New Home Construction in Saratoga, CA
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Saratoga design review (Article 15-45) covers a new home, any new second story, adding 100 sq ft or more to an existing second story, additions over 50% of floor area, footprint changes over 50%, rebuilds, and accessory structures over 250 sq ft. Projects that fully meet the Single-Family Design Standards are approved ministerially. Others get Administrative Design Review by the Community Development Director, with a Notice of Intent to Approve mailed within 250 feet, a 15-day comment period and a 15-day appeal window to the Planning Commission.
Hillside Residential (HR) zone: minimum lots start at 2 acres and rise with slope; homes are limited to 2 stories and 26 feet (30 with Planning Commission approval), with ridgeline protection, no building on slopes over 40%, an average slope under the footprint of 30% or less, and grading capped at 1,000 cubic yards. Geologic and soils reports are reviewed by the City Geologist, and sites near the Berrocal Fault need fault studies.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
New-Home Requirements
Trees (Article 15-50): native trees 6 inches or more in diameter and other trees 10 inches or more are protected, along with street and heritage trees. Construction projects need a Tree Preservation Plan, an ISA arborist inspecting at least three times during construction, and a tree security deposit.
Wildfire: Saratoga adopted the 2025 Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Ordinance 414, November 2025). New construction and roof replacements over 10% in a year need Class A roofing. About half the city is in the Saratoga Fire Protection District, staffed by Santa Clara County Fire since 2008.
- Fire sprinkler plans to Santa Clara County Fire.
- Green Halo construction waste plan.
- Survey, easements and net site area confirmed before design.
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 · Building and inspections (408) 868-1201
Permits are filed through eTRAKiT. Construction waste is tracked through a Green Halo waste management plan with 65% diversion. Fire plan review goes to Santa Clara County Fire at 1315 Dell Avenue, Campbell.
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Other Saratoga services: Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Saratoga ADU builder · Saratoga overview
Same service nearby: Los Gatos · Cupertino · Los Altos Hills
See our custom home builder page.
Saratoga New Home Construction FAQ
Do new homes need design review in Saratoga?
Yes, ministerial if they fully meet the Single-Family Design Standards, otherwise Administrative Design Review.
What are the hillside height limits?
26 feet and 2 stories in the HR zone, up to 30 feet with Planning Commission approval.
What roof is required?
Class A roofing for new construction under the 2025 WUI Code.
How many arborist inspections are required?
At least three during construction.