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Parking

Show All Answers

1. Where can I park in downtown Los Gatos?

Click the link at the bottom of this section for a parking map! There are six public lots that are without time limits and are within one or two blocks of the downtown area:

• South Side Lot located on S. Santa Cruz Ave. just south of the Post Office and across from the Toll House Hotel.
• Montebello Lot located on Montebello Way next to the Post Office.
• Park Ave. Lot located on Park Ave. at W. Main St.
• Underground parking in Lot #4 located on Station Way between Elm St. and Grays Ln.
• Miles Avenue Lot located on Miles Ave. at the bottom of the hill.
• North Side Lot located on the north side of Highway 9 between University Ave. and N. Santa Cruz Ave.

Parking Map

2. Can I park my car on the street overnight?

Vehicles may be parked on the street overnight in non-restricted residential zones except parking for the purpose of display, repair, storage, etc. is prohibited.

Vehicles parking with in the residential permit areas must have a current parking permit on the vehicle. Overnight parking in downtown lots is prohibited where posted.

3. I received a parking ticket. How soon do I have to pay?

You must respond to the citation within 21 days. Failure to respond within 21 days may result in an increase in the amount due or the withholding of the vehicle's registration.

4. Where do I go to pay?

If you receive a parking citation you have 21 days in which to respond. Failure to respond within 21 days may result in an increase in the amount due or to the withholding of the vehicles registration. Methods of Payment 1.  Payments by Visa, MasterCard or Discover      By internet:   www.pticket.com/losgatos. Please have  the following information ready: Citation number and/or license plate number Credit Card number, expiration date and billing address Upon approved credit card payment, you will be provided with a confirmation number.  Please be prepared to document this confirmation number.  2.  Payments by Mail: Office of Parking Violations Town of Los Gatos P O Box 11113 San Jose  CA 95103-1113 Please include your citation and license plate number on your check or money order.   * Do not send cash through the mail. * Avoid late charges.  Do not wait until your due date to mail your payment.  Payments are applied using the official postmark date provided by the Post Office.  There is no grace period and there are no exceptions.   3.  To contact a Customer Service Representative call us at: (800) 818-1832.

5. How do I contest a parking citation?

You have 21 days from the original citation date in which to make an appeal - request an administrative investigation. The procedure for appeal is printed on the back of the citation. On-line appeals can be made by visiting www.pticket.com/losgatos 

6. What happens when I appeal a citation?

You will be required to fill out a "Parking Appeal Investigation" form, stating your reason(s) for believing the citation was issued in error or why you are not liable for the alleged violation. You will be notified of the decision by mail, usually within 30 calendar days.

7. What if the parking citation is not dismissed? Do I have any other recourse?

Yes, If your Administrative Investigation is denied you may appeal. You have 21 days from the date the denial notification was mailed to file a written request with an explanation for this review. No official form is provided for this request. Mail your second  appeal with the full amount of the citation to Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, Attn: Parking, 110 E. Main St., Los Gatos, CA 95030 or deliver in person to 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos. The full amount of the citation will be refunded if your citation is dismissed, the amount is forfeited if the citation is deemed valid. If your second appeal is denied, an appeal may be filed in the Santa Clara County Civil Court within 21 days from date of denial of the second appeal. 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.

8. How do I get a permit for a special event?

You may apply for a special event parking permit by calling Jackie Rose, Community Outreach Coordinator at (408) 354-6853 or by appearing in person at the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, 110 E. Main St., Los Gatos, CA 95030, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. and Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am -1:00 pm. Appointments may be needed.

9. How do I apply for a residential or business permit?

Town of Los Gatos online parking management system is operated by getaPERMIT. The online system provides capabilities for ordering, purchasing and managing your individual Residential Parking Permit account. The Town of Los Gatos issues residential and employee parking permits for specific locations in Town. There are five Residential Parking Permit Districts close to downtown Los Gatos and there are two Employee Permit District. The parking permits are valid only for residents and  businesses in those specific districts and allow unlimited parking to permit holders within their district.

Register your Vehicle Here

10. Are there special parking permits for construction workers and contractors that are working in the downtown area?

Yes, They may be acquired at the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. and Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. If you have any questions on the fees, please call 408-354-6853. Appointments may be needed.

11. What is the meaning of the different color curbs?

The curb coloring indicates a restiction on parking:

• 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.

12. If a curb has no painted color is it okay to park here?

In most cases, yes, however some restrictions are controlled by a sign 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.

13. I sometimes see a curb that is painted gray. What does that mean?

The Town has returned some previously restricted parking to regularly available parking by painting over the previously colored curb with gray paint.

14. I sometimes see a parking officer writing a citation on private property. Are they allowed to do that?

Yes, but only for FIRE LANE and HANDICAPPED STALL enforcement. One is mandated by the fire marshall and the other by the Town. Both are conditions of the property owners use permit.

15. Who do I call to report a parking problem on my street?

Residents can call Los Gatos Communications - (408) 354-8600 to report parking problems or violations.

16. Who do I call for an abandoned vehicle on my street?

Call the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline (408) 399-5716, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or complete a PDF complaint form http://www.losgatosca.gov/forms.aspx?FID=84" target="_blank">Abandoned Vehicle Complaint Form and fax it to (408) 354-0578. Or complete an online form by clicking on the link below. Have available a description of the vehicle, location, license number and how long it has been there. An officer will respond as soon as available. Please note that vehicles parked on private property are not the responsibilty of the Police Department. Only vehicles parked on Town owned streets, alleys, and off street parking facilities are responded to. If you have any questions about vehicles on private property, contact Code Compliance at (408) 399-5720.

Online Abandoned Vehicle Complaint Form

17. My car was towed or 'booted'. How do I get it back?

You may call the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department to inquire if your vehicle was towed. Please provide the police dispatcher with the license plate number of your vehicle, and the location from which you think it may have been towed. They will confirm the status of your vehicle. 

 

If your vehicle was stored (available for immediate release)  or impounded (held for a period of 30 days) a vehicle release must be obtained from the Police Department before the tow company will release the vehicle to you. 

 

In order to get a vehicle release the following conditions must be met:

 

• You must be the registered or legal owner of the vehicle.
• The vehicle must be currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 
• You must have a valid California driver’s license or bring a licensed driver with you. If you do not have a CA Driver’s license you will need to bring identification for yourself.
• A vehicle release fee of is required, $235.00 This fee must be paid in the form of cash or the following credit/debit cards – Visa, Master-card or Discover Card (a fee will be charged).

 

If you have further questions about the tow, please contact the Records Unit at 408-354-5257, during regular business hours.  After business hours, contact the non-emergency number at 408-354-8600.