Monte Sereno City Council
August 4, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Public Services and Facilities | PS-8
PS-1.5. Coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions
to provide public health relief services to
Monte Sereno residents in an extreme
heat, cold or other harmful event.

Information on resources shall be
provided on the City website and
newsletter.

PS-2. Coordinate with governmental agencies and
other outside providers to deliver quality public
services.

PS-2.1. Participate in regional policy decision
making which affects the quality and level
of services provided in Monte Sereno. The
City shall take an active role in
coordinating with regional agencies,
special districts, and surrounding cities
regarding issues which lie within its
Sphere of Influence.

PS-2.2. Continue to take a proactive role in
decision making and providing input to
outside service providers.

PS-2.3. Consult with outside service providers to
ensure that uses and equipment are
planned and constructed in a manner
consistent with adopted City policies.

PS-2.4. Work closely with other governmental
agencies, districts, and utility companies,
including cellular providers, in monitoring
current and projected levels of service to
assure that present needs are met and
that adequate capacity is maintained.

PS-2.5. Reduce costs by coordinating public
improvements and programs with
neighboring jurisdictions.

PS-2.6. Promote joint-use of public facilities and
agreements for sharing costs and
operational responsibilities among public
service providers.

PS-2.7. Encourage PG&E to upgrade gas and
electrical systems to improve service and
minimize power outages.

PS-2.8. Encourage PG&E to place overhead utility
lines underground when lines are
replaced.

PS-2.9. Encourage the San Jose Water Company
to upgrade infrastructure and water
pressure sufficiently for fire protection in
all areas of Monte Sereno, especially Very

High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

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PS-3. Ensure that providing services and
infrastructure for new development or
annexation does not create an unreasonable
cost burden for existing residents.

PS-3.1. Require that services and facilities for new
development or annexation are paid for
by developers or property owners to an
extent that does not constrain the
development of new housing.

PS-3.2. Encourage new development to install
safe and modern utility equipment.

PS-3.3. Require all new electrical, communication
and telecommunication lines to be
installed underground, unless the City
deems it infeasible.

PS-3.4. Actively promote the undergrounding of
existing overhead utility facilities.

PS-4. Ensure the highest quality schools, libraries,
police and fire services for Monte Sereno
residents.

PS-4.1. Continue to work with the Los Gatos
Unified School District, the Los Gatos-
Saratoga Union High School District and
the Campbell Union High School District to
ensure that the District continues to offer
high quality educational services to the
community.

PS-4.2. Encourage the Los Gatos Union School
District, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union
High School District and the Campbell
Union High School District to provide
school facilities with the best possible new
or upgraded equipment, technological
advances and highly trained staff.

PS-4.3. Participate in efforts to update the long-
range plan for the Los Gatos Union School
District, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union
High School District and the Campbell
Union High School District to ensure that
Monte Sereno’s needs and interests are
adequately represented.

PS-4.4. Continue to work with the Santa Clara
County Fire Department to provide an
adequate level of fire service for Monte
Sereno residents.

PS-4.5. Continue to participate in Santa Clara
County Library District JPA Governing
Board to ensure that an adequate level of
service is maintained.

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Public Services and Facilities | PS-10
PS-5. Provide effective outreach to the public and
encourage resident participation in City
decision-making.

PS-5.1. Continue to publish a citywide newsletter
containing information regarding special
activities and events, including
governmental involvement opportunities.

Post City and neighboring jurisdiction
events, involvement opportunities, and
activity programs online when feasible.

PS-5.2. Continue to provide opportunities for
residents to informally interact with
elected and appointed officials and City
staff to express their concerns, ask
questions and share ideas.

PS-5.3. Support activities that encourage
community participation such as Annual
Clean-up Day (to remove roadside trash
and trim vegetation on vacant properties)
and Neighborhood Watch.

PS-5.4. Provide and maintain a history of available
public documents and information about
governmental meetings and actions on
the City’s official website when feasible.

PS-5.5. Encourage resident participation in
developing new community programs,
events, and services. Provide an annual
survey to receive community feedback
regarding interest and ideas for
community events.

ADOPTION DRAFT

HEALTH & SAFETY ELEMENT

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-1

8. HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT
The Health and Safety Element provides information about risks in Monte Sereno due to natural and human-made
hazards. The Element contains goals, policies and actions designed to protect the community and its property from the hazardous impacts of fire, seismic activity, flooding, toxic materials, and climate change. This Element also
addresses noise within the community and general
emergency and disaster preparedness including
emergency evacuation analysis.

As required by State law, the Health and Safety Element addresses the following:

1. Wildland and urban fires

2. Seismic activity, including seismically induced
surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground
failure

3. Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides

4. Subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards

5. Flooding, including tsunami, seiche, and dam failure 1 This is not a State requirement, but is supported by the State for inclusion into a Safety Element.
2 As of general plan adoption, Monte Sereno is not a party to the 2024 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). However, information and data related to the city are included throughout the plan as appropriate and

6. Hazardous Materials and hazardous waste1

7. Emergency response2

8. Air quality3

9. Noise3

10. Climate Risk
A. Background Information
This section contains information on current risks due to natural and human-made hazards. Existing noise sources
and their projected levels are also addressed in the
background information section.
relevant. Action HS-5.D directs the City to participate in the next update of the LHMP. The current LHMP expires in February 2029. 3 State law mandates that a City’s General Plan address air quality as well as current and foreseeable noise impacts. Air quality and noise are not contained in a stand-alone element but are instead addressed in this Health and Safety Element.

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1. Wildland and Urban Fires
Open space areas and residential areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy are especially vulnerable to fire
hazards. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside areas south of Highway 9. The risk of fire is also highest during the summer and fall dry seasons. The risk of fires has also increased due to increased frequency of heatwaves and drought. Because most wildfires are
caused by people, increased accessibility to fire hazard areas further increases the risk of fire. Figure HS-1 identifies the wildfire hazard areas in Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno will continue to use the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zone map data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program per Policy HS-1.23.

Figure HS-2 depicts Monte Sereno’s land uses, structures, roads, and essential public facilities in relation to the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. No areas are lacking service.

Figure HS-1: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal

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Figure HS-2: Land Uses and Fire Hazard
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal, City of Monte Sereno

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A significant portion of Monte Sereno is prone to wildfires and is located in the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI, where houses and other development meet or mix with
undeveloped natural areas. As of February 24, 2025,
identified by the State Fire Marshal, 12 percent of Monte Sereno is within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The majority of the south end of the city is within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, either designated as Moderate Fire Hazard Severity, High Fire Hazard Severity, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity. More information and mapping of Fire Hazard Severity Zones can be found on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website.4
Proximity to wildfire danger must also be understood to include the risk from windblown embers. Fire embers,
which are pieces of burning vegetation or other flammable material, can often travel several miles, before landing and potentially igniting new fires. The distance they travel depends on factors like wind strength, the size of the
embers, and the intensity of the fire.

Due to the recent wildfires in California including the following:5
4 “Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (Office of the State Fire Marshal), available at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones 5 See: “20 Most Destructive California Wildfires (CAL FIRE: 2025), available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics. • Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa; Oct. 2017 – 5,643 structures destroyed, 22 dead
• Camp Fire in Paradise fire; Nov. 2018 – 18,804
structures destroyed, 85 dead
• North Complex Fire in Butte, Yuba & Plumas
Counties; Aug. 2020 – 2,352 structures destroyed, 15
dead
• Eaton Fire in Altadena; Jan. 2025 – 9,413 structures
destroyed, 18 dead
• Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades; Jan. 2025 – 6,833 structures destroyed, 12 dead
It is now known beyond a reasonable doubt that the wildfire danger zone can extend several miles beyond the mapped
high fire zones. Therefore, all of Monte Sereno should be considered for fire protective measures, precautions and planning.6
The residences as well as private roads and City-maintained roads are at risk in these areas. Utilities that provide water or electricity to these homes and businesses are also at risk.

No critical facilities in Monte Sereno are at risk, but the Quito 6See California 2022 Fire Code 4907.3 Requirements; Municipal Code Section 13.04.110 Fire Protection – Special conditions; Municipal Code Title 9 Building and Construction; Municipal

Code Chapter 9.06 Numbering of Buildings.

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Fire Station is very close to a Moderate Hazard Severity Zone.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program and U.S.

Geological Survey historical fire perimeter data, there have been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno.
7 The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire near Los Gatos, which
burned from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz
Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.

Monte Sereno is part of Santa Clara County’s Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
8 Monte Sereno was first
annexed to the plan in 2016, and the data has been
subsequently updated in 2025. The Community Wildfire
Protection Plan outlines a mitigation and preparedness plan to work toward reducing wildfire risk, establishes
7 CAL FIRE Historical Fire Perimeters Map, available at Fire Perimeters | CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fireresource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters. Additional historical data is available through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), see “Combined wildland fire datasets for the United States and certain territories, 1800s-Present”, available at https://www.usgs.gov/data/combined-wildland-fire-datasetsunited-states-and-certain-territories-1800s-present. collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies as well as local stakeholders before an event occurs. These agencies include the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Caltrans, and California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The Plan includes pre-attack plans or tactical maps for suppression personnel to improve firefighter readiness and safety, and documents planning and projects for garnering grant success.

In addition to the CWPP, Monte Sereno is a part of the Santa Clara County Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). The Plan is an all-hazards document describing the County’s
Emergency Operations organization, compliance with
relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency Response System. These
plans are incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference.

Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District,
specifically the Santa Clara Unit,
9 serves the City of Monte
Sereno for fire protection services. There is one fire station, 8 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, available at
https://sccfc.maps.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/59c5a 1772e3849ad8f225e8f638431d1/data
9 See, 2025 CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Fire Plan

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Quito Station, located at 18870 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in the City’s Sphere of Influence. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Boulevard south of Lark Avenue). California Office of
Emergency Services, Region 2, may also provide fire and rescue services during a wildfire event.

Monte Sereno adopted the Uniform Fire Code in 1999 via
Ordinance NS-112.10 Later, to reduce fire hazards, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in
2007. This ordinance, codified as Municipal Code Chapter

8.02, broadly defines fire hazards as dry or dead shrubs, dead trees, combustible refuse and waste, and any
vegetation that could pose dangers. Monte Sereno
residents are required by this ordinance to remove and
properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.

Historically, jurisdictions often relied on existing fire hydrants and urban water pressure-based systems to
mitigate fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

However, as seen in the 2025 Los Angeles area fires, it is impossible to maintain water pressure in widespread
10 See:
https://library.municode.com/ca/monte_sereno/codes/code_of_o rdinances?nodeId=MOSECA_ORNONS
11 Gregory Pierce, et al., “How have the LA Fires affected water systems in LA County?” (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation:
2025), available at http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7km452tj wildfire scenarios.
11 Although the Santa Clara County Fire
Department has alternatives in place for water sources, such as carrying water from reservoirs, damming existing streams, and using residential pools, this could be
insufficient in particularly hot or gusty wildfires. Sufficient water pressure is only one aspect of a multifaceted
approach to wildfire mitigation and resilience.

Due to Monte Sereno being at significant risk of wildfire, proactive tree management is necessary. Monte Sereno
also has a significant amount of eucalyptus trees. These are highly flammable and currently deemed ‘Unsuitable trees” within Monte Sereno’s municipal code (Chapter

10.15.015(C)), requiring removal. In the case of an
emergency, a eucalyptus tree is allowed to be removed if it is a hazard to life or property.

In addition, Monte Sereno offers a hazardous tree removal rebate program for residents located in a Wildland Urban Interface Area or a Local Selection Area.12 Eligible
participants may receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the tree removal cost, provided the tree meets a
12See:
https://montesereno.org/DocumentCenter/View/4117/Hazardou s-Tree-Removal-Rebate-Application

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minimum circumference and is listed among the accepted
species.

2. Seismic Activity
Seismic activity includes activity such as seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Monte Sereno is located within the seismically-active San Francisco Bay region, one of the most seismically-active zones in the United States. The faults in the San Francisco Bay region are capable of generating earthquakes of at least 8.0 in
magnitude on the Richter Scale, producing very strong
ground shaking in Monte Sereno.

A fault is a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with
respect to those on the other side. A fault zone is a zone of related faults which commonly are braided, but which may be branching. The closest major fault is the San Andreas Fault, specifically the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, which passes through Monte Sereno’s SOI southwest of
Lyndon Canyon and is shown on Figure HS-3. Figure HS-4
displays fault rupture zones within Monte Sereno and the vicinity. A portion of Monte Sereno also is near the
potentially active Shannon Fault, just north of Monte Sereno in Los Gatos.
• Ground Failure means mudslide, landslide.
liquefaction, or soil compaction caused by a seismic
event. Monte Sereno is a risk of these occurrences
due to being near the San Andreas fault.
• Ground Shaking a term used to describe the
vibration of the ground during an earthquake.

Ground shaking is caused by body waves originating
from deep within the earth, and surface waves. As a
generalization, the severity of ground shaking
increases as magnitude increases and decreases as
distance from the causative fault increases.
• Seismically Induced Surface Rupture means a
break in the ground’s surface and associated
deformation resulting from the movement of a fault.

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Figure HS-3: Earthquake Regional Faults
Sources: California Geological Survey, Santa Clara County Figure HS-4: Fault Rupture Zones
Source: Santa Clara County

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According to the 2024 Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), Monte Sereno has 1,078 buildings at risk of earthquake exposure.

To address these seismic hazards the City requires new
construction to be built using the most recent building codes, which minimizes potential damage to structures as a result of an earthquake. Development or substantial
renovations in Monte Sereno must comply with the
California Building/Residential Code (BBC/CRC), which
outlines standards for seismic design, foundations and
drainage and requires that geotechnical engineering
studies be undertaken for all newly constructed buildings, including accessory dwelling units, as well as earth works.

3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides Landslides resulting from earthquakes are the greatest
earthquake hazard concern for residents of Monte Sereno.

A landslide is the movement of masses of loosened rock and soil down a hillside or slope. Slope failures occur when the strength of the soils forming the slope is exceeded by the pressure, such as weight or saturation, acting upon them. • Landslide Creep is a slow-moving landslide often
only noticed through leaning trees and disturbed
structures. Monte Sereno residents within the
hillside areas could be impacted by landslide creep.
13 ”Landslide Inventory” (California Geological Survey: 2025) • Mudslides (or debris flows) are rivers of rock, earth, organic matter, and other soil materials saturated
with water.

Figure HS-5 identifies susceptible areas in landslide hazard zones. According to the California Geological Survey,
approximately 12 percent of Monte Sereno is located in
areas with some potential for earthquake-induced
landslides. This change from the 2008 general plan is due to updated data provided by California Geological Survey as directed by State law. However, no landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. There have been four historic landslides that have been mapped near the city’s southern border.
13

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Figure HS-5: Landslide Hazard Zones
Source: California Geological Survey
14 Government Code 65302(g)

4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards
State law requires protection from unreasonable risks from subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with
Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body.14 The term “unreasonable risk” is not explicitly defined within government code. It may be best interpreted as the
mitigation risk using up-to-date scientific knowledge and standards.
• Subsidence is the gradual, local settling or sinking of the earth’s surface with little or no horizontal motion (subsidence is usually the result of gas, oil, or water extraction, hydro compaction, or peat oxidation),
and not the result of a landslide or slope failure. As
droughts become more intense and frequent, Monte
Sereno is at higher risk for subsidence.
• Liquefaction is a phenomenon primarily associated
with saturated, cohesionless soil layers located close
to the ground surface. During liquefaction, soils lose
strength and ground failure may occur. Since soils
must be saturated to be at risk of liquefaction, areas
with high groundwater levels are most susceptible to
liquefaction. Figure HS-6 shows that the majority of
the city has a very low potential for liquefaction.

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Areas with high liquefaction potential are located
along the west border of the city limit.
• Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward
movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement
is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce
permanent deformation, but too small to produce
shear failure. Creep is indicated by curved tree
trunks, bent fences or retaining walls, tilted poles or fences, and small soil ripples or ridges. Monte
Sereno residents within the hillside areas could
potentially be impacted by creep.

Earthquakes and droughts can cause earth to move or sink, affecting water sources. Although Monte Sereno currently does not have a groundwater management plan, it has a
relatively low risk of subsidence, liquefaction, and hazards such as creep due to its foothill location (see Figure HS-6).

There is some liquefaction risk along Quito Road and Los Gatos Creek.

Figure HS-7 depicts water mains serviced by San Jose Water and the diameter of the pipes. As subsidence increases with longer periods of droughts, these water mains may require maintenance by San Jose Water.

Figure HS-6: Liquefaction Hazard Zones
Source: California Geological Survey

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Figure HS-7: Water Mains
Source: San Jose Water

5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure Large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard in Monte Sereno. Most of the properties in Monte Sereno are built above the base flood elevation. There are no critical facilities susceptible to flooding in Monte Sereno. However, both
surface and subsurface local drainage problems do exist in some parts of Monte Sereno, and there is currently no
drainage plan for Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno is part of the National Flood Insurance Program. • A floodplain is the land area along the sides of a river that becomes inundated with water during a
flood.
• The 1-Percent-Annual-Chance (100-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
a given year.
• The 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance (500-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded
in a given year.

There has been no historical flooding in Monte Sereno.

There is a small area of the city to the northwest that is subject to a 1% annual chance of flood hazard. Land uses in this area include Single-Family Residential.

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Figure HS-8: Flood Hazard Zones
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
There are five parcels on Monte Sereno’s western boundary in the 100-year flood plain. The land uses subject to this 100- year flooding are Single-Family Residential (1 DU/ac), and only two of them are buildable. The others are either rightsof-way or consist of San Tomas Aquino Creek.

Agencies responsible for flooding include Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company, and California
Office of Emergency Services. Monte Sereno partners with the Town of Los Gatos with a combined police force for
public safety and emergency response services.
a. Dam Failure
Monte Sereno does not have any dams within its borders.

The Town of Los Gatos has Vasona Percolating to the east of Monte Sereno and Rinconada Reservoir to the north of Monte Sereno. Vasona Percolating is within the Extremely High category for inundation or dam failure resulting in significant flooding. However, the flooding would likely occur north of Monte Sereno, not within city boundaries. b. Levee Protection
There are no levees within Monte Sereno. There are three levees near Monte Sereno including Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County Levee 82, and Santa Clara County Levee 90.

Impacts on any of these levees are unlikely to affect Monte Sereno.
c. Seiche
Seiche is an earthquake-induced wave in a lake, reservoir, or harbor. Monte Sereno is not at risk for seiche as there are no significant bodies of water within the city.

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d. Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of high-energy waves that radiate outward like pond ripples from an area where a generating event occurs, arriving at shorelines over an extended
period. Monte Sereno is not at risk for a tsunami as the city is not located near any large body of water.

6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Hazardous material usage and hazardous waste are
primarily associated with residential uses in Monte Sereno.

Household hazardous materials including pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizers and oil are the most commonly
occurring hazardous material in the city. Other household hazardous waste can include flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer materials. The California Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is authorized by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency to enforce and implement Federal
hazardous materials laws and regulations, including
disposal and transportation of hazardous materials.

Santa Clara County operates a Household Hazardous Waste disposal program for incorporated and unincorporated
residents and small businesses. Household hazardous
waste includes flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer material and can be dropped off at facilities located in Sunnyvale, San Jose and San Martin.
15 See Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, available at https://files.santaclaracounty.gov/exjcpb1566/migrated/2022%2 Monte Sereno Municipal Code section 8.02.020 prohibits
the accumulation of hazardous material, stating that “No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the City of Monte Sereno shall permit weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growths and other hazardous material to remain upon said premises, or public sidewalks, or streets, or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.”
The City is responsible for ensuring implementation of the ordinance and overall protection of the community,
including through its contracted police services agreement.

The City is not solely in charge of hazards on Highway 17 and works with responsible agencies.

There are no hazardous waste producing land uses in the City of Monte Sereno, which contains only residential and institutional land uses as well as open space.

7. Emergency Response
As required by law, Monte Sereno has established
emergency preparedness procedures to respond to a
variety of natural and man-made disasters that could occur within the area. The City participates in the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP)15 and the City has representatives on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Steering Committee. The Plan is an all-hazards document 0EOP_County%20of%20Santa%20Clara_01.20.2022%20Accessibili ty%20Check.pdf.

