submit a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) in compliance with the City of Los Altos Municipal Regional Stormwater (MRP)NPDES Permit No. CA S612008, Order No. R2-2022-0018 dated May 11, 2022. The SWMP shall be reviewed and approved by a City approved third party consultant at the Applicant’s expense. The recommendations from the Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) shall be shown on the building permit plans.

32. Pollution Prevention: The improvement plans shall include the “Blueprint for a Clean Bay” plan sheet in all plan submittals.

33. Storm Water Filtration Systems: The applicant shall insure the design of all storm water filtration systems and devices are without standing water to avoid mosquito/insect infestation.

34. Transportation Permit: A Transportation Permit, per the requirements specified in California Vehicle Code Division 15, is required before any large equipment, materials or soil is transported or hauled to or from the construction site. The Applicant shall pay the applicable fees before the transportation permit can be issued by the Traffic Engineer.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

35. Knox Key Boxes/Locks Where Required for Access: Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for lifesaving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The Knox Key Box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official. An approved Knox Lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers when required by the fire code. Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or re-keyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.
830
Agenda Item # 11.

1. DESIGN INTENT: THESE DRAWINGS AND ACCOMPANYING TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS REPRESENT THE GENERAL DESIGN INTENT TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE SITE. THE

CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE ARCHITECT FOR ANY ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION OR DETAILS NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE SITE CONDITIONS.

2. CONTRACTOR SHALL INFORM THEMSELVES OF, AND FULLY ADHERE TO THE ZONING AND ORDINANCE REGULATIONS OF THE CITY AND/OR COUNTY WHERE THE PROJECT IS

LOCATED, THE RULES, REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF ALL GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THE WORK, AND ALL FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS, CODES OR REGULATIONS REGARDING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY.

3. CONTRACTOR SHALL INVESTIGATE AND PROCURE, AT THEIR EXPENSE, ANY AND ALL PERMITS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED ON PROJECT. PRIOR TO BIDDING, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL VISIT THE SITE AND FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS.

4. CONTRACTOR SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE IF DISCREPANCY IS SUSPECTED BETWEEN THE SITE AND WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. NO ALLOWANCES WILL BE MADE TO THE CONTRACTOR DUE TO THEIR LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE SITE CONDITIONS. CONTRACTOR SHALL CALL OUT "USA"-UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT (800-642-2444) AND HAVE USA THOROUGHLY MARK OUT ALL PUBLIC UTILITIES ON, OR ADJACENT TO THE SITE PRIOR TO ANY DEMOLITION OR EXCAVATION WORK. CONTRACTOR SHALL RECORD OR MAINTAIN USA MARKINGS IN LEGIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE FORM FOR DURATION OF PROJECT.

5. CONTRACTOR SHALL AT ALL TIMES PROVIDE NOISE, DUST AND LITTER CONTROL ON THE PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNING AGENCIES OR DOCUMENTS LISTED ABOVE AND PER THE DISCRETION OF THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE.

6. CONTRACTOR SHALL INSURE PROPER POSITIVE DRAINAGE TO EXISTING DRAINAGE STRUCTURES AT ALL TIMES. IF OPERATION OF ANY EXISTING DRAINAGE STRUCTURE OR UTILITY IS INTERRUPTED BY THE CONTRACTORS WORK, CONTRACTOR MUST HAVE ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATE METHODS IN PLACE PRIOR TO INTERRUPTION. THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE SHALL DETERMINE THE ACCEPTABILITY OF SUCH ALTERNATE METHODS.

7. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN EROSION CONTROL MEASURES IN CONFORMANCE WITH STANDARD CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES AS REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE PROJECT AND/OR ADJACENT PROPERTIES FROM DAMAGES DUE TO NATURAL OR MAN-MADE EROSIVE FORCES.

8. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING OR REPLACING DAMAGES OR DAMAGED AREAS TO AN AS-WAS OR BETTER CONDITION IF IT CAN BE REASONABLY CONSTRUED THAT SUCH DAMAGES WERE DUE TO THE CONTRACTORS CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY OR LACK OF AMPLE PROTECTIVE MEASURES. REPAIRS SHALL BE MADE SUBJECT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE.

9. UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORK, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CERTIFY THAT ALL WORK HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. ALL

VARIATIONS FROM THE DOCUMENTS MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE ACCURATELY AND/OR GRAPHICALLY ON RECORD DRAWINGS PRIOR TO FINAL ACCEPTANCE. REFER TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL CLOSE-OUT INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES.

10. CONTRACTOR SHALL DILIGENTLY PROTECT THE PROJECT SITE AND ALL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM VANDALISM OR DAMAGE UNTIL PROJECT FINAL ACCEPTANCE.

11. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE DRINKING WATER AND PORTABLE REST ROOM FACILITIES FOR WORKER USE DURING CONSTRUCTION AT CONTRACTORS EXPENSE.

12. CONTRACTOR SHALL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS AND PAY ALL FEES TO ACQUIRE A METERED HOOKUP TO A CITY WATER SOURCE FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION WATER. ALL COSTS FOR SUCH WATER USE SHALL BE BORNE BY THE CONTRACTOR. IT IS THE CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBILITY TO INCLUDE ANTICIPATED COSTS IN THE BID PRICE.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD

PROJECT DESIGN TEAM

SITE SECTION

DATUM REFERENCE

REVISION REFERENCE

NORTH ARROW
N o r t h
1 SHEET MATCH/CONTINUATION LINE

LIMIT OF WORK

PROPERTY AND BOUNDARY LINES

CENTER LINES BREAKLINE

AREA MAP PROJECT MAP

GENERAL NOTES

GENERAL ABBREVIATIONS

APPLICABLE CODES

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT
13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD
LOS ALTOS, CA 94022
CONTACT: FREDDIE PARK WHEELER
PHONE: (650) 575-7927

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

HIDDEN LINE

PROPOSED CONTOUR LINE
(104) EXISTING CONTOUR LINE

LIMIT OF ADDITIVE ALTERNATE WORK
104
G-1.0 COVER SHEET

SHEET INDEX
1 101

SECTION G - GENERAL
SSA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, INC.

CONTACT: STEVE SUTHERLAND
303 POTRERO STREET, SUITE 40-C
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
(831) 459 - 0455
2022 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
2022 BUILDING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, PART 1,
TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CBC), PART 2, TITLE 24 C.C.R. 2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (CEC), PART 3,
TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (CMC), PART 4,
TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (CPC), PART 5, TITLE 24 C.C.R. 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CFC), PART 9, TITLE 24, C.C.R. 2022 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, PART 12,
TITLE 24, C.C.R.

TITLE 19, C.C.R., PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE

MARSHAL REGULATIONS
2022 NFPA 72 - NATIONAL FIRE ALARM CODE WITH CALIFORNIA

AMENDMENTS

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
THE PROJECT SITE IS LOCATED AT THE NORTH ENTRANCE OF THE LIBRARY.

THE SITE IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPED WITH A SMALL WOOD TRELLIS OVER A NON-ADA COMPLIANT (433 SQ.FT.) PAVER PATIO WITH CONCRETE PATHS OF VARYING WIDTHS FROM CIVIC CENTER LOOP AND S SAN ANTONIO ROAD. CURRENTLY THE DEVELOPMENT

CURRENTLY INCLUDES TWO FIXED BENCHES, THREE BIKE RACKS, AND ONE TRASH RECEPTACLE. ALL OF THE ABOVE EXISTING SITE FEATURES WILL BE REMOVED AS A PART OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT.

THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING CONSTRUCTED ELEMENTS WITHIN THE COURTYARD AS FOLLOWS: A 1,412 SQ.FT. SHADE STRUCTURE/PERGOLA, 3,575 SQ.FT. PERMEABLE PAVERS, 168 SQ.FT.OF ENCLOSED OUTDOOR STORAGE, 2,408 SQ.FT. OF RENOVATED CONCRETE PATHWAYS, DECORATIVE COURTYARD ENTRY GATES, 250 LINEAR FEET OF TRANSPARENT FENCING, EMERGENCY EXIT GATES, 36 LINEAR FEET OF AUDIOVISUAL WALL AT OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, 60 LINEAR FEET OF SOUND REDUCTION WALL AROUND EXISTING UTILITY AND STORAGE, 835 SQ.FT. ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS, LIBRARY PROMOTION SIGNAGE, AND DONOR RECOGNITION SIGNAGE.

THE DESIGN CONCEPT OF THE OUTDOOR ARCHITECTURE IS TO USE DURABLE

MATERIALS THAT WILL BE BOTH RUSTIC AND TRADITIONAL IN APPEARANCE AND EASY FOR LIBRARY STAFF TO MAINTAIN. THE USE OF CORTEN STEEL WILL PROVIDE THE WARMTH OF WOOD AND THE DURABILITY OF METAL. THE GATES AND FENCE ARE TO BE

TRANSPARENT IN NATURE TO SHOWCASE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE HERITAGE

ORCHARD, YET ENCLOSE THE COURTYARD FOR SECURITY OF LIBRARY ASSETS AND PATRONS.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS COURTYARD WILL ALLOW FOR INCREASED PROGRAMMING

OPPORTUNITIES IN AN OUTDOOR SETTING, WHERE AS THE LIBRARY CURRENTLY HAS ONE COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING SPACE. PROPOSED USES INCLUDE TEACHING AND

PRESENTATION SPACES, FIXED AND MOVABLE SEATING IN READING NOOKS, INFORMAL GATHERING AT TABLES AND CHAIRS. THE COURTYARD SPACE IS PURPOSEFULLY

FLEXIBLE AND CAN BE ACTIVATED FORM PROGRAMS, READING, STUDYING, AND GATHERING. THE TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THE LIBRARY ANTICIPATES HOSTING ARE FREE PROGRAMS FOR THE PUBLIC OF ALL AGES. THESE ACTIVITIES MAY

INCLUDE BOOK CLUBS, TRAVEL PROGRAMS, CULTURAL PROGRAMS, ART, CHILDREN'S EVENTS, HISTORY MUSEUM PARTNER EVENTS, AND AUTHOR TALKS. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE FOR THESE EVENTS RANGE FROM 10-50 PEOPLE. PROGRAM FREQUENCY WILL RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 DAYS A WEEK. NOT ALL PROGRAMS WILL REQUIRE THE AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEM. THE AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEM WILL ONLY BE IN USE IF THE

PROGRAM HAS A PRESENTATION THAT NEEDS TO BE PROJECTED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL FOR THE AUDIENCE. THE AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEM WILL ONLY

BE OPERABLE FOR PLANNED EVENTS AND WILL ONLY BE OPERABLE DURING LIBRARY HOURS.

THE LIBRARY DOES NOT ANTICIPATE ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES TO MANAGE THE NEW

SPACE, AS NEIGHBORING LIBRARIES HAVE ADDED SPACE WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES.

THE COURTYARD WILL BE OPEN ONLY DURING LIBRARY HOURS. CURRENT LIBRARY HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 10 A.M. TO 9 P.M., AND FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M., SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

MAIN ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION OF THIS OUTDOOR SPACE. ONLY THE REAR ENTRANCE ADJACENT TO THE ORCHARD WILL BE CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION.

N.T.S.

N o r t h
N.T.S.

L-0.0
L-1.0
L-1.1
L-2.0
L-2.1
L-2.2
L-3.0
L-3.1
L-4.0
L-5.0
L-6.0 - 6.1
L-7.0 - 7.2
L-8.0
L-8.1 - 8.2

OVERALL CIVIC CENTER MAP

EXISTING CONDITIONS & DEMOLITION PLAN

EXISTING TREE PLAN

SITE PLAN

LAYOUT PLAN

ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PLAN

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AV DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS

PLANTING PLAN

IRRIGATION HYROZONE PLAN

SITE SECTIONS

SITE DETAILS

MATERIALS BOARD
3D MODEL IMAGES

SECTION L - LANDSCAPE
N o r t h
& AND CMU CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT FG FINISH GRADE ELEVATION -

SOFTSCAPE

NIC NOT IN CONTRACT SPECS SPECIFICATIONS
@ AT CSDG CEMENT STABILIZED

DECOMPOSED GRANITE

FL FLOW LINE NOM NOMINAL SS SANITARY SEWER

AC ASPHALT CTSK COUNTER SUNK FLG FLANGED NTS NOT TO SCALE SSMH SANITARY SEWER

MANHOLE

ACC ACCESSIBLE DEPT DEPARTMENT FS FINISH SURFACE ELEVATION -

HARDSCAPE

OC ON CENTER STA STATION POINT

ADJ ADJUSTABLE DF DRINKING FOUNTAIN FTG FOOTING OD OUTSIDE DIAMETER SWL STATIC WATER LEVEL

AFF ABOVE FINISH FLOOR DG DECOMPOSED GRANITE GALV GALVANIZED PA PLANT AREA TBR TO BE REMOVED

ALT ALTERNATE DIA DIAMETER GB GRADE BREAK PC PLUMBING CONTRACTOR TC TOP OF CURB

AG AGGREGATE DIM DIMENSION HD HOT DIPPED POB POINT OF BEGINNING TFTG TOP OF FOOTING

APPROX APPROXIMATE DS DOWN SPOUT HDR HEADER POC POINT OF CONNECTION THK THICK

ARCH ARCHITECTURAL DWG DRAWING HOR HORIZONTAL POT POINT OF TANGENCY TP TOP OF PAVING

BC BOTTOM OF CURB EA EACH HP HIGH POINT PNT POINT TS TOP OF STEP

BLDG BUILDING (E) EXISTING INV INVERT ELEVATION PT PRESSURE TREATED TRANS TRANSFORMER

BOC BACK OF CURB EC ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR IRRIG IRRIGATION R RADIUS TW TOP OF WALL

BOW BACK OF WALK EG EXISTING GRADE JB JUNCTION BOX RDWD REDWOOD TYP TYPICAL

BW BASE OF WALL EJ EXPANSION JOINT LA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT REBAR REINFORCEMENT BAR UNO UNLESS NOTED

OTHERWISE

CB CATCH BASIN ELEV ELEVATION LF LINEAR FEET REQ'D REQUIRED VERT VERTICAL

CIP CAST IN PLACE EP EDGE OF PAVING MAX MAXIMUM RIM RIM ELEVATION W/ WITH

CJ CONTROL JOINT EQ EQUAL MB MACHINE BOLT RO ROUGH WC WATER CLOSET

CL CENTERLINE EXP EXPOSED MC MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR RP RADIUS POINT WP WEAKEND PLANE JOINT

CLR CLEAR FOB FACE OF BUILDING MFG MANUFACTURER S/S STAINLESS STEEL WWM WELDED WIRE MESH

CO CLEAN OUT FOC FACE OF CURB MIN MINIMUM SCH SCHEDULE

CONC CONCRETE FD FLOOR DRAIN MTL METAL SIM SIMILAR
CONT CONTINUOUS FFE FINISH FLOOR ELEVATION (N) NEW SF SQUARE FOOT LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
HE
T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T

CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT COVER SHEET SS
NT

COVER SHEET
G-1.0

CIVIL ENGINEER

RI ENGINEERING
CONTACT: MARK GROFCSIK
303 POTRERO STREET, SUITE 42-202
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
(831) 425 - 3901

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

AURUM CONSULTING ENGINEERS
CONTACT: NAJIB ANWARY
1798 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE, SUITE 242
SAN JOSE, CA 95110
(831) 564 - 7925

PROJECT

LOCATION
CA-280

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
MME CIVIL + STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONTACT: DALE HENDSBEE
224 WALNUT AVENUE, SUITE B
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060
(831) 426 - 3186

PROJECT
LOCATION S. SAN ANTONIO
S. EL MONTE AVE
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6

SITE PLAN

GRADING & DRAINAGE PLAN

UTILITY PLAN

CROSS-SECTIONS

ALIGNMENT & DETAILS

EROSION CONTROL PLAN

SECTION C - CIVIL ENGINEER
E001
E002
E101
E201
E202
E203
E601
E701

SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NOTES,

LIGHT FIXTURE SCHEDULE, CODES & SHEET INDEX
CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMPLIANCE TITLE 24 (BUILDING EXTERIOR)

ELECTRICAL SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM & ELECTRICAL DETAILS

OVERALL SITE PLAN

PARTIAL ELECTRICAL SITE PLAN

PARTIAL ELECTRICAL SITE PLAN

LIGHTING CUT SHEET

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION E - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

REFERENCE SYMBOLS
FOOTHILL EXPY S. SAN ANTONIO

FOOTHILL EXPY
W. EDITH AVE

GENERAL INFORMATION
APN: 170-42-029
PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF LOS ALTOS
1 N SAN ANTONIO ROAD, LOS ALTOS, CA 94022
LIBRARY:

GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION:

PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL (PI)
ZONING DESIGNATION:

PUBLIC & COMMUNITY FACILITIES (PCF)
FLOOD HAZARD ZONE: ZONE X
OCCUPANCY TYPE: B2/A3
CONSTRUCTION TYPE: VN
PARCEL AREA: 573,437 SQ.FT.

LIBRARY AREA: 28,050 SQ.FT.

LIBRARY FAR: 4.9%
SETBACKS: 40' MIN. ALL SIDES
EXISTING COVERAGE: EXISTING BUILDING AND
PERGOLAS: 35,672 SQ.FT.

PROPOSED COVERAGE: 36,651 SQ.FT.

PERCENTAGE COVERAGE: 6.3%
MAXIMUM ALLOWED IS 30%
COURTYARD:

OCCUPANCY TYPE: OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION: LANDSCAPE
PROJECT SITE AREA: 8,265 SQ.FT.

PERGOLA: 1,412 SQ.FT.

PARCEL AREA: 573,437 SQ.FT.

