Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can make an appointment with the Mayor or a Council Member by emailing your request to Town Hall at Council@LosGatosCA.gov You may also call (408) 354-6832 to schedule an appointment.

Council meeting are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (except Holidays) at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, located at 110 E. Main Street

Yes. The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department has launched an innovative outreach program to welcome new residents. Launched in May 2008, uniformed police volunteers from the Volunteers in Policing Program personally welcome new residents. Residents receive packets of useful community information, including letters from the Town Manager and Chief of Police, an overview of Town services, emergency preparedness and home safety information and information from local businesses. Children receive Town pins, stickers, and police badges. 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 Division at (408) 354-6853.

The Chamber of Commerce has an event calendar that lists upcoming community-wide events.

Click on the link to view current and past operating and capital budgets.

There are several community event held in Town each year. Some events are sponsored by the Town, while others are coordinated by outside organizations. While not an all-inclusive list, the following link reflects popular Town and community activities and events.

Please refer to this parking map for parking locations and regulations near downtown Los Gatos.

Overnight parking is prohibited in certain areas, including some residential parking permit districts and downtown parking lots. Make sure you check for signs with posted regulations when parking your vehicle. 

Routine street sweeping is completed once each month, with additional service during the fall season to keep up with fallen leaves. Please refer to the current street sweeping routes and schedule to know when your street will be swept, and note that holiday makeups occurring on the third week of each month. Downtown street sweeping is done weekly on Friday. 

Currently, there are no parking restrictions on street sweeping days, but residents are strongly encouraged to move vehicles off the street to allow the sweeping trucks to keep our streets clean and sanitary. For more information about street maintenance, visit this page.

You may apply online to purchase a residential parking permit or an employee parking permits valid downtown or in the Olive Zone. Once registered, you can apply, renew and manage your parking permit(s) online at any time. Supporting documentation may be required to complete your parking permit application.

Requests for temporary guest parking permits may be submitted by email to support@getapermit.net. Please see this webpage for costs. Please allow 2 business days for processing.

Requests for temporary construction parking permits may be submitted by email to support@getapermit.net. Please see this webpage for costs. Please allow 2 business days for processing.

More information can be found here, including ways to pay or contest the parking ticket. Please note, you have 21 days from the original citation date to respond to the citation. Failure to respond within 21 days may result in late fees being applied or a hold being placed on the vehicle's registration.

You may pay online, by phone, by mail, or in-person; see below for details or go here for more information:

• Pay online at www.pticket.com/losgatos. Please have the following information available at the time of payment:
  • Citation number and/or vehicle license plate number.
  • Credit/Debit card details.
• Pay by phone: Call (888) 442-4088. Please have the following information available at the time of payment:
  • Citation number and/or vehicle license plate number.
  • Credit/Debit card details.
• Pay by mail by sending the original citation and a check/money order to the following address:
  • 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 mail cash.
• Pay in person weekdays, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., here:
  • Office of Parking Violations
    210 N. 4th Street
    Suite 150
    San Jose, CA 95112
  • Please bring your original citation and/or vehicle license plate number and payment with you.

Make sure you pay within 21 days of the date on the citation to avoid late fees and penalties. 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. Contact customer service by calling (800) 818-1832.

You may submit a request to appeal the citation within 21 days from the original citation date. See the back of the citation for details or appeal online at www.pticket.com/losgatos. Your request will be processed and you will be notified of the decision by mail, usually within 30 calendar days.

You have 21 days from the date on the notice of the results of initial review to respond, follow the instructions on the notice to pay by mail or online, or submit a request for an Administrative Hearing to contest the results of the initial review. To request an Administrative Hearing, mail your request along with the full balance of the amount due for the citation to:

Town of Los Gatos
Parking Enforcement Center
P.O. Box 11113
San Jose, CA 95103-1023

The independent Hearing Examiner will conduct an Administrative Hearing, and your payment will be refunded if the citation is dismissed. If the citation is upheld, the payment will be applied and the citation closed. If the Administrative Hearing upholds the parking citation, you have 21 days to appeal the decision in the Santa Clara County Civil Court. 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.

Report parking complaints or issues to the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department non-emergency line at (408) 354-8600.

Call the 24/7 Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at (408) 399-5716. Have the description of the vehicle, location, license number and how long it has been there available and an officer will respond as soon as available. 

Vehicles parked on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. If you have any questions about vehicles on private property, contact Code Compliance at (408) 399-5720.

If you think your car was towed or a boot has been placed on your vehicle, please call the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department non-emergency line at (408) 354-8600. Be ready to provide the police dispatcher with the license plate number of your vehicle, and the location is or suspect it was towed from.

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 Los Gatos-Monte Sereno 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).               

Yes, but only for FIRE LANE and HANDICAP STALL enforcement, which are conditions of the property owner’s use permit.

• RED curbs mean no parking at any time.
• YELLOW curbs indicate a commercial loading zone and are restricted to the offloading of commercial freight with a time restriction of 30 minutes.
• GREEN curbs are for short-term parking – see signs for specific regulations.
• WHITE curbs are for passenger loading zones and are for active loading/unloading of passengers only within a 10-minute time limit.
• BLUE curbs indicate accessible parking spaces for disabled persons with valid placards or plates only. These spaces are accompanied by blue and white parking signs and road markings. These parking spaces are enforced at all times.

Not all curbs are painted, and an unpainted curb does not mean there are no parking regulations in place. For example, the space may be within a 2-hour parking zone, or the space may be within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. 

Periodically, the Town adjusts or removes parking restrictions that require a painted curb. To effectively communicate that change, the curb paint will be removed or painted gray. Always check for nearby parking signs to ensure you are parking in a valid space.

As a result of California AB 413, new "Daylighting" laws prohibit parking within 20 feet of the approach side of a marked or unmarked pedestrian crosswalk in an effort to enhance crosswalk visibility and increase pedestrian safety. Parking is restricted in such areas regardless of the presence of signage or curb markings indicating no parking. Please visit this page for more information.

No. fingerprinting service are done digitally via a Livescan device at the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department. Call for more information at 408-354-8700.