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describing the County’s Emergency Operations
organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency
Response System. This system is activated during
extraordinary emergency situations associated with largescale disasters affecting Santa Clara County and/or the Santa Clara County Operational Area. By definition of the State of California, the Santa Clara County Operational Area consists of the cities, special districts, and the
unincorporated areas of the county. This plan is not
intended to address emergency responses for specific
events.

The Plan continues the County’s compliance with the
California Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS) and establishes compliance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), the National
Response Framework (NRF), and the National Preparedness Guidelines (NPG).

Monte Sereno works with the Los Gatos Emergency Services Coordinator who plans and implements disaster response
and training activities including community educational programs. The coordinator functions as a liaison between the town and governmental agencies. The coordinator
additionally works in emergency planning management
involving data collection, analysis and preparation of state and federal reports.

Monte Sereno residents also have an important role in
responding to emergencies. Many neighborhoods in Monte
Sereno and Los Gatos have organized to plan and prepare for disasters through the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. The CERT program educates people
about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic
disaster response skills. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive. The Town of Los Gatos currently offers CERT training courses that are
available to Monte Sereno residents.

During an emergency event, residents who subscribe to the city newsletter will receive updates. In the event the
emergency effects Santa Clara County as a whole and
residents are subscribed to Santa Clara County alerts,
residents will receive emergency updates from this source.

There are also several public and private emergency
communications. Policy HS-5.2 directs the City to continually update and collaborate on communications links with
surrounding jurisdictions during emergency events.
a. Evacuation Analysis
Updated State law requires additional evacuation analysis requirements:
• SB 99 (2019) requires identification of residential
developments in any hazard area identified in the
Safety Element that do not have at least two
emergency evacuation routes.
• AB 747 (2019) requires identification of evacuation
routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and
evacuation locations under a range of emergency
scenarios.

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The SB 99 residential development identification map is Figure HS-9.

Figure HS-9: Residential Developments with One Evacuation Route
Source: M-Group

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Parcels are identified on Figure HS-9 if they have only one egress route. These are typically parcels on cul-de-sac or foothill street that “dead-end” before connecting to another street. Streets are considered dual-egress even if both ends of the street connect to the same street in a horseshoe development pattern, under the theory that households
would be able to evacuate from an impassable hazard, even if they were required to take a longer, more winding, route.

The primary evacuation routes out of Monte Sereno include Highway 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road), crossing the city eastwest, and Winchester Boulevard to the east. Additional evacuation routes include Highway 17, on the eastern side of Monte Sereno.

Of these roads, Highway 9 is a divided highway for much of its path through Monte Sereno, with two lanes in each
direction. Winchester Boulevard is one lane in each
direction. Highway 17 is a divided freeway, with the
interchange at Highway 9 located .60 miles from the Monte Sereno border.

In addition to major streets, Monte Sereno has many singlelane and private roads. As seen in Figure HS-9 many residents have only one evacuation route. It is important for these single-lane and private roads to be properly
maintained both for residents and emergency responders.

Monte Sereno has ability to evacuate residents through
biking and pedestrian pathways. Bike lanes exist on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road/Highway 9, Winchester
Boulevard, sections of Quito Road and Daves Avenue, and along Twin Creeks Road. Some additional streets have Class II bike lanes. There is a bridle path between Via Cabellero and Vineland Avenue. Pedestrian pathways including
sidewalks exist on some streets including parts of Daves Avenue.

Above the northeast border of Monte Sereno is the La
Rinconada Country Club golf course. While not considered a primary evacuation route, in the event of wildfire the golf course could provide an additional evacuation route. Some parts of La Rinconada Country Club golf course may be
impacted by a 100-year flood.

Another potential means of evacuation is the open space between Vineland Avenue and La Rinconada Country Club.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, the city could potentially establish easement rights to use these areas for pedestrian egress.

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i. Evacuation Route Capacity
Highway 9 through Monte Sereno has annual average daily traffic (AADT) of 12,631 in a 2010 count, with an estimated growth rate of 1.3% per year.16 Peak AM/PM volumes are
described in Table HS-1:

Table HS-1: 2010 Peak Hour Volumes on Highway 9
Highway 9 Peak Hour
Volumes
Passenger Vehicles/Hour
Eastbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 552
Peak Hour Volume PM 994
Westbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 1,049
Peak Hour Volume PM 782
“Eastbound” means towards Highway 17 and Los Gatos, while “Westbound” means towards Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga.

These volumes are all well under the typical maximum
capacity rate of 1,800 passenger vehicles an hour –
especially considering that lanes may be reversed in times of emergency (i.e., if there is a wildfire to the west of Monte Sereno, one or more westbound lanes may be temporarily
converted to eastbound to ease emergency traffic).
16 “Transportation Concept Report” (Caltrans: September 13), available at https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/district4/documents/d4-transportation-planning-localii. Evacuation Route Safety and Viability Monte Sereno is situated between Highways 85 and 17,
giving residents and workers two complementary routes
away in case of emergency. In addition, Daves Avenue and Winchester Boulevard can provide alternate connections to these main routes. All of these roads are in good repair and well maintained by the appropriate authorities.

The primary hazard facing Monte Sereno is wildfire in the south of the city. There are additional hazard risks to a lesser extent:
• Flooding (along western boundary)
• Liquefaction (along western boundary)
• Landslides (northern, western, and southern
portions of the city)
All of these parcels are single-family residential or open space, with a relatively low density of occupants compared to commercial or high-density residential uses. Table HS-2 quantifies the parcels that could be potentially affected:
assistance/system-regional-planning/tcrs/f0020323_sr9-tcr-finala11y.pdf

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Table HS-2: Parcels Affected by Potential Hazards*
Hazard
# of Parcels (including in
Sphere of Influence)
Wildfire 239
Moderate 80
High 85
Very High 74
Flood (100-Year Flood) 5
Liquefaction 55
Landslides 256
* All parcels in Table HS-2 are zoned for single-family residential uses or open space
Beach Traffic
In outreach conducted for the 2026 General Plan Update, many community members expressed concern over a
wildfire hazard event occurring during a summer afternoon (PM), when Highway 17 is particularly congested with
beach-goers above and beyond a “typical” peak hour
volume. The traffic is often exacerbated by individuals attempting to bypass Highway 17 traffic using local Monte Sereno roads.
17 “State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan” (Caltrans:
2024).
18 Damien Pierce and John Anderson, “Improving traffic
evacuations: A case study” (Google Research: 2023), available at This concern is well-understood by Caltrans, the State
transportation agency. At the time of General Plan Update development, Caltrans is working on a State Route 17
Resiliency and Adaptation Plan.17 This plan will prioritize project opportunities that align with assessing physical climate risk and safety improvements, along with other plan priorities. Monte Sereno will review the plan and support implementation, as appropriate (see Action HS-5.E).

In any case, Monte Sereno community members can
potentially also evacuate via Winchester Boulevard or
Highway 9. Due to Monte Sereno’s relatively small and lowdensity development pattern, community members have alternate evacuation routes should Highway 17 be
temporarily not viable. Analysis conducted in other
communities indicate that a policy of encouraging residents to evacuate with only one vehicle rather than multiple
vehicles per household should be considered. Traffic
models confirm that this policy can significantly improve evacuation times, potentially saving lives during a severe wildfire event.18
iii. Evacuation Locations
Monte Sereno is a small community, both in terms of
population and geography. Although Daves Avenue
Elementary School could prove to be a viable evacuation https://research.google/blog/improving-traffic-evacuations-aPage 181 of 390 case-study/.

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location in case of small-scale hazards, in case of largerscale hazards Monte Sereno community members will likely seek evacuation further towards Campbell, and San Jose.

For safe and efficient evacuation to these jurisdictions north of Monte Sereno, it is crucial that community members are aware of emergency messaging systems, such as those
administered by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department and the Santa Clara County Fire Department,
as well as the Monte Sereno – Los Gatos CERT.

8. Air Quality
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD, formerly Bay Area Air
Quality Management District, or BAAQMD) regulates air
quality in Santa Clara County. The county, including Monte Sereno, is part of a region-wide non-attainment area in which ambient levels exceed State or Federal air quality standard for ground-level ozone and airborne particulates (PM2.5, and PM10.). Additionally, ozone precursors generated in Santa Clara County often move to other communities,
where smog is formed several hours later. Thus, the BAAD tries to minimize local emissions that will contribute to an existing violation of State and Federal standards in any part of the Bay Area.

The BAAD monitors air quality at numerous sites within the nine-county District, although not within Monte Sereno. The closest air monitoring station is in Los Gatos, but the closest air monitoring station with complete annual data is in San Jose.

Local air pollutant levels measured over the most recent three years (2017 to 2019) at the San Jose stations are reported in Table HS-3. The air pollutants of greatest
concern are ground-level ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, because health standards for these compounds are exceeded in the Bay Area. CO, lead, and NO2 standards have been achieved, primarily through cleaner fuels, more efficient motor
vehicles, and evolving regulations.

As shown in Table HS-3, measurements of ozone in San Jose exceeded air quality standards during the 2017-2019
monitoring period. Carbon monoxide measurements met
Federal and State standards during the 2017-2019 period.

Measurements of PM10 exceeded California air quality
standards on one day during the 2017-2019 monitoring
period.

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Table HS-3: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations in San Jose (2017-2019)19 Pollutant
Average
Time
National
Ambient Air
Quality Standard
California Ambient
Air Quality
Standard
2017 2018 2019
Ozone 1-hour n/a 0.09 ppm 0.121 ppb 0.078 ppb 0.095 ppb Ozone 8-hour 0.070 ppm 0.070 ppm 0.098 ppb 0.061 ppb 0.081 ppb Carbon Monoxide 1-hour 35 ppm 20 ppm 2.1 ppm 2.5 ppm 1.7 ppm Carbon Monoxide 8-hour 9 ppm 9.0 ppm 1.8 ppm 2.1 ppm 1.3 ppm Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
24-hour 150 ug/m3 50 ug/m3 70 ug/m3 122 ug/m3 77 ug/m3
Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual n/a 20 ug/m3 21.6 ug/m3 23.1 ug/m3 19.2 ug/m3
19 Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

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9. Noise
For the purpose of the General Plan, noise is defined as a sound or series of sounds that are considered invasive, irritating, objectionable or disruptive to the quality of life.

Noise varies in its range, source and volume and can derive from individual incidents such as a lawnmower, to sporadic disturbances such as a car horn, to more constant irritants such as traffic along major arterials.

State Law requires that all City and County General Plans address noise to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. To this end, local governments are required to “analyze and quantify noise levels and the
extent of noise exposure” through field measurements or noise modeling, and “implement measures and possible
solutions to existing and foreseeable noise problems.”
Noise contours for current and projected conditions within the community are required to be prepared in terms of
either the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which are descriptors of total noise exposure at a given location for an annual average day. CNEL and Ldn are generally considered to be equivalent descriptors of the community noise environment within
plus or minus 1.0 dBA. Table HS-4 provides definitions of the acoustical terminology used in this document.
a. Land Use Compatibility
Land uses deemed noise sensitive by the State of California include schools, hospitals, rest homes, long-term care and mental care facilities. Many jurisdictions also consider residential uses noise sensitive since families and
individuals expect to use time in the home for rest and relaxation, and excess noise can interfere with those
activities. Monte Sereno considers residential uses as noise sensitive since the quiet community character is one of attractions to living in the city.

Monte Sereno is generally a quiet, residential community.

The primary noise generator that impacts Monte Sereno
residents is vehicular noise from major roadways. To ensure that future development is not adversely impacted by noise generators, or is itself a negative noise source, the City will utilize land use compatibility guidelines as part of planning and development decisions. Figure HS-10 summarizes
which areas of Monte Sereno are affected by the different noise levels from highways and throughfares.

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Table HS-4: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definition
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).

A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A- weighting filter de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report are A-weighted, unless reported otherwise
Community Noise
Equivalent Level, CNEL
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 5 decibels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am
Day/Night Noise Level,
Ldn
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.

Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.

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Figure HS-10: Noise Levels
Sources: Los Gatos General Plan (2022); Saratoga General Plan (2024) 20https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31984/8- LGGP_2040_Environment-and-Sustainability-Element;
b. Existing and Future Noise
Automobiles are the most common noise source in Monte
Sereno. As shown on Figure HS-10, automobile noise is
greatest on Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard. Local and regional growth is not anticipated to lead to a dramatic increase traffic noise during the next 20 years. Figure HS10 depicts projected future noise levels for sample roadways based on future traffic levels.

The majority of traffic increases will result from regional growth, over which the City has no control. Noise levels are only shown for those roadways that were studied as part of neighboring General Plan traffic analysis, published from 2020-2024.
20 Roadways that were not modeled for noise
contours also experience traffic noise, with noise levels along local streets anticipated to be similar or quieter than those modeled streets.

Noise impacts also result from construction and
landscaping activities. To limit noise from these sources, Chapter 9.07 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code
establishes permitted hours for construction and
mechanical blowers. Construction requiring a building
permit is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and
prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Construction not
requiring a permit can occur at any time. The use of
mechanical blowers is limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/5403/Genera l-Plan-Noise-Element-PDF

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Monday through Saturday, and permitted from 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The maximum
volume for mechanical blowers is 65 decibels as measured 50 feet from the fully operating mechanical blower.

10. Climate Risk
California is experiencing increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, and droughts.

Temperature increases will cause longer droughts and
overall water supply problems, and the Bay Area’s electrical grid will be venerable to power outages during high winds and wildfires. Climate change may increase the effects of socioeconomic inequity as the abilities of individuals to prepare for and recover from heat waves, floods, and
wildfires will vary.
a. Community Profile
Monte Sereno is a community of 3,637 people nestled
within the hills of Santa Clara County, just west of Los Gatos.21 Demographically in Monte Sereno, in 2020
decennial census, White residents make up the majority at

75.3 percent, 7.3 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino,

17.7 percent of persons identified as Asian, 1.3 percent of persons identified as Black or African American, 2.1 percent of persons identified as two or more races. According to the Department of Finance, the average household size is 2.84 individuals in 2025. According to the 2020 American
21 California Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2021-2025, May 2025,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4- Community Survey (ACS) the average family size is 3.27
individuals. The 2020 American Community Survey (ACS)
has the median household income of Monte Sereno to be
$250,000+. The median age of Monte Sereno residents
according to American Community Survey 2023 Census
Data is 55.1.

Monte Sereno does not have any disadvantaged
communities according to California Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s
CalEnviroScreen 4.0. defined as a census tract meeting
certain income levels and/or public health indicators.

Monte Sereno is primarily made up of single-family
residential land uses of one unit per acre, consisting of 692 acres within the city (74 percent of land in the city). Areas for single-family residential homes of two dwelling units per acre consist of 55 acres. Areas for single-family residential homes of 3-5 dwelling units per acre consist of 134 acres.

Land uses allowing for multi-family residential homes of 3- 8 dwelling units per acre consist of 4.5 acres. Areas
designated for multi-family residential overlay district allow development of up to 20 dwelling units per acre. Public land population-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-the-state-2021- 2025-with-2020-census-benchmark/

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use consists of 9 acres. Open Space land use consists of 38 acres.

Critical facilities in Monte Sereno include Quito Fire Station (in the Sphere of Influence), Daves Avenue Elementary
School, and City Hall.
b. Climate Hazards
Climate Change is projected to affect Monte Sereno through risk of wildfires, droughts, landslides, and air quality. These impacts will cause a secondary impact to emergency service groups and plans supporting Monte Sereno residents.

Areas not expected to increase their current effect on Monte Sereno include sea level rise and flooding.
i. Drought
A drought is where conditions are drier than normal for an extended period, making less water available for people and ecosystems. While drought is a normal occurrence in California, prolonged drought conditions can harm
ecosystems and the regional economy. Droughts do not
typically cause direct loss of life or structural damage, but they can lead to critical environmental and economic harm, including agricultural losses, increased water costs, habitat degradation, and heightened wildfire risks.

Historical droughts in Santa Clara County in the extreme to exceptional range include an exceptional drought from the years of January 2014 to March 2016, according to U.S.

Drought Monitor. The extreme drought continued until
November 2016. Another extreme drought started in April 2021 and extended to December of 2021 with an
exceptional drought also occurring in this timeframe.

Monte Sereno receives its water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and San Jose Water Company. San Jose Water Company receives its water supply from three sources of potable water supply: purchased, or imported, treated
surface water from Valley Water District, groundwater from the Santa Clara Subbasin, and surface water from local
watersheds. A fourth and growing source of supply is nonpotable recycled water. Drought poses significant challenges to the continued operations from these water supply systems. All of Monte Sereno residents will be
affected by drought conditions.

According to Valley Water District’s 2020 Urban Water
Management Plan, Valley Water will have sufficient supplies to meet San Jose Water Company’s, and other retailers’
demands through 2045 under average year, single dry year, and five consecutive dry year conditions. San Jose Water Company indicated by use of current and implementation
of new water sources, such as recycle water, and
conservation efforts and programs in conjunction with
Valley Water District, Monte Sereno’s water supply demands will be met.

As temperatures increase, precipitation will occur more frequently as rain than snow affecting the availability of water supplies. Identified by Cal Adapt, the City of Monte Sereno is projected to have an increase in annual
precipitation from (1961 to 1990) of an average of 31 inches, to an average of 33.7 inches by mid-century (2035 to 2064) and an average of 38.0 inches by late-century (2070 to
2099).

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A decrease in water supply could slightly affect emergency response availability to protect the city in a wildfire event. ii. Extreme Heat
As climate change poses greater impacts to the City of
Monte Sereno, extreme heat will pose a threat and can
result in loss of power and high energy bills and will
significantly increase the risk of wildfires. This change will affect all residents in the City of Monte Sereno, from those in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and those at high risk of heat related illnesses. Identified by Cal-Adapt, climate change is expected to increase extreme heat days in the city from a historic annual average (1961 to 1990) of 4 days per year, to an average of 14 days per year by midcentury (2035 to 2064) and an average of 17 days per year by late-century (2070 to 2099).

A loss of power could effect critical facilities in Monte Sereno including the Quito Fire Station, Daves Avenue Elementary School, and City Hall. A loss of power could also affect Monte Sereno’s police force services. In an emergency event Monte Sereno’s city hall can provide an on-site generator. The Town of Los Gatos and Santa Clara County could provide
cooling centers for those in need.

The harm of extreme heat is often compounded when
nighttime temperatures do not cool off to more normal
levels, which means that the community gets little or no relief for the duration of the heat wave. Identified by CalAdapt, a warm night in Monte Sereno is when temperatures remain above 58.7 degrees. Warm nights are projected to increase from a historic 5 nights per year to 34 nights per year by midcentury and 43 nights per year by late century. iii. Flood
As there are more extended years of drought, heavy bursts of rainfall are expected to cause an increase in flooding.

Monte Sereno is not near a large body of water and even with higher potential for heavy rainfall events, the city is not at risk of flooding in the next 100 to 200 years. There have been no historical flooding events in Monte Sereno.

Monte Sereno is not at risk for climate change sea level rise impacts or tsunami’s as the city is not near a large body of water.
iv. Landslides
Monte Sereno is at risk for landslides. No historic landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. Four have been mapped outside the city’s borders.
12 percent of Monte Sereno is currently susceptible to an earthquake induced landslide. Climate change is expected to exacerbate landslide hazards by increasing frequency of wildfires that can elevate the risk of fast moving debris landslides. Landslides can displace residents, block
transportation routes such as private roads within the hills and can damage critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewer pipelines. Such impacts can disrupt daily life in Monte Sereno and deprive community members of
key services and access, even for those not near the

landslide hazard zones.

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Higher earthquake potential increases the risk of Monte Sereno being susceptible to ground failure events which can be more severe due to climate change impacts.

Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of
faults and Monte Sereno is at high risk for earthquakes as the city is located near the San Andreas Fault, which passes through the city’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), and is
southwest of Lyndon Canyon and Shannon Fault in Los
Gatos, just north of the city. An earthquake along one of these faults can cause ground failure, defined as mudslides, landslides, liquefaction, or soil compaction.
v. Wildfire
Climate change is expected to significantly increase Monte Sereno wildfire risk, as raising temperatures and severe drought events cause vegetation to dry out. Wildfire
frequency, severity, and impacts are difficult to predict as they rely on various situational factors such as development patterns, vegetation, increase in temperatures, wind
patterns, and change in precipitation.

There is a substantial portion of Monte Sereno, 12 percent, within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside area south of Highway 9, in open space and residential
areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy and during the summer and fall dry seasons. Fires in this area can spread to the remainder of the city by strong winds pushing fire embers into attics, crawlspaces and flammable landscaping near homes and other structures as seen in the recent
wildfire disasters in other communities.