CLASS 2 BICYCLE PARKING FOR 31,826 SQ.FT. OF
OCCUPIED SPACE: 11 EA REQUIRED
18 EXISTING TO REMAIN
2 EXISTING TO BE RELOCATED
CLASS 1 BICYCLE PARKING: N/A
1 2
3 4

OVERALL TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

SECTION T - TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY

SITE DATA
831
Agenda Item # 11.
40'
FRONT

SETBACK

PROPERTY LINES,
TYP.
730'-4" 300'
217'-7" 20'-11"
53'-10" 199'
259'-3" 401'-8"
864'-4" 300'
290' 319'-9" 300' 25' SIDE SETBACK 7'-11" ADJOINING PATH 6'-8" ADJOINING
PATH
25'

SETBACK
50' REAR

SETBACK
70' FRONT SETBACK

TO LIBRARY
104' FRONT
SETBACK TO PERGOLA 70' SIDE SETBACK TO LIBRARY
5'-5" ADJOINING PATH 28' WIDE HILLVIEW AVE.
65' WIDE
S. SAN ANTONIO RD.
20' CIVIC CENTER LOOP
465' APPROX. DISTANCE FROM REAR SETBACK TO LIBRARY
653' APPROX. DISTANCE FROM REAR SETBACK TO PERFOLA
30' WIDE ELEANOR AVE. 66'-8" SIDE SETBACK TO PERGOLA 25' SIDE 108' SIDE SETBACK SETBACK TO LIBRARY 30' WIDE CIVIC CENTER LOOP 30' WIDE EDITH AVENUE 5' EXISTING SIDEWALK
9' EXISTING
SIDEWALK 25' SETBACK OVERALL CIVIC CENTER MAP
1"=50'-0"
SS
NT

CENTER MAP

OVERALL CIVIC
L-0.0
CIVIC CENTER MAP GRAPHIC LEGEND LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
HE
T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T
CH
N o r t h DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

CIVIC CENTER

BOUNDARY

HISTORIC

ORCHARD

LIBRARY

COURTYARD
REFERENCE: EXHIBIT "A" OF 91-31

RESOLUTION

PARKING FOR LIBRARY PATRONS

ARE INCLUSIVE OF ALL PARKING

SPACES THROUGHOUT THE CIVIC
CENTER

BOUNDARY INCLUDES CIVIC

CENTER HARDSCAPE

IMPROVEMENTS

COMMUNITY CENTER

HISTORY MUSEUM BASEBALL FIELD

SOCCER FIELD

BUS BARN THEATER

LIBRARY
YOUTH
CENTER

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CITY HALL

HILLVIEW AVENUE
E. EDITH AVENUE ELEANOR AVENUE S. SAN ANTONIO ROAD
EXHIBIT "A" OF RESOLUTION 91-31

COURTYARD

PERGOLA

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL

ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL AS INDICATED ON PLAN

IS A BARRIER FREE ACCESS ROUTE WITHOUT ANY
ABRUPT LEVEL CHANGES EXCEEDING 1
2 " IF BEVELED AT
1:12 MAX SLOPE OR VERTICAL LEVEL CHANGES
EXCEEDING 1
4 ", AND AT LEAST 48" IN WIDTH. SURFACE IS

STABLE, FIRM, AND SLIP RESISTANT AND
CROSS-SLOPE DOES NOT EXCEED 2% AND SLOPE IN
THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL IS LESS THAN 5%.

ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL SHALL BE MAINTAINED
FREE OF OVERHANGING OBSTRUCTIONS TO 80"

MINIMUM AND FREE OF OVERHANGING OBSTRUCTIONS
TO 80" MINIMUM AND FREE OF PROTRUDING OBJECTS
GREATER THAN 4" FROM A WALL ABOVE 27" AND
BELOW 80".

EXISTING LIBRARY BUILDING SERVING
SCOPE OF WORK. RESTROOMS, AND

WATER FOUNTAIN WITHIN ARE ADA
COMPLIANT.
(N) TRUNCATED DOMES TO OCCUR AT

UPDATED CURB RAMP

EXISTING ACCESSIBLE PARKING AREA
SERVING SCOPE OF WORK.
(E) FIRE HYDRANT
(E) FIRE HYDRANT

ALTERED AND ADA COMPLIANT PATH

OF TRAVEL WITHIN BOUNDARY OF THE

SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE COURTYARD
REFER TO (L-2.2)

EXISTING PATH OF TRAVEL

EXISTING LIBRARY TRASH STORAGE
(80 SF)
(9 EA) EXISTING CLASS II BICYCLE
RACKS TO REMAIN (18 BIKE CAPACITY)
(1 EA) EXISTING AND RELOCATED

CLASS II BICYCLE RACK
(2 BIKE CAPACITY)
832
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY
HERITAGE ORCHARD MATCHLINE 5'-11" 108'-5" SIDE SETBACK TO LIBRARY 25' SETBACK 8' 5'-5"

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE EXISTING CONDITIONS & DEMOLITION PLAN 1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT
& DEMOLITION PLAN

EXISTING CONDITIONS
L-1.0LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
HE
T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T
CH
N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

DEMOLITION NOTES

1. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY LOCATION AND DEPTH OF ALL EXISTING UTILITIES PRIOR TO ANY EXCAVATION OR DEMOLITION.

2. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY LOCATION OF ALL EXISTING ABOVE-GROUND UTILITIES AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR TEMPORARY DISCONNECTION, PROTECTION, REMOVAL AND/OR STORAGE AS MAY BE REQUIRED DURING CONSTRUCTION. CONTRACTOR SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE OWNER TO DETERMINE WHETHER TEMPORARY SERVICES ARE NECESSARY.

3. ALL SPOILS AND DEBRIS FROM THE DEMOLITION WORK SHALL BE HAULED OFF SITE BY CONTRACTOR AND BE DISPOSED OF IN A LAWFUL MANNER AS IT ACCUMULATES. EXCAVATED, CLEAN FILL MAY BE USED IN CONSTRUCTION IF APPROVED BY THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE.

4. CONTRACTOR SHALL REVIEW ALL RELATED WORK REQUIRED ON ALL OTHER DRAWING SHEETS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS PRIOR TO BIDDING.

5. CONTRACTOR SHALL TAKE CARE NOT TO DAMAGE IN ANY WAY, ANY EXISTING ELEMENTS NOT DESIGNATED FOR REMOVAL. SUCH DAMAGE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR, AND SHALL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED TO AN "AS-WAS" OR BETTER CONDITION BY THE CONTRACTOR AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE OWNER.

6. ALL DIMENSIONS SHALL BE VERIFIED IN THE FIELD AND CHALKED, FLAGGED OR STRING-LINED PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION. IF ANY DISCREPANCIES OCCUR, NOTIFY OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE IMMEDIATELY BEFORE PROCEEDING. THE DEPTHS OF ITEMS TO BE REMOVED, UNLESS NOTED, SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE CONTRACTOR BY VISITING THE SITE.

7. PROTECT TREES WITHIN THE PROJECT SITE WHICH ARE INDICATED TO BE LEFT IN PLACE AND WHICH MIGHT BE DAMAGED DURING DEMOLITION, BY SIX FOOT HIGH FENCES. ERECT FENCES AT THE OUTER PERIMETER OF BRANCHES OF INDIVIDUAL TREES OR FOLLOW THE OUTER PERIMETER OF BRANCHES OF CLUMPS OF TREES. RESTORE TREES SCARRED OR DAMAGED BY CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT OR OPERATIONS TO THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITION OR REPLACE AS DETERMINED BY OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE. OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE WILL APPROVE RESTORATION PROCEDURES PRIOR TO INITIATION.

8. UTILITIES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT: REMOVE ALL EXISTING UTILITIES AS INDICATED AND AS UNCOVERED BY WORK, AND TERMINATE IN A MANNER CONFORMING TO CODE, AND AT A TIME SATISFACTORY TO THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE. REMOVE METERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT AND DELIVER TO A LOCATION AS INSTRUCTED BY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO THE OWNER. DISPOSE OF UTILITY LINES ENCOUNTERED THAT ARE NOT SHOWN ON THE DRAWINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS OF OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE.

9. IRRIGATION VALVES, RELATED PIPING AND HEADS: REMOVE AS INDICATED ON DRAWINGS. SALVAGEABLE MATERIALS AS DETERMINED BY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE SHALL BE DELIVERED TO THE OWNER AT A LOCATION INDICATED BY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE.

10. UNDERGROUND PIPING: REMOVE AS INDICATED AND BACK FILL TO COMPACTION DENSITY DESIGNATED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT. DEMOLISHED STUB-UPS SHALL BE TERMINATED AT A MINIMUM TWO FEET BELOW NEW FINISHED GRADE UNLESS DESIGNATED OTHERWISE ON DRAWINGS. LINES WHICH CONNECT TO ACTIVE SYSTEMS SHALL BE CAPPED, PLUGGED OR BLIND FLANGED AS APPROPRIATE.

11. AS APPLICABLE AND UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, "DEMOLISH & REMOVE" SHALL INCLUDE ALL FOOTINGS AND ATTACHED APPURTENANCES ABOVE OR BELOW GROUND.

12. DO NOT STORE OR BURN MATERIAL ON-SITE.

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
#

DEMOLITION TAG

BEGINNING OR END OF

SITE ELEMENT

DEMOLITION LEGEND
#

PRESERVATION TAG

CLEAR AND GRUB (E)

LANDSCAPE AREA PER NOTE
(+/- 5,000 SF)
01 DEMOLITION SCHEDULE

DEMOLITION

CLEAR AND GRUB (E) LANDSCAPE AREA

PRESERVATION & PROTECTION
01 DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING
CONCRETE PAVERS PER NOTE.
(+/- 356 SF)
03 (E) TREE TO REMAIN
SEE (L-1.1)

DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING
CONCRETE PAVING PER NOTE.
(+/-2,600 SF)
02 01
02 DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE PAVING
03 DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE PAVERS
04 05 DEMOLISH & REMOVE SITE BENCHES
06 07
(E) TREE, PROTECT IN PLACE
02 (E) BUILDING AND FOUNDATION, PROTECT IN PLACE

CONSTRUCTION FENCING
(E) TREE TO BE REMOVED
03 (E) ORCHARD SIGNAGE, TO BE RELOCATED FOR FUTURE

USE, REFER TO SITE PLAN FOR NEW LOCATION
04 (E) BIKE POST BIKE RACK, TO BE RELOCATED FOR FUTURE

USE, REFER TO SITE PLAN FOR NEW LOCATION
05 (E) SQUIRREL BIKE RACK, TO BE RELOCATED FOR FUTURE

USE, REFER TO SITE PLAN FOR NEW LOCATION
05 DEMOLISH & REMOVE WOOD PERGOLA AND FOOTINGS
DEMOLISH & REMOVE WOOD FENCE 06 (E) GAS METER, PROTECT IN PLACE 07 (E) SANITARY SEWER CLEAN OUT, PROTECT IN PLACE
08 (E) WATER METER, PROTECT IN PLACE
06 08
01 02
04 03
04 08
07 09
02 TYP.

TYP.

TYP. OF (1 EA) TYP.
10 (E) UTILTIES, PROTECT IN PLACE
12 05 05

DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE
07 11
(E) IRRIGATION VALVE, TO BE RELOCATED FOR FUTURE

USE, REFER TO IRRIGATION PLAN FOR NOTES
11 03
10 07
07 01
02 08
12 (E) TELECOM BOX, PROTECT IN PLACE
11 13 (E) AIR CONDITIONER, PROTECT IN PLACE
13 01 EXISTING TREES, SEE (L-1.1)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
(E) ELECTRICAL PANEL
09 08 DEMOLISH & REPLACE IRRIGATION VALVE, REFER TO

IRRIGATION PLAN FOR NEW LOCATION
08 08
08 PG&E
A/C
EP

TRANSFORMER
WATER
SYSTEM
14 (E) UNDERGRUND UTILITIES, PROTECT IN PLACE
14 TYP.
14 TYP.
07 ORCHARD BOUNDARY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

ORNAMENTAL TREE OUTSIDE

LIMIT OF WORK

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
833
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

CITY HALL MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK MATCHLINE

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

TREE LEGEND
(E) APRICOT TREE TO REMAIN AND PROTECT
CONSTRUCTION FENCING, REFER TO NOTES ON L-1.0
(E) ORNAMENTAL TREE TO BE REMOVED EXISTING TREE PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT

EXISTING TREE PLAN
L-1.1LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24

E EV TS TE STA C L I D ENSE

RNIA IFO
OF
CAL

A L R A
No. 2805 ER O
N

R BAN L DST SU

HE T CAPE E DNT C R I T CH
N o r t h 0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT (E) APRICOT SAPLING TO REMAIN AND PROTECT

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

TREE TABLE
CODE NAME DESCRIPTION STATUS SIZE 1 FLOWERING CHERRY EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE TO BE REMOVED 12" 2 JAPANESE MAPLE EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE TO BE REMOVED 10" 3 PURPLE ORNAMENTAL PLUM EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE TO BE REMOVED 14" 4 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 6" 5 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 7" 6 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 4" 7 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 5" 8 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 7" 9 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 7" 10 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 7"
11 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 8"
12 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD TREE TO BE PROTECTED 5"
13 - 38 APRICOT EXISTING ORCHARD SAPLING TO BE PROTECTED UNDER 3" 1 2 7 8 9 10 13
31 35
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
33 34
37 38
11 12 3 5 6 4

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
32 36

ORCHARD BOUNDARY

ORNAMENTAL TREE OUTSIDE

LIMIT OF WORK

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
834
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

T/R MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE SITE PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT

SITE PLAN
L-2.0
ITEM DETAIL MAT. & FINISH

1.0 HARDSCAPE

CONSTRUCT CONCRETE PAVING NATURAL GREY / BROOM FINISH

CONSTRUCT VEHICULAR CONCRETE PAVING NATURAL GREY / BROOM FINISH

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVERS
TECHO BLOC BLU SMOOTH 80MM, COLOR
'SHALE GREY'

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVER EDGING XXX

CONSTRUCT STAIRS WITH HANDRAIL NATURAL GREY / BROOM FINISH

2.0 STRUCTURES

CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALL - PIP NATURAL GREY / BOARD FORM CONCRETE, SEE C-3 FOR HEIGHT

CONSTRUCT RETAINING SEATWALL NATURAL GREY / BOARD FORM CONCRETE AND WOOD, SEE C-3 FOR HEIGHT

CONSTRUCT PERGOLA REFER TO OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PLANS

CONSTRUCT SOUND WALL XX

PLASTER FINISH, PAINT TO MATCH LIBRARY
EXTERIOR WALLS, 7' HT.

CONSTRUCT A/V WALL XX

PLASTER FINISH, PAINT TO MATCH LIBRARY
EXTERIOR WALLS, 8' HT.

3.0 FENCING

PROVIDE & INSTALL CORTEN FENCE
3X3 CORTEN TUBE STEEL POSTS, DECORATIVE
1" GRID STAINLESS STEEL MESH

PROVIDE & INSTALL DECORATIVE LASER CUT CORTEN
GATES

INCLUDE PANIC HARDWARE AND KNOX KEY
BOX

PROVIDE & INSTALL CUSTOM CORTEN GATE

INCLUDE PANIC HARDWARE AND KNOX KEY
BOX

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD FENCE XX MATCH EXISTING STYLE OF UTILITY YARD FENCE, 7' HT.

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD GATES XX MATCH EXISTING STYLE OF UTILITY YARD GATE, 7' HT.

PROVIDE & INSTALL GLASS FENCE
5' HT. FRAMELESS TEMPERED GLASS BY AQUA
VIEW

4.0 SITE FURNISHINGS

NOT USED

INSTALL RELOCATED SQUIRREL BIKE RACK XX EXISTING

INSTALL TRASH RECEPTACLE XX

RECYCLE AWAY 'SPECTRUM THREE-STREAM
STATION, MODEL# C-KIT SPECTRUM TRIPLEELLIPSE/CUBE/ELLIPSE EQUIPMENT CABINET MODEL#: RIVER VIEW SOD-372420

5.0 MISCELLANEOUS

RELOCATED ORCHARD INFORMATION SIGN - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE

EXISTING

DONOR RECOGNITION SIGNAGE - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE
XX TBD, SEE L-8.0

1.1 1.2

1.3 1.4

1.5 2.1

2.2 2.3

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.3 3.4

3.5 3.6

4.1 4.2

4.3 4.4

5.1 5.2

1. ACCESS ROUTES AND STAGING AREAS ARE TO BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.

2. UPON COMPLETION OF ACCESS AND STAGING, THE SITE SHALL BE REPAIRED TO "AS WAS" OR BETTER THAN EXISTING CONDITIONS.

3. CONSTRUCTION SIGNAGE SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR AND BE POSTED AT EACH JOB SITE IN CLEAR VIEW. POST A "KEEP OUT-CONSTRUCTION AREA" SIGN.

4. ALL DIMENSIONS SHALL BE VERIFIED IN THE FIELD AND CHALKED, STRING LINED, OR FLAGGED PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY

DISCREPANCIES OR VARIATIONS FROM THE PLANS AS DRAWN AND RE-DIRECT WORK TO AVOID DELAY.

5. ALL DIMENSION LINES ARE EITHER PERPENDICULAR TO OR PARALLEL TO THE ELEMENT FROM WHICH IT IS DIMENSIONED UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON THE PLANS.

6. THE INTERFACE OF ALL PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING SITE SHALL CONFORM TO EXISTING CONDITIONS IN A SMOOTH AND UNIFORM MANNER.

7. ALL REINFORCING AND FORMS SHALL BE SECURED IN PLACE AND INSPECTED BY OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO PLACING ANY CONCRETE.

8. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ENSURE THE SITE IS SECURE AT ALL TIMES AND LOCKED DURING NON-CONSTRUCITON ACTIVITIES.