The Records Division of the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Friday afternoons by appointment only. The business phone number is (408) 354-5257. Some of the services offered through the Records Division are: Copies of Police Reports: Authorized persons may receive a copy of a police report for a fee of $21.00. There is no charge for victims of domestic violence. Contact the Records Division at (408) 354-5257 to confirm that the report is ready for release. Vehicle Releases: If your vehicle is ordered stored by the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department, contact the Records Division, during business hours, at (408) 354-5257, for information regarding release of that vehicle. During non-business hours, call (408) 354-8600.

• What are you reporting?
• Where is the crime and/or incident occurring?
Who is involved? Be prepared to give name(s) of the subjects involved, their descriptions (height, weight, hair color, clothing) and any cars that may be associated with the crime or person.
• When did this happen?
• Why this happened (if known)
• Are there weapons, drugs or alcohol involved? (if appropriate)

Yes, the police department will make every effort to help those who speak a different language by the help of a "Language Identification Guide" and the help of translation company. 9-1-1 and non emergency calls can be transferred to a translator. Los Gatos dispatchers are able to handle calls directly from the TTY. REMEMBER... When calling 9-1-1, it is very important to stay on the phone, even if 9-1-1 was dialed in error. Even if you hang up, prior to the phone ringing, we get the 9-1-1 call. The dispatcher is required to verify where the call is coming from. If you hang up and the dispatcher is unable re-contact you, a police officer will be sent to the location the 9-1-1 computer provides. By staying on the phone, the dispatcher will be able to verify the computer provided location is correct and that no emergency exists.

The Police Department cannot provide information about power outages or the estimated time it may come back on. Please call PG&E at 800-PGE-5000 (743-5000).In the case of a natural disaster or earthquake, rest assured the Police Department is well aware of the issue and is working on keeping you safe and informed. Do not call 9-1-1 for a non-life threatening emergency, as it will only delay us in getting help for those who are in dire need of emergency services. Please visit our Community Services portion of this website to find out more about our CERT program or visit http://earthquake.usgs.gov/faq/prepare.html

• Submit an application to the Town of Los Gatos Human Resource’s Office.
• Written examination required, if entry level or academy graduate applicant.
• Physical agility test for all applicants required.
• Successful completion of written and oral examinations, and a thorough background investigation is conducted.
• Oral Interview with Department head and/or designee.
• After successful completion of department interviews, a conditional job offer is extended, and psychological, polygraph and medical examinations are conducted.
• Upon successful completion of all of the above, a job offer may be extended.

Contact Jackie Rose at (408)354-6853 or E-Mail at JRose@LosGatosCA.gov

Contact Jackie Rose at (408)354-6853 or E-Mail at JRose@LosGatosCA.gov

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. 

Contact the Property and Evidence Technician at 408-827-3214 Monday through Thursday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment to release property. The Department will not release any property that has evidentiary value. Questions about evidentiary value can be directed to the District Attorney’s Office.

Call the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline (408) 399-5716, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or complete the Online Abandoned Vehicle Form. 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 responsibility of the Police Department. Only vehicles parked on Town owned streets, alleys, and off street parking facilities are responded to. 

Yes. The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department has launched an innovative outreach program to welcome new residents. Launched in May 2008, uniformed police volunteers from the Volunteers in Policing Program personally welcome new residents. Residents receive packets of useful community information, including letters from the Town Manager and Chief of Police, an overview of Town services, emergency preparedness and home safety information and gift certificates from local businesses. Children receive Town pins, stickers, and police badges. 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) 354-6853.

The Los Gatos Town Council certified the Environmental Impact Report and adopted the 2040 General Plan on June 30, 2022.

On April 2, 2024, the Town Council voted to rescind the 2040 Land Use Element and 2040 Community Design Element. Please reference the 2020 Land Use Element and 2020 Community Design Element. 

To view full document, please click Los Gatos 2040 General Plan. You may also use the Interactive General Plan website.

The Current Codes, as amended and adopted by the Town of Los Gatos as of January 1, 2023, are the 2022 California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Parts 1-12 as listed below:

• Part 1 California Administrative Code
• Part 2 California Building Code, Volumes 1 & 2, including Appendices I, and J.  (Local amendments)
• Part 2.5 California Residential Code including Appendices AH, AK, AO, AQ, AX, and AZ. (Local amendments)
• Part 3 California Electrical Code.
• Part 4 California Mechanical Code.
• Part 5 California Plumbing Code including Appendices A, B, D, G, I, K, and L only. (Local amendments)
• Part 6 California Energy Code.    
• Part 8 California Historical Building Code including Appendix A.
• Part 9 California Fire Code. (Local amendments)
• Part 10 California Existing Building Code including 2018 International Existing Building Code Chapter 14, and Appendices A2, A3, A4, and A5.
• Part 11 California Green Buildings Standards Code Chapters 1-8 only. (Local amendments)
• Part 12 California Referenced Standard Code.
• 2022 International Property Maintenance Code.

Los Gatos Town Code

The Contractors State License Board, CSLB, has information regarding what you need to know before you hire a contractor:

Go the Contractors State License Board web site and you can search for your contractor:

In California, anyone who contracts to perform work that is valued at $500 or more for materials and labor must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board in the specialty for which he or she is contracting.

Yes.

Generally: Fences, walls, gates, and hedges may not exceed three (3) feet in height when located within a required front or side yard abutting a street (as required by the zone), driveway view area, traffic view area, or corner sight triangle (as defined by Section 29.40.0310) unless an exception is granted by the Town Engineer and Community Development Director.  Trees, hedges, and vegetation within a corner sight triangle shall meet the requirements of Section 26.10.065.

Outside of the Hillside Area: On residential zoned properties not located in the Hillside Area, fences, walls, gates, and hedges not exceeding six feet with one foot of lattice on top (seven feet high total) are allowed on or within all property lines.