Human activity also increases the risk of wildfire occurring.

To reduce the risk, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in 2007. This ordinance requires
Monte Sereno residents to remove and properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.

There are two land use designations, Single-Family
Residential Home (1 DU/acre), and Single-Family Residential Home (2 DU/acre) at wildfire risk. In these wildfire-prone areas, private and City-maintained roads are at risk. Utilities that provide water or electricity to homes in these areas are also at risk. Wildfires are not projected to reach any of Monte Sereno’s critical facilities.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Resource Assessment Program, there have
been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno. The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire towards Los Gatos burning from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.
vi. Air Quality
Air pollutants come from mobile sources such as cars and trucks, dust from construction sites, and smoke from
wildfires. Monte Sereno is at high risk for poor air quality due to a wildfire occurrence. Climate change directly
impacts and exacerbates air quality through increased
temperatures, wildfires, and changes in precipitation

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patterns. Warmer temperatures lengthen the growing
seasons of plants and trees, increasing allergen production.

Poor air quality can lead to additional health issues in Monte Sereno residents.
vii. Emergency Event
Monte Sereno partners with the Town of Los Gatos to
provide emergency services including police forces. The Town of Los Gatos also serves as the emergency evacuation zone for the city. Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District serves the City of Monte Sereno for fire protection services. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue
south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire
Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Boulevard
south of Lark Avenue).

Monte Sereno also has a Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive.

The transportation infrastructure in Monte Sereno is made up of local city maintained or local private roads, connector roads, throughfares, and Highway 9 that connect different parts of the city with neighboring communities. Roadways can be blocked or damaged by wildfires, flooding, or
earthquakes, cutting off major routes and isolating the community. Damage or improper maintenance to these
roads could limit evacuation options and delay healthcare and emergency services. People who live in homes on
single-access roads are particularly vulnerable to
transportation disruptions, as it can be challenging for them to leave their home or for emergency responders to provide assistance if the only roadway access is blocked. There are few streets with bikeways and sidewalks, which may force evacuations to be undertaken by private vehicle.

Monte Sereno is a city that receives beach traffic going to Santa Cruz as a popular road Santa Cruz Avenue in Los
Gatos is impacted. Highway 9 and local roads are impacted as travelers try to avoid traffic. During an emergency event, emergency responses could be impacted by predicted
human behaviors on Monte Sereno streets and other
frequently used roads including Santa Cruz Avenue.

As climate change events become more frequent and
intense, Monte Sereno is committed to reducing climate
risks and increasing the resilience of the city and its residents.

Policies related to climate change adaptation are in the Goals, Policies, and Actions, below.

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B. Goals, Policies, and Actions
HS-1. Prevent and reduce risks to property and protect
residents from urban and wildfire hazards.

HS-1.1. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District in providing fire
protection facilities needed to maintain or
improve existing fire protection
standards.

HS-1.2. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District, Santa Clara County
Office of Emergency Services, and the
Town of Los Gatos in developing a yearly
report by staff summarizing types of
emergency requests and response times.

HS-1.3. Every year, the City Council will review and
consider the City’s emergency response
plan in conjunction with Santa Clara
County Office of Emergency Services to
ensure that evacuation routes are
adequate and meet California State
Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, and that
mitigation measures or improvement
plans are created as necessary to reduce
risk, existing programs can be carried out,
and new programs might be added.

Evacuation in Very High Fire Hazard Safety
Zones must meet Ingress and Egress
requirements (Article 2) of the California
State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.

HS-1.4. Ensure areas of high fire hazard have low
density development and gated
emergency access roads where needed to
maintain appropriate level of service,
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations, and encourage appropriate
defensible space. Ensure gates can be
opened as needed to support evacuation.

HS-1.5. Work with the San Jose Water Company to
ensure that infrastructure is sufficient for
fire protection in all areas of Monte
Sereno including high risk areas such as
the hillside and foothill neighborhoods.

HS-1.6. Require that new development provide all
necessary water service, fire hydrants,
and access consistent with the standards
of San Jose Water Company and the Santa
Clara County Fire Department, meeting
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations.

HS-1.7. Require fire-safe roofing materials in all
buildings throughout the city.

HS-1.8. Require all new development to be
constructed according to fire safety

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standards, including having two means of
ingress/egress if feasible and meet
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations as well as all other related
regulations in all areas of the city.

HS-1.9. Require that new development includes
the use of fire-resistant landscaping,
building materials, defensible space and
fuel modification around the perimeter of
structures, especially in moderate, high
and very high fire hazard areas. Provide
informational handouts to applicants or
residents, especially at-risk populations,
who may want to voluntarily design and
build fire protective measures, where
otherwise not required to do so.

HS-1.10. Require property owners to remove fire
hazards, including vegetation, hazardous
structures and materials, and debris to
current State and/or local fire standards
for vegetation clearance in moderate,
high and very high fire hazard areas.

HS-1.11. Encourage property owners to remove
eucalyptus trees and other potentially
hazardous trees and vegetation, including
through the hazardous tree removal
rebate program.

HS-1.12. Require eucalyptus trees and other
potentially hazardous trees and
vegetation to be maintained and/or
removed in public rights-of-way
(especially Highway 9) and open space.

HS-1.13. Request that Pacific Gas & Electric
inventory the existing gas mains in the
vicinity of the Planning Area, review their
condition and upgrade them as
necessary.

HS-1.14. Prohibit the accumulation of weeds, dirt,
rubbish, rank growths as well as
hazardous material in any building, lot or
premises within the city.

HS-1.15. Coordinate with Caltrans, the State,
County, Saratoga, and Los Gatos to reduce
fire hazard risks, including continuous
vegetation and fuel management, along
Highway 9.

HS-1.16. Develop a fire-safe landscaping policy for
all areas of Monte Sereno, especially areas
in Moderate, High, or Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones.

HS-1.17. Conduct regular maintenance of
evacuation routes through vegetation
maintenance (particularly eucalyptus and

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Health & Safety | HS-32
other hazardous trees) on roadways and
critical facilities and verify private and
public road emergency access routes.

HS-1.18. Consider requiring existing buildings to
incorporate fire-resistant materials and
home-hardening requirements when
alterations which affect such materials are
done. Proactively notify residents,
including at-risk populations (such as
senior citizens), of voluntary actions that
can be taken to reduce fire risk to their
properties.

HS-1.19. Ensure that utility providers, including
Pacific Gas & Electric, have the ability to
monitor, inspect, replace, and move
equipment that may pose a fire hazard.

HS-1.20. Require all new development to be built
within safe perimeters of fuel reduction
zones as designated in coordination with
the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

HS-1.21. Require all new uses of land to meet fire
code regulations. In Very High Fire
Hazard Safety Zones, new residential
development should be minimized. Any
new development (or re-development
after a large or destructive fire) in Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must
comply with the most current version of
the California Building Codes and
California Fire Code, statewide minimums
in Fire Safe Regulations, as well as meet 14
CCR D. 1.5, Ch. 7, Art. 1-5, 14 CA ADC §
1299, and Government Code 51182(a)(5)
regulations.

HS-1.22. Collaborate with Santa Clara County and
other jurisdictions and agencies on efforts
to update the Santa Clara CountyMulti-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

HS-1.23. Maintain an updated map of parcels in
High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones on the City website.

HS-1.24. Require any new essential public facilities
to be located outside of the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, when feasible.

HS-1.25. If a large or destructive fire (defined as a
fire impacting more than 24,000 acres)
impacts Monte Sereno, evaluate re-
development, fire safety, and evacuation
processes in coordination with Santa Clara
County Central Fire District, Santa Clara
County Fire Department, California
Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley Water

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District, California Transportation, Santa
Clara County Office of Emergency
Services, and the Town of Los Gatos.

HS-1.26. Coordinate with local and regional
agencies (including the Monte Sereno
Engineering Department, Caltrans, Santa
Clara County Central Fire District, Santa
Clara County Fire Department, California
Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council) to establish a plan to
maintain community fire breaks, weed
abatement, and other fuel
modification/reduction zones for fire risk
reduction.

Actions:

Action HS-1.A: Update the Tree Removal Process to incentivize the removal and replacement of trees that especially contribute to fire events, such as eucalyptus and including other
hazardous trees.

Action HS-1.B: Conduct Wildfire Preparedness Workshops in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Los Gatos and Cupertino.

Action HS-1.C: Annually, after fire hazard zones are updated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, inform residents in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of their location in such a zone and provide them with information on wildfire mitigation and resilience.

Action HS-1.D: Adopt the most current (2022) California Fire Code, replacing Ordinance No. NS-112. Continue to adopt updated California Fire Codes as they are updated by the State.

HS-2. Prevent loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geologic and seismic hazards.

HS-2.1. Evaluate seismic risks and require
earthquake protection measures as part
of the development review process.

HS-2.2. Development project applicants shall
conduct geologic hazard investigations
for all projects proposed in hillside areas
to ensure mitigation of potential landslide
hazards.

HS-2.3. Require new building plans in high risk
areas to meet current seismic building
codes and use methods of construction to
withstand stress caused by an
earthquake.

HS-2.4. Consider emergency evacuation and
safety when designing and/or

maintaining roads and utility lines.

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HS-2.5. Prepare for a major earthquake and other
natural disasters through the measures
identified in the Emergency Response
Plan.

HS-2.6. Require that buildings and structures
needed for emergency services and other
essential services exceed the California
Building Code for seismic strengthening
to withstand a major earthquake.

HS-3. Minimize the risk to lives, property and public
liability due to landslides, soil erosion, and flood.

HS-3.1. Engineer all roads, including Citymaintained public roads in hillside areas, to standards that prevent excessive
maintenance and repair costs in case of
flood, earthquake, landslide, and
emergency evacuation.

HS-3.2. Require the preparation of soils reports
prior to the approval of new structures or
significant additions to existing structures.

Based on the findings of these reports, the
City shall require that any identified soil
problems are mitigated in the design and
construction of new structures.

HS-3.3. Require that new development is
constructed in such a manner as to
protect life and property from soil erosion
and slope failure.

HS-3.4. Require re-vegetation where feasible and
safe to mitigate the appearance of
engineered slopes and to control erosion
contour grading.

HS-3.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
District to maintain natural creek settings
to the extent possible while providing for
adequate drainage capacity.

HS-3.6. Require, as appropriate, construction of
storm drainage improvements and
impervious coverage regulations to
prevent flooding during periods of heavy
rainfall.

HS-3.7. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
District, San Jose Water Company, Santa
Clara Emergency Operations, and the
Town of Los Gatos, for flood protection
and during emergency flooding events.

HS-3.8. Maintain a map of parcels in a potential
landslide hazard area on the City website.

Action:

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Action HS-3.A: Monte Sereno will prepare a citywide drainage plan.

HS-4. Protect the community from natural and humanmade hazards such as air pollution, hazardous materials and criminal activity.

HS-4.1. Provide information to residents about
household use and disposal of hazardous
materials.

HS-4.2. Continue to work with the police
department to maintain a high level of
police services for response times and
community events.

HS-4.3. Support the police department’s efforts to
use modern technology and provide
adequate training to maximize job
performance.

HS-4.4. Encourage service and pro-active
education programs which respond to
community concerns such as elderly
people living alone, drug and alcohol
abuse, and crime. These programs should
include wildfire preparedness education
targeting at-risk populations (such as
senior citizens) and focus on defensible
space as well as evacuation routes and
planning.

Action:

Action HS-4.A: Monte Sereno city staff will conduct an annual review of the performance of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department to ensure that existing programs are carried out and new programs considered.

HS-5. Ensure the City’s ability to respond effectively to natural and human-caused emergencies.

HS-5.1. Maintain the Emergency Operations
Center in the Town of Los Gatos to
coordinate relief efforts during natural
disasters. Monte Sereno City Hall will
remain a potential emergency backup
location and recommended disaster
supplies should be kept on hand.

HS-5.2. The City shall maintain mutual aid
agreements and communications links
with surrounding jurisdictions for
assistance during times of emergency.

HS-5.3. Maintain and update the Emergency
Operations Plan which coordinates with
neighboring cities (such as Los Gatos,
Saratoga) and the County of Santa Clara
providing emergency services.

HS-5.4. Support and encourage resident
involvement in the Monte Sereno-Los

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Gatos CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team) program.

HS-5.5. Investigate the feasibility to obtain public
easements that would allow emergency
evacuations to utilize La Rinconada golf
course, private properties with equestrian
open space, HOA lands, and private roads
during an emergency evacuation.

HS-5.6. Provide online resources that inform
residents on private roads with
information on how to properly maintain
their road in the event of an emergency
evacuation.

HS-5.7. Ensure emergency vehicle access roads
and emergency evacuation protocols
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones.

Actions:

Action HS-5.A: Conduct emergency response exercises and communication drills by the City in cooperation with other appropriate agencies. Exercises should be designed to test and upgrade various disaster response plans.

Action HS-5.B: Conduct on an annual basis a public education workshop to familiarize residents of Monte Sereno’s emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and other related information, including emergency event communication.

Action HS-5.C: Conduct a periodic review of the City’s emergency response plan in conjunction with Emergency Response to ensure that escape routes are adequate, existing programs can be carried out, and to identify needed new programs.

Action HS-5.D: Participate in upcoming Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.

When future plans are adopted, update the Health and Safety Element to incorporate the plan by reference.

Action HS-5.E: Collaborate with Caltrans in implementing the State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan, as appropriate.

Action HS-5.F: Collaborate with Los Gatos’ Emergency Services Coordinator on emergency evacuation routes.

HS-6. Reduce noise levels within neighborhoods
resulting from vehicular traffic and construction
activity.

HS-6.1. The City shall restrict truck traffic to
designated truck routes and monitor the
speed of local traffic in order to reduce
noise levels in residential areas.

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HS-6.2. Encourage the use of the latest noise
control technology to minimize noise in
residential neighborhoods.

HS-6.3. Continue to enforce local and State noise
regulations to minimize noise impacts
associated with construction and public
and private activities, including yard
maintenance.

HS-6.4. Encourage new development in noise
impacted areas to provide effective noise
attenuation measures.

HS-6.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara County, State
and federal agencies, private businesses
and individuals to control and maintain an
acceptable noise environment in Monte
Sereno.

HS-6.6. Provide input on regional decisions which
will affect noise levels in Monte Sereno.

HS-6.7. Minimize potential transportation-related
noise through street circulation design,
coordination of routing and other traffic
control measures, and consider use of
noise-absorbing “quiet” pavements when
resurfacing roadways.

Action:

Action HS-6.A: Require construction techniques for noise buffering, barriers or setbacks in development subject to high noise levels, to reduce noise to a level within the noise/land use compatibility standards.

HS-7. Ensure the City’s ability to be resilient to climate change.

HS-7.1. Collaborate with local, regional, State,
and/or federal jurisdictions and agencies
on climate resiliency and adaptation
strategies.

HS-7.2. Encourage the use of green infrastructure
(green roofs, rainwater boxes, permeable
pavements etc.) and natural landscaping
in all city and public buildings.

HS-7.3. Promote green infrastructure in private
construction.

HS-7.4. Ensure effective notification of current
and ongoing events during disasters
through proper information channels.

HS-7.5. Provide educational materials and
programs to support water conservation
efforts that consider extended drought

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conditions associated with climate
change.

HS-7.6. Evaluate and incorporate appropriate new
technology to support water efficiency
and conservation.

HS-7.7. Encourage water conservation and
support reducing carbon emissions.

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

ADOPTION DRAFT

IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-1

9. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
This Implementation Program summarizes the specific
actions and programs needed to implement the goals and
policies contained in the General Plan. This Program helps to ensure that the General Plan functions as a living
document that guides City decisions and activities on a daily basis.

A. Implementation Program Overview
A general plan is often referred to as the “constitution” governing the future growth, development, and
conservation of a community. As a constitution, this General Plan should guide all decisions and activities of the City Council, appointed committees and City staff. The General Plan should be a living document that is used on a daily basis to guide the implementation of key community goals and values.

This General Plan includes actions and programs as part of each Element to identify specific measures needed to
achieve the goals and policies of the General Plan. The success of this General Plan in achieving the communitywide goals and policies will depend to a large extent on the effective implementation of the actions and programs in each element of the Plan. This Implementation Program
provides a basis for the City to effectively put these actions 1 This commitment is excluding Housing Element programs, which are on a different planning cycle. The Housing Element and programs into effect, to monitor their success, and to make adjustments to reflect changing conditions and
priorities in the years ahead.

By adopting this Implementation Program as part of the
General Plan, the City Council is making a commitment to put into action the General Plan and to ensure that all City decisions and actions are consistent with the General Plan.

It is also the Council’s intention to initiate and, if possible, complete all General Plan programs within ten years of the date of adoption of this General Plan.1
B. Implementation Program Summary Table
Table IP-1 identifies the responsible party and timeframe for each action in the General Plan. Alongside the Housing Element implementation schedule, this table is intended to serve as a guide for the City when preparing the annual budget and its capital improvement program (CIP). Table IP1 also helps to identify amendments to the City Municipal Code necessary to implement the General Plan and comply with State law.
implementation schedule is included in the Housing Element itself.

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Table IP-1: Implementation Program Summary Table
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
Land Use Element
LU-1.A Every Housing Element cycle, City staff will review City regulations on a regular basis to ensure that
development within the city occurs in a manner
compatible with the City’s character.

Planning Director Ongoing
LU-3.A Annually, City staff shall identify and review areas subject to flooding identified by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water
Resources.

Planning Director Ongoing
Circulation Element
C-5.A The City will continue to update its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, in coordination with the community, and
prioritize projects accordingly.

Planning Director
City Council
June 2031
Open Space and Conservation Element
OSC-1.A In development review, ensure projects meet State energy standards, including Building Energy Efficiency
Standards and Reach Codes, for new and remodeled
homes.

City Manager
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-1.B Continue to require the completion of GreenPoint checklists as part of all Building Permit applications.

Planning Director
Building Official
Ongoing
OSC-1.C Develop and implement public education programs to increase residents’ awareness of energy issues, including

City Manager Ongoing
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Implementation Program | IP-3
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
rewilding opportunities, conservation measures and
resources.

OSC-1.D Require all new development to comply with CalGreen and Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requirements.

Planning Director Ongoing
OSC-1.E Consider revisions to applicable City regulations that will reduce pollution exposure and improve quality of life for Monte Sereno residents.

Planning Director
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-1.F Conduct proactive education and outreach about indoor and outdoor air quality and protective actions that can be taken to both improve air quality inside one’s home and to minimize exposure to poor air quality index days.

Planning Director
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-2.A Continue to maintain a list of all parks and open space areas in surrounding jurisdictions on the City website, including accessibility and fee information.

City Manager Ongoing
OSC-8.A Conduct community outreach and provide educational materials online regarding organic waste and household
hazardous waste recycling.

City Manager Ongoing
OSC-9.A Consider the establishment of a location to display historical material.

City Manager
City Council
Ongoing
Health and Safety Element
HS-1.A Update the Tree Removal Process to incentivize the removal and replacement of trees that especially
City Manager
City Council
June 2031

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Implementation Program | IP-4
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
contribute to fire events, such as eucalyptus and including other hazardous trees.

HS-1.B Conduct Wildfire Preparedness Workshops in
collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Los Gatos and Cupertino.

City Manager
Santa Clara County Fire
Department
Office of the State Fire
Marshal
Ongoing
HS-1.C Annually, after fire hazard zones are updated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, inform residents in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of their location in such a zone and provide them with information on
wildfire mitigation and resilience.

City Manager
Office of the State Fire
Marshal
Ongoing
HS-1.D Adopt the most current (2022) California Fire Code, replacing Ordinance No. NS-112. Continue to adopt
updated California Fire Codes as they are updated by the State.

City Manager
City Council
June 2031
HS-3.A Monte Sereno will prepare a citywide drainage plan. City Engineer 2036 HS-4.A Monte Sereno city staff will conduct an annual review of the performance of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police
Department to ensure that existing programs are carried out and new programs considered.

City Manager
City Attorney
Chief of Police
Ongoing
HS-5.A Conduct emergency response exercises and
communication drills by the City in cooperation with other Director of Emergency
Services
Ongoing

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Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
appropriate agencies. Exercises should be designed to
test and upgrade various disaster response plans.

Los Gatos Emergency Service
Coordinator
HS-5.B Conduct on an annual basis a public education workshop to familiarize residents of Monte Sereno’s emergency
procedures, evacuation routes, and other related
information, including emergency event communication.