1. CONCRETE FINISHES AT THE GROUND PLANE SHALL BE FINISHED PERPENDICULAR TO THE PRIMARY PATH OF TRAVEL.

2. SITE FURNISHINGS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT SHALL BE INSTALLED IN STRICT ADHERENCE TO MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS.

3. CONCRETE FINISHES SHALL BE PER SPECIFICATIONS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON THE PLANS. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE 4 FT x 4 FTMOCK-UPS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, FOR

ALL SPECIFIED CONCRETE FINISHES USING THE SAME MATERIALS THAT WILL BE USED IN THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION FOR EACH TYPE SPECIFIED. SAMPLES SHALL BE PREPARED WELL

ENOUGH IN ADVANCE OF SCHEDULED CONCRETE POUR TO ALLOW FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE RE-POURING OF UNACCEPTABLE SAMPLES. UNACCEPTABLE SAMPLES SHALL BE RE-PREPARED UNTIL ACCEPTED BY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE. ACCEPTED SAMPLES SHALL BE RETAINED ON SITE FOR MEANS OF COMPARISON TO ACTUAL POUR.

SITE IMPROVEMENT SITE NOTES
MATERIALS AND FINISHES NOTES SITE SCHEDULE LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
HE
T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T
CH
N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT
P.A.

IMPERVIOUS AREA: 3,080 SQFT
PERMEABLE PAVING AREA: 3,575 SQFT
PLANTING AREA: 920 SQFT
TOTAL: 7,575 SQFT

SITE IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY
P.A.

P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A.

1.1 WM
GAS

1.1 TYP.

5.1 TYP. OF (1 EA)

1.1 TYP.

1.3 TYP.

TYP. OF (1 EA) 4.2
A
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

2.1 TYP. 3.6 TYP.

1.4 TYP.

2.3 2.2 TYP.

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.4 3.3
TYP. 5.2
P.A.

1.2 TYP.

4.3 TYP. OF 1

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
A/(L-7.0)
A/(L-7.0)
C/(L-7.0)
D/(L-7.0)
H/(L-7.0) B/(L-7.1)
G/(L-7.0)
A, B, C/L-6.1
H/(L-7.0)
E/(L-7.1)

4.4 F/(L-7.1)
SEE (L-1.1)
WM
PG&E
A/C
EP

TRANSFORMER
WATER
SYSTEM

3.3 TYP.

3.3 TYP.

1.5 TYP.

SYMBOL ITEM

GRAPHIC LEGEND
P.A.

SITE REFERENCE 0.0

DETAIL REFERENCE

SHEET REFERENCE
X/L-0.0

VEHICULAR CONCRETE
PAVING

CONCRETE PAVING

PERMEABLE PAVERS

PLANTING AREA

BEGINING/ END OF SITE ELEMENT
C/(L-7.1)
A/(L-7.1)

ORCHARD BOUNDARY
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
A/L-7.2
A/(L-7.1)

ORNAMENTAL TREE OUTSIDE

LIMIT OF WORK

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
835
Agenda Item # 11.

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE
R91'-7"
5'
3'
1'
3'-9"
1'
4'-3"
6"
7'-7" 17'-2" 39'-2" 3'-4" 1'-9"6" 5'-3" 1' 3'-10" 7' 10'-10" 6'-8"
1'
4'-6"
6"
4'
6" 2'-5" 4'-8" 4'-5"
R92'-9"

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

T/R MATCHLINE
LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK 1'-2"
27'-2" 27'-11" 11'-3" 10'-4" 12'-8" 28'-1" 2' 31'-11" 2' 28'-1" 2' 10'-7" 1'-6" 8' 1'-6" 6'
R47'-10" 1'
R38'-5" 1'-6" 8'-6"
8'-2"
1'-6" 1'
3'-9"
1'
4'-3" 2'-4"29'-9" 7'-7"
41'-8" 21'-11" 42'-1" 32'-4"
1'
4'-6"
6"
4' 1'-6" 8'-7" 3'-4"2'-5" 4'-8" 6'4'-5"
7'-8" 4' 1'-2" 5'-3"
7'-1"
14'-9"
6'-9" 4'
20'-3" 11'-9" 5' 3' 6'-2" 3'
2'-10"
11'-5" 21'-5"
R20'-2" 8'-4" 3'-9" 3'
E.Q.
6', TYP.
8' 5'-2" R41'-10" 50'-8" 32'-6"
3'-8"
CL 6"
9"
11'-5" 11'-4"
5'
CLR.
3'-1"
CLR. 3' CLR.
10' CLR. ORCHARD ACCESS
AND SECTION FOR VEHICULAR CONCRETE 12'-10"
16'-8" 25' SETBACK 108'-5" SIDE SETBACK TO LIBRARY 5'-6" 8' 9'-10" 6'-11"
5'-4" 66'-7" SIDE SETBACK TO PERGOLA LAYOUT PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT

LAYOUT PLAN
L-2.1LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
HE
T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T
CH
N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT
P.A.

P.A.

P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A.

1. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTINUALLY REFER TO ALL DRAWINGS, ADDENDA, REPORTS AND SPECIFICATIONS DURING THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT FOR CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION.

2. PER SPECIFICATIONS, ALL SITE ELEMENTS TO BE STAKED BY A LICENSED SURVEYOR PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS.

3. ALL DIMENSIONS SHALL BE VERIFIED IN THE FIELD AND STAKED PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION. IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY SITE DISCREPANCIES OR VARIATIONS FROM THE PLANS AS DRAWN AND RE-DIRECT WORK TO AVOID DELAY.

4. ALL DIMENSION LINES ARE EITHER PERPENDICULAR, TANGENT, OR PARALLEL TO THE ELEMENT FROM WHICH IT IS DIMENSIONED UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.

5. THE INTERFACE OF ALL PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SITE SHALL CONFORM AND BE SMOOTH AND UNIFORM.

6. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COORDINATE ALL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AND ELEMENTS INCLUDING UTILITY LOCATIONS AND REQUIRED SLEEVING PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. VERIFY CRITICAL DIMENSIONS, REFERENCE POINT LOCATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS PRIOR TO INITIATING CONSTRUCTION. TEMPORARY REFERENCE POINTS SHALL BE SET BY THE CONTRACTOR AS NECESSARY. NOTIFY THE CITY IMMEDIATELY SHOULD DISCREPANCY ARISE AND RE-DIRECT WORK TO AVOID DELAY. PROCEEDING WITH WORK WITHOUT

CLARIFICATION FROM ENGINEER IS DONE AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE CONTRACTOR WITH NO COMPENSATION ALLOWED FOR CHANGES NOT DIRECTED BY THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE.

7. AFTER ALL FORMS, REINFORCING, DOBIES AND JOINT MATERIALS ARE SECURED IN PLACE, CONTRACTOR SHALL OBTAIN REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE CITY PRIOR TO POURING CONCRETE. CONTRACTOR SHALL GIVE A MINIMUM 2 WORKING DAY NOTICE WHEN REQUESTING REVIEW. CONTRACTOR MAY BE BACK-CHARGED FOR COST OF REVIEW IF SITE IS FOUND NOT PREPARED AS SPECIFIED.

8. CONTRACTOR SHALL REMOVE ALL BASE ROCK AND OVER POUR FROM PLANTING AREAS AFTER CONCRETE WORK IS COMPLETE AND BEFORE IRRIGATION AND PLANTING INSTALLATION BEGINS.

9. CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE TO LAYOUT FITNESS EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE FALL ZONES ARE ADEQUATE PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER WORK. ENGINEER TO APPROVE LAYOUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER CURB.

10. CONTRACTOR TO REFER TO MANUFACTURER'S DETAILS & INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOOTINGS PRIOR TO COMMENCING CONSTRUCTION.

LAYOUT NOTES

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

LINEAR DIMENSION

RADIUS DIMENSION

CENTERLINE

POINT OF ORIGIN

MATCH ALIGNMENT

FLUSH CONDITION
X"
R1"
CL

LAYOUT LEGEND

DIMENSION EXTENSION LINE

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
SEE (L-1.1)
WM
WM

ORCHARD BOUNDARY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
836
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

T/R MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT
PLAN

ACCESSIBILITY
L-2.2LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

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C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
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No. 2805
ER O
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DNT
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N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

OCCUPANCY LOAD CALCULATION GRAPHIC LEGEND
USE: OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY
COURTYARD OCCUPIED SPACE - 3,776 SF
LOAD FACTOR (LF) - 1:15
OCC. LOAD (OL) = 252 PEOPLE
USE: MECHANICAL/STORAGE AREA
MECHANICAL/STORAGE OCCUPIED SPACE - 979 SF
LOAD FACTOR (LF) - 1:300
OCC. LOAD (OL) = 3 PEOPLE
TOTAL OCC LOAD 255 X 0.20 = 51" MIN. EXIT REQ.
(1) 96" + (1) 48" + (1) 48" CLEAR OPENINGS = 192" OF OPENINGS

COURTYARD EXITING PROVIDED
192" CLEAR EXITING PROVIDED / 0.20 = 960 PEOPLE
CODE REF: CBC 2022, SECTIONS 1004, 1005.3.2, 1006 & TABLE 1004.1.2 1:15 OUTOOR ASSEMBLY

EMERGENCY EGRESS

ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL
LONGEST DIAGONAL = 233'-0"
USE: OUTDOOR

STORAGE/MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
(979 SF) LF 1:300, OL = 3
USE: OUTDOOR
ASSEMBLY (2,423 SF)
LF 1:15 OL = 161
1:300 MECHANICAL/STORAGE AREA

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL AS INDICATED ON PLAN IS A BARRIER FREE ACCESS ROUTE WITHOUT ANY ABRUPT LEVEL CHANGES EXCEEDING 1 2 " IF
BEVELED AT 1:12 MAX SLOPE OR VERTICAL LEVEL CHANGES EXCEEDING 1 4 ", AND
AT LEAST 48" IN WIDTH. SURFACE IS STABLE, FIRM, AND SLIP RESISTANT AND CROSS-SLOPE DOES NOT EXCEED 2% AND SLOPE IN THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL IS LESS THAN 5%. ACCESSIBLE PATH OF TRAVEL SHALL BE MAINTAINED FREE OF OVERHANGING OBSTRUCTIONS TO 80" MINIMUM AND FREE OF OVERHANGING OBSTRUCTIONS TO 80" MINIMUM AND FREE OF PROTRUDING OBJECTS GREATER THAN 4" FROM A WALL ABOVE 27" AND BELOW 80".

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
SEE (L-1.1)

ORCHARD BOUNDARY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
837
Agenda Item # 11.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM DETAILS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

CLASSROOM PLAN

OUTDOOR
L-3.0LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24

E EV TS TE STA C L I D ENSE

RNIA IFO
OF
CAL

A L R A
No. 2805 ER O
N

R BAN L DST SU

HE T CAPE E DNT C R I T CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM PLAN
SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0"
3" 2'-3" 15' 15' 10" 4' 9'

LOUVERED PERGOLA

ABOVE PER DETAIL

EXISTING CONCRETE
PAVING

CMU BLOCK AND

PLASTER A/V WALL

NEW CONCRETE PAVING

ROOF OVERHANG
1'
MAX. DENSITY BENCH
SEATING UP TO 168
PEOPLE
DDB SOD-372420 CLIMATE

CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT
ENCLOSURE PER DETAIL F/(L-7.1)
SONANCE SPEAKER PS-S63T, TYP.

SAMSUNG/BH65T 65" PRO TV

TERRACE EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY,
TYP.

B/L-7.2
NOTE:

SEE L-3.1 FOR ALL AV DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS.

SAMSUNG/BH75T 75" PRO TV
TERRACE EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY A L5-04
838
Agenda Item # 11.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AV DEVICE SPECIFICATIONS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

OUTDOOR

SPECIFICATIONS

AV DEVICE

CLASSROOM
L-3.1LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
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CAPE
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DNT
C
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CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT
SAMSUNG BH65T/BH75T PRO TV

TERRACE EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY
DDB SOD-372420 CLIMATE CONTROLLED SONANCE SPEAKER PS-S63T

EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE
839
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

T/R MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE PLANTING PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT

PLANTING PLAN
L-4.0LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
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CAPE
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DNT
C
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N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

1. CONTRACTOR SHALL FIELD VERIFY ALL EXISTING CONDITIONS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION WORK, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO UTILITY LOCATIONS, PROPERTY LINES, EXISTING TREE CONDITIONS, AND LIMITS OF WORK. NOTIVY THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY DISCREPANCIES PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION.

2. CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTACT USA UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT (800) 642-2444 PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION DEMOLITION, GRADING OR EXCAVATION.

3. CONTRACTOR SHALL PRESERVE AND PROTECT ALL EXISTING TREES AND VEGETATION THAT IS NOT SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION. REFER TO TREE PROTECTION NOTES ON SHEET L-1.0. THIS MAY INCLUDE OFF-SITE TREES WHERE THE CANOPY OR ROOT SYSTEM EXTENDS BEYOND THE PROPERTY LINE.

4. PRIOR TO PLANTING OPERATIONS, CONTRACTOR SHALL SUBMIT SOILS SAMPLES TO THE SOIL TESTING LAB FOR AGRONOMIC SOILS TESTING. SOIL SUITABILITY AND FERTILITY, pH, COMPOSITION AND NUTRIENT LEVELS SHALL BE TESTED. AFTER GRADING OPERATIONS ARE COMPLETED, A MINIMUM OF 3 SAMPLES SHALL BE EXCAVATED TO A DEPTH OF 12" - 18" . SOIL PREPARATION SHALL FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PLANT LAB. SUBMIT THE SOILS REPORT TO THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT FOR REVIEW.

5. FINISH GRADES FOR THE PLANTING AREAS SHALL BE 1" BELOW ADJACENT PAVEMENT FOR SHRUB PLANTING AREAS, AND 1-1/2" BELOW FOR TURF PLANTING AREAS.

6. PLANT MATERIAL SHALL MEET AMERICAN NURSERY STOCK STANDARDS. PLANTS SHALL HAVE WELL DEVELOPED ROOT SYSTEMS, BUT NOT BE ROOT-BOUND. ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL AND STATE COMPLIANCE PERTAINING TO INSPECTIONS SHALL BE MET PRIOR TO DELIVERY.

7. PLANT MATERIAL SHALL BE UNIFORM IN SIZE AND SHAPE THROUGHOUT THE SPECIES.

8. PLANT QUANTITIES SHOWN ARE FOR BIDDING PURPOSES ONLY. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY THE QUANTITIES REQUIRED.

9. PLANT MATERIAL SHALL BE REVIEWED PRIOR TO PLANTING BY THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF THREE WORKING DAYS FOR SITE OBSERVATION.

10. ALL TREES AND SHRUBS SHALL BE EQUALLY SPACED AND ALIGNED AS SPECIFIED ON THE PLANTING PLAN.

11. TREES SHALL BE PLANTED A MINIMUM OF 5' FROM ALL UTILITIES AND HARDSCAPE. ANY TREES THAT MUST BE PLANTED WITHIN THE 5' SHALL BE PLANTED WITH A ROOT BARRIER TO PROTECT THE UTILITY OR HARDSCAPE.

12. ALL PLANTING AREAS SHALL HAVE A 3" LAYER OF BARK MULCH INSTALLED AFTER PLANTING OPERATIONS ARE COMPLETED. REFER TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR BARK MULCH REQUIREMENTS, AND SUBMIT A SAMPLE FOR APPROVAL.

PLANTING NOTES

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME CONT CANOPY QTY TREES
CER CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS / WESTERN REDBUD 24"BOX 12' 3

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME SIZE SPACING QTY SHRUBS
CA CAREX PRAEGRACILIS / CALIFORNIA FIELD SEDGE 1 GAL 24" o.c. 62 LL LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'ARCTIC FROST' / ARCTIC FROST RUSH 1 GAL 30" o.c. 46 LOM LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'BREEZE' / BREEZE™ MAT RUSH 1 GAL 45" o.c. 47 S SISYRINCHIUM BELLUM / BLUE-EYED GRASS 1 GAL 12" o.c. 68

PLANT SCHEDULE
WUCOLS

VERY LOW
LOW
LOW

VERY LOW

MODERATE
CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS 10-18' HT. X 10-18' WIDE

PROPOSED TREES

IMAGE NAME SIZE AT MATURITY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
EXISTING TREES, TYP.

EXISTING TREES

EXISTING ORCHARD

SAPLING

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION TRUNK SIZE

EXISTING ORCHARD
TREE
UNDER 3"
5"

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
840
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

HERITAGE ORCHARD

T/R MATCHLINE
1 1" 4.0
2 1" 3.0
3 1" 3.7
4 1" 0.7

CIVIC CENTER LOOP MATCHLINE
4 1" 0.7 IRRIGATION PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
SS
NT

IRRIGATION PLAN
L-5.0LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
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AN L DS
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CAPE
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DNT
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N o r t h
0 4 8 16 DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

IRRIGATION NOTES

1. THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT A MAXIMUM FLOW OF XX GALLONS PER MINUTE (G.P.M.) AND A MIN. OF XX P.S.I. STATIC AT THE POINT OF CONNECTION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY

PRESSURE PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK AND CONTACT THE OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE

IMMEDIATELY SHOULD DISCREPANCY ARISE WHILE RE-DIRECTING APPLICABLE WORK TO AVOID DELAY.

2. CONTRACTOR SHALL COORDINATE ALL ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, TELEPHONE CONNECTION,

GROUNDING, SLEEVING AND STUBOUT WORK REQUIRED FOR SYSTEM WITH THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND/OR OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE AS APPLICABLE. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE TO SUPPLY ALL SLEEVING NECESSARY TO ACCESS INDIVIDUAL PLANTER BEDS. NOT ALL REQUIRED SLEEVING MAY BE SHOWN ON PLAN.

3. IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN SHOWN MAY BE PARTIALLY DIAGRAMMATIC. WHERE EQUIPMENT IS

SHOWN OUTSIDE PLANTING AREAS OR LIMIT OF WORK, INTENT IS FOR EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED IN PLANTING AREAS. CONTRACTOR SHALL INDICATE PRECISE LOCATIONS OF ALL WORK

INSTALLED DIFFERENTLY THAN AS SHOWN IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ON THE RECORD DRAWINGS. REFER TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

4. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN FIELD AS NECESSARY. VALVES SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO PROVIDE SPECIFIED PRESSURE AT THE HEAD.

5. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROGRAM CONTROLLER TO INSURE PROPER IRRIGATION BASED ON PLANT TYPE, EXPOSURE AND SEASON. CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT START PLANTING UNTIL IRRIGATION SYSTEM IS FULLY OPERATIONAL FROM THE CONTROLLER AUTOMATICALLY.

CONTRACTOR SHALL HAND-WATER AS MAY BE NECESSARY DURING PERIODS OF CONTROLLER SHUT-DOWN. THE INTENT OF THIS IRRIGATION SYSTEM IS TO PROVIDE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF WATER REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN GOOD PLANT HEALTH. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTOR AND/OR THE OWNER TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CONTROLLER PROGRAM FOR SEASONAL WEATHER CHANGES AND MICROCLIMATIC VARIATIONS.

6. REFER TO LANDSCAPE DETAIL SHEETS FOR MORE INFO.

7. ALL WORK IN THE PUBLIC STREETS ARE NOT INCLUDED UNDER THIS ON-SITE IMPROVEMENT PERMIT.

SEE (L-1.1)

1. FIELD VERIFY (E) STATIC PRESSURE IS ADEQUATE TO SUPPLY REQUIRED OPERATING PRESSURE FOR ALL DRIP EMITTERS IN EACH CIRCUIT. PRESSURE REGULATING BASKET

FILTERS MAY BE REPLACED WITH NON-PRESSURE REGULATING FILTERS WHERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED OPERATING PRESSURE.

2. DRIPLINE TO BE BURIED TO A DEPTH OF 4" IN SOD AREAS. INSTALL DRIPLINE IN SHRUB AREAS SO THAT TOP OF TUBING IS FLUSH WITH FINISH GRADE AND COVER WITH MULCH.

3. INSTALL MANUAL FLUSH VALVES AT FAR SIDE OF EACH PLANTER ISLANDS PER LANDSCAPE DETAILS.

DRIP NOTES
4" CLASS 315 PVC PIPE SLEEVE
FOR MAINLINE, TYP.
2" SCH. 40 PVC MAINLINE, TYP.

MAWA = 12,020.99 GAL/YEAR
ETWU = 10,920.74 GAL/YEAR
MAWA = (ETo) (0.62) [(0.45 X LA) + (0.3 X SLA)]
= (43.0) (0.62)[(0.45 X 1,002) + (0.3 X 0)]
= (26.66)(450.9)
=12,020.99
ETWU = (ETo) (0.62) [(PF X HA)/IE + SLA]
= (43.0) (0.62) [409.63+ 0]
= (26.66)(409.63)
= 10,920.74

WATER USE CALCULATION
4 3

PF X HA
(SQ.FT)

PF X HA /
(IE)
PLANT

WATER USE
PLANT

FACTOR (PF)

HYDROZONE AREA
(SQ. FT.) (HA)

IRRIGATION
METHOD

IRRIGATION

EFFICIENCY (IE)
TOTALS

HYDROZONE

0.81 1,002 409.63
LOW
LOW
2 LOW 0.81
1 LOW 0.3 346 0.81 128.15

0.3 0.4

0.3 DRIP 103.8
DRIP

BUBBLERS
DRIP 0.81

WELO NOTES

1. PRESSURE REGULATING DEVICES ARE REQUIRED IF WATER PRESSURE IS BELOW OR EXCEEDS THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE OF THE SPECIFIED IRRIGATION DEVICES.

2. CHECK VALVES OR ANTI-DRAIN VALVES ARE REQUIRED ON ALL SPRINKLER HEADS WHERE LOW POINT DRAINAGE COULD OCCUR.

3. IRRIGATION SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT RUNOFF, LOW HEAD DRAINAGE, OVERSPRAY,

OR OTHER SIMILAR CONDITIONS WHERE IRRIGATION WATER FLOWS ONTO NON-TARGETED AREAS.

4. A DIAGRAM OF THE IRRIGATION PLAN SHOWING HYDROZONES SHALL BE KEPT WITH THE IRRIGATION CONTROLLER FOR SUBSEQUENT MANAGEMENT PURPOSES.

5. A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION SHALL BE FILLED OUT BY EITHER THE DESIGNER OF THE

LANDSCAPE PLANS, THE DESIGNER OF THE IRRIGATION PLANS, OR THE LICENSED LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR FOR THE PROJECT.

6. AN IRRIGATION AUDIT REPORT SHALL BE COMPLETED AT THE TIME OF FINAL INSPECTION.

7. A LANDSCAPE WASTE DIVERSION PLAN SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION.
75 312
269

22.5 124.8

80.7 27.78
154.07

99.63 POINT OF CONNECTION
· CONNECT AT EXISTING MAINLINE. · CONTRACTOR SHALL ALTER EXISTING VALVES AND RELOCATE PER NOTES AND IRRIGATION SCHEDULE. · CONTRACTOR TO FIELD VERIFY ALL IRRIGATION

SYSTEM COMPONENTS
· IRRIGATION MAINLINE LOCATION SHOWN ON THE PLAN
SHEETS IS DIAGRAMMATIC, ASSUMED LOCATION.
(E) VALVES TO BE DEMOLISHED

AND REMOVED
V1
V2
V3
V4
(E) VALVES TO BE DEMOLISHED

ORCHARD IRRIGATION ON AND REMOVED
SEPARATE SYSTEM.

PROTECT IN PLACE, TYP.

CAP,DEMOLISH & REMOVE EXISTING IRRIGATION
MAINLINE STARTING AT THIS LOCATION. NEW

MAINLINE TO BE INSTALLED PER PLAN

SYMBOL MANUFACTURER/MODEL/DESCRIPTION QTY PSI DETAIL
RAIN BIRD RWS-B-C 1402 SERIES
ROOT WATERING SYSTEM WITH 4.0IN. DIAMETER X 36.0IN.

LONG WITH LOCKING GRATE, SEMI-RIGID MESH TUBE, AND
CHECK VALVE.
6 40

SYMBOL MANUFACTURER/MODEL/DESCRIPTION QTY DETAIL
RAIN BIRD XCZ-100-PRB-COM

WIDE FLOW DRIP CONTROL KIT FOR COMMERCIAL
APPLICATIONS. 1IN. BALL VALVE WITH 1IN. PESB VALVE
AND 1IN. PRESSURE REGULATING 40PSI QUICK-CHECK
BASKET FILTER. 5 GPM-20 GPM.
3 AREA TO RECEIVE DRIP EMITTERS

RAIN BIRD XBCV-PC

SINGLE OUTLET, PRESSURE COMPENSATING DRIP
EMITTERS. FLOW RATES OF 0.5 GPH=BLUE, 1.0
GPH=BLACK, AND 2.0 GPH=RED. COMES WITH A
SELF-PIERCING BARB INLET X BARB OUTLET. WITH CHECK
VALVE.
938.9 S.F.

Emitter Notes:
10PC emitters (2 assigned to each 1 gal plant)
20PC emitters (2 assigned to each 5 gal plant)

SYMBOL MANUFACTURER/MODEL/DESCRIPTION QTY DETAIL

RAIN BIRD PEB-PRS-D
1IN. PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL REMOTE CONTROL VALVE WITH
PRESSURE REGULATOR MODULE.
1 RAIN BIRD 44-LRC
1IN. BRASS QUICK-COUPLING VALVE, WITH

CORROSION-RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL SPRING,
LOCKING THERMOPLASTIC RUBBER COVER, AND 2-PIECE
BODY.
10 SHUT OFF VALVE
KBI BTU-E PVC BLOCKED TRUE UNION BALL VALVE 1/2" TO
2" SAME SIZE AS PIPE
3 IRRIGATION LATERAL LINE: PVC SCHEDULE 40 -
IRRIGATION MAINLINE: PVC SCHEDULE 40 - PIPE SLEEVE: PVC CLASS 315 SDR 13.5 -

IRRIGATION SCHEDULE

SYMBOL MANUFACTURER/MODEL/DESCRIPTION QTY DETAIL
2" CLASS 315 PVC PIPE SLEEVE
FOR LATERAL LINES, TYP.

V4
V4
841
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
ENSE
RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
L R
A
No. 2805
ER O
N
R B

AN L DS
T SU
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T
CAPE
E
DNT
C
R I T

CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT SITE SECTIONS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

SITE SECTIONS
L-6.0

PAVER RESTRAINT
PER DETAIL 1'-6"

READING NOOK SEATWALL SECTION
SCALE:3/8" = 1'-0"VARIES, SEE PLAN 5'

GLASS FENCE PER
DETAIL

CONCRETE PAVING

PER DETAIL

CONCRETE RETAINING

SEATWALL WITH WOOD

CAP PER DETAIL

CONCRETE RETAINING

WALL PER DETAIL

PLANTING AREA PER

PLANTING PLAN

EXISTING BUILDING

EXTERIOR WALL

PAVERS PER
DETAIL
G/(L-7.0)
H/(L-7.0)
A/(L-7.0)
G/(L-7.0)
D/(L-7.0)
C/(L-7.0)

EXISTING BUILDING

FOUNDATION FOOTING
±1' 2'
3'-6" 1'

PAVER SECTION

PER CIVIL
SHEETS
B L5-143

READING NOOK WALKWAY SECTION
SCALE:3/8" = 1'-0"
VARIES, SEE GRADING PLAN 5'

GLASS FENCE PER
DETAIL

CONCRETE PAVING

PER DETAIL

CONCRETE FACADE

WALL AT FOUNDATION

PAVER RESTRAINT

PER DETAIL

PLANTING AREA PER

PLANTING PLAN

EXISTING BUILDING

EXTERIOR WALL

PAVERS PER
DETAIL +/-1'-3" 1'

CONCRETE RETAINING

WALL PER DETAIL
H/(L-7.0)
H/(L-7.0)
A/(L-7.0)
D/(L-7.0)
C/(L-7.0)

EXISTING BUILDING

FOOTING

PAVER SECTION

PER CIVIL
SHEETS
A L5-144

LIBRARY NORTH ELEVATION - OUTSIDE THE FENCE
SCALE:1/8" = 1'-0" 8' 3'-2" 7'-8" 6'-3" 6'-3" 7' 1' 5'
46'-2"
1' 5' 3' 8'-9" 10' CLEAR
CONCRETE RETAINING WALL 1'-2"

W/ FRAMELESS GLASS PANEL

PER DETAIL

CONCRETE STAIRS

W/ HANDRAIL

PER DETAIL
SAMSUNG BH65T 65" PRO TV OUTDOOR DISPLAY, TYP.

SAMSUNG BH75T 75" PRO TV OUTDOOR DISPLAY
CONCRETE WALKWAY, SCD. OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREA

CONCRETE
STAIRS

EXISTING LIBRARY
CUSTOM CORTEN GATE PER DETAILA/(L-7.1)
H/(L-7.0)
C/(L-7.1)

CMU BLOCK & PLASTER A/V WALL

FRAMELESS GLASS PANEL

HOLDING BRACKET
EXISTING UTILITIES 4'-6" MAX.

DECORATIVE PAVERS PER DETAILC/(L-7.0)
C L5-145 7'-8" 6'-3" 6'-3"

LIBRARY NORTH ELEVATION - INSIDE THE FENCE
SCALE:1/8" = 1'-0"

CONCRETE STAIRS READING NOOK AREA OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREA UTILITY AREA

PLANTING AREA SEATING AREA PLANTING AREA SEATING AREA PLANTING AREA

EXISTING LIBRARY

WOOD FENCE

EXISTING UTILITIES

CONCRETE RETAINING SEAT WALL W/ WOOD CAP PER DETAIL
TYP.

G/(L-7.0)
CONCRETE STAIRS W/ HANDRAIL PER DETAILC/(L-7.1)
CONCRETE RETAINING WALL W/ FRAMELESS GLASS PANEL PER DETAIL H/(L-7.0) DECORATIVE PAVERS PER DETAIL C/(L-7.0) 18" MAX. 18" MAX.

D L5-150
842
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
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OF CAL
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No. 2805
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CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT SITE SECTIONS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

SITE SECTIONS
L-6.1
CL
30' 10' CLEAR

PERMEABLE PAVERS

PER DETAIL

METAL PERGOLA

PER DETAIL
C/(L-7.0) 1'-2"
30'-6" 9' 6'
CL
POST
CL
POST

CONCRETE WALKWAY PLANTING AREA OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREA
A/L-7.2 CORTEN STEEL FENCE PER DETAIL

CONCRETE

WALKWAY,
SCD.

CONCRETE PIER FOOTING PER

STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS, TBD

CONCRETE

RETAINING WALL

W/ FRAMELESS

GLASS PANEL
PER DETAIL H/(L-7.0)

CUSTOM CORTEN

GATE PER DETAIL
A/(L-7.1)
4' CLEAR

PLANTING

AREA BEHIND

PLANTING

AREA BEHIND

LIBRARY EAST ELEVATION
SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0" 1' 5'

3.9% ROOF PITCH PER CITY

OF LOS ALTOS MAIN LIBRARY

EXPANSION AND RENOVATION

RECORD DOCUMENTS DATED
6-10-93

3.9% PITCH
1% PITCH 1% PITCH
B/L-7.2 +/- 7'-7" AND VARIES PER RECORD DOCUMENTS DATED 6-10-93 A L5-152
22'-10" 10'

CONCRETE PIER FOOTING PER

STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS, TBD
CL
POST 11'-2" 8'

LOUVERED PER DETAIL

CMU BLOCK & PLASTER A/V WALL
1'
DDB SOD-372420 CLIMATE

CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT
ENCLOSURE PER DETAIL F/(L-7.1)
SAMSUNG/BH65T 65" PRO TV TERRACE

EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY
SAMSUNG/BH75T 75" PRO TV TERRACE

EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY
3"
CORTEN STEEL FENCE PER DETAIL A/L-7.2
CONCRETE WALKWAY, SCD.

LIBRARY SOUTH ELEVATION
SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0"
CL

POST OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREA

PLANTING AREA
CONCRETE WALKWAY 6' 5'-2" 3'-2"

PERMEABLE PAVERS PER
DETAIL C/(L-7.0)

METAL PERGOLA
PER DETAIL B/L-7.2
B L5-05
30' 10' CLEAR 8' 7'
33'-8"
DDB SOD-372420 CLIMATE

CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT

ENCLOSURE PER DETAIL
SAMSUNG/BH65T 65" PRO TV TERRACE
EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY, TYP.

SAMSUNG/BH75T 75" PRO TV TERRACE

EDITION OUTDOOR DISPLAY

PERMEABLE PAVERS

PER DETAIL

WOOD FENCE AND

SINGLE ACCESS GATE

CMU BLOCK &

PLASTER A/V WALL
F/(L-7.1)
C/(L-7.0)
SONANCE SPEAKER PS-S63T, TYP. 1'-2"
9' 30'-6" 6'

LIBRARY WEST ELEVATION
SCALE:1/4" = 1'-0"
CL
POST
CL
POST

PLANTING AREA OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREA PLANTING AREA CONCRETE WALKWAY

CORTEN STEEL FENCE
PER DETAIL A/L-7.2

CONCRETE

WALKWAY,
SCD.

CONCRETE PIER FOOTING PER

STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS, TBD

3.9% ROOF PITCH PER CITY

OF LOS ALTOS MAIN LIBRARY

EXPANSION AND RENOVATION

RECORD DOCUMENTS DATED
6-10-93

3.9% PITCH
1% PITCH 1% PITCH

METAL PERGOLA
PER DETAIL B/L-7.2 +/- 7'-8" AND VARIES PER RECORD DOCUMENTS DATED 6-10-93 C L5-87
843
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
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OF CAL
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No. 2805
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CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

DETAILS

CONSTRUCTION
L-7.1

CORTEN FENCE PANEL

PER DETAIL

CONCRETE FOOTING
1'

PLANTING AREA

FENCE FOOTING AT GRADE
SCALE:1" = 1'-0" 2' 1"
D

CONCRETE RETAINING WALL W/ GLASS PANEL ELEVATION
SCALE:1/2" = 1'-0" 5' 2'

GLASS PANEL HOLDING BRACKET EMBEDDED FRAMELESS TAMPERED GLASS PANEL

PLANTING AREA PER PLAN

CONCRETE RETAINING
WALL PER DETAIL H/(L-7.0)

CONCRETE SLOPED WALKWAY
5' MAX O.C. 1'
B L5-14
NOTES:

1. CONCRETE FINISH PER SITE

SCHEDULE

2. CONCRETE MIX DESIGN AND

TESTING PER SPECIFICATIONS

CONCRETE STAIRS W/ HANDRAIL
SCALE:1/2" = 1'-0"
12" TYP. 6" TYP.
4" 9"

CONCRETE PER SPECS
CL 34" TYP.
12" MIN.

LEVEL 17" TYP.

CL

STAIR NOSING AND

GROOVE ENLARGEMENT
CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE 70%

CONTRASTING COLOR AT STAIR TREADS
TYP. (PAINT OR PRE-FAB INSERT)

CONCRETE PAVING PER DETAIL
1 1/2" O.D. MAX. GALV. TUBESTEEL

HANDRAIL

EXPANSION JOINT PER DETAIL
12" MIN.

