Home Additions in Los Gatos, CA
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A Los Gatos Addition We Built
Our Los Gatos work: we completed a full home remodel and addition in Los Gatos, expanding the living space with large sliding doors to the yard.
The photos above are from that project.
Our Los Gatos Addition
Second Stories and Story Poles
Architecture and Site review: second-story additions and new homes go through Architecture and Site review, or the Minor Residential Development path for smaller projects. Story poles and netting go up and are certified before notices go out, with a project sign on site and a 300-foot notice. Orange netting means the project is open for comment. The Town’s consulting architect and consulting arborist review plans, and a project is referred to the Planning Commission if it would be the first second story in the immediate neighborhood (two homes on each side and five across the street) or the largest home by square footage or floor area ratio. Appeals are due within 10 days.
Historic Homes, Hillsides and Trees
Historic Los Gatos: the Town has historic districts at Almond Grove, Broadway, Downtown Commercial, Fairview Plaza and University/Edelen, and any primary structure built before 1941 is presumed historic until reviewed. Broadway was the first residential street in 1881, and about three-quarters of Fairview Plaza’s homes are pre-1900 Victorians and Craftsman houses. The Historic Preservation Committee reviews exterior changes.
Hillsides and wildfire: the Hillside Standards and Guidelines apply in the hills, and parts of town are in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone with 100 feet of defensible space required by Santa Clara County Fire. Fire plans are submitted to County Fire only after the Town building permit is issued.
Trees: protected trees are regulated under the Town Code, and tree permits are filed through the Engineering portal.
110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Building (408) 354-6876, Bu******@********ca.gov · Planning (408) 354-6874
Counter weekdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; planners by appointment; Building Official appointments 1 to 4 p.m. at (408) 354-6815. Applications are digital only at permits.losgatosca.gov. Inspections are requested online or at (408) 354-6877 by noon for the next business day. Some Los Gatos addresses are unincorporated and permitted by Santa Clara County instead.
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Other Los Gatos services: Bathrooms · Kitchens · New Homes · Los Gatos ADU builder · Los Gatos overview
Same service nearby: Saratoga · Cupertino · Santa Clara
Los Gatos Home Additions FAQ
Do second-story additions need story poles?
Yes. Story poles and netting are installed and certified before notices go out.
When does an addition go to the Planning Commission?
If it would be the first second story in the immediate neighborhood or the largest home by size or floor area ratio.
How long is the appeal period?
10 days.
Have you built additions in Los Gatos?
Yes. See our full home remodel and addition project.