Director of Emergency
Services
City Manager
Ongoing
HS-5.C Conduct a periodic review of the City’s emergency response plan in conjunction with Emergency Response
to ensure that escape routes are adequate, existing
programs can be carried out, and to identify needed new programs.

Director of Emergency
Services
City Manager
Ongoing
HS-5.D Participate in upcoming Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.

When future plans are adopted, update the Health and
Safety Element to incorporate the plan by reference.

City Manager
Santa Clara County Staff
2029
HS-5.E Collaborate with Caltrans in implementing the State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan, as appropriate.

Caltrans Staff
City Manager
Ongoing
HS-5.F Collaborate with Los Gatos’ Emergency Services
Coordinator on emergency evacuation routes.

City Manager
Los Gatos Emergency Service
Coordinator
Ongoing
HS-6.A Require construction techniques for noise buffering, barriers or setbacks in development subject to high noise levels, to reduce noise to a level within the noise/land use compatibility standards.

Building Official Ongoing

ADOPTION DRAFT

GLOSSARY

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-1

10. GLOSSARY
This glossary explains the technical terms used in the Monte Sereno General Plan. Definitions come from several
sources, including existing Monte Sereno codes, the
California Office of Planning and Research and the
American Planning Association Glossary of Zoning,
Development and Planning Terms.

A. Abbreviations
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT Average daily trips made by vehicles or persons
in a 24-hour period
AMI Area Median Income
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BMPs Best Management Practices
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CHAS Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
CIP Capital Improvement Program
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent
CUP Conditional Use Permit
dB Decibel
dBA A-Weighted Sound Level
DFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
DTSC California Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Toxic Substances Control
du/acre Dwelling units per acre
du Dwelling units
EOP Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (US)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
HCD California Department of Housing and
Community Development
LAFCo Local Agency Formation Commission
Ldn Day/Night Average Level
Leq Average noise levels
LOS Level of Service

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MFI Median Family Income
NIMS National Incident Management System
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPG National Preparedness Guidelines
NRF National Response Framework
OES Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric
PM2.5 Particulate matter, 2.5 microns or less in
diameter
PM10 Particulate matter, 10 microns or less in
diameter
PPM Parts per Million
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SEMS Standardized Emergency Management System
sf Square footage
SOI Sphere of Influence
UBC Uniform Building Code
USA Urban Service Area
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
V/C Volume/Capacity
VTA Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
WVC&R West Valley Collection and Recycling or West
Valley Recycles
WVSD West Valley Sanitation District
B. Terminology
Action
An action is a program, implementation measure,
procedure or technique intended to help achieve a specified goal. (See “Goal”)
Affordable Housing
Housing capable of being purchased or rented by a
household with very low, low, or moderate income, based on a household’s ability to make monthly payments
necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered
affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing including
utilities.

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Archaeological Resource
Material evidence of past human activity found below the surface of ground or water, portions of which may be visible above the surface.

Arterials
Major streets that primarily serve through-traffic and
provide access to abutting properties as a secondary
function. Arterials are generally designed with two to six travel lanes and have signals at major cross-street
intersections. This roadway type is divided into two
categories major and minor arterials.

Bicycle Lane (Class II facility)
A paved corridor expressly reserved for bicycles, existing on a street or roadway, with markings or lane stripes, in
addition to lanes for use by motorized vehicles.

Bicycle Path (Class I facility)
A paved facility, not on a street or roadway, expressly reserved for bicycles traversing an otherwise unpaved area.

Bicycle paths may parallel roads but are typically separated from them by landscaping.

Bicycle Route (Class III facility)
A facility shared with motorists and identified only by signs, a bicycle route has no pavement markings or lane stripes.

Bikeways
A term that encompasses “bicycle lanes” and “bicycle paths.” Built-out; Build-out
Land developed to its full potential or theoretical capacity as permitted under current or proposed planning or
zoning designations.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Legislation and corresponding procedural components
established in 1970 by the State of California to require environmental review for projects anticipated to result in adverse impacts to the environment.

City Boundaries
The legal boundaries of the geographical area subject to the jurisdiction of the City of Monte Sereno government. For example, development applications for properties located within the City limits must be reviewed by the City.

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Collectors
Collectors are streets that provide land access and traffic circulation within residential areas. They connect local streets to arterials and are typically designed with two travel lanes.

Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
A descriptor for the 24-hour A weighted average noise level.

The CNEL concept accounts for the increased acoustical
sensitivity of people to noise during the evening and
nighttime hours. Sound levels during the hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. are penalized 5 dB; sound levels during the hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. are penalized 10 dB. A 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived by people to be a doubling of loudness.

Conditional Use Permit
A permit authorizing a use not routinely allowed on a
particular site, subject to a public hearing. If approval is granted, the developer must meet certain conditions to
harmonize the project with its surroundings.

Creep
The imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of
slope-forming soil or rock.

Cultural Resources
Includes historic, archaeological and paleontological
resources, as well as human remains.

Decibel (dB)
A unit used to express the relative intensity of a sound as it is heard by the human ear. The lowest volume a normal ear can detect under laboratory conditions is 0 dB, the
threshold of human hearing. Since the decibel scale is
logarithmic, 10 decibels are ten times more intense and 20 decibels are a hundred times more intense than 1 db.
dBA
The “A-weighted” scale for measuring sound in decibels, which weighs or reduces the effects of low and high
frequencies in order to simulate human hearing. Every
increase of 10 dBA doubles the perceived loudness even
though the noise is actually ten times more intense.

Density, Residential (du/acre)
The number of permanent residential dwelling units per
acre of land.

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Density Bonus
The allocation of development rights that allow a parcel to accommodate additional square footage or additional
residential units beyond the maximum for which the parcel is zoned, usually in exchange for the provision or
preservation of an amenity at the same site or at another location.

Development
The physical extension and/or construction of non-farm
land uses. Development activities include subdivision of land; construction or alteration of structures, roads, utilities and other facilities; grading; deposit of refuse, debris or fill materials; and clearing of natural vegetative cover (with the exception of agricultural activities).

Dwelling Unit (du)
The place of customary abode of a person or household,
which is either considered to be real property under State law or cannot be easily moved.

Element
California State Government Code Section 65302 requires each General Plan to contain seven separate “elements” that set goals, policies and actions for each mandated subject.

Topics can sometimes be combined or included into other elements, as allowed by State law.

Exaction
A contribution or payment required as an authorized
precondition for receiving a development permit; usually refers to mandatory dedication (or fee in lieu of dedication) requirements found in many subdivision regulations.

Fault
A fracture in the earth’s cruse that forms a boundary
between rock masses that have shifted.

General Plan
A compendium of City policies regarding its long-term
development, in the form of maps and accompanying text.

The General Plan is a legal document required of each local agency by the State of California Government Code Section 65301 and adopted by the City Council. In California, the General Plan has nine mandatory elements (Air Quality,
Circulation, Conservation, Environmental Justice Housing, Land Use, Noise, Open Space and Safety) and may include any number of optional elements the City deems important.

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Goal
A description of the general desired results that Monte Sereno seeks to create through the implementation of the General Plan. Goals are included in each element of the Plan and may include the key physical or community
characteristics that the city and its residents wish to maintain or develop.

Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the atmosphere that trap the sun's energy and
thereby contribute to rising surface temperatures; include carbon dioxide (byproduct of burning fossil fuels), methane (from agricultural sources) and nitrous oxide (from
industrial sources).

Habitat
The physical location or type of environment in which an organism or biological population lives or occurs.

Impact Fee
A fee charged to a developer by the City according to the proposed development project, typically by number of
units, square footage or acreage. The fee is often used to offset costs incurred by the municipality for services and infrastructure such as schools, roads, police and fire
services, and parks.

Impervious Surface
Surface through which water cannot penetrate, such as a roof, road, sidewalk, and paved parking lot. The amount of impervious surface increases with development and
establishes the need for drainage facilities to carry the increased runoff.

Implementation
Actions, procedures, programs or techniques that carry out policies and goals.

Infill Development
Development that occurs on vacant or underutilized land within areas that area already largely developed.

In-lieu Fee
Cash payments that may be required of an owner or
developer as a substitute for a dedication of land for public use, usually calculated in dollars per lot, and referred to as in-lieu fees or in-lieu contributions. (See “dedication”)

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Land Use
The occupation or utilization of an area of land for any human activity or any purpose.

Land Use Designation
One particular category in a classification series of
appropriate use of properties established by the General Plan Land Use Element.

Level of Service (LOS) Standard
A standard used by government agencies to measure the
quality or effectiveness of a municipal service, such as police, fire or library, or the performance of a facility, such as a street or highway.

Level of Service (Traffic)
A scale that measures the amount of traffic that a roadway or intersection can accommodate, based on such factors as maneuverability, driver dissatisfaction and delay. Level of service are usually described on a scale of A to F, as
described in the Circulation Element.

Liquefaction
A phenomenon primarily associated with saturated,
cohesionless soil layers located close to the ground surface.

During liquefaction, soils lose strength and ground failure may occur.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
A seven-member commission within each county that
reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts and merger of districts with cities. Each county’s LAFCo is empowered to approve, disapprove or conditionally approve such
proposals.

Local Street
Local streets provide direct access to abutting residential properties as their primary function. In Monte Sereno, the majority of streets are local streets.

Noise Contour
A line connecting points of equal noise level as measured on the same scale.

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Glossary | G-8
Non-Conforming Use
A use that was valid when brought into existence, but no longer permitted by later regulation. “Non-conforming use” is a generic term and includes (1) non-conforming
structures (because their size, type of construction, location on land, or proximity to other structures is no longer
permitted); (2) non-conforming use of a conforming
building; (3) non-conforming use of a non-conforming
building; and (4) non-conforming use of land. Any use
lawfully existing on any piece of property that is inconsistent with a new or amended General Plan, and that in turn is a violation of a zoning ordinance amendment subsequently
adopted in conformance with the General Plan, will be a non-conforming use. Typically, non-conforming uses are
permitted to continue for a designated period of time,
subject to certain restrictions.

Parcel
A lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.

Policy
A specific statement of principle or of guiding actions that implies clear commitment but is not mandatory. A general direction that a governmental agency sets to follow, in order to meet its goals before undertaking an implementing
action. (See “Action”)
Riparian Corridor
A habitat and vegetation zone which is associated with the banks and floodplains of a river, stream or lake. Riparian trees and shrubs are typically phreatophytes, plants whose root systems are in constant contact with groundwater.

Sensitive Receptors
Uses sensitive to noise such as residential areas, hospitals, convalescent homes and facilities, and schools.

Sphere of Influence (SOI)
The probable physical boundaries and service area of the City, as determined by the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) of the county.

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Glossary | G-9
Thoroughfare
Thoroughfares are roadways that accommodate higher
volumes of traffic at higher speeds. In Monte Sereno, these roads connect the City to adjacent communities.

Traffic Calming
Measures designed to reduce motor vehicle speeds and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle use, including
• Narrow streets
• Tight turning radii
• Parking bays
• Textured paving at intersections
Unincorporated Area
Encompasses properties that are located outside of cities.

Development in the unincorporated area is subject to
County jurisdiction.

Urban Service Area
Geographic planning areas that encompass all lands,
incorporated or unincorporated, intended to be urbanized and provided with urban services and infrastructure upon annexation to a city. USAs include lands currently urbanized and annexed to cities and provided with urban services, as well as unincorporated lands that a city intends to annex in order to develop those lands and provide them with urban services within five years.

Use
The purpose for which a lot or structure is or may be leased, occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, intended,
constructed, erected, moved, altered and/or enlarged in accordance with the City zoning ordinance and General Plan land use designations.

Vehicle Miles Traveled
The total amount of vehicular travel by the population of a specific area and is used to analyze potential air quality and greenhouse gas impacts. VMT is required to analyze
transportation impacts per CEQA guidelines.

Wastewater
Water that has already been used for washing, flushing, or in a manufacturing process, and therefore contains waste products such as sewage or chemical by-products.

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Glossary | G-10
Watershed
The region of land from which surface or underground
water drains into a river, river system or other body of water.

Wetland
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to
support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as
hydrophytic vegetation.

Zoning
The division of a city or town by ordinance or other
legislative regulation into districts or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings constructed in these areas; a program that
implements the land use policies of the General Plan.

General Plan
City of Monte Sereno
Adopted August 2026

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Acknowledgements | A-1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CITY COUNCIL
Lon Allan, Mayor
Lisa Shannon, Vice Mayor
Bryan Mekechuk, Councilmember
Ken Toren, Councilmember
Burton Craig, Councilmember

CITY STAFF
Diana Perkins, City Manager

CONSULTANT ASSISTANCE
Metropolitan Planning Group (M-Group)

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Table of Contents | TOC-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction....................................................................................................................I-1

2. Guiding Principles ..........................................................................................................GP-1

3. Land Use Element ..........................................................................................................LU-1

4. Housing Element 6th Cycle (2023-2031)*

5. Circulation Element........................................................................................................C-1

6. Open Space and Conservation Element.......................................................................OSC-1

7. Public Services and Facilities Element..........................................................................PS-1

8. Health and Safety Element............................................................................................HS-1

9. Implementation Program..............................................................................................IP-1

10. Glossary...........................................................................................................................G-1 *The Housing Element is not included in this document.

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure I-1: Regional Location ..............................................................................................I-3 Figure I-2: City Boundary and Sphere of Influence ..........................................................I-3 Figure I-3: General Plan Components ...............................................................................I-6 Figure LU-1: Potential Annexation Areas ...........................................................................LU-6 Figure LU-2: Land Use..........................................................................................................LU-8 Figure LU-3: Neighborhoods...............................................................................................LU-11 Figure C-1: Circulation..........................................................................................................C-2 Figure C-2: Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths...........................................................................C-7

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Figure OSC-1: Creeks and Water Bodies ............................................................................OSC-4 Figure OSC-2: Open Space and Conservation Areas.........................................................OSC-6 Figure OSC-3: Vegetation ....................................................................................................OSC-7 Figure OSC-4: Disadvantaged Communities CalEnviroScreen 4.0 ..................................OSC-11 Figure PS-1: Public Services and Facilities..........................................................................PS-3 Figure HS-1: Fire Hazard Severity Zones ............................................................................HS-2 Figure HS-2: Land Uses and Fire Hazard............................................................................HS-3 Figure HS-3: Earthquake Regional Faults...........................................................................HS-8 Figure HS-4: Fault Rupture Zones.......................................................................................HS-8 Figure HS-5: Landslide Hazard Zones.................................................................................HS-10 Figure HS-6: Liquefaction Hazard Zones............................................................................HS-11 Figure HS-7: Water Mains ....................................................................................................HS-12 Figure HS-8: Flood Hazard Zones .......................................................................................HS-13 Figure HS-9: Residential Developments with One Evacuation Route .............................HS-16 Figure HS-10: Noise Levels ..................................................................................................HS-24

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Table of Contents | TOC-3

LIST OF TABLES
Table LU-1: Population Density Residential Development Potential...............................LU-4 Table LU-2: Population Projection ......................................................................................LU-4 Table LU-3: Summary of Designated Land Uses ...............................................................LU-8 Table C-1: Signalized Intersection Level of Service Criteria .............................................C-5 Table C-2: Bicycle Facility Types ..........................................................................................C-6 Table OSC-1: Sensitive Biological Species in the Monte Sereno Vicinity.........................OSC-9 Table PS-1: Monte Sereno Residential Parcels by School District....................................PS-2 Table HS-1: 2010 Peak Hour Volumes on Highway 9........................................................HS-18 Table HS-2: Parcels Affected by Potential Hazards ...........................................................HS-19 Table HS-3: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations in San Jose (2017-2019)................HS-21 Table HS-4: Definitions of Acoustical Terms ......................................................................HS-23 Table IP-1: Implementation Program Summary Table.....................................................IP-2

ADOPTION DRAFT

INTRODUCTION

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Introduction | I-1

1. INTRODUCTION
Monte Sereno is a quiet residential community nestled in the hills of western Santa Clara County. Residents of Monte Sereno enjoy peaceful neighborhoods, abundant open
space and a serene lifestyle within close proximity to a variety of high-quality urban amenities. The City has
adopted this General Plan to maintain and enhance these community characteristics that are highly valued by Monte Sereno residents, while adhering to State requirements.

This General Plan strives to promote a way of life in Monte Sereno that is environmentally sustainable and in balance with the natural environment.

A. Purpose of this General Plan Update
The General Plan is the principal policy document to guide future conservation, enhancement and development in
Monte Sereno. It represents the basic policy direction of the City Council on community values, ideals and aspirations to govern a shared environment through 2046. The General
Plan addresses all aspects of development including land use, circulation, housing, public facilities and infrastructure, open space and conservation, health and safety, noise, and environmental justice.

California State law requires that the General Plan be
comprehensive, internally consistent and long-term.

Although required to address certain issues specified in State law, the General Plan may be organized in a way that best suits the City. The plan must be clearly written,
accessible to all those concerned with the community's
development and easy to administer.

The General Plan is a public document that guides day-today decisions of the City Council, its commissions and City staff. The General Plan provides a framework for the City Council to compare and evaluate specific projects, to
prioritize resources and to ensure that City policies and programs respond to residents’ needs, values and desires.

As the “constitution” for development in Monte Sereno, all other policy documents, such as the City’s zoning ordinance, must be consistent with the General Plan.

B. History of Monte Sereno
Monte Sereno resides on unceded indigenous land. The
indigenous people who have and continue to live in this area, including the Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of
Costanoan and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San
Francisco Bay Area, along with other tribal and indigenous communities, have lived sustainably in the area rich with fertile soils, abundant wildlife, and other natural resources.

In the late 1700s, Franciscan missions were built on this land, and many indigenous people were forced into the
mission system. After the establishment of the missions, the population of indigenous people of this area was decimated from roughly 10,000 people in 1770 to 1,300 in 1814. By 1973, the population of Indigenous People of this area was estimated at fewer than 300 after what is widely cited as a

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Introduction | I-2
genocide.1 The descendants of these indigenous people of this area have since arranged political and cultural
organizations to revitalize, maintain, and pass on their culture.

Monte Sereno was part of the 1839 Alta California land
grant of Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos. It was established as a rural agricultural community by the early 1900’s. The area was dotted with ranch houses, orchards, dairies and livestock, and the mountain slopes of the southern portion of the city contained summer homes, recreational
properties and a few large estates. The beauty and
tranquility of the area attracted artists and writers,
including John Steinbeck, looking for a peaceful and
inspirational place to pursue their craft.

Unlike many other cities in Santa Clara County, Monte
Sereno did not form on a crossroads or from a historical village. Consequently, a commercial core never developed in the city, leaving Monte Sereno strictly residential. Monte Sereno was incorporated in 1957 as a response to the everincreasing pressure of annexation from surrounding cities.

Residents of the community joined together and decided
that incorporation rather than annexation was the best way to ensure the continued way-of-life for the community. The desire of residents to maintain Monte Sereno as a lowdensity residential community continues to this day. 1 “The Untold Story of Native American Genocide in California” (Muwekma Ohlone Tribe: 2023), available at
C. The City and its Planning Area
The City of Monte Sereno is located in western Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California.

Monte Sereno is the smallest incorporated community in
Santa Clara County, containing approximately 1.6 square miles of land. Monte Sereno is located adjacent to the towns of Los Gatos and Saratoga and near the City of Campbell.

The regional location of Monte Sereno is shown in Figure I1.

This General Plan applies to land within Monte Sereno city boundaries as well as to areas within Monte Sereno’s
Sphere of Influence. The Sphere of Influence (SOI) is the area that, according to the Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission, can efficiently utilize public services provided by Monte Sereno. The SOI also identifies areas outside of the city boundary that may be annexed into the City in the future. Regulations and policies in this General Plan that apply to areas outside of city boundaries but within the SOI go into effect at the time that these areas are annexed into the City. Prior to annexation, these areas are subject to the policies and regulations of Santa Clara
County. Monte Sereno’s city boundaries and SOI are
identified in Figure I-2.
https://muwekma.org/blog/2023/january/the-untold-story-ofnative-american-genocide-in-california.html.

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Introduction | I-3
Figure I-1: Regional Location
Sources: Caltrans, San Francisco Open Data, Santa Clara County, M-Group Figure I-2: City Boundary and Sphere of Influence
Sources: Caltrans, Santa Clara County, M-Group

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Introduction | I-4
D. General Plan Contents
The General Plan includes eight chapters, including the “elements” that set goals, policies and actions for each given subject. Some elements are required by State law, others are included in this General Plan as optional elements. A brief summary of topics included in the Monte Sereno
General Plan Update is provided here.