LEVEL

STAIR NOSING AND GROOVE PER

ENLARGEMENT
1% SLOPE TYP.
6"
SET VERTICAL SUPPORT INTO 2
1 2
" DIA. SLEEVE
W/ NON SHRINK GROUT TYP. 6" MIN.

EMBEDMENT DEPTH
4" CLASS II BASEROCK TO BE
COMPACTED TO 95% R.C
2'-0" MIN
#4 REBAR 18" O.C.: EACH WAY
R=
1 2
"
R=
1 2
"

COMPACTED SUBGRADE PER
GEOTECHNICAL REPORT 9"

CONCRETE RETAINING WALL

PER DETAILS

DECORATIVE PAVERS

PER DETAILS
FLUSH
C L5-09

ORCHARD SIGN

CONCRETE PAVING

PER DETAIL

ANCHOR BOLT TO

MATCH EXISTING

ORCHARD SIGN ANCHOR ATTACHMENT
SCALE:1" = 1'-0"
A/(L-7.0)
E L5-38

OVERALL

MAXIMUM

ACCESSORY

DROP ROD ASSEMBLY

OVERALL
MAX

CL MIN MAX MAXIMUM
* MINIMUM 3000 PSI CONCRETE

BACKER PANEL, TBD
4X4X1/4" GATE POST

HEAVY-DUTY SELF-CLOSING
HINGE
4X4 LATCH/LOCK SIDE POST
2X2X1/8" WELDED GATE FRAME

WITH INFILL GATE PANEL
PLAN

DROP ROD
HANGER

BRACKET

DROP ROD

POST BRACKET
1/2 DIA DROP ROD
57 1/2"
4'
3/4"
4"
3/4"
4" 4"

WELDED TOP CAP

HEAVY-DUTY

SELF-CLOSING
HINGE
4X4X1/4" GATE POST

GATE POST SET IN
CONCRETE, MIN. 24"

DIA FOOTING

LATCH/LOCK SIDE POST
2X2X1/8" WELDED GATE
FRAME WITH 1/8 FORMED

INFILL GATE PANEL

INTEGRAL SECURITY PANEL

HARDWARE GATE BOX
(2-3/4" BACKSET)

ACCESSORY HOLD

OPEN/CLOSED DROP

ROD ASSEMBLY
57 1/2"
4"
3/4"
4'
3/4"
4" 8' 3' 3'-2" 1"
2" 8' 1" 3"
GATE

ACCESSORY HOLD

OPEN/CLOSED DROP ROD

ASSEMBLY

SIDE (LOCK/LATCH ELEVATIONS)

FRONT ELEVATION
2'

CONCRETE PAVEMENT
PER DETAIL 4" MIN 3"
#3 TIES @ 10" O.C. AND
#3 TIES @ 2" O.C. AT TOP
(6) #4 BARS, EQ. SPACED
2" 2"

CORTEN EXIT GATE
A SCALE:1/2" = 1'-0" L5-147
PLAN
FRONT VIEW 2'-6"
2'-2" 3'-6"2'-2"
SIDE VIEW 3'-6"
2'-6"

SOD CABINET
SCALE:1/2" = 1'-0"

CMU STUCCO FINISH TO

MATCH STUCCO WALL
4'-4"
AV WALL 2"
LATCH

CMU WALL

CMU WALL

SOD CABINET

SOD CABINET

CMU STUCCO FINISH TO

MATCH STUCCO WALL

SOD CABINET

AV WALL
4" 4"
2" CONCRETE TOP CAP

WOOD PANEL
HINGE
F L5-148
844
Agenda Item # 11.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
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RNIA
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OF CAL
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No. 2805
ER O
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CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

AS SHOWN
SS
NT

DETAILS

CONSTRUCTION
L-7.2

CONCRETE FOOTING
PER SPECIFICATIONS.

CROWN FOOTING AT 2%

FOR DRAINAGE WHEN

TOP OF FOOTING IS IN

PLANTING AREA
1X1X1/8" STAINLESS

STEEL MESH
2X2 CORTEN

STEEL TOP RAIL
2X2 CORTEN

STEEL POST

CORTEN STEEL FENCE
SCALE:3/4" = 1'-0"
2X2 CORTEN STEEL
BOTTOM RAIL 6'
8' MAX O.C. 3' MIN.
1' DIA. 3"
NOTE:

1. FIELD VERIFY DIMENSIONS.

2. SUBMIT SHOP DRAWINGS PRIOR TO
FABRICATION.

PLANTING AREA PER

PLANTING PLAN
A L5-149
45'-8" 30'
22'-10" 22'-10"

GUTTER DRAINAGE ON
ALL 4 OUTSIDE POSTS

PERGOLA FRAME,

CUSTOM COLOR TO

MATCH EXTERIOR OF

LIBRARY, POWDER
COATED

PERGOLA ROOF PLAN W/ LOUVER DETAILS
SCALE:1/8" = 1'-0"

LOUVER MECHANISM DETAIL,

SEE SECTION A FOR ENLARGEMENT

SECTION A

BLADE MECHANISM

MOTOR ASSEMBLY

BEAM SIDE SUPPORT

PERIMETER BEAM

BLADE END PLATE
BLADE

EDGE HEADER

PERGOLA FRAME,

CUSTOM COLOR TO

MATCH EXTERIOR OF

LIBRARY, POWDER
COATED
1% PITCH
1% PITCH
1% PITCH
1% PITCH

PERGOLA ROOF PLAN VIEW PERGOLA AXON VIEW

PERGOLA MATERIAL & COLOR

ALUMINUM ALLOY BLADE WITH

WOOD GRAIN FINISH
ALUMINUM ALLOY PERGOLA FRAME COLOR: CUSTOM

POWDERCOAT BROWN TO MATCH THE EXTERIOR OF THE LIBRARY
1% PITCH
1% PITCH
1% PITCH
1% PITCH
B L5-153
845
Agenda Item # 11.

PERMEABLE PAVERS - TECHO BLOCK 'BLU 80MM' 6 1
2 " X 13" & 13" x 13", COLOR: SHALE GRAY LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
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RNIA
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OF CAL
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L R
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No. 2805
ER O
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CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT FENCE & GATE

STAINLESS STEEL DECORATIVE
MESH 70% OPEN

CORTEN TUBE STEEL FRAME WITH

MESH PANELS

SECURITY GATES WITH ORCHARD GLASS FENCE, FRAMELESS

THEME DESIGN WALLS

WOOD SEAT BOARD FORMED CONCRETE SHADELOUVERED METAL PERGOLA PAVERS

WALL LIGHT LIGHTING IN-GRADE LIGHT MATERIALS BOARD

NOT TO SCALE
SS
NT

MATERIALS BOARD
L-8.0

PERGOLA RECESSED DOWN LIGHTS

COLOR OF THE BLADE COLOR OF THE FRAME

MATCH LIBRARY EXTERIOR
846
Agenda Item # 11.

COURTYARD ENTRANCE VIEW FROM CITY HALL COURTYARD VIEW FROM EAST 3D MODEL IMAGES

NOT TO SCALE
SS
NT
IMAGES
3D MODEL
L-8.1

COURTYARD ENTRY GATES AND DONOR RECOGNITION OUTDOOR CLASSROOM A/V WALL BACK VIEW SHADE OF PERGOLA AND VIEWS OF ORCHARD

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM A/V WALL FRONT VIEW READING NOOK WALKWAY VIEW READING NOOKS AND EMERGENCY EXIT RAMP COURTYARD VIEW FROM NORTHEAST LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24
E
EV

TS TE STA

C L I D
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RNIA
IFO
OF CAL
A
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No. 2805
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847
Agenda Item # 11.

LIBRARY VIEW 1 3D MODEL IMAGES

NOT TO SCALE
SS
NT
IMAGES
3D MODEL
L-8.2
LIBRARY VIEW 2
LIBRARY VIEW 3 LOS ALTOS LIBRARY COURTYARD LOS ALTOS LIBRARY ENDOWMENT 13 S SAN ANTONIO ROAD LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 SHEET

AGENCY APPROVAL

REVISIONS
NO. DATE PURPOSE
06 . 20 . 2024 ENV. RESPONSE
10 . 11 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
11 . 22 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE
12 . 10 . 2024 COMMENT RESPONSE

DRAWN BY

CHECKED
SCALE
DATE
JOB
03 . 14 . 2024
220024.01
303 potrero street, suite 40-c
santa cruz, ca 95060
p: 831.459.0455
f: 831-459-0484
www.ssala.com
crla no. 2805

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Exp. 1-31-24

E EV TS TE STA C L I D ENSE

RNIA IFO
OF
CAL

A L R A
No. 2805 ER O
N

R BAN L DST SU

HE T CAPE E DNT C R I T CH DESIGN REVIEW - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION DRAFT

FRAMELESS GLASS PANEL W/ BLACK BRACKET
848
Agenda Item # 11.

P1. Other Identifier: HRI #15: Civic Center Orchard
DPR 523A (9/2013) *Required information
State of California  The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial
NRHP Status Code
Other Listings
Review Code Reviewer Date
*P2. Location:  Not for Publication  Unrestricted
*a. County Santa Clara and (P2c, P2e, and P2b or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad Mountain View Date 2021 T 37 ; R 78 ; NE 1/4  of  of Sec ; B.M.
c. Address 1 N. San Antonio Road City Los Altos Zip 94022 d. UTM: (Give more than one for large and/or linear resources) Zone , mE/ mN e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, decimal degrees, etc., as appropriate) APN 170-42-029, 170-43-001
*P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The Civic Center Orchard is part of the Civic Center complex on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and San Antonio Road to the west. The civic center complex consists of City Hall, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Community Center, Los Altos Library, J. Gilbert Smith House, Los Altos History Museum, Hillview Baseball Field, Hillview Park, a playground, and parking areas. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial buildings. (See Continuation Sheet.) *P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) HP39 Other (orchard) *P4. Resources Present:  Building  Structure  Object Site  District  Element of District  Other (Isolates, etc.)
P5b. Description of Photo: (view, date, accession #)
Northwest of the library, looking
northeast.
*P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Source: Historic  Prehistoric
 Both
1901, June 2000 DPR form for the
Civic Center Orchard
*P7. Owner and Address:

City of Los Altos
*P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation,
and address)
Treanor,
351 California St., Suite 800, San
Francisco, CA 94104
*P9. Date Recorded: January 20,
2025
*P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Intensive Survey
*P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter "none.")
None.
*Attachments:  None  Location
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):

P5a. Photograph or Drawing (Photograph required for buildings, structures, and objects.) 849
Agenda Item # 11.
*Resource Name or # (Assigned by recorder) HRI #15: Civic Center Orchard *NRHP Status Code CA REG: 5S1

DPR 523B (9/2013) *Required information
State of California  The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#

BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
(This space reserved for official comments.)
(Sketch Map with north arrow required.) N
B1. Historic Name:

B2. Common Name: Civic Center Orchard
B3. Original Use: Agricultural B4. Present Use: Mixed
*B5. Architectural Style: N/A
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations) Established 1901.
*B7. Moved?  No Yes Unknown Date: Original Location:
*B8. Related Features: J. Gilbert Smith House
B9a. Architect: N/A b. Builder: N/A
*B10. Significance: Theme Early Development/Agriculture Area Los Altos

Period of Significance. c.1900-1961 (50 year mark) Property Type Orchard Applicable Criteria NR/CR/Local (A/1, B/2)
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.) In 1901, J. Gilbert Smith purchased land near San Antonio Road (then Giffin Road), on which he constructed a house and planted a small number of apricot trees. Over the years, he and his wife, Margaret Hill Smith, purchased more land that eventually totaled 15 acres. The land was used to grow apricot trees, except for approximately 1 acre of land around the house, which was reserved for yard space. In 1954, the Smiths sold a portion of their land to the City of Los Altos.

Their home and the surrounding nearly acre of land was not part of that sale, however a provision in their wills stated the house and land be donated to the City upon their deaths.1 (See Continuation Sheet.)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) N/A *B12. References:

See Continuation Sheets.

B13. Remarks: This DPR form updates previous DPRs completed for the site, 2000 and 2011. *B14. Evaluator: Treanor *Date of Evaluation: January 20, 2025 850
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

*P3a. Description, Continued:

The Civic Center Orchard is one of the last remaining orchards in Los Altos, and additionally holds significance for being planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. In 1981, the Civic Center Orchard was designated as a historical landmark in the City of Los Altos, as described in Resolution No. 81-23. The historical designation included the J. Gilbert Smith House and its surrounding garden. The legal description of the property, as taken from Resolution No. 81-23, discusses the boundaries of three parcels and includes a clause that reads: “All other structures on the land, as well as a presently undefined portion of the orchard necessary to accommodate the future Council Chambers, are specifically excluded.” Since no other description is provided for the “undefined portion of the orchard,” it is unknown which areas of the land were excluded in the 1981 designation boundaries. Resolution No. 91-31 was passed in 1991 and describes a modification to the historic landmark orchard boundary. While the modification is not detailed in the resolution, the boundaries are reduced since its original designation in 1981. Resolution No. 91-31 is accompanied by a hand drawn sketch labeled “Exhibit A,” showing the new landmark designation boundaries of the Civic Center Orchard.

Figure 1. Exhibit A of Resolution 91-31, boundaries of the historic orchard (City Council of Los Altos Resolution No. 91-31 attachment).

The Civic Center Orchard surrounds City Hall and is largely broken up into two main areas with a strip of land east of San Antonio Road and City Hall and continues east of City Hall, occupying land south of the surface parking lot and north of the Los Altos Library. The orchard connects north of the Los Altos Library and south of City Hall. Although the boundaries of the orchard have remained the same since its modification in 1991, many trees within the orchard have been replaced over time since some have died or were removed due to disease. In early 2024, the orchard was planted with many new apricot saplings and irrigation was added.2 The number of trees planted within the boundaries of the resource have varied over 851
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

time and there is not a defined number of trees or planting sites established with the original designation in 1981 or modification in 1991.
*B6. Construction History, Continued:

Historic Context and Chronology of the Civic Center Orchard When J. Gilbert Smith arrived in Los Altos on August 1, 1901, he purchased five acres of land near the area by San Antonio Road (formerly Giffin Road), Edith Avenue, and railroad tracks that are no longer extant.

The land was undeveloped, with poppies, lupine, and trees. By 1902, Smith had planted apricots trees on the five acres and began construction on his home, the Smith House.3 Smith’s orchard was developed within a period establish by the National Park Service as the United States’ modern orchard fruit growing era (1881-1945). Orchards established between the years of 1881 and 1945 were characterized by a limited variety of fruit types grown within a farm because not every variety of fruit was commercially viable. Prior to this period, hundreds of fruit varieties were found on farms and orchards throughout the United States.

Research did not confirm what all the types of apricot J. Gilbert Smith grew throughout his career as an orchardist, however the orchard that has been maintained by the City consists of only Blenheim apricot trees and saplings.4
According to Fruitful Legacy, a text issued by the National Park Service that provides information on the history of orchards in the United States, pruning orchard trees to have shorter trunks was a technique that began in the early 20th century and became widespread after World War II. A pruned tree trunk, approximately 18 to 36 inches in height, led to a shorter tree overall, which allowed for a more manageable canopy. The practice also encouraged early fruit bearing because the pruning also had the effect of altering the hormones of the tree. A photograph (Figure 2) taken in the early 20th century shows J. Gilbert Smith among his orchard trees, which appear to have short trunks and broad canopies. Fruit trees of this period not only featured a shorter trunk but would have been pruned to have one of a variety of canopy forms. In the historic photograph (Figure 2), Smith’s fruit trees had an “open bowl vase” styled canopy, which did not have a central leader branch that extended from the center of the tree, but rather had three to five main shoots that radiated from the head of the trunk. This “open bowl vase” style created an opened center that allowed sunlight to reach deep into the canopy. This style benefited the grower since they had more control of the tree height. The central leader style was more common since it required less skill and labor since the “open bowl vase” style needed more interventions, such as pruning.5 852
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 2. Gilbert Smith in his apricot orchard, early 20th century (Los Altos Remembered).

The typical spacing of trees in orchards also changed in the early 20th century. Earlier orchards were tightly spaced, however with the rise of tractors, wider rows were needed for the angle of turning of the machine.

The rectangle shape of the orchard was adopted when a square orchard was previously more popular. Trees planted 15 feet of each other and 20 feet between rows became more common, opposed to a tighter square of the 19th century.6 Apricot orchards in the Unites States grown between 1880 and 1945 commonly held 100 trees per acre on a 20- by 20- foot grid. Contemporary apricot orchards are arranged on a 10- by 20- foot grid with 200 trees per acre.7 As described below in the chronology section of this report, the orchard has changed over time. The Civic Center Orchard is currently arranged on rectangular areas of land with orthogonal rows with trees spaced on an approximately 12- by 12- foot grid.

A chronology of the orchard between 1948 and 2022 is shown below through aerial photographs. The first aerial photograph below (Figure 3) is from 1948 and shows what the area looked like before the Smiths sold a portion of their land to the City of Los Altos.

Figure 3. 1948 aerial photograph of Los Altos and the approximate area of the Smith orchard blocked out in green, yellow, and orange (Google Earth Historic Imagery).

N
853
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

The Smith orchard land was sold to the City of Los Altos in 1954. Shown below is an aerial photograph of the general area of the Smith orchard land in 1956 (Figure 4).

Figure 4. 1956 aerial photograph of the general area of the orchard, Smith House is identified with a red arrow.

In 1981, the City of Los Altos designated the orchard, the Smith House, and the surrounding garden as a local historical landmark, per Resolution No. 81-23, which included the boundaries of three parcels. The resolution also included a clause: “All other structures on the land, as well as a presently undefined portion of the orchard necessary to accommodate the future Council Chambers, are specifically excluded.” Since the excluded land is not specified or detailed in the resolution, the boundaries of the initial landmark designation are unclear. Shown below is a 1981 aerial photograph of the property. San Antonio Road N
854
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 5. 1980 aerial photograph of the property a year prior to designation as a City Landmark. No specific orchard boundaries were included in the resolution, rather the language simply called out the orchard on the land described in the legal property descriptions provided, which included all three parcels previously owned by the Smiths.

