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Planning

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1. What is the Community Development Department, where are you located and what are your hours?

The Community Development Department includes the Planning Division, Building Division, and Code Compliance Division.  We are located at 110 E. Main Street on the corner of Fiesta Way and E. Main Street in Downtown Los Gatos.  Public drop-in counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Planners may be available by appointment during non-counter hours by calling (408) 354-6874.  Map & Directions to Town Civic Center

2. Where can I find information about the Town's General Plan?

To learn more about the current, or past General Plans, please go to the General Plan web page.

3. Can I make an appointment with a Planner?

You may make an appointment with a Planner by directly contacting a Planner. You can also drop in to meet with a Planner without an appointment during our Counter Hours which are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Community Development Contact Information

4. What is the zoning designation of my property?

Using the Town's Interactive GIS Map along with the street address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) you can find the zoning and general plan information, along with contours, aerials, and other property related information. If unable to use GIS, please contact a Planner for zoning information. For Aerial Photographs, Zoning and General Plan Information, please click on Legend: ON, and check the box for the appropriate map data. For Aerial Photographs, please note that you will need to zoom in until the Aerial Photographs option appears in the legend.

5. I see orange netting at a property near my house, can I see the plans or comment on the proposed construction?

The orange netting signifies that a proposed project is ready for public comments. Plans are available for review on the Pending Planning Projects page and at the Community Development Department during public counter hours using the computer in our lobby area. Neighbors are welcome to call the Community Development Department or stop by to speak to the project planner regarding the proposed construction.

Contact a Planner

6. How can I comment on specific pending planning projects?

The Town welcomes public comment on land use items.

To submit comments for a Planning Commission Public Hearing: Written comments and/or materials or comments in electronic format for specific projects can be directed to the staff email at Planning@losgatosca.gov or drop them off to Community Development Department located at 110 E Main St., Los Gatos CA 95030. You can also send an e-mail to the planner assigned to a project by checking our Pending Planning Projects webpage.

Public Hearing Comment Deadline Schedule Public comments will be received up until 11 a.m. the day of the meeting, however, it is encouraged to submit them as soon as possible to allow the Commission adequate review time.

If you have questions about accessing links or commenting issues, please call us at (408) 354-6872.

7. I want to do an accessory structure in my backyard, do I need a permit?

One accessory structure less than 120 square feet, is allowed in the required side or rear setbacks without any zoning approvals. Any accessory structure in excess of one will be subject to the requirements set forth by Section 29.40.015 of the zoning ordinance. All accessory structures more than 120 square feet are subject to the requirements set forth by Section 29.40.015 of the Zoning Ordinance.

8. How tall can a fence or wall be?

Generally wood fences up to 6 feet in height do not require permits. If you are located on a corner lot, please refer to the Fence Sight Triangle & Traffic View Area Handout for information on additional height limits and setback requirements. Additional fencing limitations and information is located in Section 29.40.030 of the Town Code. Permits are generally required for walls.

9. I have a Los Gatos address, why am I being referred to the Santa Clara County Planning Department?

Although your mailing address reflects Los Gatos as the city, your property is technically located in an unincorporated portion of Santa Clara County. Since your property has not been annexed into the Town of Los Gatos, your public services are provided by Santa Clara County, including services such as planning, development review, and building permits. For planning inquiries, please refer to the County of Santa Clara or contact the Planning Office directly at 408-299-5770.

Official Santa Clara County Website

10. I am located in an unincorporated area of Santa Clara County, will the Town be annexing my property in the near future?

If you own a property that abuts a Town boundary or is within 300 feet of a road that is maintained by the Town, you may be required to annex in conjunction with a development proposal. Typical projects that trigger annexation are subdivisions, new single-family homes and significant remodel projects that involve demolition of more than 50% of the existing home. You should contact the Santa Clara County Planning Department at 408-299-5770 to determine if your project will trigger annexation.

Official Santa Clara County Website

11. Can I add an accessory dwelling unit to my property?

Town Code permits new accessory dwelling units on properties in the R-1, RD, RM, R-1D, HR, and RC zones. Requirements and limitations can be found in Section 29.10.320 of the Town Code. Answers to FAQs regarding accessory dwelling unit regulations can be found here. For additional information as how this might apply to a specific property you should contact a Planner.

12. What businesses can I operate on my property?

First, determine the zoning district your property is located in by entering in your address or Assessor’s Parcel Number in our Interactive Map. Then, look up the permitted uses for your zoning district. If your use is not listed, refer to the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Table to determine if your use requires a CUP. Uses that typically require a CUP include restaurants, banks, alcohol sales, child care facilities, formula retail stores and schools. Some personal service businesses require a CUP depending on location.

13. Want to know where your business is allowed?

Click here to find out.

14. Do you have information on where my property lines are?

Planning files related to your property may show the location of property lines, but the Community Development Department does not have legal records that indicate the location of legal property lines. Contact a certified surveyor civil engineer to determine the location of your property lines.

15. What permits do I need for a new or replacement sign?

You will need a sign permit: Sign Permit Application.
Please refer to Section 29.10.100 of the Town Code and the Commercial Design Guidelines for information on signs.

16. Can I get a liquor license for my business?

All applications for liquor licenses, including beer and wine or full liquor service, require the approval of the Town Council. Applicants will need to submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit.

17. Where can I find information on parking space dimensions, parking stripe regulations, and number of required parking spaces?

Please refer to Section 29.10.145 of the Town Code for information on parking.