SB 9 Urban Lot Splits and Two-Unit Housing Zoning Update
Summary
State law keeps forcing Los Gatos to allow more and bigger ADUs, including uncapped conversion units. The council is worried about huge 'ADUs' in historic districts and wants to explore incentive programs that keep units actually affordable. The ordinance returns October 6.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
No town fiscal impact; private construction projects valued in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars each.
Homeowners adding rental units and young people hunting for naturally affordable housing.
Critics worry large conversion ADUs could overwhelm historic neighborhood character.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Planning Commission — October 14, 2026
State law changes now let more homeowners split lots and build second units in single-family zones, and the town can't impose special design rules just for SB 9 projects. Roughly 40 lot splits and 60 two-unit projects have been approved since 2022, with 40-50% involving some demolition.
Planning Commission — September 9, 2026
The town is updating its zoning code to comply with state SB 9, which lets homeowners split lots and build up to two units. The recommendation to the Town Council was pushed to October 14 so staff can finish the paperwork. When it comes back, it shapes what kinds of housing could be built in single-family neighborhoods town-wide.
Planning Commission — August 26, 2026
The commission voted to recommend Town Code changes implementing Senate Bill 9, which lets homeowners split lots and build two-unit developments. The Town Council makes the final call, but this will shape how much housing can be added in single-family neighborhoods.
Town Council Meeting — August 4, 2026
State law keeps forcing Los Gatos to allow more and bigger ADUs, including uncapped conversion units. The council is worried about huge 'ADUs' in historic districts and wants to explore incentive programs that keep units actually affordable. The ordinance returns October 6.
Planning Commission — June 24, 2026
Two of the three housing applications turned on whether a new house fits its neighborhood. The Chirco Drive modern passed after redesign; the Vallecitos Way two-story split the commission on bulk and mass. Expect more of these fights as older neighborhoods transition.
Planning Commission — June 10, 2026
New state-mandated ADU rules are coming to Los Gatos. Homeowners could build up to four ADUs on a single-family lot, including 'by-right' units up to 800 square feet that are exempt from the town's floor-area rules. The rules are ministerial — no discretionary planning review.
Related development
Town Code Chapter 29 Amendment re: Senate Bill 9
Homeowners could gain more paths to add ADUs, but the uncapped conversion unit issue has council members worried about oversized units changing neighborhood character.
16724 Chirco Drive New Residence
A new modern home joins a transitioning neighborhood; design revisions dropped the blade wall and lowered massing to win approval.
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