Figure 6. 2022 aerial photograph with the three parcels, as described in the legal description of Resolution No. 81-23 indicated in a graphic overlay.

Parcel No. 1
Parcel No. 2 Parcel No. 3
N
N
855
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

The boundaries of the Civic Center Orchard were modified in 1991, as described in Resolution No. 91-31.

Included in Resolution No. 91-31 is a sketch of the boundaries of the historic orchard. Shown below is a 1991 aerial photograph with an overlay of the boundaries described in the sketch (Figure 7) and a 2022 aerial photograph with an overlay of the boundaries (Figure 8).

Figure 7. 1991 aerial photograph of the orchard with the boundaries as presented in Resolution No. 91-31, red arrow identifies Smith House for reference.

N
856
Agenda Item # 11.

State of California  Natural Resources Agency Primary# DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #
Trinomial

CONTINUATION SHEET
Property Name: Civic Center Orchard

Figure 8. Aerial photograph of the Civic Center, Smith House identified with a red arrow for reference (Google Earth, April 2022).

The orchard is eligible under Criteria A/1 (Association with significant events) and B/2 (Persons significant to our past). The orchard is a designated City of Los Altos Historical Landmark. In 1981, the orchard was designated a City Landmark per Resolution No. 81-23, and in 1991, the orchard’s landmark boundaries were modified, per Resolution No. 91-31. Treanor concurs with the previous DPR evaluation:

The Civic Center orchard is one of the last active apricot orchards remaining in Los Altos and was first planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. Despite the orchard's decrease in size and adjacent new construction, the site retains a fair degree of integrity. Therefore, it is listed on the Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory as a Historic Resource and is assigned the California Register Status Code 5S1: "Individual property that is listed or designated locally."8 *B12. References (Endnotes):
1 “To Set the Record Straight: A Letter from the Civic Center Orchard.” The Town Crier, February 18, 1970. 2 2024 orchard maintenance background information provided by City staff. 3 Smith, J. Gilbert. “Reminiscences of J. Gilbert Smith. Notes made in 1957.” in A Collection of Historical Materials, Los Altos California. City of Los Altos, 1957.
4 City of Los Altos, Maintenance Division. Apricot Orchard Management & Guidelines. Updated August 2016; Google Earth; Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 63-64. 5 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009),8, 88-91. 6 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 90-91. 7 Susan Dolan, Fruitful Legacy: A Historic Context of Orchards in the United States with Technical Information for Registering Orchards in the National Register of Historic Places, (National Park Service, 2009), 145. 8 Circa: Historic Property Development. Civic Center Orchard, 1. N San Antonio Road, Los Altos Primary Record. July 2011.

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Proposed project site
Historic Orchard Boundary
J. Gilbert Smith House
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San Antonio Rd.
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Parcel No. 3 Parcel No. 2
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1 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com

FINAL MEMORANDUM
Date January 21, 2025
To Sean Gallegos, Senior Planner, City of Los Altos
From Mimi McNamara, Project Manager
Kristy Weis, Vice-President and Principal Project Manager Subject Los Altos Library Courtyard Project – CEQA Categorical Exemption Qualification I. Introduction to Categorical Exemptions
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contain classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and are, therefore, exempt from the provisions of CEQA. CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 – 15333 constitute the list of categorically exempt projects and contain specific criteria that must be met in order for a project to be found exempt, including CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities (Class 1) and Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (Class 3). Additionally, CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 includes a list of exceptions to exemptions, none of which may apply to a project in order for it to qualify for a categorical exemption (i.e., if an exception applies, a project is precluded from being found categorically exempt).

The City of Los Altos, serving as the Lead Agency, has completed this Memorandum of environmental review for the Los Altos Library Courtyard project (“project”) in compliance with CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000 et. seq.), and the regulations and policies of the City of Altos. This Memorandum describes the proposed project and provides analysis and evidence to support a determination by the City of Altos that the project would be eligible for a Categorical Exemption under CEQA.

II. Existing Conditions
The approximately 0.2-acre project site is located at the Los Altos Civic Center north of the existing Los Altos Library. The Civic Center complex is located on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and San Antonio Road to the west. The Civic Center complex consists of City Hall, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Community Center, Los Altos Library, J. Gilbert Smith House, Los Altos History Museum, Hillview 885
Agenda Item # 11.
2 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Baseball Field, Hillview Park, Bus Barn Theater, historic Civic Center Apricot Orchard, a playground, parking and landscaping areas. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and commercial buildings. The project site is developed with a trellis for the library, patio for the library, and paved pedestrian pathway that connects to other facilities in the Civic Center. The project site’s regional location and general vicinity are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively. Figure 3 provides an aerial photograph of the project site and the surrounding land uses, as well as the Civic Center boundary.

III. Background Information
The existing Los Altos Library is a public library that is part of the Santa Clara County Library District.1 The Los Altos Library is an approximately 28,050 square foot building that includes one community meeting room (with a maximum capacity of 100 people) and a collection of over two million books, movies, and other media. The Los Altos Library and Woodland Library (a branch location of the Los Altos Library) serve the residents of Los Altos.

The Los Altos Library currently hosts a variety of events including book clubs, story time, meditation, music performances, life skills classes (e.g., cooking), social events, art classes, and educational programs (e.g., language classes, history lessons, gardening talks, and apricot orchard education). These events take place during the library’s normal operating hours. The Los Altos Library operates Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Parking for the library is provided in a parking lots directly south and east of the library. Operators of the library are looking to continue hosting existing library events with the flexibility to host them outdoors and expand its programming opportunities and partnerships with community groups including the Los Altos History Museum, GreenTown, and Master Gardeners.

IV. Project Description
The project would remove the existing trellis, patio, and pedestrian pathway located directly north of the existing Los Altos Library and construct an approximately 8,265 square-foot outdoor courtyard. The courtyard would consist of new hardscape and pedestrian pathways, an outdoor multi-purpose seating area including an audio-visual system, and landscaping. The proposed pedestrian pathway would provide connections to City Hall and the existing parking lot to the east.

The purpose of the courtyard is to host and support existing events at the Los Altos Library in conjunction with allowing for expanded programming opportunities. The courtyard would provide a flexible area to accommodate a variety of events year-round. A site plan of the proposed courtyard is shown on Figure 4.
1 Santa Clara County Library District. “About Los Altos Library.” Accessed July 18, 2024. https://sccld.org/los-altoslibrary/#:~:text=The%20Los%20Altos%20Library%20is%20housed%20in%20a%2028%2C050%20sq.&text=A%20Community%20 Meeting%20Room%20with,million%20books%2C%20movies%2C%20and%20more. 886
Agenda Item # 11.
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85 101
101
35 84 237
280
280
280
Foothill Expressway
Central Expressway
Woodside Road
San
Francisco
Bay
Sunnyvale
Los Altos
Mountain View
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
East Palo Alto
Woodside
Project Site
REGIONAL MAP FIGURE 1
San Francisco Bay
Pacific Ocean
Monterey Bay
01 2 3 4 .5 5 Miles
San José
Fremont
Oakland
San Francisco
Santa Cruz Morgan Hill
San José
Fremont
Menlo Park
Sunnyvale Los Altos
Oakland
San Francisco
Santa Cruz Morgan Hill
Project Site
3 887
Agenda Item # 11.

North San Antonio Road South San Antonio Road
West Edith Avenue
Angela Drive
Mt. Hamilton Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Pepper Drive
East Edith Avenue
Valley Street
Eleanor Avenue
South Gordon Way
MerriƩ Road
North Gordon Way
Almond Avenue
Osage Avenue
Los Altos Avenue
1st Street
Foothill Expressway
2nd Street
3rd Street
Main Street
University Avenue
Sunkist Lane
Garland Way
North San Antonio Road South San Antonio Road
West Edith Avenue
Angela Drive
Mt. Hamilton Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Pepper Drive
East Edith Avenue
Valley Street
Eleanor Avenue
South Gordon Way North Gordon Way
MerriƩ Road
Almond Avenue
Osage Avenue
Los Altos Avenue
1st Street
Foothill Expressway
2nd Street
3rd Street
Main Street
University Avenue
Sunkist Lane
Garland Way
Project Boundary
Base Map: ESRI, ArcGIS
0 100 400 600 800 Feet
VICINITY MAP FIGURE 2
4 888
Agenda Item # 11.

CIVIC CENTER

BOUNDARY

CIVIC CENTER

APRICOT

ORCHARD

LIBRARY COURTYARD

PROJECT SITE
REFERENCE: EXHIBIT "A" OF
91-31 RESOLUTION

PARKING FOR LIBRARY PATRONS ARE

INCLUSIVE OF ALL PARKING SPACES

THROUGHOUT THE CIVIC CENTER

BOUNDARY INCLUDES CIVIC

CENTER HARDSCAPE

IMPROVEMENTS

COMMUNITY CENTER

HILLVIEW PARK

BASEBALL FIELD

HISTORY MUSEUM

HILLVIEW PARK

SOCCER FIELD

BUS BARN THEATER

LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER YOUTH

APRICOT ORCHARD CENTER

POLICE DEPARTMENT

CITY HALL

HILLVIEW AVENUE
E. EDITH AVENUE
S. SAN ANTONIO ROAD

ELEANOR AVENUE
PROJECT SITE AREA: 8,265 SQ.FT.

CIVIC CENTER: 566,280 SQ.FT.

LOT COVERAGE: 1.4%
Source: SSA Landscape Architects, June 20, 2024.
0 25 100 150 200 Feet
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF PROJECT SITE AND LAND USES FIGURE 3 5 889
Agenda Item # 11.

Source: SSA Landscape Architects, December 10, 2024.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER APRICOT ORCHARD
T/R

MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP

MATCHLINE
ITEM

1.0 HARDSCAPE

CONSTRUCT CONCRETE PAVING

CONSTRUCT VEHICULAR CONCRETE PAVING

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVERS

CONSTRUCT PERMEABLE PAVER EDGING

CONSTRUCT STAIRS WITH HANDRAIL

2.0 STRUCTURES

CONSTRUCT RETAINING WALL - PIP

CONSTRUCT RETAINING SEATWALL

CONSTRUCT PERGOLA

CONSTRUCT SOUND WALL

CONSTRUCT A/V WALL

3.0 FENCING

PROVIDE & INSTALL CORTEN FENCE

PROVIDE & INSTALL DECORATIVE LASER CUT CORTEN
GATES

PROVIDE & INSTALL CUSTOM CORTEN GATE

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD FENCE

PROVIDE & INSTALL WOOD GATES

PROVIDE & INSTALL GLASS FENCE

4.0 SITE FURNISHINGS

NOT USED

INSTALL RELOCATED SQUIRREL BIKE RACK

INSTALL TRASH RECEPTACLE

EQUIPMENT CABINET

5.0 MISCELLANEOUS

RELOCATED ORCHARD INFORMATION SIGN - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE

DONOR RECOGNITION SIGNAGE - DEFERRED

SUBMITTAL - NOT PART OF THIS PACKAGE

1.1 1.2

1.3 1.4

1.5 2.1

2.2 2.3

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.3 3.4

3.5 3.6

4.1 4.2

4.3 4.4

5.1 5.2

SITE SCHEDULE
P.A.

IMPERVIOUS AREA: 3,080 SQFT
PERMEABLE PAVING AREA: 3,575 SQFT
PLANTING AREA: 920 SQFT
TOTAL: 7,575 SQFT

SITE IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY
P.A.

P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A. P.A.

P.A.

1.1 WM
GAS

1.1 TYP.

5.1 TYP. OF (1 EA)

1.1 TYP.

1.3 TYP.

TYP. OF (1 EA) 4.2
A
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

2.1 TYP. 3.6 TYP.

1.4 TYP.

2.3 2.2 TYP.

2.4 2.5

3.1 3.2

3.4 3.3
TYP. 5.2
P.A.

1.2 TYP.

4.3 TYP. OF 1

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

4.4 SEE (L-1.1)

WM PG&E
A/C
EP

TRANSFORMER
WATER
SYSTEM

3.3 TYP.

3.3 TYP.

1.5 TYP.

SYMBOL ITEM

GRAPHIC LEGEND
P.A.

SITE REFERENCE 0.0

DETAIL REFERENCE
SHEET REFERENCE X/L-0.0

VEHICULAR CONCRETE
PAVING

CONCRETE PAVING

PERMEABLE PAVERS

PLANTING AREA

BEGINING/ END OF SITE ELEMENT

ENTRANCE

ORCHARD BOUNDARY
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)
B
(L-6.0)

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)

ORNAMENTAL TREE OUTSIDE

LIMIT OF WORK

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC
ORCHARD SEE SHEET (L-0.0)
25' SIDE SETBACK
REFER TO L-0.0 FOR ADDITIONAL

PROPERTY SETBACKS

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
0 4 8 16 Feet
CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN FIGURE 4
3 6
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7 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com The courtyard features (including programming), site access and parking, and construction details are described below.

Courtyard Features
Physical Improvements
The courtyard would include concrete pedestrian pathways (approximately 3,080 square feet of impervious area) along the length of the courtyard to City Hall to the north and the public parking lot east of the library. Most of the courtyard would consist of permeable pavement (approximately 3,575 square feet). A retaining wall with seating within the eastern portion of the project site would also be constructed. The entire courtyard would be fenced in with a mix of corten (or steel), wood, and glass fencing ranging from approximately five to seven feet tall.

An outdoor multi-purpose seating area would be the courtyard’s primary feature and include an approximately 1,412 square foot pergola that would be up to 11.2 feet tall. The area would provide bench seating, sound system, and five outdoor display screens to support existing and future community events. There would be six surface mount speakers (approximately 12-inches tall, 7.5- inches wide, and with a 6.9-inch depth) placed on the pergola with two in the front, middle, and back of the area. The speakers would connect to the one, 75-inch outdoor display screen and four, 65-inch outdoor display screens. All outdoor equipment associated with the outdoor display and sound system would be placed within a climate-controlled equipment enclosure located within the area when not in use. Not all events would require the use of the sound and/or display systems. No mechanical pieces of equipment, such as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning unit, or emergency equipment (like a backup generator) are proposed.

The construction of the project would result in the removal of three ornamental trees adjacent to the northern boundary of the Los Altos Library. No trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be removed as part of the project. The new landscaping proposed as part of the project would include trees and a variety of shrubs planted along the perimeter of the courtyard. As shown in Figure 5, three new trees would be planted north of the pergola along the proposed corten fence, and approximately 223 new shrubs would be planted throughout the courtyard as part of the project.

Programming
The proposed courtyard would be used to host existing events already occurring at the library. It is expected the events hosted in the courtyard would draw in an average of 10 to 50 people.

Specialized events are assumed to have a turnout of approximately 100 people. All events would take place during the existing library operating hours. No changes are proposed to the library operating hours. No additional employees would be hired to support the outdoor events proposed. 891
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Source: SSA Landscape Architects, December 10, 2024.

LOS ALTOS LIBRARY

CIVIC CENTER APRICOT ORCHARD
T/R

MATCHLINE

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

LIMIT OF WORK

CIVIC CENTER LOOP

MATCHLINE

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME CONT CANOPY QTY TREES
CER CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS / WESTERN REDBUD 24"BOX 12' 3

PHOTO SYMBOL CODE BOTANICAL / COMMON NAME SIZE SPACING QTY SHRUBS
CA CAREX PRAEGRACILIS / CALIFORNIA FIELD SEDGE 1 GAL 24" o.c. 62 LL LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'ARCTIC FROST' / ARCTIC FROST RUSH 1 GAL 30" o.c. 46 LOM LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA 'BREEZE' / BREEZE™ MAT RUSH 1 GAL 45" o.c. 47 S SISYRINCHIUM BELLUM / BLUE-EYED GRASS 1 GAL 12" o.c. 68

PLANT SCHEDULE
WUCOLS

VERY LOW
LOW
LOW

VERY LOW

MODERATE
CERCIS OCCIDENTALIS 10-18' HT. X 10-18' WIDE

PROPOSED TREES

IMAGE NAME SIZE AT MATURITY

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD
EXISTING TREES, TYP.

EXISTING TREES

EXISTING ORCHARD

SAPLING

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION TRUNK SIZE

EXISTING ORCHARD

EXISTING ORNAMENTAL TREE

TO BE REMOVED
TREE
UNDER 3"
5"

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD

BOUNDARY OF HISTORIC

ORCHARD
25' SIDE SETBACK

SIDE PROPERTY LINE
1 12” TREE
10” TREE
14” TREE
2 3
0 4 8 16 Feet
PROJECT LANDSCAPING PLAN FIGURE 5
8 892
Agenda Item # 11.
9 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Site Access and Parking
The proposed courtyard would be accessible from within the Los Altos Library and from exterior gates along the pedestrian pathways connecting to the site. There would be an entry from the Los Altos Library that would provide direct access to the courtyard. A corten gate would provide access at the most northern point of the courtyard and a wood gate would provide access to the southwestern corner of the site. The last access point would be along the most eastern boundary of the project site. There would be a total of four site access points. Refer to Figure 4 for the site access entry points.

No changes to the existing parking facilities serving the library or larger Civic Center are proposed.

The existing, squirrel-shaped bike rack and two other bike racks (three short-term bicycle parking spaces) would be relocated from their locations near the Los Altos Library northern doorway entrance to the western concrete pathway (see Figure 4 for the location).

