Sally Zarnowitz, planning manager for the Town of Los Gatos, presented local Realtors with an update on zoning regulations governing accessory dwelling units, historic homes and the North 40 Specific Plan at the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors meeting in Los Gatos last week.
In line with state law easing regulations for accessory dwelling units so as to alleviate the housing affordability crisis, Zarnowitz said the Los Gatos Town Council approved new amendments to its zoning regulations for construction of ADUs. Some of these amendments include the expansion of allowable areas for R-D, HR and RC zones and non-conforming lots; increasing the ADU size to 1,200 square feet (two bedrooms) and the floor area ratio by 10 percent; allowing side and rear setbacks of five feet for detached ADUs in residential zones; and increasing the ADU height in residential zones to two stories where two-story homes exist.
Hillside homeowners with cellars and/or detached garages would be allowed to convert those structures to accessory units. Above ground hillside accessory units can only be one story. Owners of ADUs do not have to live on site.
With regard to parking, required ADU parking is being reduced to one and tandem parking is allowed in setback/driveways. ADU parking is not required when the ADU is within half a mile of a transit stop, within a historic district, in a location where permits are required but no offered, within a block of car share vehicles, or if the lot is inadequate for parking.
SILVAR board director Ryan Nunnally, who chairs the local trade association's Los Gatos-Saratoga District, said the easing of restrictions may not solve the housing crisis in the region, but it will surely help. "Easing restrictions on ADUs can help add to needed housing units," said Nunnally. "It is also a win for the homeowners who are allowed options with their own properties."
The planning manager said the town's historic districts are Broadway, Almond Grove, Fairview Plaza and University/Edelen and downtown. Homes constructed prior to 1941 are considered historic, unless the Town determines the structure has no historic significance. Zarnowitz clarified some rules regarding historic homes, noting in-kind repairs that don't affect the exterior appearance of the home are allowed, and additions to a historic home are allowed, as long as they follow the Town's design guidelines.
As for plans for the North 40, Zarnowitz said the council is in the process of amending the North 40 Specific Plan with regard to what can be built on the remainder of the property.
Nunnally said Realtors want to keep abreast with developments in their communities so they can better serve their clients. "It's helpful to hear these updates from the source itself. There are many sources of information out there, but not all are deemed reliable," said Nunnally. "Those Realtors that attend these meetings are the best equipped to advise and represent their clients."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.