In the Hillside Area:  On residential zoned properties located in the Hillside Area:

• Fences walls, gates, or hedges may not exceed six feet.
• Fences located within 20 feet of a property line adjacent to a street shall be open view fencing as defined in Section 29.40.0310.  
• On properties one (1) acre or greater, perimeter fencing shall be a wildlife-friendly fence as defined in Section 29.40.0310.
• Chainlink, welded wire, wire mesh, or similar material shall be coated with green, brown, or black vinyl or finish and shall be supported by a wood frame.
• Buck and rail, double, and solid fences are prohibited.

For full details, including definitions, exceptions, and exemptions, please review Sections 29.40.030 through 29.40.0330. Additional guidance is provided in the Site Elements chapter of the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Click here to find out.

Encroachment permits are required from property owners and utility companies who conduct work in the public right-of-way. Visit the Town's Encroachment Permit webpage for more information.

During the winter months, unfilled sandbags and sand are available for Los Gatos residents at the Balzer Field parking lot, located off Miles Avenue just past the Los Gatos Creek Trail. There is a 10 sandbag limit, and you will need to fill them yourself. For more information, call (408) 399-5770 Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. or (408) 354-8600 after hours. For Santa Clara Valley Water District Flood safety tips and to find other sandbag locations, visit the website below.

Plastic bags can be recycled through your curbside recycling program. Bundle bags inside a plastic bag and knot the top. Additionally, many grocery stores collect them for recycling. 

Please visit West Valley Stormwater Authority website or call at (408) 354-4737

For information about recycling a wide variety of items, call the Santa Clara County Recycling Hotline at (408) 924-5453 or (800) 522-8414. Visit the website,

Currently, curbside motor oil recycling is not available for residents of apartments. To recycle your oil, call the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste program at (408)299-7300, or visit their website for a list of certified oil drop-off locations. Please do not pour auto fluids on the ground, into a storm drain, or in a trash can. 

Many common household products are classified as “household hazardous waste” by the state, and may not be disposed of in your garbage can. These products include paint, solvents, pesticides, aerosols, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, automotive fluids, and batteries. You can dispose of these wastes safely, and at no charge to you, through the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program. You must make an appointment to drop off your items; to make an appointment, call the Household Hazardous Waste appointment line, at (408) 299-7300. For more information, visit the Household Hazardous Waste Program website at

Call the Santa Clara County Home Composting Hotline at (408) 918-4640, for advice on home composting, a home composting workshop schedule, information on the Master Composter training program, and details on how to purchase a home composting bin at a reduced rate.

For a list of citywide garage sales, visit

The Santa Clara County Green Business Program is available to help businesses implement environmental practices that reduce pollution and waste generation, and at the same time save money. For more information about this voluntary program, call (408) 441-4329 or visit the program's website

For counseling or more information, contact the Los Gatos Dispute Resolution Program at 408-402-0307. This Program is administered by Project Sentinel, a non-profit agency contracted by the Town of Los Gatos. A full copy of the applicable ordinance and regulations, the forms necessary to process a case, and a worksheet for calculating a pass-through increase are all available. Los Gatos Rental Dispute Resolution Program c/o Project Sentinel 1490 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: 408-402-0307 Fax: 408-216-9968.

Soapy water is not absorbed by paved surfaces. It flows along the curb to the storm drain and into local creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Even soaps labeled nontoxic or biodegradable are harmful to the environment. Instead: Use a commercial car wash service that recycles water or, if you continue to wash your car at home, direct water onto a lawn or unpaved surface and minimize the amount of soap you use. Find out how to receive a Watershed Watch discount card for car wash discounts. For information about how to safety conduct an environmentally-friendly car washing event, contact the West Valley Stormwater Authority to receive a free Car Wash Kit and training at office@wvcwp.org.

PDF of Answers regarding North 40 Phase II and the Housing Element

The Town of Los Gatos does not regulate no-fault eviction or relocation assistance. Under state law, eviction notice requirements are governed by the agreement between the landlord and tenant and there are relocation assistance laws that may or may not apply depending on each individual circumstance. The Town does work to improve and preserve the supply and quality of existing rental and ownership housing opportunities that are available for residents and employees of local businesses. When new developments are approved by the Town, the Below Market Price (BMP) Housing Ordinance adopted in 1979 requires developers to offer a minimum percentage of the units so they are affordable to lower and median income households. Hello Housing (www.hellohousing.org) is the administrator of the Town's Below Market Price (BMP) Housing Program.

For your convenience we have highlighted some of the typical event-related town fees that you may incur when planning your event in town depending on the elements of your event. We have also highlighted other event-related fees not associated with the Town that you may want to consider when planning your event budget.

Non-Town Event Related Costs

Costs for these items are not specified as they will vary greatly depending on the vendor the organizer chooses to use. However, these are other items you should consider budgeting for when planning an event in Los Gatos.

• Traffic Control Plan from certified traffic control vendor
  • This may be required if closing a road, see "What is the road closure process?" in these FAQs for more details.
• Traffic Equipment (barricades, signs, etc.)
  • Organizers will be required to obtain their own traffic control equipment.                                          
• Outside agency permit costs
  • Department of Environmental Health
  • Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC)
  • Santa Clara County Fire Department
• Portable Restrooms
  
• Dumpsters, waste and recycle bins
• Private security
• First aid vendors
• Marketing
• Additional event equipment, ie. stages, audio equipment, tents, tables, etc.

All special event applications require the submission of a site diagram. A Site Diagram should include the following:

• Placement of all structures
• Tents
• Portable toilets
• Waste stations
• Table placement
• Fencing
• Barriers
• Cooking booths
• Cones/barricades
• Generators
• Vendor booths
• Platforms or stages
• Vehicle/trailer locations
• Eating areas
• Alcoholic beverage areas
• First aid locations
• Routes of exit/entrance
• Any parking spaces, parking lots and/or public streets that will be blocked, closed or used for the event.

Consider the following in your planning: Impedance of emergency fire, police, or paramedic vehicles. Conflict with public transportation such as buses, shuttles, and trains. Interference with people trying to reach hotels, the airport, residences, businesses, places of worship, and public facilities. If your event involves road closures, please see the road closure related FAQs for further, detailed, important information.