Construction
The construction of the courtyard would take approximately nine months with an anticipated start date of late 2025. Construction would include demolition, site preparation, excavation/grading, paving, and structural building (including construction of fence and pergola). It is anticipated that the project would use the following construction equipment: small backhoe, excavator, skid steer loader grader, and electrical hand tools. The project would excavate to a maximum depth of five feet for the pergola post and retaining wall footings. The grading of the site would result in 115 cubic yards of soil being excavated and disposed of at an appropriate facility. While the proposed construction and improvements would encroach into the dirt area of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, no existing trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be removed as a result of the project.

Access to the Los Altos Library via its rear entrance would not be possible due to the construction of the proposed courtyard. However, access to the library via the main access doors would continue to be available. Once the project has been constructed, both entrances to the library would be available.
893
Agenda Item # 11.
10 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com V. Analysis of Eligibility for Categorical Exemption
Section 21084 of the Public Resources Code requires the CEQA Guidelines to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment, and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Several classes of projects have been declared to be categorically exempt from the preparation of environmental documents (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300).

A project is eligible for a Categorical Exemption if it: (1) meets the criteria of one of the identified classes and (2) does not meet any of the exceptions to a Categorical Exemption identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2. This two-part analysis is provided below.

Part 1: Categorical Exemption Class Criteria Findings
The project qualifies under two exemption classes – Class 1 and 3, as discussed below.

Class 1 – CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion. Examples include, but are not limited to, interior or exterior alterations; restoration or rehabilitation of deteriorated or damaged structures to meet current public health and safety standards; or maintenance of existing landscaping, native growth, and water supply reservoirs. An example identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 of a project that would qualify for this exemption is an addition to an existing structure provided that the addition will not result in an increase of more than 10,000 square feet if:
 The project is in an area where all public services and facilities are available to allow for maximum development permissible in the General Plan and  The area in which the project is located is not environmentally sensitive.

Another example is the demolition and removal of individual small structures such as accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences.

The project meets the criteria for a Class 1 exemption because it includes a minor alteration of an existing public facility (i.e., Los Altos Library) consisting of the replacement of an existing patio with a new courtyard. The proposed courtyard area would be approximately 8,265 square feet, which is below the 10,000 square foot criteria identified in the CEQA Guidelines and mentioned above. The proposed courtyard is also consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the site. The project site is also within an urban area of Los Altos that is currently served by existing public facilities and services (e.g., fire and police department). Additionally, the project would result in the removal of small, accessory structures including the existing trellis, patio, and pedestrian pathway located directly north of the existing Los Altos Library. The project site is also not environmentally 894
Agenda Item # 11.
11 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com sensitive as discussed later in this memorandum. Based on the above, the project would involve a negligible expansion of the Los Altos Library existing patio.

Class 3 – CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences.

The project meets the criteria for a Class 3 exemption because it is the construction of an accessory courtyard (which is similar to a patio and includes fencing) for the existing Los Altos Library. As mentioned above, the approximately 8,265-square foot proposed courtyard would replace the existing Los Altos Library patio. The proposed courtyard would serve the patrons of the Los Altos Library. For these reasons, the project would meet the exemption criteria for a new construction or conversion of small structures.

Part 2: Categorical Exemptions Exceptions Findings
The purpose of this section is to document whether any of the exceptions listed in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project. An analysis of each of these exceptions in reference to the project is provided below.
(a) Location. Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be located – a project that is ordinarily insignificant in its impact on the environment may in a particularly sensitive environment be significant. Therefore, these classes are considered to apply all instances, except where the project may impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies.

Applicability: This exception only applies to Class 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 categorical exemptions.

Therefore, this exception does apply to the project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2(a). The project is not located in a particularly sensitive environment. As described in Section II Existing Conditions, the project site is developed with a paved patio underneath a trellis and utilized on a regular basis by library patrons and employees and visitors of the Civic Center. The area surrounding the project site is disturbed and fully developed with buildings and street infrastructure. The project site is not located in environmentally sensitive area where there are hazardous conditions (refer to question e below) or known environmental resources of critical concern (e.g., agriculture and farmland, biological resources, or mineral resources).2,3 As discussed
2 California Department of Conservation. “California Important Farmland Finder.” Updated September 29, 2021. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=8ab78d6c403b402786cc231941d1b929. 3 City of Los Altos. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for The Los Altos General Plan Update. November 2022. Page 32. 895
Agenda Item # 11.
12 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com in more detail under question f, the project site is not listed on a National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, or the City’s local inventory.4,5,6,7 A small portion of the northern boundary of the project site overlaps with the boundaries of a City-designated historic landmark, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, but the project would not result in the removal of any existing apricot trees. As discussed further below in the Section V Part 2: Categorical Exemptions Exceptions Findings, a Secretary of Interior’s Standards Compliance Review (Standards Compliance Review) was completed and the analysis found that the project would not result in a significant impact to this historic resource. For these reasons, the project would not result in a significant impact on a particularly sensitive environment due to the project location. (b) Cumulative Impact. All exemptions for these classes are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time is significant.

Applicability: For this analysis, cumulative impacts are considered for successive projects that modify an existing public government building (as they are the same project type as the proposed project) in the same place (i.e., within the Civic Center boundary as shown in Figure 3). The following list represents all projects occurring within the Civic Center boundary that are public government building modifications:
• Los Altos City Hall Expansion at Youth Center Building – This approved project consists of interior and exterior building alterations to the existing Youth Center Building to convert the building into new office space for City Hall Staff. 8 Modifications include interior reconfiguration, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, lighting and telecom system modifications, tie-in to the new emergency operations center, exterior patios and access paths, and associated underground utilities.
9 This project is currently under construction.
• Los Altos Community Center Emergency Operations Center – This approved project would include an emergency operations center (EOC) for emergency and natural disasters into the existing one-story Los Altos Community Center. This project includes the installation of radio and satellite equipment; replacement of existing HVAC system equipment with a new 4 National Park Service. “National Register Database and Research - Spreadsheet.” Last Modified July 10, 2024. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm. 5 California State Parks. “California Historical Resources – Search by County.” Accessed January 2, 2025. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/ListedResources/?view=county&criteria=43 6 City of Los Altos. Historic Resources Inventory – Section III Historic Landmarks. Updated November 2013. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historical_commission/page/43354/hri_sec_iii_landmarks_3.8.

22.pdf. 7 City of Los Altos. Historic Resources Inventory – Section IV Historic Resources Inventory. Updated March 2023. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/historical_commission/page/43354/hri_sec_iv_historic_resourc es_3.15.23.pdf
8 City of Los Altos. Los Altos City Hall Office Expansion at Youth Center Building Notice of Exemption. March 20, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/297487- 1/attachment/DGPMUND44QxRTy_ll0y9ksen2qhn158RcNetQfFM2B82Alh0G-QRmmK4UyxKAYB9EiyIf6HyLzXDuuD50 9 City of Los Altos. “Notice to Contractors Los altos City Hall Expansion at Youth Center Building Project CF-01044”. December 21, 2023. Accessed August 26, 2024.
https://bids.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/notice_to_contractors_39.pdf 896
Agenda Item # 11.
13 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com system; and installation of an emergency back-up generator adjacent to the Bus Barn Theater.10 This project is currently under construction.

The construction of both projects listed above would be completed in mid-2025. The two listed projects are also located in different areas of the Civic Center boundaries and, thus, would impact different sensitive receptors (e.g., residents). Since construction of the Youth Center Building and Community Center Emergency Operations Center would (1) end prior to construction of the project and (2) would occur in different locations, no singular sensitive receptor would be exposed to successive construction impacts, such as air quality or noise impacts. Additionally, the cumulative impacts of the above two projects and the proposed project would be less than significant due to each project’s conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and standard requirements (including Regional Water Quality Control Board Construction General Permit water quality requirements, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District dust control measures) that are in place to ensure the effects of individual projects are not cumulatively significant.

Furthermore, the proposed courtyard project would not include any unusual construction methods (e.g., longer construction hours, vibratory drilling, or numerous haul truck trips) that would have a significant impact on the environment.

In addition, the City of Los Altos is currently requesting proposals for remodeling design services for the Los Altos Library.11 The scope and details on the remodeling of the Los Altos Library is currently unknown but anticipated to be limited to interior improvements. Due to this remodeling being in the early design phase, this potential project is speculative and not included in the cumulative impact. Furthermore, any renovation or improvements proposed for the Los Altos Library would be subject to a separate review process, which would evaluate cumulative impacts with respect to the proposed project. The separate review process would identify feasible measures required to reduce potential cumulative impacts, if any are identified.

Based on the above discussions, the proposed project and successive projects of the same type as the project within Civic Center area would not result in a significant cumulative impact. For these reasons, Exception (b) is not applicable to this project. (c) Significant Effect. A categorical exemption shall not be used for an activity where there is a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances.
10 City of Los Altos. NOE Justification – Los Altos Emergency Operations Center Project. February 28, 2023. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://files.ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/285597-1/attachment/N71GnviiO6- 5MvDtHXf5AZVEE17wXvMuZfkv0P0v7dw_ZuqYOz8_sKDjxP6Wv4OwQVIt8uAuKNnJGDj_0. 11 City of Los Altos. “Request for Proposal – Design Services for Los Altos Main Library Improvements.” July 17, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024.
https://bids.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/rfp_los_altos_main_library_improvement_cover_letter_7-17- 24_final.pdf.
897
Agenda Item # 11.
14 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Applicability: The project is consistent with the adopted land use (i.e., Public and Institutional) and zoning designation (i.e., Public and Community Facilities) for the project site.12,13 The proposed project and project site do not contain any features that are unique or unusual for a courtyard, or other kind of similar ancillary structure, that would be part of an existing facility, such as the Los Altos Library. The construction of the project would not be atypical and include construction activities, duration, and equipment that would be expected of other similar minor construction projects. In addition, an analysis of environmental factors where unusual circumstances (unique to the project) could be identified is included below. These environmental factors include air quality, geologic hazards, and biological resources.

Air Quality
The construction of the proposed project would last for approximately nine months and require the demolition of existing structures, excavation, grading, and the hauling of soil and debris. To reduce the potential effects on air quality resulting from construction activities, the project would implement standard Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) best management practices to limit the amount of fugitive dust generated by the vehicles and equipment on-site.

These standard measures to reduce fugitive dust are applicable for all projects in the region.

Compliance with the proposed construction measures would be ensured through a City Standard Condition of Approval.

Standard Condition of Approval
The applicant shall require all construction contractors to implement the basic construction mitigation measures recommended by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to reduce fugitive dust emissions. Emission reduction measures shall include, at a minimum, the following measures:
(a) All exposed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, and graded areas) shall be watered two times per day;
(b) All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off-site shall be covered; (c) All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited;
(d) All sidewalks to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible. Building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used; (e) All excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities shall be suspended when average wind speeds exceed 20 mph.
12 City of Los Altos. “City of Los Altos Land Use Map.” October 26, 2019. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/39021/los_altosland_use_final_w_labels-24x36-20181026.pdf. 13 City of Los Altos. “City of Los Altos Zoning Map.” October 26, 2018. Accessed January 2, 2025. https://www.losaltosca.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/page/39021/los_altoszoning_final_w_labels-24x36-20181026.pdf. 898
Agenda Item # 11.
15 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com (f) All trucks and equipment, including their tires, shall be washed off prior to leaving the site. (g) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measures Title 13, Section 2485, of the California Code of Regulations). Clear signage shall be provided for construction workers at all access points; and (h) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper condition prior to operation. (i) Publicly visible signs shall be posted with the telephone number and name of the person to contact at the lead agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s General Air Pollution Complaints number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

With implementation of the above standard condition of approval, the project would reduce the potential air quality effects generated during construction by controlling and reducing the opportunities for fugitive dust emissions, which are the typically the result of earth moving activities, from being released into the air.

Geologic Hazards
The project site is not located in a state or county recognized landslide or liquefaction hazard zone, and there are no unusual geologic or seismic characteristics that might create a hazard to future site users.14,15 While the project site is not located in a geologically hazardous zone, the entire San Francisco Bay Area is subject to seismic related geologic activity, which is typical for this region.

Similar to other developments proposed in Los Altos, the project would conform to the standard engineering, building practices, and techniques specified in the California Building Code to reduce potential geological impacts.

Biological Resources
Due to the developed and disturbed nature of the project site, there is no habitat suitable for locally occurring special-status plant or animal species. Also, human activity in the area is high, resulting in a low likelihood that wildlife species sensitive to human disturbance would be present on or adjacent to the project site. Although the project site does not have valuable habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species, the project site and surrounding area contain trees, which could serve as habitat for nesting birds, a common wildlife species to be present in urban environments.
14 Santa Clara County. “Santa Clara County Geologic Hazard Zones Map.” Map. October 26, 2012. https://stgenpln.blob.core.windows.net/document/GEO_GeohazardATLAS.pdf 15 California Geological Survey. “Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation.” Map. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/.
899
Agenda Item # 11.
16 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Nesting birds are protected under provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 2800.10. Additionally, Section 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the CDFW code prohibit take of all birds and their active nests, including raptors and other migratory nongame birds (as listed under the MBTA). As mentioned above, the project would result in the removal of three ornamental trees. Tree removals (neither of which are historic trees) would be undertaken pursuant to applicable City permits and requirements (i.e., tree removal permit pursuant to Section 11.08.070 of the City’s Municipal Code).

To comply with these existing federal and state regulations, the project includes the completion of a nesting bird survey prior to construction of the project to avoid potential impacts to birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW. Compliance with the proposed pre-construction measures would be ensured through the City’s Standard Condition of Approval.

Standard Condition of Approval
The following measures shall be implemented to avoid potential impacts to birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW:
• Pre-construction Nesting Bird Survey: To the extent practicable, vegetation removal and construction activities shall be performed from September 1 through January 31 to avoid the general nesting period for birds. If construction or vegetation removal cannot be performed during this period, pre-construction surveys will be performed no more than two days prior to construction activities to locate any active nests as follows:
o The applicant shall be responsible for the retention of a qualified biologist to conduct a survey of the project site and surrounding 500 feet for active nests—with particular emphasis on nests of migratory birds—if construction (including site preparation) will begin during the bird nesting season, from February 1 through August 31. If active nests are observed on either the project site or the surrounding area, the applicant, in coordination with the appropriate City staff, shall establish no-disturbance buffer zones around the nests, with the size to be determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (usually 100 feet for perching birds and 300 feet for raptors). The no-disturbance buffer shall remain in place until the biologist determines the nest is no longer active or the nesting season ends. The project applicant shall submit a report indicating the results of the nesting survey and any designated buffer zones to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the issuance of any demolition, tree removal, or grading permit, whichever occurs earliest. If construction ceases for seven days or more and then resumes during the nesting season, an additional survey performed by a qualified biologist prior to construction resuming shall be completed to avoid impacts on active bird nests that may be present. The results of the additional nesting survey shall be submitted via a report to the Development Services Director or the Director’s designee for review and approval prior to the restart of construction activities. 900
Agenda Item # 11.
17 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Implementation of the above standard condition of approval would reduce potential impacts to nesting birds if they were to occupy the site during project construction by (1) avoiding the construction the nesting season (of February 1 through August 31, inclusive) or (2) requiring preconstruction surveys and establishment of buffers for active nest if avoidance is infeasible.

Furthermore, the removal of a limited number of existing trees to accommodate new development is not unusual for developments proposed in Los Altos. The three trees would be replaced with three, new 24-inch box trees to be planted north of the pergola along the corten fence along with additional landscaped areas (see Figure 5 for the landscaping plan). All existing trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard surrounding the project site would remain as is and would not be removed.

Overall, the construction and operation of the project would comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, as necessary, and standard conditions of approval would be imposed, consistent with conditions imposed on other development projects in the Los Altos. The proposed courtyard development would not include any unusual operational features or characteristics that would have a significant impact on the environment. No exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(c).
(d) Scenic Highways. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway. This does not apply to improvements which are required as mitigation by an adopted negative declaration or certified EIR.

Applicability: There are no officially designated state scenic highways in the project area. The nearest officially designated state highway is Interstate 280, located approximately five miles northwest of the project site, and it is not visible from the project site.16 Nor is the project site visible from Interstate 280. The project would not damage scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway, and no exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(d).
(e) Hazardous Waste Sites. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.

Applicability: The project site is not included on any lists compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code; therefore, no exception to the exemption applies under 15300.2(e). 17,18,19
16 California Department of Transportation. “California State Scenic Highway System Map.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa. 17 California Environmental Protection Agency. “Cortese List Data Resources.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://calepa.ca.gov/sitecleanup/corteselist/. 18 Department of Toxic Substances Control. “EnviroStor.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/
19 State Water Resources Control Board. “GeoTracker.” Accessed June 19, 2024. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/ 901
Agenda Item # 11.
18 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com (f) Historical Resources. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.

Applicability: Existing historic resources in proximity to the project site are the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and the J. Gilbert Smith House. As previously mentioned, a section of the northern boundaries of the courtyard project overlaps with the Civic Center Apricot Orchard southern boundaries and approximately 100 feet west of the J. Gilbert Smith Home from its closest boundary.

The J. Gilbert Smith Home is not immediately adjacent to the project site nor does it share any immediate space with the site. A Standards Compliance Review, or historic resources evaluation, was prepared by the City’s consulting historian, TreanorHL, in January 2025 to evaluate if the proposed project would cause a substantial adverse change in the historical significance of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and J. Gilbert Smith House. It is included in this Environmental Memo as Appendix A. Background information and a brief description of these two historic resources are provided below.

J. Gilbert Smith arrived in what would be the City of Los Altos (founded in 1912) in 1901 from Oregon. When he settled into the area, J. Gilbert Smith purchased approximately 10 acres of land near San Antonio Road and Edith Avenue for the purpose of building a residence and establishing an orchard. With his wife, Margaret Hill, J. Gilbert Smith cultivated and maintained an apricot orchard until 1954. At one point, the orchard was approximately 15 acres large.

