The City of Los Gatos permits ADUs across most residential zones. Los Gatos follows both state and local ADU laws, allowing most single-family homes to build one detached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) per lot. Multi-family properties may be eligible for multiple ADUs, depending on site conditions.

Los Gatos aligns with California’s broader ADU legislation but has its own requirements for height, setbacks, and design review.

• Detached ADU: A standalone unit located in the backyard or separate from the main residence
• Attached ADU: A unit physically attached to the primary home, sharing one common wall
• Conversion ADU:  Created by converting an existing space such as a garage, attic, or basement into a livable unit
• Junior ADU (JADU):  Up to 500 sq ft, built entirely within the main home with a small kitchen and independent entrance

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Up to 1,200 sq ft
  • Attached: Up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s floor area, not exceeding 1,200 sq ft
• Setbacks:
  
  • Minimum 4 ft from side and rear property lines
• Height Limits:
  
  • Typically up to 16 ft for single-story ADUs 
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional parking is not required if the ADU is:
    
    • Within ½ mile walking distance of public transit
    • Part of an existing primary structure or accessory building conversion
    • Located in a designated historic or architecturally significant district

To build an ADU in Los Gatos, the following approvals are typically required:

• Zoning compliance review to ensure the unit meets setbacks, height limits, and floor area regulations
• Site plan and elevations showing the property layout, existing structures, and proposed ADU location
• Architectural drawings including floor plans, sections, and elevations
• Structural calculations and engineering details for the building’s safety and code compliance
• Title 24 energy documentation demonstrating compliance with California energy efficiency standards
• Permit submission through the Town of Los Gatos’s building permit process
  

Homeowners should also review Los Gatos’s current fee schedule, utility connection requirements, and fire code compliance.

Permit review times in Los Gatos typically range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on project complexity and the Town’s workload. Applications requiring corrections or revisions may take longer. Working with professionals familiar with Los Gatos’s ADU process can help streamline approval and ensure timely permit issuance.

Most residential zones are eligible for ADUs, including R-1, R-D, R-M, HR, RC, and RMH. A primary dwelling must exist or be proposed on the lot. There are no minimum lot sizes for ADUs in most areas of Los Gatos. Some hillside, historic, or environmentally sensitive zones may have special restrictions on height, setbacks, or design.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Los Gatos.