• Single-family dwellings of wood frame construction not more than two stories and/or including basement in height.

• Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height. Not more than four dwelling units per lot.

• Garages or other structures appurtenant to dwellings, of wood frame construction not more than two stories and basement in height.

• Agricultural and ranch buildings of wood frame construction.*
• Nonstructural store fronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment including nonstructural work necessary to provide for their installation.

• Nonstructural alterations or additions to any building necessary to or attendant upon the installation of such storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fixtures, cabinetwork, furniture, appliances, or equipment.

• May not design any component that affects the safety of any building or its occupants, including but not limited to structural or seismic components.

* Unless the building official having jurisdiction deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety or welfare is involved
Structural Engineers * have no Limitations; may design any building of any type.

Applicable Statutes - 6731, 6736, 5537.1 of B & P Code

Civil Engineers * may design any building except hospitals or schools.

Applicable Statutes - 15013 of H & S Code 5537.5, 6731, 6735 of B & P Code

Architects * may design any type building except the structural portion of a hospital.

Applicable Statutes - 15048 of H & S Code, 5500.1, 6737 of B & P Code

Not all homes or commercial buildings need a backflow valve. New structures, new installation or alterations of plumbing fixtures require the installation of a backwater valve if the lowest finished floor elevation is less than one foot above the uphill manhole cover of the public sewer system. Existing homes or commercial buildings located in older parts of Los Gatos may have been constructed or had plumbing repairs completed before the requirement of a backwater valve and may need backflow protection. Los Gatos Town Code section 22.20.055(b) provides the Town of Los Gatos is not liable for damage resulting from sewer overflow where the property owner or other person has failed to install and maintain a backflow valve.
The Town suggests that while you are working on your plumbing system you have your plumber or West Valley Sanitation District investigate your property to see if a backwater valve is necessary to protect your property. Although the cost can vary, the one-time cost may save your personal property and help eliminate potential unnecessary hardships. Backwater Valve Handout

Encroachment Permits are obtained from the Town's Engineering Department. Town Engineers will review your improvement plans and determine the fee and assist you in obtaining the necessary paperwork to approve your project. For instance, if the work in the public right-of-way is non-standard (such as colored or stamped concrete) a signed Indemnity Agreement is required from the property owner. Also, each homeowner needs to have proof of Liability Insurance in the amount of $300,000 while encroaching upon the public way. For more information, please contact Town Engineering at (408) 399-5770. Engineering Permit Information

The Town of Los Gatos and Police Department are offering this new service to further its goal of "knowing everyone in the community," a worthwhile endeavor which has already demonstrated its value to the community. For more information, contact the Personnel and Community Services Divison at (408) 354-6842.

Resident Services

Tree Removal Permits: Required in advance of removing a tree, or fines may result. Permit applications not available online, but are available iat Clerk's, Planning and Public Works' offices. Please call 399-5770.

Park Fees: Oak Meadow Park's parking lot has a daily parking fee of $5 to non-residents (residents park free). All parks have available street parking, please read street parking signs for time restrictions.

Park Permits: Required for special events and special use in any town park (jump houses, caterer access and groups of 25 or more people). For more information, call 399-5781 or email parks@losgatosca.gov

• South Side Lot located at S. Santa Cruz Ave. just south of the Post Office accross from the Toll House Hotel.


• Park Ave. Lot located on Park Ave. at W. Main St.


• Underground parking in Lot #4 on Railroad Way between Elm and Gray's.
  
• Miles Avenue - Lot at the bottom of the hill.


• Montebello Lot on Montebello next to the Post Office.


• North Side Lot located on the north side of Highway 9 between University and N. Santa Cruz.

Parking Enforcement-Town Los Gatos
PO Box 5010, San Ramon, CA 94583

or bring it to the Los Gatos Police Department, 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030; 24 hours a day. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Click here for maps and driving directions to the Civic Center.

If your appeal to the Town is denied, an appeal may be filed in the Santa Clara County Civil Court within 21 days from date of denial. This court will review the factual aspects of the case, the administrative process, and the decision of the Hearing Examiner. The decision of the Civil Court may be communicated in person or by mail.

• RED curb means no parking at any time.


• YELLOW curb indicates a commercial loading zone and is restricted to the offloading of commercial freight with a time restriction of 30 minutes.


• GREEN curb is time limited - there will be a sign posted indicating the duration, usually 30 minutes.


• WHITE curb indicates a passenger loading zone and is for dropping off and/or picking up passengers only. There is a 10 minute allowance for this purpose.


• BLUE curbs will be accompanied by the blue and white disabled person sign. These parking stalls are restricted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are for the use of disabled persons with the properly displayed permits ONLY.

For example, the curb may not be painted green but if there is a sign posted that limits parking to 30 minutes - the 30 limits limitation will be enforced.

Another example would be at a fire hydrant that does not have an accompanying red curb. It is still a violation to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

If your vehicle was “impounded,” this means that the police department has placed a hold on the vehicle, and it may not yet be available for release. The most common reason for a vehicle impound is that it was driven by a suspended or unlicensed driver. If this is the case, the vehicle will be held for a period of 30 days, and you must wait for this time to elapse before requesting a release. After the 30 day period has passed, the registered owner may come to the police department to obtain a release. A fee of $150.00 will be charged for release of stored or impounded vehicle, and the registered owner will be required to show a valid driver’s license. Should the registered owner not have a valid license, a valid picture I.D., and the presence of a licensed driver, will be needed. Note, you may also be charged by the towing company for towing and storage before they will release the vehicle.

If your vehicle was “stored”, it is available for immediate release. The procedure for this release is the same as for an impounded vehicle, but without the waiting period.

Park Reservations: To reserve an Oak Meadow Park Group BBQ Site, the Gazebo, or to reserve Pageant Park, call (408) 399-5781 (sorry, reservations not available on-line).

Park Fees: Oak Meadow Park has a parking lot fee of $5 for non-residents. All other parks have free or restricted parking. Look for parking signs and time restrictions.

Park Permits: Required for large-groups of 25 or more people, for special use (such as jump houses, caterers) and to receive vehicle escort on park use roads. Call 399-5770 or email parks@losgatosca.gov