1. Introduction. The introduction describes the history and location of Monte Sereno and provides an
overview of the purpose and contents of the General
Plan.

2. Guiding Principles. This section identifies key
community values that serve as a foundation to the
General Plan.

3. Land Use Element. The required Land Use Element
identifies land uses and intensities of development
that are permitted in Monte Sereno. A Land Use Map
identifying the location of these permitted uses is
included in this element. The Land Use Element also
includes goals and policies relating to the character
of the built environment in Monte Sereno.

4. Housing Element. The Housing Element is unique
among General Plan elements in that it must be
reviewed by the State and is updated every eight
years. This is a different cycle than the General Plan
update cycle. The current Housing Element, which
applies to a 2023-2031 planning period, includes
policies relating to promoting housing opportunities
for all income groups and preserving existing as well
as developing new affordable housing in the city.

5. Circulation Element. This required element
specifies the general location and extent of existing
streets, transit facilities and the bicycle and
pedestrian network. As required by law, all facilities
in the Circulation Element are correlated with the
land uses foreseen in the Land Use Element.

6. Open Space and Conservation Element. The Open
Space Element and the Conservation Element are
required under State law and are combined in this
General Plan. Issues addressed in this element
include the conservation, development and
utilization of natural resources; the preservation of
open space, biological and cultural resources,
including wildlife movement and habitat connectivity
areas; and the provision of parks and recreational
facilities.

7. Public Services and Facilities. This optional element contains goals and policies to guide the provision of
public services, such as educational, fire, police,
emergency response, water, stormwater, solid waste
(including compost and recycling), and library
services to maintain the quality of life in Monte
Sereno.

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Introduction | I-5

8. Health and Safety Element. The Health and Safety
Element is required by State law and contains
policies to protect the community from risks
associated with the effects of fires, floods,
earthquakes, climate change, and other natural and
human made hazards. The Safety Element also
includes policies on emergency disaster
preparedness per State law. The State required noise
and air quality elements are also included in the
Health and Safety Element.

In addition to the elements above, the General Plan includes environmental justice policies to prevent and reduce
disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities,
related to health, public facilities, and civic engagement.

This element is a requirement for General Plans adopted after 2020. As Monte Sereno does not have any
disadvantaged communities,2the requirements and
policies are integrated throughout the above elements.

One of the guiding principles in this General Plan is
environmental sustainability and stewardship of the natural environment. This principle informs goals and policies
found in all of the General Plan elements. Related to this principle is the issue of climate change resulting from the emission of greenhouse gases. Goals and policies that
2 See “Disadvantaged Communities Map” on the “SB 535
Disadvantaged Communities” webpage maintained by the State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, available at https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/sb535. This specifically address greenhouse gas emissions and/or
climate change are located in the Land Use, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, and Health and Safety
Elements of this General Plan.

E. Organization of the General Plan
Elements
Each element of this General Plan contains background
information and goals, policies and actions. The
background information section of each element describes current conditions in Monte Sereno relative to the subject of the element. The goals, policies and actions provide guidance on how to maintain and enhance the city over the next 20 years. The goals, policies and actions in each
element are derived from a number of sources including
other City Planning documents and public input gathered during community outreach. Each is described as follows:
• A goal is a description of the general desired result that the City seeks to create through the
implementation of its General Plan.
• A policy is a specific statement that guides decisionmaking in working to achieve a goal. Policies represent statements of regulation and usually
map was last reviewed on March 13, 2026, and may be updated by the State of California during the lifespan of this General Plan.

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Introduction | I-6
require no further implementation. The General
Plan’s policies set the standards that will be used by
City staff and the City Council in their review of land development projects and in decision-making about
County actions in Monte Sereno.
• An action is a program, implementation measure,
procedure or technique intended to help achieve a
specified goal.

Figure I-3 shows the relationship between each of the
components described above. As shown in the figure, both policies and actions are intended to implement goals. In most cases, goals have both implementing policies and
actions. However, it is also possible for a goal to be
implemented exclusively through either policies or actions.

Figure I-3: General Plan Components
F. General Plan Update Process
The Monte Sereno General Plan Update was reviewed and
prepared by the City Council, the Site and Architectural Commission, City staff and a consultant team, with
extensive public input. The process featured three tiers of public input:
• Public surveys
• City Council and Site and Architecture study
sessions,
• Two public review periods.

Additionally, newsletters were emailed out periodically to provide the public with updates.

The Health and Safety Element was updated and adopted
prior to the other elements to address wildfire hazards and emergency response during fire season. The subsequent
diverging timelines are outlined below.

1. Public Surveys
The City hosted three public surveys for the General Plan Update. These surveys, described below, enabled residents to learn about the General Plan and provide input through specialized questions.
• General Survey: January 21, 2025 to March 21,
2025. This survey invited respondents to answer
questions which assisted the project team in
understanding the community of Monte Sereno,
their concerns and hopes for the future. Input
Goal
Policy

Action
Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Introduction | I-7
received during this survey was used to identify key
policy issues for the General Plan Update.
• Safety-Focused Survey: April 15, 2025 to June 13,
2025. This survey invited respondents to answer
questions regarding their current emergency
evacuation plans, fire resistant measures, and safety
improvements they wished to see in the future. Input
received during this survey was used to identify key
policy issues for the Health and Safety Element.
• Element Update Survey: January 9, 2026 to
February 27, 2026. This survey invited respondents
to answer questions regarding residents’ lifestyles,
perspectives, and primary concerns. Input received
during this survey was used to shape the General
Plan.

2. City Council and Site and Architectural Commission
Study Sessions
The City Council and the Site and Architectural Commission held one joint study session to discuss the General Plan prior to the preparation of the documents. On June 24,
2025, the City Council and the Site and Architectural
Commission held the first study session to provide input on the Health & Safety Public Review Draft. At the City Council study session on May 5, 2026, the City Council reviewed the General Plan Public Review Draft. In addition, one City Council meeting was held as part of the formal adoption of the General Plan.

3. Public Review Periods
As required by State law, the General Plan was circulated for a 30-day period along with the associated environmental review.

The Health & Safety Element public review period began on June 13, 2025, and was presented to a City Council and Site and Architecture joint study session on June 24, 2025.

Residents and other community stakeholders were able to submit written comments on the Health & Safety Element
Public Review Draft. After an individual Site and Architecture meeting on October 8, 2025, for adoption recommendation by City Council, the Health & Safety Element was adopted by City Council on December 2, 2025. The Element was
adopted by the California Board of Forestry & Fire
Protection on December 9, 2025, and re-adopted on July 21, 2026.

The General Plan public review period for the other
elements, began in April 2026. During the review period, residents and other community stakeholders submitted
written comments on the General Plan Public Review Draft.

These written comments along with additional verbal
comments were considered at the City Council Study
Session on May 5, 2026.

After revisions were made to the Plan, the Adoption Draft was brought to the City Council and adopted on August 4, 2026.

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

ADOPTION DRAFT

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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Guiding Principles | GP-1

2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Guiding Principles chapter establishes the key
community values that act as a foundation to this General Plan. These principles represent the primary goals to which Monte Sereno aspires. These principles are general in
nature and relate to all goals, policies and actions contained in the individual elements of this Plan. The principles articulate a shared vision for the future of Monte Sereno to guide City decision-making throughout the life of this Plan.

The following Guiding Principles serve as the foundation to this General Plan:

1. Community Character. Ensure that all new
development preserves and enhances the unique
residential character of Monte Sereno to the extent
allowed by State law.

2. Environmental Sustainability. Support a way-oflife in Monte Sereno that protects natural resources and minimizes residents’ impacts on the
environment.

3. Enhanced Mobility. Ensure that residents can safely
travel to their destinations by automobile, public
transit, bicycle, or walking.

4. Quality Public Services. Provide high-quality
services to residents in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

5. Community Safety. Ensure that Monte Sereno
residents are prepared for and protected from
natural and human-made hazards.

ADOPTION DRAFT

LAND USE ELEMENT

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Land Use | LU-1

3. LAND USE ELEMENT
The purpose of the Land Use Element is to plan for and
shape the future physical development of Monte Sereno.

This element seeks to preserve and enhance the residential character of Monte Sereno which is highly valued by
residents.

As required by State law, this Land Use Element contains text and maps that designate the future use and reuse of land within city limits. The Land Use Element also includes standards of density and building intensity for the city, which are also required by law.

The Land Use Element sets forth specific goals, policies and actions to guide land uses for Monte Sereno. The General Plan Land Use Map, contained in this Element, graphically represents the City’s vision for the future enhancement and conservation of Monte Sereno.

A. Background Land Use Information
This section provides details on the existing land uses in Monte Sereno to document the development pattern in
Monte Sereno in 2026 and to provide background
information for the Land Use Element. This section
1 On September 18, 2012, the City Council created an additional land use designation and introduced a zoning ordinance to allow for multifamily zoning at a density of 3-8 dwelling units per acre for a specific area within the City’s Sphere of Influence. The zoning ordinance was adopted on October 2, 2012. On April 7, describes the development and land use pattern present at the time the General Plan was adopted.

1. Existing Land Uses
Monte Sereno is a community of low-density residential
neighborhoods. Within these neighborhoods, the density of development primarily ranges from one dwelling unit per acre to five dwelling units per acre. Residential
neighborhoods primarily feature detached single-family
homes with some homes having either detached or
attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
1 A description of
the eight residential neighborhoods in Monte Sereno is
provided in Section B below.

Monte Sereno does not feature any commercial or
industrial land uses. Non-residential uses in Monte Sereno are limited to a few public facilities and privately-owned open space. In 2026, non-residential land uses in Monte Sereno included:
• Daves Elementary at 17770 Daves Avenue.
• The City Hall at 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road.
• The First Baptist Church of Los Gatos at 17765 Daves
Avenue.
• Privately-owned open space, including Loma Serena
and Tract 5970 subdivision.
2026, the City Council created an additional multifamily residential overlay zone that allows for up to 8 units to be developed on designated parcels within the city.

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Land Use | LU-2

2. Development Potential
Monte Sereno is a largely built-out community with a limited supply of vacant land. Additionally, many of the remaining vacant sites within the city boundary are located on
unstable, steep slopes and are not ideal for development.

This General Plan therefore anticipates limited additional development in Monte Sereno over the next 20 years. New development in Monte Sereno during this period is
expected to consist of redevelopment of single-family
homes, new accessory dwelling units, and multi-family
housing. As discussed further in the Housing Element, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) projects that new development will accommodate approximately 193
additional households in Monte Sereno by 2031, at the close of the 6
th Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031). No additional
non-residential development is anticipated during this
planning period.
2 California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (2020), General Plan Guidelines and Technical Advisories Chapter 4 Required Elements, 8, Accessed February 23, 2026,
https://lci.ca.gov/docs/OPR_C4_final.pdf
3 State of California, Department of Finance, Table E-5 by Geography, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2021-2025. Sacramento, California, May 2025, Accessed February 12, 2026,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-5- population-and-housing-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-thePopulation Density State law requires general plans to include standards for measuring population density.2 Population density is
determined by multiplying the maximum number of units
allowed within a land use designation by the average
number of persons per household, as determined by the
California Department of Finance. Table LU-1 shows this population density.

According to the Department of Finance, in 2020, the
average household size was 2.84 individuals, representing an increase since 2010 (2.76) and a slight decrease since 2000 (2.87).3
Population Projection
Table LU-2 shows the total residential buildout possible under the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element. If the
maximum development allowed by the Housing Element is
achieved by 2031, the city could have an increase of 225 units. Approximately 160 of these units are anticipated to be new accessory dwelling units. Since the General Plan covers state-2020-2025/ ; Table E-8 by Geography, E-8 Historical Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2010-2020. May 2025, Accessed February 12, 2026, https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/estimate s-e8-2010-2020/ ; Table EOC State County City By Year, E-8 Historical Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2000-2010. November 2012, Accessed February 12, 2026,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/estimate s-e8-2000-2010/

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Land Use | LU-3
the next 20 years, the dwelling units and population has been doubled to anticipate growth within the longer-term General Plan period.

In 1990, the population of Monte Sereno was 3,287 persons as determined by the California Department of Finance. In 2000, the population was estimated to be 3,483, and in
2010, the population was estimated to be 3,341. In 2020, the population was estimated to be 3,476 and in 2025 the
population was estimated to be 3,637.4In 35 years, there has been a 10.65-percent increase in population.
4 State of California, Department of Finance, Table 2 City Pop Est, E-4 Historical Population Estimates for City, County and the State, 1991-2000, with 1990 and 2000 Census Counts, Sacramento, California, August 2007, Accessed January 30, 2026,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4- revised-historical-city-county-and-state-population-estimates1991-2000-with-1990-and-2000-census-counts/ ; Table 2 City County, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2011-2020, with 2010 and 2020 Census Benchmarks. May 2025, Accessed January 30, 2026,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4- population-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-the-state-2011- 2020-with-2010-and-2020-census-benchmark/ ; Table 2 City County, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2021-2025, with 2020 Census Benchmark. May 2025, Accessed January 30, 2026,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4- population-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-the-state-2021- 2025-with-2020-census-benchmark/
Based on the current 2025 persons-per-household of 2.84, this increase in 450 units will increase the city’s population by approximately 688 persons.

The 2020 American Community Survey (ACS) has the
median household income of Monte Sereno to be
$250,000+. This is higher than both 2010 at $139,145, and 1999 at $154,268.5
5 U.S. Census Bureau. "MEDIAN INCOME IN THE PAST 12
MONTHS (IN 2020 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)." American
Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1903, 2020,
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2020.S1903?t=Income (Households, Families,
Individuals)&g=160XX00US0648956&y=2020. Accessed January 24, 2025 ; Table S1903, 2010,
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST5Y2010.S1903?t=Income (Households, Families,
Individuals)&g=160XX00US0648956&y=2010. Accessed January 24, 2025 ; "Profile of Selected Economic Characteristics: 2000." Decennial Census, DEC Summary File 3 Demographic Profile, Table DP3, 2000,
https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDPSF32000.DP3?t=Inco me (Households, Families,
Individuals)&g=160XX00US0648956&y=2000. Accessed January 24, 2025; All incomes were adjusted for inflation in the Census Data.

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Table LU-1: Population Density Residential Development Potential Land Use Designation Acreage
Dwelling Units
Per Land Use
Designation
Residents Per
Land Use
Designation
Single Family Detached (1 D.U. / Acre) 692 692 1,965
Single-Family Residential (2 D.U./Acre) 55 110 312
Single-Family Residential (3-5 D.U./Acre) 134 670 1,903 Multi-Family Residential (3-8 D.U./Acre) 4.5 36 102
Multi-Family Residential Overlay District (1-20 D.U./Acre) 0.8 8 23 Total 885.5* 1,516 4,305
*Does not include Multi-Family Residential Overlay District (1-20 D.U./Acre) and only includes parcels within the City Boundary.

Source: Monte Sereno 6th Cycle Housing Element, California Department of Finance Table LU-2: Population Projection
Land Use Designation Additional
Dwelling Units
Projected Population Per Land
Use Designation and ADUs
Single Family Detached (1 D.U./Acre) 30 85
Multi-Family Residential Overlay District (1-20 D.U./Acre) 35 99 Accessory Dwelling Units 160 160
Total in 6th Cycle Housing Element: 225 344
General Plan period 450 688
Source: Monte Sereno 6th Cycle Housing Element, California Department of Finance

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3. Potential Annexation Areas
State law defines a Sphere of Influence (SOI) as a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency (cities and special districts), as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). The SOI
represents the outermost possible extent of a local agency’s territorial jurisdiction and service area.

Urban Service Areas (USAs) are geographic planning areas that encompass all lands, incorporated or unincorporated, intended to be urbanized and provided with urban services and infrastructure upon annexation to a city. USAs include lands currently urbanized and annexed to cities and
provided with urban services, as well as unincorporated lands that a city intends to annex in order to develop those lands and provide them with urban services within five
years.6
The Santa Clara Local Area Formation Commission has
identified the following three areas (or “pockets”) in the SOI as land most appropriate for annexation into Monte Sereno:
• Pocket #1, Karl Avenue, 9 acres
• Pocket #2, Highway 9, 120.5 acres
• Pocket #3, Upper Hillside, 68 acres
6 Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Clara County, Policies and Procedures Manual, January 2026, 79, 86, Accessed February 23, 2026,
The location of these three annexation pockets is identified in Figure LU-1. Annexation of these pockets or any other areas within the City’s SOI requires approval of both the Monte Sereno City Council and the Santa Clara LAFCo.

Within Annexation Pocket #2, Monte Sereno annexed a
portion below Highway 9 on Montalvo Oaks Circle adding
multi-family residential units of 3-8 dwelling units per acre.

Above Annexation Pocket #3, Monte Sereno annexed in the remainder of a parcel on the west edge of the city.

Near the city’s southern boundary, a parcel along Lucky Road was also annexed.
https://santaclaralafco.org/sites/default/files/SantaClaraLAFCO_P oliciesManual_03-30-2026-1.pdf

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Figure LU-1: Potential Annexation Areas
Source:M-Group, LAFCo
B. Land Use Designations
The following outlines the allowable land uses for each land use designation. Maximum density and intensity measures are also identified for each land use type. Table LU-3
summarizes the acreage for each land use designation and Figure LU-2 maps the locations of the General Plan land use designations.

1. Single-Family Residential, 1 D.U./Acre (R-1-44)
This designation allows for the development of single-family dwellings at a maximum density of 1 dwelling unit per acre.

Additional uses that may be allowed include home
businesses, accessory dwelling units, renting of
rooms/boarding and other compatible uses identified in the Monte Sereno Municipal Code.

2. Single-Family Residential, 2 D.U./Acre (R-1-20)
This designation allows for the development of single-family dwellings at a maximum density of 2 dwelling units per acre.

Additional uses that may be allowed include home
businesses, accessory dwelling units, renting of
rooms/boarding and other compatible uses identified in the Monte Sereno Municipal Code.

3. Single-Family Residential, 3 to 5 D.U./Acre (R-1-8)
This designation allows for the development of single-family dwellings at a maximum density of three to five dwelling units per acre. The minimum lot area under this designation is 8,000 square feet. Additional uses that may be allowed include home businesses, accessory dwelling units and
other compatible uses identified in the Monte Sereno

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Municipal Code. Cluster development may be conditionally permitted.

4. Multi-family Residential, 3 to 8 D.U./Acre (RM)
This designation allows for the development of duplexes, triplexes and single-family dwellings at a maximum density of three to eight dwelling units per acre. The minimum lot area under this designation is 14,500 square feet. Additional uses that may be allowed include home businesses,
accessory dwelling units and other compatible uses
identified in the Monte Sereno Municipal Code. Cluster
development may be conditionally permitted. This area
consists of approximately 4.5 acres.

5. Multi-family Residential Overlay District, 1 to 20
D.U./Acre (RM-10)
This designation allows for an overlay for the development of multi-family housing of up to 8 dwelling units per parcel.

The minimum lot area is 8,000 square feet. Additional uses that may be allowed include home businesses, accessory
dwelling units and other compatible uses identified in the Monte Sereno Municipal Code. This overlay applies to
parcels located at 15785 Winchester Boulevard and 15791 Winchester Boulevard, a combined 0.8 acres within City
boundaries.

6. Public (P)
The Public designation allows for the development and
operation of services and facilities that are necessary to meet the community’s public needs. Public (P) includes the land encompassed by the Public (P/RM) Zoning
District/Public/Residential Multi-Family District. Allowable uses include public schools, City offices, post offices, fire and police facilities, other governmental facilities, parks and other recreational facilities, and other compatible uses identified in the Monte Sereno Municipal Code. The
maximum allowed intensity in the Public designated shall be established by use permit or other vehicle for project approval. Cluster development may be conditionally
permitted.

7. Open Space (OS)
The Open Space designation is used to preserve
environmentally sensitive areas and maintain a high-quality scenic beauty in the community. Allowable uses are limited to unimproved open space and public facilities. No
permanent structures are permitted in the Open Space
designation.

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Table LU-3: Summary of Designated Land Uses
Land Use Designation Acreage
Single-Family Residential, 1 D.U/acre 865
Within City Boundary 692
In City Sphere of Influence 173
Single-Family Residential, 2 D.U/acre 55
Single-Family Residential, 3-5 D.U/acre 134
Multi-Family Residential, 3-8 D.U/acre 4.5
Multi-Family Residential Overlay
District, (1-20 D.U/acre)*

0.8 Public 9
Open Space and Conservation 38
Total 1,105.5
*RM-10 is included within single-family as an overlay zone Monte Sereno primarily is made up of single-family
residential units, at 74 percent of land in the city.

