Design Review
Process
- The first step in residential development is to determine what is allowed and how much can be built on your property.
- Once you know your zoning and what can be built on your property, then you need to determine the level of planning review required for your project.
- If you are building a minor addition to your home (adding less than 50% new area), then you may be able to submit your plans directly to the Building Department. Any minor addition of floor area will be routed to the Planning Department for zoning clearance.
- If you are building a new house or increasing the size of your existing house by more than 50%, your project will require design review approval. There are other circumstances where your project might need design review approval.
- Your design review application will either need Administrative (staff) approval (PDF) or Planning Commission approval (PDF)(if over 18 feet in height).
- Your project will also need to comply with the City's Design Review Findings and be consistent with the Residential Design Review Handbook (PDF).
- If your project requires Planning Commission approval, it will reviewed at a Public Hearing.
Other Helpful Documents
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Planning Division
Phone: 408.868.1222Fax: 408.867.8555
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Community Development Department
Physical Address
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Permit Center Hours
Monday - Friday:
- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Closed every other Friday (City Calendar)
More Information about the Building Division & Permit Center
Planning Counter Hours
Monday - Friday:
- 8:00 a.m. - Noon
- 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Closed every other Friday (City Calendar)
More Information about the Planning Division & Planning Counter
Community Development Department:
- City of Saratoga Building Division
- City of Saratoga Planning Division
- City Arborist
- Code Compliance
- Facilities