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What was envisioned as the future appearance of the Gateway District along a portion of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road by a group of Saratogans can now be seen in the newly created Gateway Design Guidelines.
The document, which highlights recommended actions for those planning on developing or redeveloping a piece of property, is the result of a nine-month collaboration among city officials, residents and business owners involved in the Gateway subcommittee. The group formed in early 2003 following the fallout of a previous group due to conflicts of interest between several members.
"The guidelines are designed to encourage a successful business environment as well as to enhance the neighborhood and to protect the rural nature of the area," said subcommittee member and Saratoga Councilman Norman Kline. "It also serves as a guide for developers so that they won't get blind-sided when presenting plans to develop or redevelop a property."
The document covers a wide range of issues, from construction materials allowed to recommended hues of a property's frontage and permitted landscaping features.
"We're shooting for the early-California theme," Kline said. "That's why some of the recommendations in the guidelines are specific. However, there may be room for some exceptions depending on the overall project."
According to the guidelines, colors used should be of an earthy tone such as gray, beige dark brown, sandstone, dark green and dulled red. Bright colors are not allowed in the area. In addition, finishing materials should consist of natural materials such as brick, stone, stucco or wood. The use of reflective materials, including metal, aluminum and vinyl, is discouraged.
The guidelines were approved unanimously by the city council, but received a 6-1-1 vote within the subcommittee, with resident Jack Mallory, who served on the first subcommittee that disbanded, opposed and Planning Commissioner Cynthia Barry absent.
"Even though members disagreed on certain topics, the first subcommittee made excellent progress," Mallory said. "For example, we were able to compromise on having landscaped medians with certain breaks to allow drivers to make turns. The new guidelines seem to be a watered-down version of what the first subcommittee established."
According to Mallory, the city decided to drop the original guidelines because they contained ordinance-related information. However, Mallory said that the more detailed the guidelines, the better and clearer they are for those who need to refer to them.
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