An event timeline is required with the special event application. The event timeline should include as much information as possible at the time of the submission such as, equipment delivery/pick-up times, set-up/tear-down times of specific equipment, volunteer/staff arrival/departure times, event activities, etc. Typically, an excel format is best. We understand that this detailed of information may not be available at the time you submit your application, but we recommend submitting any information you have so that the Event Specialist may be aware of the elements of your event and inform you of any additional permits or requirements needed as a result of those elements. A more detailed timeline should be submitted closer to the event date.

Depending on the scope of the event most events will require a $2,000,000 General Liablity Insurance.  Applicants will need Worker's Compensation, if employees are being paid to work the event.  Applicants that are driving deliveries on to the property where the special event permit covers will need Automobile Insurance as well. The Town also requires a seperate endorsement page, stating the Town of Los Gatos as additionally insured.

Events with amplified sound, large crowds, street closures, and/or other elements which may otherwise inconvenience the surrounding businesses and residents require neighborhood notification.  The event organizer must provide notice to businesses and residences typically within a 500-foot radius of the event location depending on the scope of the event, at least 2 weeks prior to the event. The organizer must include in the notification the time, location, type of event and anticipated noise or traffic disturbances. Notifications can be in the form of a letter, flyer or postcard or other documentation. The organizer must provide the Town Events Specialist with a copy of the notification prior to distribution for approval.

Per the Special Events Municipal code, Sec. 14.100.010, the organizer may not advertise their event until the organizer has received a Conditional Letter of Approval from the Town. To place banners advertising the event in town the organizer must apply for a Temporary Sign Permit through the Community Development Department. The Temporary Sign application can be found here. Posters in private businesses are permitted if the organizer has received written or verbal approval from the business owner.

If the event requires the use of a Town park such as Town Plaza Park, Oak Meadow Park, Civic Center Plaza or any other Town-owned park the organizer must indicate this in their special event application. The organizer is responsible for paying for any park use fees as indicated in the Town’s Comprehensive Fee Schedule, in addition to the special event application fee and all other town related costs. The organizer must also abide by all regulations set-forth in the Town’s Facilities Use Policy. Among these policies, all events held in a public park must be open to the public and cannot restrict access. The Events Specialist will work with the Parks and Public Works Department to reserve the requested park as part of your special event application.

In addition to the park use fee, a refundable deposit may be required depending on the nature of your event to account for any possible damage that could be done to the park grounds. A post-event site evaluation will be done by a member of the Parks and Public Works department to determine if any damage occurred as a result of the event. If it is found that damage was done to any of the facilities or additional clean-up is needed this will be documented and the event organizer will be billed at full cost recovery rates for cleanup and repair.

For smaller park events such as children’s parties, organized recreational activities or classes that are contained entirely within a park and do not meet the other Special Events requirements, a Parks Special Use permit may be required. In these cases, the applicant may work directly with the Parks and Public Works department by visiting https://www.losgatosca.gov/1084/Park-Reservations-Permits-Fees.

Event organizers are required to provide a safe and secure environment for their event. This is accomplished through solid pre-planning and anticipating potential problems and concerns. The size, type, time of day, and location of the event as well as overall activities, are all factors that need to be analyzed by the Town when determining whether your event will need uniformed security.

Each special event application will be reviewed by the Town to determine if security is required. Events having the potential to draw a large crowd, such as street fairs or concerts, and include the consumption of alcohol are likely to require security.  If security is deemed necessary for an event, the Town will require either private security or the Los Gatos Monte-Sereno Police Department (LGMSPD). If LGMSPD staff is required, the applicant is responsible for paying the hourly rate for each officer to the Town of Los Gatos. A minimum of two LGMS Police Officers at four hours is required. The Event Specialist will include those estimated costs in the estimated Town fees provided to the organizer prior to the event.  

If additional LGMS Police Officers are needed on the day of the event due to larger than expected attendance or other factors, the organizer will be responsible for paying for those additional costs after the event. Organizers will not be billed for regular calls for service.

In cases where private security is being used they must meet the following criteria:

• The company must be licensed and insured.
• All security personnel must be unarmed.
• The company must be approved by the Town.

The organizer must submit the following pieces of information for approval of their requested security vendor. Please note that even if security is not required but the organizer wishes to use private security anyway, the company must still be approved.

• The name of the company.
• The company’s website and contact information.
• The number of security officers on duty during the event.
• The hours of the security officers on duty during the event.
• Pictures of the security officers’ uniforms.

For larger events the organizer is responsible for providing first aid onsite during the event. The first aid station must be indicated on the site map and a brief explanation of the first aid plan should be provided in the special event application. The first aid station should be staffed by qualified individuals trained and certified in basic first aid training.

Set-Up of Event

Event set-up must comply with the Los Gatos Municipal Code Sec. 16.20.010 and may not make, cause suffer or permit any noise disturbances within 100 feet of any building or place regularly used for sleeping purposes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless given specific approval from the Town. For events that occur over multiple days or set-up prior to 8:00 a.m. the organizer must submit a plan to the Town of Los Gatos Event Specialist and work with the Town to find the best option and location for set-up which causes minimal disturbance to the residents of Los Gatos. Event set-up cannot take place on an open roadway and cannot cause a roadway to be closed longer than the hours permitted by the Town.

Clean-Up of Event

The event organizer is responsible for leaving the event area and the immediate adjacent areas in the condition of which they were found prior to the event. Clean-up must occur immediately after the event and within a reasonable time frame as to not disrupt or prohibit the public from accessing the area in a timely manner. The organizer must provide a cleanup plan to the Town at least two weeks prior to the event that indicates 1) sufficient staff (paid or volunteer) to handle cleanup throughout the day and after the event; and 2) sufficient equipment placed in effective locations (dumpsters, trash receptacles, hot coal barrels, and grease barrels). The Town does not provide street sweeping services for special events unless specifically requested by the organizer. In those cases, the organizer shall pay the hourly rate as indicated in the current fee schedule. Should the event organizer fail to perform adequate clean up or damage occurs to Town property and facilities, the organizer will be billed at full cost recovery rates for cleanup and repair. In addition, such failure may result in a denial of future approval for a Special Event Permit or the requirement of a cash deposit or surety bond for future events.

