Los Gatos ADU Permits & Building Guide
At Apex Homes, we’ve designed and built pre-approved ADU homes that provide extra living space, stable rental income, and long-term possibilities in as little as five months. If you’re considering building an ADU in Los Gatos, you’re in a desirable market with strong property appreciation potential and flexible options for rental or multigenerational living.
ADU Regulations in Los Gatos
Los Gatos follows California’s state ADU standards but applies its own development guidelines for single-family and multi-family properties.
For single-family lots, homeowners may build one detached or attached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU). Detached and attached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, while JADUs are limited to 500 square feet. Setbacks are based on the underlying zoning for the front yard, with 4 feet required at the rear and side. Detached ADUs are limited to 18 feet in height, while attached ADUs built above a two-story home may reach 25 feet. A minimum 5-foot separation is required between the ADU and the primary residence.
On multi-family lots, property owners may add detached ADUs equal to 25 percent of the number of existing units, rounded up to the nearest whole number. These units may also be up to 1,200 square feet. JADUs are capped at 500 square feet, with the same setback and separation rules as single-family lots. Detached ADUs are limited to 18 feet in height, while attached units above two-story buildings may reach 25 feet.
These standards allow homeowners in Los Gatos to maximize livable space, rental potential, and long-term property value while keeping projects compliant with local zoning and development codes.
The Los Gatos ADU Permitting Process
Getting an ADU permit in Los Gatos begins with reviewing the Town’s ADU information page and confirming zoning, lot size, and development standards. Homeowners prepare and submit a complete application, including site, architectural, structural, utility/load, and Title 24 energy plans, through the Los Gatos online permits portal using the Permit Decision Tool.
Applications are ministerially reviewed, typically within 60 days of a complete submittal. Once approved, inspections are scheduled through the portal, and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued upon passing all inspections.
Why Build an ADU in Los Gatos?
Building an ADU in Los Gatos can increase property value by 25–35 percent and provide rental income or flexible living space for family and guests. ADUs are ideal for multigenerational households, aging-in-place, or long-term visitors, offering privacy and independence in a compact space. They also support higher-density infill housing, helping to expand the local housing supply in a cost-effective way while enhancing community diversity.
For more detailed information or specific guidance, we can book a 1 on 1 with an Apex Home ADU expert. Let us help you transform your property with a thoughtfully planned ADU today!