Two Detached ADUs in Los Gatos (AB 956, 2027)
Plan Two ADUs in Los Gatos: Free Site Assessment
Los Gatos ADU rules today (2026)
From January 1, 2027, state law (AB 956) requires the Town of Los Gatos to approve up to two detached ADUs on a lot with a single-family home. Los Gatos includes hillside zones with fire hazard areas, which affect how and where backyard units are built. Here is how the new law and the Town’s current ADU rules fit together.
Los Gatos ADU rules are in Town Code Chapter 29 (Ord. 2307, 2020), summarized in the Town’s April 2024 brochure.
- Units allowed now: the Town’s brochure lists one ADU plus one JADU per single-family lot.
- Size: an ADU may be up to 1,200 sq ft and a JADU up to 500 sq ft. An ADU of up to 800 sq ft is exempt from floor area ratio.
- Height: 16 ft for a ground-floor ADU. ADUs are single-story, except a second-story unit above a one-story accessory building in certain residential zones, or a second story added to an existing two-story house (25 ft).
- Setbacks: 4 ft side and rear; front per zone.
- Separation: 5 ft from any other structure.
- Parking: one space per ADU, in a setback, driveway or tandem. No replacement for a converted garage.
- Process: streamlined permitting with one application and one plan review to a building permit.
- Pre-approved plans: the Town’s ADU Plans Gallery offers pre-approved designs.
State review of Los Gatos's ADU rules
In October 2023, the state housing department (HCD) found the Town’s 2020 ordinance out of compliance. It flagged the one-ADU-plus-JADU cap, the 16 ft height, a two-bedroom cap and discretionary review for larger detached ADUs in hillside zones. Where local rules are stricter than state law, state law applies.
Recent Axiom work
Professional photos from a recent Axiom Renovation full remodel and addition in Los Gatos.
What changes on January 1, 2027
AB 956 requires the Town to approve up to two detached new-construction ADUs on a single-family lot. The Town may cap each at 800 sq ft of living space and apply height limits; side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft. Where two detached ADUs are built, a JADU need not be approved, and HOA rules cannot block or unreasonably restrict the units. Los Gatos materials still describe one ADU plus one JADU, so the two-unit option is a larger change here than in some neighbors. The 5 ft separation from other structures will shape where two units fit. The Town will need to update its code, and we confirm current rules as it does.
Planning two detached ADUs on a Los Gatos lot
- Hillside zones: HR and RC zones are hillside areas, and exterior materials there follow the Hillside Development Standards.
- Fire hazard and sprinklers: the hillsides include very high fire hazard severity zones. An ADU needs sprinklers only if the main house requires them, and an ADU does not trigger sprinklers in the house.
- Grading: a grading permit is needed if grading exceeds 50 cubic yards.
- Separation: two detached units each need 5 ft from the house and from each other.
- Electrical: two units usually need a load calculation and often a service upgrade.
Building ADUs in Los Gatos with Axiom
We have completed a full home remodel and addition in Los Gatos. See our Los Gatos ADU guide and Los Gatos service area, read the AB 956 overview, or compare neighboring Saratoga and Campbell.
Process
Our ADU Process
Step 1
Initial Consultation
We begin with a thorough initial consultation to understand your needs, assess your space, and discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.
Step 2
Planning and Design
At Axiom Renovation, we understand that the planning and design phase of an ADU project is crucial to its success. Our dedicated project managers will work closely with you to understand your goals, design ideas and budget for the project.
Step 3
Material Selection
We guide you through selecting high-quality materials that fit your design and budget, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
Step 4
Demolition and Preparation
Careful demolition and preparation work are performed to ready the space for construction, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a clean work environment.
Step 5
Construction and Installation
Our skilled craftsmen handle the construction phase, including obtaining permits, scheduling appointments, and the actual construction and installation with precision, building the new space according to the approved design.
Step 6
Electrical and Plumbing Work
Licensed professionals conduct all electrical and plumbing work, ensuring everything is up to code and seamlessly integrated into the new ADU.
Step 7
Painting and Finishing
We pay close attention to detail during the painting and finishing stage, ensuring all surfaces are properly prepared and beautifully finished.
Step 8
Fixture and Appliance Installation
We expertly install all fixtures and appliances, ensuring they function correctly and fit perfectly with the overall design.
Step 9
Final Touches and Clean-Up
Final touches are added, and a thorough clean-up is performed, leaving your new space pristine and ready for use.
Step 10
Final Walkthrough and Client Satisfaction
We conduct a final walkthrough with you to ensure every detail meets your expectations and address any remaining concerns, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Los Gatos Two-ADU FAQ
Can I build two detached ADUs in Los Gatos?
From January 1, 2027, AB 956 requires the Town to approve up to two detached, new-construction ADUs on a lot with a single-family home, if the project meets objective standards. The Town’s current brochure lists one ADU plus one JADU per lot.
How large can each ADU be in Los Gatos?
Today an ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft, and up to 800 sq ft is exempt from floor area ratio. Under AB 956, the Town may limit each of two detached ADUs to 800 sq ft of living space.
How tall can a detached ADU be in Los Gatos?
16 ft for a ground-floor ADU. ADUs are generally single-story, with limited exceptions for units above a one-story accessory building.
How does ADU permitting work in Los Gatos?
The Town uses streamlined permitting: one application and one plan review to a building permit. Pre-approved designs are available in the Town’s ADU Plans Gallery.
Does a Los Gatos ADU in a fire hazard zone need sprinklers?
Only if the main house requires them. Building an ADU does not trigger sprinklers in the existing house.
Who builds two-ADU projects in Los Gatos?
Axiom Renovation designs, permits and builds ADUs in Los Gatos and is planning two-unit projects for 2027. Call 408-702-2022, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Sources: AB 956 (Quirk-Silva), signed September 29, 2026, effective January 1, 2027, as summarized by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and California YIMBY. This page is general information, not legal advice. Local rules change; we confirm current requirements with the city for every project.