As described in the Health & Safety Element, large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard.7 There is a small area of the city to the northwest, consisting of five parcels with only two being buildable, that are subject to a one percent (1%) annual chance of flood hazard. Action LU-3.A directs the city to annually identify and review areas subject to flooding identified by the flood plain mapping by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department
of Water Resources.
7 Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Maps, Accessed March 21, 2025, https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps.

Figure LU-2: Land Use
Source: M-Group

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C. Monte Sereno Neighborhoods
Monte Sereno is divided into eight neighborhoods,
distinguished by their location and unique characteristics, such as visual character, physical description, type of roadways and vegetation. The neighborhoods are used as a basis for planning analysis and policy formulation. The location of the planning areas are identified in Figure LU-3.

The eight planning areas are described below. Each
description is intended to characterize the area, not
establish land use policies. Goals and policies in Section D below express the land use policies that affect the planning area.
• Bicknell. Bicknell, located in the northwest portion of the city west of Elm Park, has large, ranch style
homes that have been built on expansive and flat
converted farmland. The neighborhood is
surrounded by open space, and the roadways are
generally described as narrow and scenic.
• Daves. Daves, a neighborhood east of Palos Verdes
Drive and Oak Knoll Drive, south of Vineland Avenue,
and north of Bruce Avenue, is characterized by
uniform, small lots with older homes with natural,
unimproved landscaping and sections of newer
homes with extensive landscaping. Daves Avenue
School is located in this neighborhood, and the First
Baptist Church of Los Gatos is the focal point of the
neighborhood. Daves Avenue and Vineland Avenue
are major collector streets, while additional traffic is generated by the church and school in the
neighborhood.
• Foothill. Foothill is located in the west corner of the city, north of the Highway 9 Scenic Route, south of
Daves Avenue, and incorporates Grandview Avenue,
Constitution Avenue and Viewfield Road. On a
moderate slope, Foothill has a diverse housing stock
varying from small to large-sized homes that are
widespread and sit on irregularly-shaped lots of
varying sizes. The streets in Foothill are a mix of
dead-end, private streets with some steep hillside
roads and local city-maintained streets. The San
Tomas Aquino Creek runs through the
neighborhood.
• Hillside. Hillside is the neighborhood located south
of Highway 9 in Monte Sereno. It is characterized by
moderate to steeply sloping land and heavily,
naturally landscaped and wooded evergreen areas.

Homes are a mixture of smaller, older homes and
larger, new homes with large setbacks, including
Montalvo Oaks multi-family residential units. Lots
are primarily large and irregularly-shaped because
of boundaries resulting from natural contours in the
area. Roadways are narrow and winding with limited
sight distance.
• La Rinconada. Rinconada, located north of Vineland
Avenue, south of Golf Links Drive, east of Robin Ann
Lane, and west of Winchester Boulevard, is a

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neighborhood of semi-rural character with mature
oak and pine trees surrounded by large, open
spaces. Rinconada has a diverse housing stock of
various styles and sizes. Natural valley areas
generally act as physical barriers within the
neighborhood. There is limited through access in
this neighborhood.
• Loma Serena. Loma Serena, located south of Bicknell
Road, north of Daves Avenue, west of Robin Anne
Lane and includes the streets of Via Palomino and Via
Pinto. The neighborhood primarily surrounds a
private open space well maintained by the Loma
Serena Homeowners Association. Homes are of
similar shape, larger size and style dating back to
1964. Most lots have views and vistas and an
equestrian trail runs through the open space area.
• Rose/Andrews. Rose/Andrews is located north of the
Highway 9 Scenic Route, west of Winchester
Boulevard and North Santa Cruz Avenue, and east of
Viewfield Road on flat lands. The City Hall is located
here. Homes are a wide variety of styles. Properties
commonly feature fences and distinct landscaping.

Lots are small and inconsistently shaped. The
character of the neighborhood is consistent with
neighboring Los Gatos properties. Roadways in
Rose/Andrews are a mix of local City maintained
streets and private dead-end streets. However, some
roads may be used as a transportation link between
Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard.
• Twin Creeks. The Twin Creeks neighborhood
incorporates Via Encantada, Via Caballero, Via
Vaquero, and Equestrian Way to the south of the
Bicknell neighborhood and the north of the Foothill
neighborhood. It is characterized by semi-rural
neighborhoods, manicured landscapes, and large,
grand homes on large lots. Equestrian trails run
through Twin Creeks set within abundant open
space. This neighborhood embodies the typical style
and character of Monte Sereno’s image.

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Figure LU-3: Neighborhoods
Source:M-Group
D. Goals, Policies and Actions
LU-1. Ensure that development enhances the
residential character of the community.

LU-1.1. Protect Monte Sereno neighborhoods
from the intrusion of incompatible land
uses and disruptive traffic to the extent
reasonably possible.

LU-1.2. Require new development to complement
and enhance existing neighborhood
character, as permitted by State law.

LU-1.3. Continue to review new development
proposals to ensure that they meet City
standards.

LU-1.4. Continue to require landscape plans as
part of Site Development Permit
applications. Encourage the use of
landscape-based stormwater treatment
measures (e.g., rain gardens), pervious
materials instead of hardscape, and other
stormwater management practices.

LU-1.5. Ensure that regulations, requirements
and processing procedures are clear,

precise and reflect City pPolicy.

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Action:

Action LU-1.A: Every Housing Element cycle, City staff will review City regulations on a regular basis to ensure that development within the city occurs in a manner compatible with the City’s character.

LU-2. Promote development that is harmoniously
integrated into the natural environment.

LU-2.1. Require development to be designed to
protect natural resources, biological
species, preserve open spaces and natural
topography to the extent possible.

LU-2.2. Encourage residential uses to merge
naturally with surrounding land uses
through the gradual change of densities
and the preservation and inclusion of the
natural topography.

LU-2.3. Permit the clustering of building sites to
protect environmentally sensitive areas
and species, avoid hazards, or create
shared uses such as neighborhood
recreation areas. However, in no case
shall the number of lots allowed be
greater than that permitted according to
state law.

LU-2.4. Carefully review development in areas of
high scenic value in order to preserve
scenic views and resident access to
nature.

LU-2.5. Encourage integration of rewilding into
green infrastructure plans, leveraging
native vegetation to provide shade,
cooling, carbon sinks, and erosion control
in development proposals.

LU-2.6. Require property owners and housing
developers to incorporate low impact
development (LID) site design, pollutant
source control, and stormwater treatment
measures where applicable in
development projects to protect
stormwater quality.

LU-3. Coordinate growth and development with other
agencies.

LU-3.1. Continue to take an active role in
coordinating land use decisions with
federal, state, and regional agencies,
Santa Clara County, special districts and
surrounding jurisdictions. Coordination
shall address issues including but not
limited to flood control and stormwater
management, air quality, wildfire risk,
climate protection, transportation, water
supply, water quality, sewage treatment,
solid waste disposal and recycling,

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hazardous waste management and
natural resource protection.

LU-3.2. Monte Sereno shall work with
surrounding communities and agencies
to insure protection and maintenance of
hillside areas to mitigate natural hazards
and to ensure safe and well-maintained
evacuation routes.

Action:

Action LU-3.A: Annually, City staff shall identify and review areas subject to flooding identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water
Resources.

LU-4. Provide for orderly growth consistent with
existing character and State law.

LU-4.1. Continue to review and comment on all
development proposals located within the
City’s Sphere of Influence.

LU-4.2. Consider the cumulative affects of
individual development projects
throughout the planning process to the
extent allowed by state law.

LU-4.3. Require that prior to approval,
development proposals demonstrate that
the site will be served by adequate
infrastructure.

LU-4.4. Evaluate fiscal, environmental, and
infrastructure impacts of development
proposals to assure that new
development does not reduce service
standards beyond state law.

LU-4.5. Continue annexation of areas within the
City’s Sphere of Influence only when:

1. The area is contiguous with the
city’s boundaries;

2. Necessary infrastructure including
emergency infrastructure, and
services can be provided in an
efficient manner;

3. The fiscal well-being of the city will
not be adversely impacted

4. The annexation is consistent with
State law, Fire Safe Regulations,
and Santa Clara County Local
Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCo) standards and criteria;

5. The annexation is supported by a
majority of affected land- owners;

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6. The annexation will not adversely
impact the quality of life of city
residents or the character of the
community; and

7. The annexation is consistent with
the General Plan.

LU-4.6. When more intensive land uses are
required by State law, prioritize intensity
in areas of the city abutting existing
mixed-use or higher density land uses.

ADOPTION DRAFT

CIRCULATION ELEMENT

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

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5. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
The purpose of the Circulation Element is to provide the policy framework for regulation and development of the
circulation system in Monte Sereno. This Element balances the need to provide safe ways to move people from one
place to another with the goal of preserving the character of the community and creating a walkable and bicyclefriendly city.

The Circulation Element must be correlated with the Land Use Element. As required by Government Code Section
65302(b), this Element contains information on the general location and extent of existing and proposed major
thoroughfares and transportation routes. State law also requires that a Circulation Element include data and policies related to the provision of the public infrastructure. These components are located in the Public Services and Facilities Element.

A. Background Information

1. Regional Roadway System
The regional roads near the borders of Monte Sereno are Highway 9, State Route 85 and State Route 17, as shown in Figure C-1. Highway 9 becomes Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
near Monte Sereno, running 11 miles from the Santa Cruz County line through Saratoga and Monte Sereno to the Los Gatos city limit. State Route 85, also called Highway 85, runs from downtown Mountain View through the northern
border of Monte Sereno to San Jose. State Route 17, locally referred to as Highway 17, runs between San Jose and Santa Cruz, often carrying commuter and holiday traffic.

2. Local Street Classification Setting
There are three types of roads in Monte Sereno:
• Thoroughfares
• Collectors
• Local Streets
Thoroughfares are roadways that accommodate higher
volumes of traffic at higher speeds and connect Monte
Sereno with adjacent communities. The three
thoroughfares in Monte Sereno are Highway 9, Winchester Boulevard and Quito Road. Collector and local streets are designed for internal circulation within Monte Sereno and accommodate lower volumes and vehicle speeds. Figure C1 shows the location of these types of streets along with local streets that are privately owned and not maintained by the City.

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Figure C-1: Circulation
Sources: California State Geoportal, Santa Clara County, M-Group

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3. Vehicle Miles Traveled and Level of Service Definitions As of 2020, jurisdictions in California are required to use Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) to analyze transportation
impacts per updated CEQA Guidelines.
1 VMT is defined as
“the total amount of vehicular travel by the population of a specific area and is used to analyze potential air quality and greenhouse gas impacts.”2
VMT may be calculated in various metric and model
combinations depending on the needs of the City,
ultimately acting as a performance measure that relates motor vehicle trip mobility to the performance of traffic facilities within a predefined location, to assess traffic impacts. VMT metric types include, but are not limited to, total VMT, total VMT generated by project, total VMT per service population, residential VMT per resident, and homebased work VMT per employee. VMT can be measured as a total or on a per-capita basis and can be used to estimate fuel consumption by motor vehicles for distances traveled. 1 California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate
Innovation, SB 743 Frequently Asked Questions, Accessed January 7, 2026, https://lci.ca.gov/ceqa/sb-743/faq.html.
2 Town of Los Gatos, Town of Los Gatos General Plan: Mobility Element, (June 2022), 3,
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31981/5- LGGP_2040_Mobility-Element.
3 City of Sausalito, City of Sausalito General Plan: Circulation and Parking Element, (February 9, 2021), 167, 168,
https://www.sausalito.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2988 5/637504485173570000; Fehr & Peers, VMT Modeling Lexicon, Increases in VMT for gasoline-powered vehicles
corresponds to increases in the GHG emissions from
vehicles making these trips. Trips to and from work tend to create the most VMT. By analyzing how much individuals
drive and their destinations, it assists the evaluation of land use and transportation network efficiency.
3 Although VMT only includes vehicle trip counts, the metric inherently accounts for the benefits of transit and active transportation trips that reduce motor vehicle travel.4 VMT is reduced by limiting the number and/or length of vehicle trips. VMT reduction may be achieved by increasing
residential density especially in centrally located areas with daily amenities, affordable housing integration, parking pricing and limiting parking supply, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network improvements, new or expanded carshare, bike share or scooter share programs and more.
5 Policies to
reduce or maintain VMT include C-2.1, C-2.2, C-3.3, and C6.1.

Accessed January 21, 2026, https://www.fehrandpeers.com/wpcontent/uploads/2025/11/VMT-Modeling-Lexicon.pdf. 4 City of Sausalito, City of Sausalito General Plan: Circulation and Parking Element, (February 9, 2021), 167,
https://www.sausalito.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2988 5/637504485173570000.
5 Association of Bay Area Governments et al., Quick Guide for VMT Policy Adoption, Accessed January 21, 2026,
https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024- 04/VMT_Policy_TA_Policy_Adoption_Quick_Guide_04-25-2024.pdf.

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VMT differs from Level of Service (LOS), which was
traditionally used in transportation planning, in that VMT focuses on reducing overall congestion systemwide while LOS focuses on reducing congestion at individual
intersections. The use of VMT as a performance measure
allows for the evaluation of traffic impacts associated with greenhouse gas emissions.6 While VMT is the state
requirement, LOS is still useful as a way to study and
understand traffic flow.

LOS is a qualitative description of traffic flow based on such factors as speed, travel time, delay and freedom to
maneuver. Six levels are defined from LOS A, the best
operating conditions, to LOS F, the worst operating
conditions. LOS E represents “at capacity” operations. When volumes exceed capacity, stop and go conditions result and operations are designated as LOS F. Table C-1 provides a description of each LOS, used for intersections in Monte Sereno.
6 ”Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA” (State of California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research: December 2018), available at
https://lci.ca.gov/docs/20190122-743_Technical_Advisory.pdf

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Table C-1: Signalized Intersection Level of Service Criteria LOS Description Average Control Delay (in seconds)
A Operations with very low delay occurring with favorable progression and/or short cycle lengths.
≤10.0
B Operations with low delay occurring with good progression and/or short cycle lengths.
>10.0-20.0
C Operations with low delay occurring with good progression and/or short cycle lengths.
>20.0-35.0
D Operations with average delays resulting from fair progression and/or longer cycle lengths or high V/C ratios. Many vehicles stop and individual cycle failures are noticeable.
>35.0-55.0
E Operations with high delay values indicating poor progression, long cycle lengths, and high V/C ratios. This is considered to be the limit of acceptable delay.
>55.0-80.0
F Operation with delays unacceptable to most drivers occurring due to over-saturation, poor progression or very long cycle lengths. >80.0

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4. Public Transit
Transit service in Santa Clara County is provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). The VTA is also responsible for congestion management, transit
planning and some highway improvement projects. The
basic transit services currently available in Santa Clara County are the VTA light rail service and regular, express and commuter bus routes.

Local Bus Line #27 runs through Monte Sereno with stops along Winchester Boulevard. Although the VTA light rail does not run through Monte Sereno, the closest existing light rail station stop is Winchester station at the southern end of the Old Ironsides – Winchester Green Line. The
Winchester Station is located in Campbell, north-west of Monte Sereno; a park-and-ride lot is available at the station.

VTA also has plans to extend the Mountain View-Winchester line to Los Gatos.

5. Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
As shown in Figure C-2, portions of Saratoga-Los Gatos
Road/Highway 9, Daves Avenue, Twin Creeks Road, Via
Caballero, Winchester Boulevard and Poppy Lane, have
Class II dedicated bicycle lanes. Class II bicycle lanes are paved facilities on the outer edge of a road that are reserved for the exclusive use of bicycles. No other roads in Monte Sereno have bicycle lanes, though the low levels of traffic on most streets allow for bicycles to safely use local streets that do not have dedicated bicycle facilities.

Other types of bicycle facilities include Class I bicycle paths, which are paved facilities that are completely separated from the road by space or a physical barrier, and Class III bicycle routes, which are typically indicated by signs only and do not necessarily include extra pavement width.

Currently there is one Class I bicycle path, an extension from Eaton Lane, Wimberly Walkway. There are no Class III
bicycle facilities in Monte Sereno. The three types of bicycle facilities are summarized in Table C-2.

Table C-2: Bicycle Facility Types
Type Description
Class I bicycle paths Paved facilities completely
separated from the road by
space or a physical barrier
Class II bicycle lanes Paved facilities on the outer
edge of a road, reserved for
the exclusive use of bicycles
Class III bicycle routes Usually indicated by signs and do not necessarily include
extra pavement width
Due to the rural-residential character of Monte Sereno, most streets in the city do not have sidewalks. The only sidewalks in the city are located alongside bicycle lanes, particularly on or near Daves Avenue, as shown in Figure C2.

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Figure C-2: Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths
Source: M-Group
Active transportation plan requirements include the
development of bicycle plans, pedestrian plans, and traffic calming plans. State law requires the plans to identify safety corridors and areas with high pedestrian and bicycle
activity, include safety measures using U.S. Department of Transportation’s evidence-based strategies, and establish 25-year implementation goals. Action C-5.A directs the city to continually maintain and update the Monte Sereno
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for a safe and balanced multimodal transportation network. Policies which support this action include C-2.2, and C-5.1 to C-5.3.

State law additionally requires circulation policies to aim towards eliminating fatal and serious injuries for all road users. Policies C-1.3, C-1.4, and C-3.2 are a few policies which particularly address this requirement.

6. Scenic Roads
Highway 9 is officially designated a California State Scenic Highway. State Scenic Highways are roadway corridors of outstanding natural beauty that are subject to special
regulations that preserve and enhance the scenic quality of the corridor. Highway 9 starts at Skyline Boulevard in Santa Cruz County and runs through a forested landscape, an
abandoned pear-apple orchard farm, and later joins the
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road at Blaney Plaza in the City of
Saratoga.

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B. Goals, Policies and Actions
C-1. Promote safe and efficient vehicular movement
within the city.

C-1.1. Plan for thoroughfares, and collectors,
and pedestrian paths in concert with
existing and future land uses in Monte
Sereno to increase cross-town
connectivity.

C-1.2. Maintain a balance between land use
development and the capacity of the
transportation system.

C-1.3. Improve roadways, intersections, speed
limits, and additional feasible and trafficcalming measures to minimize and/or eliminate the potential for fatal and
serious automobile and pedestrian
accidents.

C-1.4. Improve roadways, including re-paving,
and intersections as needed to potentially
eliminate fatal and serious injuries for all
road users, including pedestrians,
bicyclists, and automobile users. Consider
installing traffic calming measures, such
as curb extensions, or sidewalk/walkway
“bulb-outs” into the adjacent parking lane,
that help shorten crossing distances,
provide larger waiting/landing areas for
accessibility, and improve pedestrian
sight distances and visibility.

C-1.5. Provide adequate sight distances at all
intersections and driveways.

C-1.6. Ensure that safe and efficient emergency
access is available to new development.

C-1.7. Continue to encourage private street
maintenance where City engineering and
safety standards cannot be met.

C-1.8. For projects that are not exempt from
CEQA, require review and mitigation of
potential adverse impacts to streets and
circulation.

C-2. Minimize traffic congestion to the extent
possible.

C-2.1. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions
to maintain or reduce annual average
daily traffic volumes for intersections and
roadway segments in Monte Sereno,
especially for intersections and roadway
segments near Daves Elementary School.
(Daves Avenue at Poppy Lane and Daves
Avenue at Winchester Boulevard).

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C-2.2. Emphasize safe non-vehicular (bicycle and
pedestrian) circulation on intersections
and roadway segments near Daves
Elementary School in updates to the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan due to
the intermittent character of school traffic
congestion (see Policy 5.3 and Action 5.A).

C-2.3. Work with Daves Elementary School to
encourage school operations that reduce,
wherever possible, traffic impacts to
adjacent roadways and climate change
impacts.

C-2.4. Encourage Daves Elementary School to
expand ride-sharing activities and bicycle
access to help reduce school-generated
vehicle traffic around the school and
mitigate climate change impacts.

C-2.5. Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and
regional planning agencies, including
Santa Clara County Central Fire District,
Santa Clara County Fire Department,
California Department of Forest and Fire
Protection (CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara
County Fire Safe Council, California
Department of Transportation, Santa
Clara County Office of Emergency
Services, and the Town of Los Gatos'
Emergency Services Coordinator, to
support the management of traffic
congestion, especially during emergency
evacuation events.