The organizer shall be responsible for providing adequate portable toilets at their event. The organizer must submit a portable toilet plan to the Town two weeks prior to their event by indicating the location and number of toilets on their site/route diagram. If the toilets are placed anywhere outside of the permitted event hours or location an encroachment permit may be required. See section 10 for more information on encroachment permits.

The Santa Clara County Department of Health Services recommends one (1) chemical toilet for every 250 people, or portion thereof. The figure is based upon the maximum number of people at your event during peak time. A percentage of disabled accessible toilets will also be required. For events providing food, the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH) requires 1 portable toilet and one hand wash station for every 15 food service workers. The SCCDEH may have additional requirements that the event organizer must comply with if the event is required to obtain a permit from them.

When determining how many portable toilets will be needed for an event the organizer should consider the number of people attending, the length of the event and what type of food and drink will be sold or served. For events where alcohol will be present an additional 15%-20% of portable toilets should be added to the calculation. The chart below may serve as a guide in planning.

When holding an event in a Town park, public park toilets may be used. However, the organizer will be required to provide their own staff to service the park toilets during the event or may be required to pay for the Town’s Parks & Public Works staff to service the restrooms if the event is outside of their normal working hours.

The organizer may not direct attendees to use private restrooms unless already agreed up with the business owner prior to the event. Authorized placement locations for portable toilets and trash receptacles will be determined by the Town for each event.  For more information on DEH requirements please visit: www.sccgov.org/sites/deh

The event organizer must properly recycle and dispose of waste throughout the term of the event and the area must be returned to its original condition immediately upon conclusion of the event. The event organizer is responsible for providing additional trash and recycling receptacles to accommodate all waste generated from the event.

The event organizer is responsible for event specific garbage and recycling as well as public, Town-owned trash and recycling receptacles throughout the duration and after the event. The organizer must provide a place to store the full waste bags during the event, such as a dumpster.

Dumpsters must be placed in an approved location and may be delivered 1-2 days prior to the event and removed 1-2 days after the event if needed. If the dumpster is blocking parking spaces or any other public area outside of the permitted event area or hours an encroachment permit may be required from the Town. See "What is an encroachment permit?" in these FAQs for more information.

If using a Town facility or park where there may be existing electric power access, it is the responsibility of the organizer to indicate in their application that they would like to use the power so the Events Specialist can coordinate with the Parks and Public Works Department to ensure the power will be available for access on the event date. If the organizer needs to access private electric power sources it is the responsibility of the organizer to request access from the property owner. When the organizer does not have access to power they may use a generator and may need to obtain a fire inspection permit from the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

The organizer may not use any public water access points and must receive the property owner’s approval if using private water sources. If the organizer has any event equipment, such as portable restrooms, that require electrical or water access and it is not available the organizer must use a self-contained system.

An encroachment permit is required from Parks & Public Works Engineering division for special events when the organizer wishes to place any event equipment on any public property such as a street, sidewalk or parking lot outside of the permitted event hours and locations that have been approved in the Special Event Conditional Letter of Approval. Examples include, portable restrooms, dumpsters, etc. that are placed on a public street or lot prior to the event date. The organizer should fill out an encroachment permit application and turn it in to the Event Specialist who will work with engineering on their behalf to obtain an approved permit. The specialist will also include the encroachment permit cost in the estimate and the final invoice to the organizer.

The encroachment permit application and additional information can be found at: https://www.losgatosca.gov/2342/Encroachment-Permits

The sale or furnishing of alcoholic beverages at a public event will require an additional permit from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The applicant MUST obtain a Letter of Authorization from the Chief of Police to ABC before they will issue an ABC permit (30-day process). This application can be found at https://www.losgatosca.gov/2439/Special-Events-Information. The Organizer may submit this application along with their special event application to the Town Event Specialist for signature from the Chief. The Town Event Specialist will return the signed ABC Letter of Authorization to the organizer upon approval of the event so that the organizer may move forward with obtaining their alcohol permit from ABC.

All alcohol consumption during the event must stay within the permitted area and be clearly defined with barriers such as a beer garden area or road closure. Signs measuring a minimum of 11”x17” must be posted at all exits that read, “No Alcohol past this point.” Security or volunteer staff will also be required at all exits to ensure that alcohol does not leave the permitted area. Private security or LGMS Police Officers may be required based on the number of event attendees (see “What are the security guidelines for events?” in these FAQs). The organizer must provide the following information to the Event Specialist prior to submission of the Letter of Authorization application.

• Confirm the type(s) and quantity of beverage(s) dispensed per serving
• How the alcohol will be sold eg. Cash, token, etc.
• Explanation or a sample of the age identification mechanism, eg. wrist band.

Hours of sale must be approved by the LGMS Police Department. Police may close the sale of alcohol at any time during the event if they determine that these controls are not being adhered to or in the interest of public safety. Please note that the ABC may also visit the event site to determine that their requirements are met. The organizer is responsible for training their event staff to identify when the alcohol should not be served to an individual who is intoxicated.

For more information visit www.abc.ca.gov or call (408) 277-1200.

If your event meets any criteria listed below the organizer may need to obtain a Special Events permit from the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

• Large gathering of the public for a festival or street fair.
• Tent in excess of 400 square feet.
• Tent with no sides in excess of 700 square feet.
• Propane tank
• Open flame
• Haunted Houses
• Pumpkin Patch
• Tree Lots
• Graduation Nights
• Fireworks

It is the responsibility of the organizer to work with the SCCFD to obtain any necessary fire permits. There may be additional costs and requirements required by the SCCFD that the organizer must comply with. You can review the outdoor carnivals and fairs specifications document at: https://www.sccfd.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/fire_prevention/Forms%20and%20Applications%2006232025/Tent%20-%20Application%2006.24.2025.pdf for more information. 

The organizer must submit proof of the permit application to the Events Specialist prior to the event. This application can be found at https://www.losgatosca.gov/2439/Special-Events-Information. Please contact the SCCFD for additional information. At www.sccfd.org or (408) 378-4010.

