Planning Division

COVID-19 Updates

The Planning Division is the first stop for property owners that are planning to remodel, rebuild, or construct a new building. Due to the Public Health Order to Shelter at Home, the following temporary measures have been implemented to prioritize the health and safety of residents, contractors, and City staff:

• Planning activities will be conducted virtually as much as possible. When necessary, in person appointments will be held. Proper social distancing and sanitation measures are in place. To make an appointment, please email planning@saratoga.ca.us or call 408.868.1222. The Permit Center is closed to walk in visitors. 
• Planners will continue to review and process existing projects electronically. Revised plans can be uploaded to Dropbox as a PDF, then submitted electronically by emailing a hyperlink to planning@saratoga.ca.us
• Applications can be submitted for new projects. Please email planning@saratoga.ca.us to learn more about the submittal requirements and process.
• Tree Removal Permits will be processed.
• All site visits will be done virtually whenever possible. Necessary in person site visits will be done while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Development Process

New to the City of Saratoga development process? Take a look at the City's step-by-step description of the development process.

Additional Development Information & Resources

• Planning Application Forms
• Zoning Map (PDF)
• General Plan Map (PDF)
• Parcel Map
• Net Site Area (PDF)
• Site Slope
• Floor Area, Lot Coverage, Setbacks
• Summary of Floor Area, Lot Coverage, and Setbacks by Residential District:
  • R-1 10,000 (PDF)
  • R-1 12,500 (PDF)
  • R-1 15,000 (PDF)
  • R-1 20,000 (PDF)
  • R-1 40,000 (PDF)
  • Hillside Residential (HR) (PDF)
• Design Review Process
• Single-Family Residential Design Review Handbook (PDF)
• Geotechnical Clearance

Additional Information & Resources

• Accessory Structures Summary (PDF)
• Appeal Application (PDF)
• Basements Summary (PDF)
• City Code
• Fences, Gates, Pillars, Retaining Walls Summary (PDF)
• Gateway Design Guidelines (PDF)
• General Plan and Specific Plans
• Ground Movement Potential Map
• Ridgeline Map (PDF)
• Sheds, Garden Structures, Basements, Bay Windows
• Stormwater Regulations
• Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines (PDF)
• Village Design Guidelines (PDF)