Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Gatos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with high priority
Data center prohibition ordinance
Los Gatos is considering adding data centers to its list of prohibited uses townwide. If forwarded and adopted by the Town Council, no data centers could be built in town.
Second-story addition appeal, 100 Jamie Court
Both hearings turned on how far second-story additions should be set back from neighbors. The Howes approval and the Bicknell appeal denial show the commission weighs privacy concessions and design guidelines heavily, but won't force five-foot setbacks the code doesn't require.
Flock ALPR data breach involving NCRIC
More than 30 speakers — most of them Los Gatos High students — demanded the town cancel its Flock ALPR contract, citing data breaches, misuse by officers, and federal immigration access. The council took no action, but the pressure is clearly building.
North 40 density increase and guest parking removal
Two unanimous recommendations would let the Town Council raise North Forty density to 30-40 units per acre, drop the housing unit cap, remove guest parking requirements, and permit senior living facilities. The town is implementing state HCD-mandated housing element changes.
The vacant corner at 94 Hernandez and Ellenwood
A long-neglected lot where a pre-1941 home was demolished under a 2020 agreement with the town is finally headed toward a new house — but not this design. Neighbors complained about the mass, a formal Mediterranean style that clashes with the street, and privacy from a second-floor terrace; the commission continued the application so the design can be softened and concerns addressed.
Blanco v. Town of Los Gatos litigation
The town may be starting a lawsuit, but the law lets councils hash this out privately. Nothing was announced, so residents won't know the details unless a case is actually filed.
Objective Design Standards for Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Projects
State law (SB 450) forced the town to scrap its SB 9-specific design rules, so new town-wide objective standards now apply to all single-family and two-family homes and second-story additions — restoring privacy protections while state law keeps mandating ministerial approvals.
Town Manager directive restricting federal use of town facilities
During public comment, speakers urged the council to act on recommendations from the DEI commission on how town employees handle federal immigration enforcement, invoking the town's 2017 inclusive-community resolution. The council took no action but heard requests to agendize the topic.
Shannon Road closure and Kennedy Road traffic
A project with over $2 million in grant money that has sat idle for four years. The council moved it from Tier 2 to Tier 1 and funded a feasibility study so the town can figure out if sidewalks and bike lanes fit before the grant money is lost.
San Jose Water Company main ruptures
One year after a 50-year-old water main ruptured under Loma Street, four families still have no resolution from San Jose Water Company despite hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Residents want the council to summon the utility to answer for its aging pipes.
Town spending exceeding revenue
Consultants project town costs growing faster than revenues, producing a structural deficit that grows from about $200,000 this year to roughly $4.5 million by 2036. Key decisions ahead include how to use the pension trust, what new development pays for itself, and whether to fund a costly share of the Highway 17/9 interchange.
SB 9 Urban Lot Splits and Two-Unit Housing Zoning Update
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.
Protection of pre-1941 homes outside historic districts
The council has directed a workplan for the Historic Preservation Committee and a process for judging which pre-1941 homes are significant. The commission didn't get to it — continued to a future meeting.