On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Los Gatos
The Building Division handles plan review for new construction, additions, remodels, and inspection services for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work within Town limits.
One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
Certain small water tanks
Sidewalks and driveways (subject to possible encroachment permit)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
Playground equipment
Qualifying window awnings
Qualifying detached low decks
Listed cord-plug decorative lighting, certain receptacle or overcurrent-device replacements, low-voltage low-wattage equipment, and minor repair work (limited electrical exemptions)
Portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment (limited gas and mechanical exemptions)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Certain small water tanks
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (subject to possible encroachment permit)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Qualifying window awnings
- Exempt Qualifying detached low decks
- Exempt Listed cord-plug decorative lighting, certain receptacle or overcurrent-device replacements, low-voltage low-wattage equipment, and minor repair work (limited electrical exemptions)
- Exempt Portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment (limited gas and mechanical exemptions)
Note: Exempt work still must comply with applicable codes and other local laws and ordinances. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.
Required documents
- Plans and supporting documents in digital format
- Project-specific submittal materials per Town guidelines
- Building code
- California Building Code
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must have a current Town of Los Gatos business license to obtain permits.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Create an online account at the Town portal and confirm by email.
- 02 Prepare plans and supporting documents in digital format.
- 03 For most projects, start with a Building Pre-Application through the portal. Staff complete intake and notify the applicant to pay fees online if required.
- 04 The project is routed through plan review. Respond to staff comments and resubmit through the portal as needed.
- 05 Some direct online permit types are available without a pre-application, including residential service panel, repipe, water heater, furnace, air-conditioner, reroof, and SolarAPP+ permits.
- 06 Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Los Gatos building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of electrical/mechanical/plumbing fees; Title 24 plan review/inspection surcharge: 15% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based permit fees plus unit fees and surcharges per the FY 2025-2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule
03
Trade permit fee
Service equipment 200 amps or less $96.00; residential water re-piping $141.00; each water heater/water softener $39.00
04
Reinspection fee
$195.00 per hour
Permit extension $96.00; NPDES inspection fee $86.00; SB 1186 accessibility fee $4.00.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Los Gatos Permit Portal (online)
- (408) 354-6877 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be submitted by 12:00 PM for the next business day. Requests received after noon are pushed to the following business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays
- Time windows
- Inspectors try to honor AM/PM requests but do not guarantee them.
Typical sequence: Online scheduling requires the user to register, log in, open the building permit record, and use the inspections function to request the inspection type needed.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Los Gatos permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Los Gatos, CA? ▸
The Building Division handles plan review for new construction, additions, remodels, and inspection services for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work within Town limits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Los Gatos, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Los Gatos, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based permit fees plus unit fees and surcharges per the FY 2025-2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule. Plan check fee: 65% of electrical/mechanical/plumbing fees; Title 24 plan review/inspection surcharge: 15% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Los Gatos, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Los Gatos, CA, follow these steps: 1. Create an online account at the Town portal and confirm by email. 2. Prepare plans and supporting documents in digital format. 3. For most projects, start with a Building Pre-Application through the portal. Staff complete intake and notify the applicant to pay fees online if required. 4. The project is routed through plan review. Respond to staff comments and resubmit through the portal as needed. 5. Some direct online permit types are available without a pre-application, including residential service panel, repipe, water heater, furnace, air-conditioner, reroof, and SolarAPP+ permits. 6. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Los Gatos, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Los Gatos, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Certain small water tanks; Sidewalks and driveways (subject to possible encroachment permit); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep; Playground equipment; Qualifying window awnings; Qualifying detached low decks; Listed cord-plug decorative lighting, certain receptacle or overcurrent-device replacements, low-voltage low-wattage equipment, and minor repair work (limited electrical exemptions); Portable heating/cooking/drying appliances, portable heating/ventilation/cooling equipment (limited gas and mechanical exemptions). Note: Exempt work still must comply with applicable codes and other local laws and ordinances. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Los Gatos, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Los Gatos, CA via: Los Gatos Permit Portal, (408) 354-6877. Inspection requests must be submitted by 12:00 PM for the next business day. Requests received after noon are pushed to the following business day..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/california/santa-clara/los-gatos
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.