Earlier editions: 2026-09
Chapter 29 — ZONING REGULATIONS›Article IV — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Los Gatos Municipal Code Div. 4 R-1 or Single-Family Residential Zone
Los Gatos Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Los Gatos
Cite as: Los Gatos Municipal Code Division 4 · Text as of 2026-10-04
Sec. 29.40.380. - Intent.¶
The R-1 zone provides a means to create the best possible location and development standards for single-family dwellings, assure adequate light, air privacy and open space for each dwelling, minimize traffic and parking congestion, and reduce hazards from encroachment of industry and commercial activity.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.010, 6-7-76)
Sec. 29.40.385. - Permitted uses.¶
The following uses are permitted in a R-1 or single-family residential zone:
(1) Single-family dwelling, provided that there is not more than one (1) principal residential structure on a lot.
(2) Raising of trees, vegetables and horticultural specialties, but not including commercial greenhouses, retail nurseries, or storage of landscaping equipment, products or supplies for commercial uses.
(3) Family daycare home.
(4) Residential care facility, small family home.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.020, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77; Ord. No. 2306, § I, 4-21-20)
Sec. 29.40.390. - Conditional uses.¶
In addition to the activities authorized by section 29.40.385, the activities listed in the table in section 29.20.185 are allowed if a conditional use permit is issued.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.030, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1363, 8-1-77)
Sec. 29.40.395. - Lot area.¶
An ordinance zoning property R-1 must set one (1) of the following minimum lot areas (square feet):
| R-1: 8,000 | R-1: 15,000 |
|---|---|
| R-1: 10,000 | R-1: 20,000 |
| R-1: 12,000 | R-1: 30,000 |
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.040, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1571, 3-7-83)
Sec. 29.40.400. - Lot frontage and depth.¶
The following are the frontage and depth requirements for lots in the R-1 or single-family residential zone:
| Zone | Frontage Interior Lot | Frontage Corner Lot | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-1: 8,000 | 60 ft. | 80 ft. | 90 ft. |
| R-1: 10,000 | 80 ft. | 90 ft. | 100 ft. |
| R-1: 12,000 | 90 ft. | 95 ft. | 100 ft. |
| R-1: 15,000 | 100 ft. | 100 ft. | 100 ft. |
| R-1: 20,000 | 100 ft. | 115 ft. | 140 ft. |
| R-1: 30,000 | 100 ft. | 120 ft. | 145 ft. |
(1) The minimum frontage for a lot on a cul-de-sac bulb is thirty (30) feet and the minimum width is sixty (60) feet.
(2) The minimum depth of lots facing or backing on freeways, arterials, railroad rights-of-way, schools or parks is one hundred twenty-five (125) feet.
(3) The frontage for lots on the outside of a street curve with a deflection angle of seventy-five (75) degrees or more may be reduced to as low as thirty (30) feet dependent on the radius of curvature.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.050, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1328, 8-2-76; Ord. No. 1337, 11-1-76; Ord. No. 1349, 3-21-77; Ord. No. 1571, 3-7-83)
Sec. 29.40.405. - Yards.¶
(a) Minimum front, side and rear yards in a R-1 or single-family residential zone shall be as follows:
| Lot Area | Front Yard | Side Yard | Rear Yard | Side Yard Abutting Street |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1: 8,000 | 25 ft. | 8 ft. | 20 ft. | 15 ft. |
| R-1: 10,000 | 25 ft. | 10 ft. | 20 ft. | 15 ft. |
| R-1: 12,000 | 25 ft. | 10 ft. | 20 ft. | 15 ft. |
| R-1: 15,000 | 25 ft. | 12 ft. | 25 ft. | 15 ft. |
| R-1: 20,000 | 30 ft. | 15 ft. | 25 ft. | 20 ft. |
| R-1: 30,000 | 30 ft. | 16 ft. | 25 ft. | 20 ft. |
(b) Where an entire side of a block is being developed at one (1) time, the minimum front yard requirements may be reduced by five (5) feet to create a staggered building line, provided the average of the front yards equals the requirements of this section.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.060, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1328, 8-2-76; Ord. No. 1571, 3-7-83)
Sec. 29.40.410. - Height.¶
The maximum height of any principal building in a R-1 or single-family residential zone is thirty (30) feet. The height shall be measured as provided in section 29.40.045 and is subject to the exception listed in section 29.10.090.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.070, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1337, 11-1-76; Ord. No. 1450, 12-3-79)
Sec. 29.40.415. - Lot area coverage.¶
Maximum building coverage on a lot in a R-1 or single-family residential zone, including any type of accessory building, is forty (40) percent.
(Ord. No. 1316, § 4.26.080, 6-7-76; Ord. No. 1337, 11-1-76)
Secs. 29.40.420—29.40.500. - Reserved.¶
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