In 1954, the City of Los Altos offered to buy the 10 acres of J. Gilbert Smith’s orchard to develop the future Civic Center. J. Gilbert Smith sold the land to the City with two main stipulations: (1) the City would establish a history museum on the site and (2) the remaining apricots trees on the property needed to be maintained and replaced as needed. The City followed the conditions imposed by J.

Gilbert Smith by turning his residence into a museum and maintaining the remaining orchard land with apricot trees.20
• Civic Center Apricot Orchard – The apricot trees within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard were first planted by J. Gilbert Smith, one of the first Los Altos residents to establish a fruit orchard in Los Altos in the early 1900s. The orchard is historically important to the City since the Civic Center Apricot Orchard is the last remaining orchard in Los Altos and the orchard also holds significance for being planted by early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith.21 The City of Los Altos designated the orchard as a City Landmark in 1981 per Resolution No. 81-23, and the boundaries of the orchard were modified by the City in 1991 under Resolution No. 91-31. The 1991 orchard boundaries and total area have not changed and is the same today.
20 Circa: Historic Property Development. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record for J. Gilbert Smith House. Recorded July 2011. Page 2. 21 TreanorHL. Los Altos Library Courtyard Project. Los Altos, California Standards Compliance Review. January 2025. Page 9. 902
Agenda Item # 11.
19 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com • J. Gilbert Smith House – The J. Gilbert Smith House is located on a block bound by Angela Drive to the north, Cielito Drive and Eleanor Avenue to the east, Hillview Avenue to the south, and Antonio Road to the west. The building shares the block with the Los Altos Library, Los Altos Police Department, Los Altos Youth Center, Los Altos City Hall, Los Altos Community Center, Hillview Baseball Field, and some residential buildings approximately 360 feet east of the J. Gilbert Smith House.

The J. Gilbert Smith House is a two-story, wood-frame, shingled farmhouse constructed between 1901 and 1905. The main façade of the residence faces west with a wrap-around porch in front of the wooden entrance door. On the front and back of the residence are dormers, or structured vertical windows, that protrude from the roof. On the southern portion of the house is a shallow one-story staircase that leads to the second floor. The entire residence has a rustic design that is still evident today. Overall, the residence still maintains its original plan, style, and form, although minor alterations have occurred through the years as the residence has been converted into a museum for the public.22 The J. Gilbert Smith House has significance due its association with early Los Altos resident, J. Gilbert Smith. The residence was designated a historical landmark by the City of Los Altos per Resolution No. 81-23 in 1981. The historical designation included the historic house, the surrounding garden, and the apricot orchard, also known as the Civic Center Apricot Orchard. In August 1987, the house was also designated as a California Point of Historical Interest.

Analysis of the project’s impact on the Civic Center Apricot Orchard and J. Gilbert Smith House is provided below in terms of its consistency with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources portion of the City’s adopted General Plan.

Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
For the purposes of this analysis, a project that conforms with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation would be considered not to cause a significant impact on historic resources. In this context, rehabilitation is the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.23 There are 10 standards for the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards) that are used as thresholds in this analysis. 22 Circa: Historic Property Development. State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Primary Record for J. Gilbert Smith House. Recorded July 2011. Page 2. 23 TreanorHL. Los Altos Library Courtyard Project. Los Altos, California Standards Compliance Review. January 2025. Page 20. 903
Agenda Item # 11.
20 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Civic Center Apricot Orchard
The 10 Standards and analyses as it pertains to Civic Center Apricot Orchard are provided in the table below. In summary, based on the information in Table 1 and Appendix A, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would continue to be able to convey its historical value since the project would conform with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation criteria.

Table 1: Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Analysis for the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis

1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to
the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.

Standard 1 Analysis: The project would result in the
construction and operation of a courtyard that would
serve the existing Los Altos Library. The proposed
courtyard would be directly south of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard and impede on the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard (which
consists of a dirt area that is unplanted). Based on
the general, historic planting pattern, this dirt area
that the project would impede upon could
accommodate approximately seven orchard trees.24
However, no trees currently exists within this dirt
area and no existing apricot trees would be removed
to accommodate the courtyard. Three ornamental
trees (not orchard trees) located at the rear entrance
of the library and at the end of the pedestrian
pathway leading to the existing parking lot (refer to
Figure 4 for the exact tree locations) would be
removed and replaced with three new trees. The
proposed change to the project site would not alter
the defining characteristic of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard or conceal the orchard’s historic purpose
since the orchard would remain intact. The
obstruction of seven potential planting sites would
also not alter the historic purpose of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard since the historic significance of the
orchard is based on the existing trees planted (and
the Resolution No. 91-31 boundaries) not the
potential for new trees. The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard would continue to maintain its historic use
as an apricot orchard since the project would not
remove any existing orchard trees. Therefore, the
project would comply with Standard 1 as related to
the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

2. The historic character of a property shall be treated and preserved. The removal of historic materials or
Standard 2 Analysis: The defining feature of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard that gives the resource its
24 Ibid. Page 15.
904
Agenda Item # 11.
21 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis alteration of features and spaces that characterize a
property shall be avoided.
historic character are the existing apricot trees. As
stated above, the project would encroach into the
southern boundary edge of an unplanted area of the
Civic Center Apricot Orchard. While the
encroachment would obstruct the potential planting
of seven trees, no existing apricot trees are within
this area currently and no existing apricot trees
within the Civic Center Apricot Orchard boundary
would be removed as a result of the project.

Therefore, the obstruction would not constitute the
removal of trees and the character-defining feature
of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would remain
intact during project construction and operation. The
encroachment on the southern edge of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard’s boundary would not affect
the orchard’s historic character since this historic
resource would still communicate its use and
function as an orchard via the existing trees.

Therefore, the project would comply with Standard 2
as related to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding
conjectural features or architectural elements from
other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

Standard 3 Analysis: The proposed courtyard would
be located along and partially within the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard. As
described in Section IV Project Description, the
project would construct a courtyard (adjacent to the
northern boundary of the Los Altos Library)
consisting of new hardscape (including pedestrian
pathways), a multi-purpose seating area, an audiovisual system for the multi-purpose seating area, and landscaping. The courtyard would include new
permeable paved area along with new landscaping
along the boundaries of the courtyard. The pergola
for the multi-purpose seating area would be wood
while the fencing around the courtyard would be a
mix of metal, wood, and glass. None of the proposed
improvements would add architectural features or
elements that give a false historic appearance and
alter the historical development of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard. Additionally, the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard would still be recognizable as an
orchard because no existing apricot trees would be
removed and the obstruction of the current dirt area
along the southern boundary of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard boundary (that could potentially be
planted with seven trees) does not define the
orchard. Therefore, the authenticity of the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard would remain and the project
905
Agenda Item # 11.
22 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis would comply with Standard 3 as related to the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes
that have acquired historic significance in their own
right shall be retained and preserved.

Standard 4 Analysis: The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard boundaries were last changed in 1991 as
shown in Figure 3. While the project would encroach
into the southern boundary of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard, the slight overlap would not require
tree removal nor would it diminish the historic
significance of the 1991 Civic Center Apricot Orchard
boundaries. In addition, the obstruction of the dirt
area (which could potentially be planted with seven
trees) would not change the historic significance of
the Civic Center Orchard since: (1) all existing orchard trees would remain and (2) the orchard has
decreased in size since its purchase by the City in
1954 with the construction of buildings and walkways
and the 1991 boundary modification. Even with the
historic decrease in the orchard boundary, the land
still communicates the orchard use. The Civic Center
Apricot Orchard that exists today would retain and
continue to preserve its historic significance. There
have been no other changes to the orchard that have
acquired historic significance in their own rate that
require retention or preservation. Therefore, the
project would comply with Standard 4 because the
historical boundary change that occurred under
Resolution No. 91-31 would remain as is with
implementation of the project.

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction
techniques or examples of fine craftsmanship that
characterize a property will be preserved
Standard 5 Analysis: The Civic Center Apricot
Orchard does not demonstrate any distinct
construction techniques or craftsmanship since the
orchard is composed of only apricot trees. The
removal of the three ornamental trees and the
library’s existing trellis, patio, and paved pedestrian pathway adjacent to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
would also not be impactful since they are not
examples of fine craftsmanship. Therefore, the Civic
Center Apricot Orchard would maintain its existing,
distinctive apricot trees, the project would comply
with Standard 5.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration
requires replacements of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials.

Standard 6 Analysis: The project does not propose to
repair or replace any features of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard as no existing apricot trees would be
removed. All existing apricot trees would remain as is
with the proposed project. Therefore, the project
would comply with Standard 6.
906
Agenda Item # 11.
23 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated
by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as
sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials
shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible.

Standard 7 Analysis: Standard 7 is not applicable. The
project does not include chemical or physical
treatments to the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

8. Significant archaeological resources affected by a
project shall be protected and preserved. If such
resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will
be undertaken.

Standard 8 Analysis: Los Altos has archaeological
heritage and historic resources dated from the early
1900s. The area of Los Altos was also home to the
Ohlone and Muwekma Indian tribes, who lived near
creekside locations within the city boundaries.25
Therefore, previously unknown subsurface resources
could potentially be unearthed during project
construction. As described in Section IV Project
Description, the project would include ground
disturbing activities such as excavating to a depth of
five feet. While the likelihood of encountering buried
cultural resources would be lower with the shallow
depth of excavation proposed, the project would be
required to implement the following standard
condition of approval to avoid impacts to unknown
subsurface resources.

Standard Condition of Approval
The following standard measure would be
implemented as part of the project to avoid impacts
to unknown subsurface resources:
• Discovery of Archaeological Resources: If
prehistoric or historic-period cultural
materials are unearthed during grounddisturbing activities, then all construction work within 100 feet of the find shall be
halted and the Development Services
Director or the Director’s designee shall be
notified. The project applicant shall contract
with a qualified archaeologist and Native
American representative that is traditionally
and culturally affiliated with the geographic
area as described in Public Resources Code
Section 21080.3 to examine the find.

Prehistoric materials might include, but are
25 City of Los Altos. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for The Los Altos General Plan Update. November 2002. Page

20. 907
Agenda Item # 11.
24 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis limited to, obsidian and chert-flaked stone
tools (e.g., projectile points, knives,
scrapers) or tool-making debris; culturally
darkened soil (“midden”) containing heataffected rocks and artifacts; stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles,
handstones, or milling slabs); and batteredstone tools, such as hammerstones and pitted stones. Historic-period materials
might include stone, concrete, or adobe
footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and
deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic
refuse. If the find is determined to be
potentially significant, the archaeologist, in
consultation with the Native American
representative, shall develop a treatment
plan that could include, but not limited to,
site avoidance, capping, or data recovery. A
report of findings documenting any data
recovery shall be submitted to the
Development Services Director or the
Director’s designee and the Northwest
Information Center (if applicable). Project
personnel shall not collect or move any
cultural materials.

With implementation of the above standard
condition of approval, the project would reduce the
cultural resource impacts during construction to a
less than significant level by stopping construction
and preparing and implementing a research design
and treatment plan if any archaeological resources
are found thereby protecting the resource .

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new
construction will not destroy historic materials,
features and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the
old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to
protect the integrity of the property and its
environment.

Standard 9 Analysis: As previously mentioned, the
addition of the proposed courtyard project would
result in a slight encroachment into the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard.

Although the spatial relationships among the trees
within the orchard would change (especially with the
obstruction of the limited dirt area on the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard), the
orchard is a fluid historic resource that frequently
changes with the removal and replacement of trees.

The obstruction of the dirt area within the southern
boundary of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard (which
could potentially be used for about seven future tree
planting sites) also would not destroy historic
908
Agenda Item # 11.
25 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis materials, features, and spatial relationships that
characterize the Civic Center Apricot Orchard
because this resource does not currently rely on this
dirt area or its potential planting sites to convey the historic nature of the orchard. Furthermore, no
existing apricot trees would be removed, which are
the main historic feature of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard. The Civic Center Apricot Orchard would still
be able to visually communicate its historical function as an orchard post-construction of the project.

While the project would be distinct and easily
identifiable as a new addition to the area due to the
modern elements proposed (such as the new
hardscape and multi-purpose seating area with an
audio-visual system), the new courtyard would be
compatible with the scale and proportion of the
surrounding development. The pergola would be
approximately 11.2 feet tall, similar to the height of
the Los Altos Library and Los Altos City Hall, which is within the Civic Center boundaries. The concrete
pedestrian pathways that would lead to City Hall or
the east parking lot would be similar to the existing
pathways on-site. The size and scale of the courtyard
would not overwhelm the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard either because the courtyard would be of
similar height as the existing buildings surrounding
the orchard and the orchard’s defining feature (the
apricot trees) would all remain. Therefore, the
project would not diminish or destroy the historic
materials, features, and spatial relationships that
characterize the Civic Center Apricot Orchard as the
project would be compatible with the historic size,
scale and proportion, and massing of the Civic Center
Apricot Orchard and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new
construction will be undertaken in such a manner that,
if removed in the future, the essential form and
integrity of the historic property and its environment
would be unimpaired
Standard 10 Analysis: The project includes the
construction and operation of a courtyard with an
multi-purpose seating area sheltered by a pergola.

The outdoor multi-purpose seating area would
include bench seating and have an audio-visual
system with six speakers and five screen monitors
mounted to the top of the pergola. New hardscape
and landscaping elements would also be constructed.

If all features of the project were to be removed in
the future, the Civic Center Apricot Orchard would be
unimpaired. Additionally, the dirt area within the
southern boundary of the Civic Center Apricot
909
Agenda Item # 11.
26 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Civic Center Apricot Orchard Analysis Orchard that would be obstructed by the project
would revert back to its existing, exposed condition if the project improvements were removed in the
future. Removal of the proposed courtyard would not
harm the form or integrity of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard since removal of the project would not
require removal of any existing apricot trees.

Therefore, the project would comply with Standard

10. J. Gilbert Smith House
The J. Gilbert Smith House would be maintained and remain as is since the courtyard project would not encroach into any portion of the residence or change the existing residence. There would be no repairs, additions, or treatments (chemical or physical) to the J. Gilbert Smith House as a result of the project. The historic materials, features, and spatial relationship that characterize the J. Gilbert Smith House would remain intact due to the lack of project interference. Therefore, the project complies with all 10 standards under the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation as they relate to the J. Gilbert Smith House.

Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources
In addition to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, the project was compared to criteria from the Los Altos Community Design and Historic Resources (CDHR) portion of the Los Altos General Plan. Criteria 1, 3, 7, 10, 11, and 12 from Community Design and Historic Resources Element 1 (Community Identity and Character) and Community Design and Historic Resources Element 12 (Preserve Significant Historic Resources) were applied to the project. Criteria 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 under Element 1 are not applicable to the project.

Table 2: Project Consistency with Applicable Los Altos Community Design & Historic Resources Elements and Criteria
Los Altos CDHR Elements and Criteria Analysis
CDHR 1: Community Identity and Character*
1) Maintaining the low density, low profile residential character of the community through zoning regulations
and design guidelines;
Criteria 1 Analysis: The project is not a residential
project but the criteria is applied to compare the
project to the surrounding buildings. The pergola
that would be part of the project would have a
maximum height of approximately 11.2 feet. The
fencing surrounding the courtyard would be a mix of
wood, metal, and glass with the fence being a
maximum height of seven feet. Both the pergola
and fencing would have low profiles that would be
similar to the surrounding single-story buildings
910
Agenda Item # 11.
27 1871 The Alameda, Suite 200 • San José, CA 95126 • Tel: (408) 248-3500 • www.davidjpowers.com Los Altos CDHR Elements and Criteria Analysis
(e.g., Los Altos Library and City Hall) and not change
the character of the Civic Center Apricot Orchard, J.

Gilbert Smith House, and larger Civic Center.

Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
3) Preserving trees, especially those designated as
heritage and landmark trees;
Criteria 3 Analysis: The project would not remove
any Civic Center Apricot Orchard apricot trees and
all apricot trees, which are designated heritage
trees26, would be preserved (i.e., not impacted by
the project). While a limited dirt area within the
southern boundary of the Civic Center Apricot
Orchard which could be seven potential apricot tree
planting sites will be obstructed due to the
construction of the project, no trees currently exist
in the dirt area. The project would remove three
ornamental trees and plant three new replacement
trees. Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
7) Promoting site planning and project design with an
emphasis on small town scale and
Criteria 7 Analysis: As mentioned above in Criteria 1
Analysis, the scale of the project is similar to the Los Altos Library building and would not be taller than
the surrounding buildings within the Civic Center.

Therefore, the existing small town scale and feel
would be maintained with the courtyard project.

Furthermore, the courtyard project would maintain
the pedestrian pathways connecting to sidewalk
adjacent to South San Antonio Road and provide
connection to City Hall and the east parking lot.

Therefore, the project would comply with this
criteria.
10) Developing distinguishing gateways to the City
representative of its unique characteristics;
Criteria 10 Analysis: The term gateway is referring
to the primary entrances into Los Altos from other
cities and towns and how the City would like
attractive gateways at the primary entrances to the
City to distinguish Los Altos from its neighboring
cities.27 The project is not located at a city
entryway.28 Therefore, the project would comply
with this criteria.
11) Encouraging community events throughout the City Criteria 11 Analysis: As mentioned in Section IV Project Description, the proposed courtyard would
26 Per the Los Altos Municipal Code Chapter 11.08.020, Heritage tree means any tree so designated by the historical commission, based on the finding that the tree has character, interest, or value as part of the development of, and/or exemplification of, the cultural, educational, economic, agricultural, social, indigenous, or historical heritage of the city. 27 City of Los Altos. “Community Design & Historic Resources Element,” Los Altos General Plan 2002-2020. November 2022.