C-3. Minimize intrusion of through traffic on
residential streets. C-3.1. Protect residential neighborhoods from the intrusion of disruptive and excessive
through traffic to the extent reasonably
possible.

C-3.2. Encourage roadway improvements and
traffic control devices to discourage cut-
through traffic and unsafe traffic speeds
on residential streets when other
methods have failed.

C-3.3. Prioritize vehicle traffic on thoroughfares
and collectors as opposed to cut-through
traffic on residential streets.

C-4. Promote public transportation that is responsive
to the needs of Monte Sereno residents. C-4.1. Support the extension of the VTA light rail system to Los Gatos.

C-4.2. Support paratransit program that provide
on-demand transportation to seniors and
persons with disabilities.

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C-4.3. Support the continuation of bus service
that connects Monte Sereno to
destinations throughout Santa Clara
County.

C-5. Provide for safe pedestrian and bicycle routes in
appropriate locations.

C-5.1. Identify and install sidewalks, bicycle
infrastructure, and street lighting
(“Complete Streets”) along roadway
segments where needed to protect public
safety, eliminate fatal and serious injuries,
facilitate pedestrian circulation and
overall physical activity.

C-5.2. Identify and install bicycle lanes along
roadway segments where needed to
protect public safety, eliminate fatal and
serious injuries, and encourage bicycling
and overall physical activity.

C-5.3. Continue to work with Daves Elementary
School to promote safe driving and
pedestrian circulation around or near the
school (Safe Routes to School) (see Policy
C-2.2).

C-5.4. Continue to work with Caltrans, Santa
Clara County and other agencies on
potential reconfigurations of Highway 9 to
safely accommodate bicyclists and
pedestrians.

C-5.5. Encourage bicycle usage as an alternative
to the automobile to reduce
transportation-related greenhouse gas
emissions.

C-5.6. Consider bicycle, pedestrian and
emergency evacuation safety when
reviewing all development project
applications.

C-5.7. Consider incorporating green stormwater
infrastructure elements into curb bulbouts, curb extensions, and street buffer zones, to increase cyclist and pedestrian
safety, calm traffic, and provide
stormwater treatment.

Action:

Action C-5.A: The City will continue to update its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, in coordination with the community, and prioritize projects accordingly.

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C-6. Continue to participate in regional
transportation and congestion management
planning.

C-6.1. Coordinate transportation planning with
other local jurisdictions and regional
agencies to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

C-6.2. Support improvements to major arterials
which serve Monte Sereno and minimize
cut-through traffic on residential streets
to the fullest extent possible and to
eliminate fatal and serious injuries.

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

ADOPTION DRAFT

OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION ELEMENT

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6. OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION

ELEMENT
The purpose of the Open Space and Conservation Element
is to protect the natural environment, promote climate
protection and ensure the preservation of open space land in and around Monte Sereno. This Element seeks to
maintain the low density, residential character of the
community and its high quality of life by preserving open spaces, protecting natural resources, reducing the impacts of global warming and providing recreational opportunities for city residents.

This Element combines two State-mandated elements, the
Open Space Element and the Conservation Element. The
focus of the Open Space Element is the management of
open space resources, including cultural resources. Open space is defined as any parcel or area of public or private land or water that is essentially unimproved and
undeveloped. State law identifies several types of open space, including open space that 1) preserves natural
resources, 2) manages production of natural resources, 3) 1 Ackerly, David, Andrew Jones, Mark Stacey, Bruce Riordan, (University of California, Berkeley), 2018, California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment: San Francisco Bay Area Region Report (Report #: SUM-CCCA4-2018-05, January 16, 2019),
https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-
provides outdoor recreation and 4) protects public health and safety.

Similarly, the Conservation Element is concerned with the protection of natural resources, including plants and animal wildlife, water bodies, watersheds, forests, soils, minerals and energy conservation. Included in this element are goals and policies to reduce impacts to global warming caused by the release of greenhouse gases.

A. Background Information

1. Climate Protection
Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is a
serious issue requiring immediate action. According to
California’s Climate Change Assessment coordinated by the California Office of Planning and Research, California’s Energy Commission, and California’s Natural Resources
Agency, continued global warming is expected to result in significant impacts to California, such as substantial loss of snow-pack, a substantially increased risk of large and
frequent wildfires, increased heatwaves, and reductions and/or increased intensity of precipitation resulting in extreme droughts and wet seasons affecting the quality and quantity of water and agriculture products.1
11/Reg_Report-SUM-CCCA4-2018-
005_SanFranciscoBayArea_ADA.pdf ; California Climate
Adaptation Strategy, “Summary of Projected Climate Change Impacts on California,” (California Government), Accessed

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Global warming is caused by the release of greenhouse
gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the
atmosphere. Monte Sereno directly contributes to global warming by its household usage of energy, vehicle trips, construction activities and the energy used in the operation of government and educational facilities.

The City of Monte Sereno is committed to taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy
efficiency. On June 17, 2008, the City Council adopted
Resolution 3304, which established Monte Sereno as a
partner in the ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) Cities and Counties Climate Protection Program. Monte
Sereno was an active member from 2008 to 2009 and
continues to take a leadership role in promoting public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate
change.
2 As stewards of climate protection, the City will
continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Monte Sereno continues to require the completion of a
Greenpoint checklist which is required for all new
residential development, and requires that all new public buildings be LEED certified and carbon neutral. In addition, January 29, 2026, Summary of Projected Climate Change Impacts on California - California Climate Adaptation Strategy. 2 ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, “Member List,” Accessed January 28, 2026,
https://www.freedomadvocates.org/download/research/icleime mberlist.pdf ; ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, “ICLEI the City requires new construction to comply with current building standards and Reach codes for energy efficiency, CalGreen building code, and water efficient landscape
requirements.

The State of California also has taken several steps and continues to take steps to address global warming.

Previously in 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger issued
Executive Order S-3-05, which officially recognized
California’s vulnerability to global warming and set
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the state. A year later the Governor signed AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which required California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Its successors, SB 32 and AB 1279, build on the mandate requiring a 40 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve and maintain net negative greenhouse gas
emissions by 2045.
3 In 2018, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18, which established a statewide goal of achieving carbon
Members,” Accessed January 28, 2026, https://iclei.org/icleimembers/. 3 California, Senate. California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: emissions limit, SB 32 (2016). Bill Text - SB-32 California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: emissions limit. ; California, Assembly. The California Climate Crisis Act, AB 1279 (2022). Bill Text - AB-1279 The California Climate Crisis Act.

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neutrality by 2045.4In 2020, Governor Newsom signed
Executive Order N-82-20, to combat the climate and
biodiversity crises by setting another statewide goal to conserve at least 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030 and engage stakeholders including local
governments.
5 SB 100 (2018), requires California to obtain
60 percent of all electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent from carbon-free sources by 2045.
6 2. Watershed
Monte Sereno is part of the Guadalupe Watershed,
managed under the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The Guadalupe Watershed is 170 square miles in area and
includes the cities of San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, Monte Sereno, and the Town of Los Gatos. The creeks located in the Guadalupe Watershed are the Guadalupe, Los Gatos,
Ross, Alamitos and Canoas creeks. The reservoirs located in the Guadalupe Watershed are the Lexington, Vasona,
Guadalupe, Almaden, and Calero reservoirs.7 The Lake
Elsman reservoir is part of the Guadalupe Watershed and is 4 California Executive Order B-55-18, To Achieve Carbon Neutrality, Edmund G. Brown Jr., California Governor’s Office, September 10, 2018, https://www.library.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/GovernmentPublications/executive-orderproclamation/39-B-55-18.pdf. 5 California Executive Order N-82-20, Gavin Newsom, California’s Governor’s Office, October 7, 2020, https://www.gov.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2020/10/10.07.2020-EO-N-82-20-.pdf. 6 California, Senate. California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: emissions of greenhouse gases, SB 100 (2018), Bill Text managed by the San Jose Water Company.
8 Surface water in
the Guadalupe Watershed ultimately flows into the
southern portion of the San Francisco Bay. Figure OSC-1 depicts the creeks and water bodies in and around Monte Sereno.

Large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard in Monte Sereno, as seen in the Health and Safety Element Figure HS8, and does not pose a risk to open space areas. The open spaces, watersheds, and creeks within and around Monte
Sereno have the capacity to accommodate floodwater for
groundwater recharge and stormwater management.
- SB-100 California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program:
emissions of greenhouse gases.
7 Valley Water, “Guadalupe Watershed Fast Facts,” Accessed January 30, 2026, https://www.valleywater.org/guadalupewatershed-fast-facts. 8 Valley Water, “Guadalupe Watershed (Upcoming),” Accessed February 9, 2026,
https://www.valleywater.org/accordion/guadalupe-watershedupcoming.

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Figure OSC-1: Creeks and Water Bodies
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Department of Commerce TIGER, Valley Water

3. Water Quality
The Santa Clara Valley Water District is the primary steward of water quality in the Guadalupe watershed. The Valley Water District protects water quality through creek
restoration programs, grants to community organization
and other education and outreach programs. One of the
primary water quality issues in the Guadalupe watershed is mercury toxicity that resulted from mining operations
during the California Gold Rush. The Valley Water District oversees ongoing efforts to study and reduce mercury
levels found in streams and other water bodies throughout the watershed.

In Monte Sereno, water quality can be adversely impacted when stormwater runoff contains toxic materials or other harmful substances. Common sources for these harmful
substances in Monte Sereno include motorized vehicles,
household chemicals and sediment discharge from
construction activities.

Monte Sereno’s water retailer, San Jose Water Company,
conducts annual water quality reports to provide data about the quality and safety of the drinking water supplied in relation to state and federal standards. According to the 2024 report, Monte Sereno receives its water primarily from mountain surface water and imported surface water.

Monitoring parameters include, but are not limited to,
inorganic materials, radionuclides, volatile organic
chemicals, disinfection byproducts, lead and copper and more. In the water parameters listed, Monte Sereno had
contaminant levels of not detected (ND) to being under the

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maximum contaminant level (MCL), the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.9

4. Parks and Open Space
There are approximately 38 acres of privately-owned open space land in Monte Sereno. The City itself, however, does not own or manage public parkland. Instead, Monte Sereno residents utilize parks in neighboring Los Gatos and
Saratoga as well as Vasona Lake County Park, a 152-acre park including the Los Gatos Creek Parkway located just east of the city. Southwest of Monte Sereno is the El Sereno Open Space Preserve, a 1,614-acre preserve with hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The location of parks and open spaces in and around Monte Sereno are shown in Figure
OSC-2. Monte Sereno has historically contributed
Proposition 40 funds, used for the development,
improvement, and acquisition of parks, trails, recreation lands and facilities to neighboring jurisdictions.

Monte Sereno is susceptible to seismic activity, landslides, and wildfires as described in the Health and Safety Element.

Monte Sereno’s open spaces could be affected by a
landslide event and seismic activity as a portion of the open space is within a fault rupture zone.
9 San Jose Water, Water Quality Report 2024, May 19, 2025, https://www.sjwater.com/media/arxktu3p/sjw_2025_ccr_1.pdf. 10 California, Senate. Open-space element: updates, SB 1425 (2022). Bill Text - SB-1425 Open-space element: updates.

SB 1425 (2022) requires the Open Space element to address increased access and networks to open space, climate
resilience, and other co-benefits of open space including rewilding opportunities.10 Policies OSC-2.1, 3.3, 4.5, and 4.8 are a few policies which particularly address these
requirements.

AB 1889 (2024) requires the Conservation element to
address barriers to wildlife connectivity, identify, restore, and maintain connectivity areas, permeability, natural
landscape, degraded open spaces and habitat, and create buffers from sensitive resources.11 Policies OSC-3.2, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.7 are a few policies which particularly address these requirements.
11 California, Assembly. Conservation Element: Wildlife and Habitat Connectivity, AB 1889 (2024).
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id =202320240AB1889.

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Figure OSC-2: Open Space and Conservation Areas
Sources: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Santa Clara County

5. Biological Resources
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which tracks the location and condition of California’s rare
animals, plants and natural habitats. A search of the
database was completed in 2007 for Monte Sereno in a onemile radius around the city to identify rare and sensitive species and habitats with the potential to occur in Monte Sereno. Table OSC-1 lists the rare and sensitive species and communities that may occur within and near the city.

Creeks in Monte Sereno provide important riparian habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. In addition to providing natural habitat, well established vegetation along the waterways plays an important role in controlling
erosion.

Oak woodlands provide additional important habitat for
sensitive plant and animal species in Monte Sereno. Oak woodland is found primarily in Monte Sereno’s
undeveloped open space. The City attempts to preserve
existing oak woodlands to the greatest extent possible, especially when reviewing proposals for new development.

Vegetation in Monte Sereno is shown in Figure OSC-3.

Policies OSC-5.1, 5.3, and 5.6 direct the City to preserve and enhance the city’s urban tree canopy as well as encourage the replacement of hazardous trees for fire hazard safety when appropriate.

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Figure OSC-3: Vegetation
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

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According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), southern areas of Monte Sereno are within essential habitat connectivity areas ranging from less permeable to slightly more permeable. These areas also contain areas of
irreplaceable and essential corridors of terrestrial
connectivity.12
According to BayArea GreenPrint data, Monte Sereno has a mix of ‘habitat’ and ‘valuable habitat’ for threatened and endangered vertebrates. Many areas below Monte
Sereno’s border and within the El Sereno Open Space
Preserve are essential areas for the environment. These include a biodiversity and habitat critical linkage, networks of essential conservation land, and regional connectivity areas including intact linkages to last natural linkages. The Los Gatos Creek is a key riparian corridor.13
12 Melanie Gogol-Prokurat, Essential Connectivity Areas - California Essential Habitat Connectivity (CEHC) [ds620], Published March 1, 2010, Updated January 13, 2014, Accessed CDFW BIOS Viewer January 2026, Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/?bookmark=648 ; Michael Hardy, Terrestrial Connectivity - ACE [ds2734], Published October 26, 2017, Updated December 18, 2025, Accessed CDFW BIOS Viewer January 2026, Biogeographic Information and
Observation System (BIOS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/?bookmark=648. 13 The Nature Conservancy, Greenbelt Alliance, TOGETHER Bay Area, GreenInfo Network, and American Farmland Trust. Bay Area Greenprint Monte Sereno Report, “Important Habitat for T&E Vertebrates, Bay Area Critical Linkages, Conservation Lands Network, Regional Connectivity, Key Riparian Corridors”, Accessed January 2026. https://www.bayareagreenprint.org/report/.

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Table OSC-1: Sensitive Biological Species in the Monte Sereno Vicinity Common Name Type Status*
Caper-Fruited Tropidocarpum Plant State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Not Listed
Hairless popcorn-flower Plant State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Not Listed
Hoary bat Vertebrate animal State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Not Listed
Loma Prieta hoita Plant State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Not Listed
Robust spineflower Plant State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Endangered
Western pond turtle Vertebrate animal State - Species of Special Concern Federal – Not Listed
*Species of Special Concern status applies to species that meet the definition for threatened or endangered but has not been formally listed or to species that may soon meet the definition for threatened or endangered.

Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Natural Diversity Database, September, 2007.

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6. Cultural Resources
The environmental setting in Monte Sereno includes
properties with historic and architectural significance.

Properties in Monte Sereno are identified as historic
through either the National Register of Historic Places or local designation. The following five Monte Sereno
properties are designated as historic resources:
• Steinbeck House (16250 Greenwood Lane), in which
American author John Steinbeck wrote the Grapes of
Wrath. This property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• 17981 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
• 17940 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
• 17985 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
• 18490 Withey Road
Cultural resources and archeological remains from Native American inhabitants may also be present in Monte Sereno.

Such remains are often found in the alluvial areas near streams and other water bodies (see Figure OSC-1)
although the City has no documented findings of such
archeological remains. Policies OSC-9.3 through 9.5 affirm AB 52 and SB 18, demonstrating the continuation of
consultation with Native American Tribes, notification and coordination when actions or an emergency event may
14 California, Senate. Land use: general plans: safety and environmental justice, SB 1000 (2016).
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id =201520160SB1000.
affect tribal interests, and expanded educational events and resources for awareness of tribal histories.

SB 1000 (2016) requires jurisdictions to develop
Environmental Justice Element goals, policies, and
objectives as well as identify disadvantaged communities if applicable.14 The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s CalEnviroScreen 4.0,
published in 2021, indicates Monte Sereno does not have a disadvantaged community, defined as a census tract
meeting certain income levels and/or public health
indicators.15 Figure OSC-4 shows this determination on a regional and local scale.

Although Monte Sereno does not have any disadvantaged
communities, Environmental Justice policies OSC-2.5, 2.8, and 2.9 along with others are included to benefit all
residents in Monte Sereno with the promotion of public
facilities, physical activity, and civic engagement in the public decision-making process.
15 State of California OEHHA, “CalEnviroScreen 4.0”, Accessed February 23, 2026,
https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-40

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Figure OSC-4: Disadvantaged Communities
CalEnviroScreen 4.0
Source: CalEnviroScreen 4.0

7. Other Important Resources
The City of Monte Sereno does not contain any designated important mineral resources nor is located within habitat conservation area that needs to be protected pursuant to State law. In addition, due to the mainly developed nature of the community, there is no on-going agricultural,
aquacultural, or lumber production within the city. The State has not identified any important farmlands within Monte Sereno that are in need of conservation.

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B. Goals, Policies and Actions
OSC-1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote
energy efficiency by providing leadership in
climate protection.

OSC-1.1. Continue to participate in regional efforts
to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.

OSC-1.2. Support a reduction in the city’s peak
electric load through increases in energy
efficiency, conservation and shifting the
timing of energy demands.

OSC-1.3. Require all new construction of public
buildings to be LEED-certified and to be
carbon neutral. As part of meeting LEED
requirements, encourage the use of green
stormwater infrastructure features (.e.g.,
green roofs, biotreatment areas, and
pervious materials for hardscape) into
building design to protect stormwater
quality and provide additional climate
resiliency benefits.

OSC-1.4. Encourage the use of green building
practices and LEED certification in
residential development. These practices
may include the use of landscape-based
stormwater treatment measures (e.g.,
rain gardens), pervious materials for
hardscape, and other stormwater
management practices to protect
stormwater quality and provide climate
benefits.

OSC-1.5. Continue to require all new and
remodeled homes to complete the
GreenPoint sustainability checklist.

OSC-1.6. Require residential development projects
to meet updated Building Energy
Efficiency Standards, including solar
access and orientation.

OSC-1.7. Encourage the use of energy-efficient
appliances in residences.

OSC-1.8. When upgrading appliances or equipment
in City buildings, require energy-efficient
upgrades.

Actions:

Action OSC-1.A: In development review, ensure projects meet State energy standards, including Building Energy Efficiency Standards and Reach Codes, for new and remodeled homes.

Action OSC-1.B: Continue to require the completion of
GreenPoint checklists as part of all Building Permit

applications.

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Action OSC-1.C: Develop and implement public education
programs to increase residents’ awareness of energy issues, including rewilding opportunities, conservation measures and resources.

Action OSC-1.D: Require all new development to comply with CalGreen and Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
requirements.

Action OSC-1.E: Consider revisions to applicable City regulations that will reduce pollution exposure and improve quality of life for Monte Sereno residents.

Action OSC-1.F: Conduct proactive education and outreach about indoor and outdoor air quality and protective actions that can be taken to both improve air quality inside one’s home and to minimize exposure to poor air quality index days.

OSC-2. Provide adequate parks and recreational
facilities for Monte Sereno residents.

OSC-2.1. Work with other jurisdictions to provide
equitable and accessible parkland and
recreational facilities for Monte Sereno
residents and other Santa Clara County
residents.

OSC-2.2. Collaborate with the neighboring
jurisdictions to provide park and open
space opportunities for Monte Sereno
residents.

OSC-2.3. Maintain associations with the Bachman,
Oak Meadow, Vasona and other local and
regional parks or recreational facilities
which serve the needs of the community
of Monte Sereno.

OSC-2.4. Review future subdivision proposals for
the opportunity to incorporate new
recreational opportunities into the site
design and/or require parkland in-lieu
fees.

OSC-2.5. Work with non-profit organizations, adult
education and junior college programs,
senior citizen organizations, Daves
Elementary, Monte Sereno’s Youth
Commission, and park and recreation
programs from other jurisdictions to offer
weekend and evening “fun” classes
through existing programs.