Events in which food will be cooked and/or served or sold to the public require a Temporary Event Permit from the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health. The organizer is responsible for applying for this permit and it must be submitted to the Town, along with all other applicable permits, at least two weeks before the event. Temporary events usually consist of one or more food booths/operations, also known as temporary food facilities (TFF). It is the responsibility of the Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health to review all TFFs to ensure the protection and food safety of the public.

Organizers may not use Town water access points for food booths or hand wash stations. The organizer may use private water access points if given written permission from the property owner prior to the event.

You can find more information about the costs and requirements for a temporary event permit at, https://www.sccgov.org/sites/cpd/programs/TE/Pages/home.aspx or by contacting the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health at (408) 918-3400.

Organizers should always consider parking in their event planning. Organizers should describe their plans for parking in the special event application and indicate these areas on the site map. If any of those parking accommodations include private properties, the organizer must work with the property owner to receive approval to use their property. If using Los Gatos High School as overflow parking, you must obtain a permit from Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District: www.lgsuhsd.org or (408) 335-2000.

Events that include road closures are typically much more complex in nature due to the high level of safety precautions that must be taken, planning and potential inconvenience to the public and businesses. All events wishing to close any public right-of-ways such as roads, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. must indicate this in their special event application. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Town staff.

Please read the following FAQ topics in these FAQs for further information on road closures.

• What is the road closure process?
• How do I close N. Santa Cruz for an event?
• What is a Traffic Control Plan (TCP)?
• What type of equipment do I need to close a road?
• What are examples of uniform traffic control equipment?

All organizers requesting to close any portion of a street for their event must do the following:

• Submit a preliminary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) with their special event application and a final TCP according to their level of closure as noted below at least 45 days prior to their event to have it reviewed by the Event Specialist, Parks & Public Works and Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department.
• Obtain and pay for all uniform traffic control devices (eg. Barricades, signs, etc.) and vendor service costs; these will not be provided by the Town. The event specialist can provide a list of vendors if needed.
• May be required to pay for Los Gatos Monte Sereno personnel to help maintain traffic control if deemed necessary.
• May need to obtain written, private property owner approval if the road closure requires blocking access to any private parking lots, residences, business or other property. Arrangements shall be made with this owner or tenant to provide mitigation measures that are acceptable to them. The written approvals and evidence of these negotiated mitigation measures must be submitted with the draft Traffic Control Plan.

In many cases it is also recommend that the organizer provide first aid such as through an organization like D.A.R.T as well as volunteers to help monitor closure points and/or race marshals in the case of runs, cycling races, etc.

There are three levels of road closures:

Please note that each road closure request will be evaluated on a case by case basis and other factors such as time of year or anticipated event volume may also be factored into determining the level of closure.

Level 1

• These include block parties, parking lots and non-through streets.
• Organizer may create their own Traffic Control Plan following the “Sample TCP Guidelines,” provided.
• Implementation of road closure and re-opening may be performed by the organizer.

Level 2

• Includes lower volume or lower risk through streets.
• Requires a non-stamped TCP provided by a certified traffic control vendor or certified traffic engineer.
• Will likely require a traffic control vendor to implement the road closure and re-opening but will depend on the complexity and parameters of the TCP.
  

Level 3

• Larger or complex closures including through streets that require diverting traffic, streets with lighted intersections, and/or any major through streets.
• Requires a TCP that has been prepared, stamped and signed by a qualified traffic control professional or a registered engineer.
• Will require a traffic control vendor to implement road closure and re-opening.

Due to the size and nature of a N. Santa Cruz closure, these requests must seek special approval and are limited to a certain number per year.

• Must follow the standard Traffic Control Plan provided by the Town which includes a closure from W. Main St. to Bachman Ave. Any requests outside of the standard plan must seek special approval.
• A traffic control vendor must be used to implement the closure and re-opening of the street.
• LMGSPD may be required on-site to monitor and control traffic.

A traffic control plan (TCP) is a detailed plan including a map of the requested closure area and the placement, number and type of all traffic control equipment necessary to provide the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians through or around temporary traffic control zones.  A TCP is typically designed by a certified traffic control engineer. For level one road closures the organizer may create their own TCP. The information below will guide the organizer in creating their TCP. A preliminary TCP must be submitted with the special event application with a final TCP required at least 45 days prior to their event.  The TCP must be reviewed by the Town’s traffic engineer and the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department.

Submitted Traffic Control Plans shall include the following:

• TCPs shall be site specific. The use of a generic Caltrans traffic plan shall not be permitted.
• TCPs shall include Event Location/Route with street names/labels, & existing traffic signals, within the event area (approx. 1,000-foot radius.) This area around the event’s zone is required to establish location and placement of warning signs, and to prepare a pedestrian detour sign if a sidewalk/pathway area is going to be part of the event area.
• TCPs shall show exact location of private security personnel, volunteers, and flaggers.
• TCPs shall be legible using drafting standards, preferably computer-generated graphics. If TCPs cannot be clearly understood, it will be returned for revision and resubmittal.
• Indicate event organizer’s name, address, and telephone number. Include name and telephone number of the 24-hour contact person representing the event organizer.
• Include applicable dates and time durations.
• Show all parking restriction zones and signs, as appropriate.
• Indicate the Event’s schedule, and duration of times when TCPs will be in effect.
• If the Special Event affects a signalized intersection, TCPs shall show how all impacts will be mitigated. Potential impacts to consider include any modification or changes to traffic signal operation and equipment, as well as, signs and markings (e.g., vehicle and pedestrian detection, striping, signs, signal timing, signal phasing, etc.) Event organizer must include in the TCPs a request for any traffic signal operation and equipment modification. This request must include location of all traffic signals and traffic signal detection devices within the traffic control area. Only Town personnel and Town’s contract employees can modify traffic signals.
• TCP shall include the name and title of person who prepared the plan.
• TCP shall note contacting VTA if bus stop or route is affected.
• TCP shall note contacting emergency response prior to closure.
• TCP shall note notices will be provided to adjacent properties and businesses.

