New Home Construction in Los Gatos, CA
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Building New in Los Gatos
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.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
Hillside, Historic and Fire Rules
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.
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.
Before demolishing a home built before 1941, its historic status must be reviewed.
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.
Explore More
Other Los Gatos services: Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Los Gatos ADU builder · Los Gatos overview
Same service nearby: Saratoga · Cupertino · Santa Clara
See our custom home builder page.
Los Gatos New Home Construction FAQ
Do new homes need story poles in Los Gatos?
Yes, certified before public notice.
Can I demolish an older home?
Homes built before 1941 are presumed historic and need review first.
Is defensible space required?
In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, 100 feet.
Who issues permits?
The Town of Los Gatos, or Santa Clara County for unincorporated addresses.