Any closure of public right-of-ways will require the use of Uniform Traffic Control equipment, these may include physical barriers (cones and barricades), traffic signs, lights, and more, to ensure public safety. The organizer will be responsible for obtaining their own equipment as the Town does not provide these. Implementation of the road closure and re-opening will be determined by the Town based on the complexity and level of the closure. If a Traffic Control Company is required to implement the closure the organizer is responsible for those costs. A list of traffic control vendors can be provided if needed.

• A minimum of a Type I Barricade for every ten (10) feet of road are required for each local surface street closure.
• Temporary “No Parking,” signs must be obtained from the LGMS Police Department through the event specialist. The event specialist will provide the cost in your event cost estimate. The signs must be placed at least 72 hours in advance of the closure and must be placed approximately every 18-20’ using blue tape that will not damage any public property and or placed on Type 1 barricades or delineators.
• Type III barricades should be used at the bookends of a closure or for any streets with higher traffic volume and speeds, including all arterial and collector streets. 
• Barricades and Cones must stand a minimum of 28” high.
• Minimum requirements for barricades shall be Type 1 barricades with one reflective panel.
• For street closures during evening hours, lighted flashers are required on barricades.
• Reflective “Road Closed” signs measuring a minimum of 36” x 24” must be placed on Type I or Type III barricades used at the entrance of the closure.
• Additional directional signage may be necessary based on the road.
• Electronic Message Boards may be required for large scale events that require closure of multiple and/or major roadway(s), or closures that will have a significant impact on traffic. Message boards will need to be put in place at least 1 week prior to the closure. The organizer will also need to file for an encroachment permit with the Parks and Public Works Department to place the message boards in any public roadways, parking lots, or parking spaces. If placing the message boards in public parking spaces the organizer will also need to place PD-issued “No Parking,” signs in those spaces at least 72 hours in advance of the message board placement. The Events Specialist can help you obtain these from the LGMS Police Department.

Yes. TOT shall be collected for short-term rentals and paid to the Town of Los Gatos, pursuant to Chapter 25, Article III of the Los Gatos Municipal Code. Collection and remittance of TOT is the responsibility of the host. If a hosting platform is used, and the Town has a voluntary collection agreement, or equivalent, with that hosting platform, TOT may be collected and remitted directly to the Town by the hosting platform. The Town currently has a voluntary collection agreement with Airbnb only. The host must still submit quarterly TOT Remittance Forms to the Town Finance Department. The host must also maintain records of TOT paid, even if paid by a hosting platform, for three years.

Yes, for tracking purposes, quarterly TOT Remittance forms must be submitted to the Town Finance Department, even if the STR was not utilized and no tax is due.

Yes, for tracking purposes, quarterly TOT Remittance forms must be submitted to the Town Finance Department even if Airbnb was the only platform used, subject to the voluntary collection agreement. If that is the case, the TOT Remittance form will instruct you to not send additional tax payments to the Town.

A Certificate of Occupancy for the short-term rental space must be submitted in order to ensure the space is habitable and in compliance with all permit conditions, laws and codes. If you do not have a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy for your property, please contact the Town Building Department at (408) 354-6876 or Building@losgatosca.gov to see if there is a copy on file. If no Certificate of Occupancy can be produced, the host must pay for, obtain, and pass a health and safety inspection from the Community Development Department prior to issuance of a short-term rental license.

Yes.  The Business License/TOT Registration form for short-term rental must be completed and submitted through the Town's HdL Business License Portal. It is the responsibility of the host to make sure the business license is renewed before the end of each calendar year.

Yes. A short-term rental host is required to be the owner of record of the residential property and must hold a valid short-term rental license to operate the short-term rental.

Yes. The short-term rental must be the host’s permanent residence or usual place of return for housing. A person may only have one primary residence and must reside there for a minimum of nine months per year. A primary residence may be documented by at least two of the following in the host’s name: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, voter registration, tax document showing the residential unit as the host’s residence, or a utility or cellular phone bill from within the past 60 days.

Yes. A hosted rental (the host resides at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental) is capped at 180 days per calendar year. An un-hosted rental (the host does not reside at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental) is capped at 30 days per calendar year.

Yes, a short-term rental host may hold both a hosted and un-hosted license, as indicated on the application.

This depends on when your accessory dwelling unit was approved. Existing Town Code Section 29.10.320 (b) (14) prohibits rentals for durations of less than 30 days in new accessory dwelling units approved after February 6, 2018, when the ordinance went into effect. If you have an accessory dwelling unit approved before February 6, 2018, it may be used as a short-term rental.

No. Short-term rentals are limited to one per parcel and one per owner. You may have different rental options for one property (i.e. a room and an accessory dwelling unit approved before February 6, 2018), as long as they are not rented concurrently.

Yes. Short-term rental licenses are capped at five percent of the Town’s overall housing stock. Once that threshold is reached, a first-come, first-served waiting list will be established.

Yes. All short-term rental parking must remain on-site in areas where on-street parking is not permitted. In areas where on-street parking is permitted, short-term rental parking is limited to use of the two guest parking passes purchased per house/property through the Police Department.

Yes. The Community Development Director has the ability to revoke a short-term rental license at his/her discretion and short-term rental licenses are automatically revoked after three confirmed violations in a twelve-month period. Revoked short-term rental licenses may be appealed by following the appeal process detailed in the ordinance. A license revocation remains in effect for five years.

Yes. Operating a short-term rental without a license is penalized with both monetary fines and the ability to revoke or deny a short-term rental license.

No. Commercial or assembly uses are not allowed in short-term rentals.

Properties that are part of a homeowner association (HOA) need to submit a letter of approval for any potential short-term rental that is part of an HOA. 

No. In an effort to conserve affordable long-term housing stock, short-term rentals are not allowed in apartment buildings.

Yes. The maximum number of overnight occupants (aged eighteen or older) allowed within a short-term rental unit shall be two persons per bedroom, plus one additional person per unit. The maximum number of daytime (non-overnight) occupants shall be one and a half times the maximum number of occupants allowed to stay overnight at the unit. The Town has sole discretion to determine the final occupancy limit to be permitted at the short-term rental site.

Yes. The host shall provide the name, permanent address, email address, and telephone number (if different from his/her own), of a local representative (which can be a person or company) who can be contacted 24 hours a day regarding the use of the property or complaints related to the short-term rental. For the purposes of this requirement, local means the representative's address is within a 30-minute travel time of the subject property and the representative is able to manage the short-term rental, respond to reported issues, contact the tenant regarding complaints received, and/or be physically present at the short-term rental to address complaints within 60 minutes from the time of notification.

Yes. The host must provide the short-term rental guest either a physical or electronic copy of the Town’s Noise Ordinance, Smoking Ordinance, Short-Term Rental Ordinance, including highlighted parking and occupancy regulations, and local trash collection schedule.

Yes. The host shall retain records documenting compliance with this chapter for a period of three years after each period of short-term rental, including, but not limited to, records showing payment of transient occupancy tax by the host or a hosting platform on behalf of a host. Upon reasonable notice, the host shall provide any such documentation to the Town of Los Gatos upon request for the purpose of inspection or audit.

You may file a complaint by contacting our code compliance department by phone at (408) 399-5720, by email at codecompliance@losgatosca.gov, or file an online complaint here.

Monday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm

Phone: (408) 354-6891

E-Mail: library@losgatosca.gov

Chat With Us Live! (open hours only)

Holidays & Other Library Closures 2025

• New Year’s Day, January 1st
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19th
• Presidents Day, February 16th
• Memorial Day, May 25th
• Juneteenth Day, June 19th
• Independence Day, July 4th  
• Labor Day, September 7th
• Veteran's Day, November 11th
• Thanksgiving, November 26th and 27th
• Winter Holiday, December 24th to 27th
• New Year's December 31 and January 1

• Adultscan obtain a Los Gatos library card with
  • a government issued I.D. and
  • proof of a current California address (if different from I.D.)
• Students ages 13-18 can obtain a library card with a valid student I.D.
• Children 13 and under can obtain a card without any identification, so long as a legal guardian is present and can verify contact information. 

K-12 students are able to use their student IDs as a library card.  Please see our Student Success Initiative page for more information.

Our full listing of upcoming events can be found on our homepage.

For more information about recurring events, check our Adult Programs or Children's Programs pages.

You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be alerted when new events are announced.

Standard Loan Period --- 3 weeks
Feature DVDs --- 3 week
Children’s DVDs --- 3 week

All items will auto-renew twice if no hold exist on the item. We no longer charge for late fees.

You can check your due dates by logging into Your Account.

• Items renew automatically on their due date as long as nobody has placed a hold on them.
• Items will renew twice automatically before they need to be returned.
• You will receive e-mail reminders and notifications about renewal status and due dates.  
• You can check your current due dates and renewal status by logging into Your Account.

• As of July 2020, the Los Gatos Library is fines free.  We are no longer charging daily fines for overdue materials.  Fees will still apply for lost or damaged materials.

Due to budget adjustments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Hotspot circulation program will be discontinued as of December 1, 2024  ·

Powered by Froala Editor

We have a new policy for lost or damaged items.  Please visit us at the circulation desk to inquire about the process.

Thank You!

Please return the hotspot device and charging cables to the Los Gatos Library in person or through the book drop.

Powered by Froala Editor

Your borrowing privileges will be suspended if you owe more than $100.00 and restored when your balance is brought below $100.00.

 Yes, we are only accepting donations Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3PM (100 Book limit/ per visit) by the Friends of Los Gatos Public Library.

Unless you requested otherwise, your PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number.

You can request that we purchase the item by logging into your account and filling out an online Suggestion for Purchase or calling at (408) 354-6890 Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM.

You can place a hold using our online catalog.  We'll send you an e-mail when it's ready. You'll find it on the shelves just past the circulation desk and new releases.  In order to pick up a hold from the library you must use the same library card that was used to placed the hold.

• Printing in black & white costs 15 cents per side
• Printing in color costs 25 cents per side

Yes. Visit https://www.losgatosca.gov/2678/Wireless-Printing for more information.

Currently we are not accepting applications for new volunteers. You can learn more about our volunteer opportunities and process on our Volunteering page.

Let us know right away!  Call us at (408) 354-6891 or stop in ASAP.  Please be aware that you are responsible for any charges made to your account until it has been reported as missing.  

• Items checked out at one time -- 99 per card
• DVDs -- 25 per card

Yes, we do. We have 2 rooms available for 90-minutes a day at no cost, reservations are made online.

• During the weekdays M-F until 5PM both the Civic Center Lot and Library Lot (east side of the library building) are available for 90 minute increments.  Street parking in the Olive Zones is also available for 90 minute increments. 
• Re-parking is allowed only from the civic center lot or library lot to the Olive Zone street parking. Or from the Olive Zone to one of the lots. Re-parking in the same zone or lot is not permitted and your vehicle could be cited.
• During the weekend and designated holidays both parking lots and street parking are open for unrestricted use unless otherwise signed.

To protect your privacy, we do not normally track the materials you have checked out. If you would prefer to maintain a checkout history, you can enable it by logging into your account, selecting "your privacy", and changing your privacy rules.

A full list of the Library Rules of Conduct can be found on our Library Policies page.

Pets are not allowed inside the Library. Service animals are allowed per ADA guidelines. Service animals must be under the control of the owner. 

If the Library is operating as a Santa Clara County Cooling or Warming Center, pets will be allowed in the building.  To determine whether the Library is activated as a County Cooling Center, check the website or call us at 408-354-6890.  Please be aware of the following:

• All dogs must be on a leash (retractable leashes are not recommended) or in crates or carriers.

• Cats should be in a suitable crate. At a minimum, they must be secured with a harness and leash.
• Waste clean-up supplies (litter, litter box, poop bags) must be provided by owner. 
• Other animals (rabbits, birds, etc.) must be contained in suitable crate.
• Owners must maintain possession of their animal(s) at all times.
• A guest may not bring more pets than they are reasonably able to control.

When the emergency weather event ends, we will revert to our standard policy, and pets will not be allowed in the building.