OSC-2.6. Encourage resident participation when
evaluating and planning park and
recreation facility and services
opportunities.

OSC-2.7. Accommodate connections to regional
trail systems, such as Los Gatos, that
enhance or support the trail systems
network, as feasible.

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OSC-2.8. Work with surrounding cities and open
spaces to initiate and promote existing
walking, hiking, cycling, and other
recreation clubs and activities to increase
participation, safety, and social cohesion.

OSC-2.9. Work with Los Gatos-Saratoga
Community Education and Recreation to
increase public outreach and
collaboration regarding park services.

Action:

Program OSC-2.A: Continue to maintain a list of all parks and open space areas in surrounding jurisdictions on the City website, including accessibility and fee information.

OSC-3. Maintain and expand protected open space.

OSC-3.1. Preserve dedicated private open space in
Monte Sereno.

OSC-3.2. Support the preservation of open space in
areas adjacent to and near Monte Sereno
as open spaces as appropriate to support
rewilding and wildlife corridors.

OSC-3.3. Consider rewilding opportunities as
appropriate within the jurisdiction of
Monte Sereno and in collaboration with
neighboring jurisdictions. These
opportunities may enhance an integrated
network of open space to support
beneficial uses, such as habitat,
recreation, natural resources, historic and
tribal resources, water management, and
aesthetics.

OSC-4. Preserve and protect valuable biological
resources.

OSC-4.1. Preserve and rehabilitate natural habitat
areas that support wildlife, particularly
large contiguous areas of open space and
riparian habitat along creeks that may
serve as connectivity areas with natural
landscape.

OSC-4.2. Preserve and protect rare, endangered
and other sensitive species as well as their
habitat connectivity zones.

OSC-4.3. When appropriate per state law, require
development project applicants to submit
biological surveys necessary to ensure
compliance with all local, regional, State
and federal environmental regulations.

OSC-4.4. Require mitigation of potential impacts to
special status plant and animal species
based on a policy of no-net-loss of habitat

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value. Mitigation measures shall
incorporate, as the City deems
appropriate, the guidelines and
recommendations of the US Fish and
Wildlife Service and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife as per
state law.

OSC-4.5. To the extent possible, encourage the
retention and re-establishment of native
vegetation in all private development
projects and public facility construction
projects for rewilding and climate
resilience opportunities.

OSC-4.6. Maintain a “Native Trees of Santa Clara
County” list on the City website and
recommend native plants, including firesmart and drought tolerant, for landscaping of all public projects to the
extent possible.

OSC-4.7. Encourage the use of native vegetation in
landscape plans for all new development,
where appropriate and feasible, especially
in areas adjacent to open space areas,
along waterways, or on eroded slopes.

OSC-4.8. Encourage pollinator gardens, rain
gardens, and green roofs that provide
ecological benefits while improving air
quality, shading and stormwater
management.

OSC-5. Preserve and enhance the city’s urban tree
canopy.

OSC-5.1. Continue to require that development
proposals minimize the disturbance to or
removal of existing trees to the extent
possible.

OSC-5.2. Require that removed trees be replaced
with at least a one-to- one ratio, unless
prohibited by good forestry practices.

OSC-5.3. Encourage the replacement of non-native
trees with California native nonhazardous tree species to improve fire hazard safety and help offset carbon
emissions.

OSC-5.4. Continue to preserve and protect
California native trees while recognizing
the need to allow for the gradual
replacement of trees to provide for ongoing natural renewal.

OSC-5.5. Continue to enforce the Tree Removal
Ordinance and require development
proposals to provide adequate
information to City staff to assess the

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project’s impact on existing trees and
identify hazardous trees for replacement
due to blight and fire hazard concern.

OSC-5.6. Continue to preserve the quality of trees
in public and private open space areas.

Encourage the removal of hazardous
trees, when feasible.

OSC-6. Maintain a high level of water quality.

OSC-6.1. Require the preservation and, as
appropriate, restoration of riparian
habitat in a natural state by not allowing
the culverting of existing creeks and
requiring appropriate setbacks from
creek beds. Preservation and restoration
should also allow for growth of riparian
vegetation, which effectively stabilizes
banks, screens pollutants from runoff
entering the channel, and provides other
opportunities for natural habitat
restoration.

OSC-6.2. Require development projects to reduce,
to the extent feasible, sediment discharge
and erosion during construction and postconstruction. Require projects to incorporate mitigation measures, such as
Best Management Practices (BMPs) to
address these water quality issues.

OSC-6.3. Reduce surface run-off by minimizing
impervious surfaces associated with
motor vehicles, as well as requiring
projects to include low impact
development (LID) site designs and
treatment measures that minimize
impervious surfaces and maximize on-site
filtration and protect stormwater quality.

OSC-6.4. Require property owners to work with the
natural topography and drainage to the
extent possible when designing
development projects to reduce the
amount of grading and limit disturbances
to natural drainage systems.

OSC-6.5. Identify and protect groundwater
recharge areas, particularly creeks and
riparian corridors.

OSC-7. Promote water conservation.

OSC-7.1. Continue to enforce residential
landscaping standards that meet or
exceed the Model Water Efficient
Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).

OSC-7.2. Support the use of dual plumbing systems
in residential proper- ties to utilize

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recycled water for gardening and
landscaping.

OSC-7.3. Require water-conserving water fixtures
in all public facilities and in all
development in accordance with the most
current Title 24, Building Energy Efficiency
Standards and Green Building Standards.

OSC-8. Reduce the generation of solid waste in Monte
Sereno.

OSC-8.1. Work with waste management providers
to promote recycling, composting, and
waste programs that promote
sustainability and comply with State law,
including composting targets.

OSC-8.2. Continue to promote educational content
for residents on how and where to discard
e-waste and household hazardous waste.

OSC-8.3. Require the diversion of organic waste
generated within the city to produce
compost or biofuels. Monte Sereno will
continue to provide organic waste
collection services to all residents.

OSC-8.4. Continue to mitigate construction and
demolition waste through mandated
recycling via construction debris recycling
programs.

OSC-8.5. Encourage use of recycled-content
construction materials.

OSC-8.6. Comply with the source reduction and
recycling standards mandated by the
State.

OSC-8.7. Actively educate the public about waste
reduction programs and practices
including avoiding products with
excessive packaging, recycling, refilling
empty containers, separating food and
yard waste for composting, and using
rechargeable batteries, among other
topics.

OSC-8.8. Collaborate with Santa Clara County’s
Household Hazardous Waste Program to
provide opportunities for safe disposal of
household hazardous waste.

Action:

Action OSC-8.A: Conduct community outreach and provide
educational materials online regarding organic waste and household hazardous waste recycling.

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OSC-9. Preserve cultural resources in Monte Sereno.

OSC-9.1. Support property owners’ efforts to
preserve the character of older homes
while meeting Fire Safe regulations when
reviewing development project
applications.

OSC-9.2. Continue to enforce the City’s Historic
Preservation Ordinance.

OSC-9.3. Continue to consult with interested Native
American tribes to incorporate traditional
ecological knowledge, cultural
considerations, and culturally appropriate
restoration practices in land management
practices.

OSC-9.4. Continue to notify and continuously work
on a government-to-government basis
with affected tribal governments when
actions, emergencies, or incidents may
affect tribal interests and protected sites.

OSC-9.5. Work with Native American tribal
governments to include educational
events and resources, and other
government-to-government cultural
programs, in coordination with
neighboring jurisdictions.

Action:

Action OSC-9.A: Consider the establishment of a location to display historical material.

ADOPTION DRAFT

PUBLIC SERVICES & FACILITIES ELEMENT

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

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Public Services and Facilities | PS-1

7. PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES

ELEMENT
The Public Services and Facilities Element addresses public services, facilities, utilities and infrastructure that are needed to maintain public safety and the high quality of life in Monte Sereno. This Element includes policies to support needed services and facilities in a cost-effective manner.

Although the Public Facilities section is not explicitly required by State law, the topics addressed here are an integral part of the City’s overall commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents. Additionally, State law requires the Land Use Element to include “the proposed
general distribution and general location and extent of the uses of the land for…solid and liquid waste disposal
facilities” and it requires the Circulation Element to include information on “the general location and extent of existing and proposed…public utilities and facilities.”
These required components are included in this Element
and are part of the following topics:
• Schools
• Fire Service
• Police
• Emergency Response
• Government Facilities
1 Daves Avenue Elementary School, “About Us – Principles Welcome”, Accessed January 30, 2026,
• Water
• Stormwater Drainage
• Solid Waste, Compost, & Recycling
• Libraries
• Other Services and Facilities
A. Background Information

1. Schools
Monte Sereno youth enrolled in public schools attend seven schools in the Los Gatos Union Elementary School District, the Saratoga Union Elementary School District, the
Campbell Union Elementary School District, the Los GatosSaratoga Union High School District, and the Campbell Union High School District. These schools include Daves Avenue Elementary, Louise Van Meter Elementary,
Lexington Elementary, Raymond J. Fisher Junior Middle
School, Los Gatos High School, Saratoga High School, and Westmont High School. The number of Monte Sereno
residential parcels in each school district area is shown in Table PS-1.

Daves Avenue Elementary is the only school located in
Monte Sereno. As of 2026, Daves Avenue Elementary School was attended by 590 students.1Its modern facility was
reconstructed in 2007. The location of Daves Avenue
Elementary School and other public facilities in and around Monte Sereno are shown in Figure PS-1.
https://daves.lgusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=220292& type=d&pREC_ID=484210.

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Table PS-1: Monte Sereno Residential Parcels by School
District
District Name Residential Parcels in
District
Campbell Union Elementary
School District
70 Los Gatos Union Elementary
School District
994
Saratoga Elementary School
District
391
Campbell Union High School
District
70 Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High
School District
1,385
*Count includes parcels in the Sphere of Influence and all residential land uses
Source: National Center for Education Statistics - Current School District Boundaries

2. Fire Service
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides fire
protection services to Monte Sereno as well as Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Saratoga, San Martin, and portions of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. As
shown in Figure PS-1, the County Fire Department is
headquartered in Campbell at 1315 Dell Avenue and
manages 19 total fire stations. None of these stations are located in Monte Sereno. The closest fire stations to the city are the Quito Fire Station at 18870 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in unincorporated county on the western border of Monte Sereno, the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue in Los Gatos on the eastern border of Monte Sereno and
Winchester Fire Station at 14850 Winchester Blvd in Los Gatos above the northeast border of Monte Sereno.

3. Police
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department serves the City of Monte Sereno under a long-term contract with the City first put into effect July 28, 1995. Police Service includes 24-hour communications and protection, participation in special programming, and coordination with emergency
and disaster relief. As of 2025, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has 60 sworn and civilian personnel and 282 community volunteers involved in CERT (Community
Emergency Response Team), 14 in DART (Disaster Aid
Response Team), 6 in VIPS (Volunteers in Policing), and 7 in the Explorer Program. As shown in Figure PS-1, the station is located at 110 East Main Street in the Town of Los Gatos.

A new police operations center at 15900 Los Gatos
Boulevard in Los Gatos was completed in 2009.

4. Emergency Response
As further discussed in the Health and Safety Element,
emergency response services are provided by the Fire
Department, the Police Department, the City of Monte
Sereno, the Santa Clara County Office of Emergency
Services (County OES), and the Los Gatos Emergency
Services Coordinator. In an emergency, the role of County

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OES is to coordinate among local first responders and act as a single point-of-contact for state and federal agencies.

5. Government Facilities
Monte Sereno City Hall is located at 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, as shown in Figure PS-1. City Hall provides space for City administrative offices and the City Council chambers. Monte Sereno no longer has a post office within its borders. The closest post office is at 101 S. Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, as shown in Figure PS-1.

Figure PS-1: Public Services and Facilities
*Lexington Elementary is out of range of the map.

Sources: Santa Clara County, M-Group

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6. Water
The Santa Clara Valley Water District and San Jose Water Company provide water service to Monte Sereno. The Valley Water District is responsible for designing and building local water reservoirs and water distribution facilities and
operating water treatment plants. The Valley Water District then sells treated water to local water retail agencies that serve communities using their own distribution systems.

San Jose Water Company is the water retailer that provides water to Monte Sereno residents. San Jose Water Company also sells water to the cities of San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Campbell, and Saratoga.

San Jose Water Company receives its water supply from
three sources of portable water supply:
• Purchased (or imported) treated surface water from
Santa Clara Valley Water District
• Groundwater from the Santa Clara Subbasin
• Surface water from local watersheds
Monte Sereno primarily receives its water from mountain surface water from watersheds and Santa Clara Valley
Water District imported surface water.2
2 San Jose Water, “Water Source Map,” Accessed January 30, 2026, https://www.sjwater.com/water-source-map.
3 Valley Water, “Guadalupe Watershed Fast Facts,” Accessed January 30, 2026, https://www.valleywater.org/guadalupewatershed-fast-facts.

Monte Sereno is part of the Guadalupe Watershed. The
Guadalupe Watershed is 170 square miles in area and
includes the cities of San Jose, Campbell, Santa Clara, Monte Sereno, and Los Gatos. The creeks located in the Guadalupe Watershed are the Guadalupe, Los Gatos, Ross, Alamitos
and Canoas creeks. The reservoirs located in the Guadalupe Watershed are the Lexington, Vasona, Guadalupe,
Almaden, and Calero reservoirs, which are operated by the Santa Clara Valley Water District.3 The Lake Elsman reservoir is part of the Guadalupe Watershed and is operated by the San Jose Water Company.4
In total, San Jose Water Company has 2,400 miles of water mains, 106 tank and reservoirs, 20,143 hydrants, and 35,143 valves.
5 In the wet seasons, surface water is supplied by
Saratoga Creek, Los Gatos Creek, and subsequent Los Gatos Creek streams. In dry seasons, water is released from the reservoirs into the creeks. Lake Elsman primarily sustains 4 Valley Water, “Guadalupe Watershed (Upcoming),” Accessed February 9, 2026,
https://www.valleywater.org/accordion/guadalupe-watershedupcoming. 5 San Jose Water, “Infrastructure”, Accessed January 30, 2026, https://www.sjwater.com/infrastructure.

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surface water flows during the dry seasons with a capacity of 2,005 million gallons.6
As Monte Sereno does not anticipate significantly
expanding its borders, the city’s water supply is expected to remain stable. Other factors can influence water demands, including population increase and job growth.

Understanding water demands and how they may change
over time, Santa Clara Valley Water District manages the countywide water supply and conducts effective resource planning. As mentioned in Santa Clara Valley Water District’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, the Valley Water
District maintains diverse water supply sources to meet countywide demands, including Monte Sereno, through
local surface water and groundwater, imported water,
recycled water, and water conservation efforts. Based on Valley Water’s existing and planned sources of supply, it will be able to meet countywide demands through 2045 under
an average year, a single dry year, and five consecutive dry year conditions.
7 6 San Jose Water, 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Published June 2021, 44, https://www.sjwater.com/media/rndadeha/2020- uwmp-final-with-appendices.pdf.
7 Valley Water, 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Published June 2021, 57-61, https://fta.valleywater.org/dl/pggls1SeCr. 8 San Jose Water, 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Published June 2021, 70, https://www.sjwater.com/media/rndadeha/2020- uwmp-final-with-appendices.pdf.

Furthermore, according to San Jose Water Company’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, San Jose Water Company is
also projected to meet its 2025 to 2045 water demand for its entire service area, according to projections ranging from 44,201 to 45,605 million gallons.8

7. Stormwater Drainage
Monte Sereno uses a stormwater collection system, in
conjunction with the natural creek drainage system, to
manage runoff. Stormwater collected through this system ultimately drains into the San Francisco Bay. The San
Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater
NPDES Permit (MRP) requires the City of Monte Sereno to implement programs that reduce urban runoff pollution.

Monte Sereno is a part of West Valley Stormwater Authority, the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, and has a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) plan.9 The GSI plan describes how the City will gradually transform its urban landscape and storm drainage systems from “gray” to “green”; that is, supplement traditional storm drain infrastructure, where stormwater runoff flows directly 9 West Valley Stormwater Authority, “About Us”, Accessed February 2, 2026, https://www.cleancreeks.org/202/About-Us ; City of Monte Sereno, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan, Published August 20, 2019,
https://www.cleancreeks.org/DocumentCenter/View/1288/Monte -Sereno-GSI-Plan-with-Appendices-2019-PDF?bidId=.

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from impervious surfaces into storm drains and receiving waters, with a more resilient, sustainable system that
reduces and slows runoff by dispersing it to vegetated
areas, promotes infiltration and evapotranspiration,
collects runoff for non-potable uses, and treats runoff using biotreatment and other green stormwater infrastructure
practices.

8. Solid Waste, Compost, & Recycling
Recycling service is provided by West Valley Collection and Recycling (WVC&R), also called West Valley Recycles. WVC&R is a joint venture between Green Team of San Jose and
Green Waste. Solid waste is picked up Monday through
Friday weekly, depending on the Monte Sereno
neighborhood. Paper, plastic, metal, glass and green waste, such as lawn trimmings, can be recycled. All recyclables collected are transmitted to the Material Recovery Facility located in San Jose, where they are sorted and processed into new materials. Household battery e-waste is available for collection in a fluorescent battery bag set on top of the landfill container.10 E-waste may also be dropped off by residents at the Material Recovery Facility.
10 West Valley Recycles, “Single Family – Additional Services,” Accessed February 2, 2026,
https://westvalleyrecycles.com/single-family/.
11 California, Senate. Short-lived climate pollutants: methane emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills, SB 1383 (2016).
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id =201520160SB1383 ; CalRecycle, “Resources for Jurisdictions - New California laws enforce proper collection and recycling of waste. SB 1383 (2016), under the direction of CalRecycle, requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste
collection services to all residents and businesses. The law also requires community education and outreach on
organic waste and household waste recycling.11
In addition, SB 1383 requires recycling practices to be followed in both residential and non-residential projects, including in the application of compost and mulch, to
comply with CalGreen and Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance requirements. AB 1857 (2022), requires
jurisdictions to divert waste from landfills and incinerators through recycling, composting, and source reduction.12

9. Libraries
While there are no libraries within Monte Sereno
boundaries, the Saratoga Library, located at 13650 Saratoga Avenue in the City of Saratoga northwest of Monte Sereno, serves residents of Monte Sereno. Additionally, Monte
Sereno appoints one member to the Santa Clara County
Library District Joint Powers Authority Board. The Saratoga Library is part of the Santa Clara County library system, Overview of Requirements,” Accessed February 3, 2026,
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/jurisdictions/https://calrec ycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/jurisdictions/?utm_source=copilot.com. 12 California, Assembly. Solid Waste, AB 1857 (2022).
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_i d=202120220AB1857.

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which holds 2,029,572 items in its collection.13 Over 100,000 physical books are housed at the Saratoga Branch Library.

10. Other Services and Facilities
Electricity and natural gas is provided to Monte Sereno residents by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Sanitary sewer services are provided by the West Valley Sanitation District (WVSD). The nearest hospitals to Monte Sereno are Good
Samaritan Hospital at 2425 Samaritan Drive in San Jose and the El Camino Hospital Los Gatos at 815 Pollard Road in Los Gatos. Animal control services are provided by the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA).
13Santa Clara County Library District, “Fast Facts – Our Collection,” Accessed March 25, 2026, https://sccld.org/fast-facts/ B. Goals, Policies and Facilities
PS-1. Provide residents with quality services in a cost effective manner.

PS-1.1. Continue to provide public services using
outside (non-City) providers if doing so will
meet the needs of residents in the most
cost-effective manner.

PS-1.2. Annually review public services to ensure
the cost-effective provision quality
services for Monte Sereno residents.

PS-1.3. City-provided services and facilities should
be paid for by those benefiting. Benefit
assessment districts or direct payment
through fees should be utilized rather
than use of general revenues to an extent
that does not constrain the development
of new housing.

PS-1.4. The design and construction of City
infrastructure should balance climate
adaptation and resiliency with consistency
of the City’s rural character to maintain
the existing character of the
neighborhood in which it is installed.

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PS-1.5. Coordinate with surrounding jurisdictions
to provide public health relief services to
Monte Sereno residents in an extreme
heat, cold or other harmful event.

Information on resources shall be
provided on the City website and
newsletter.

PS-2. Coordinate with governmental agencies and
other outside providers to deliver quality public
services.

PS-2.1. Participate in regional policy decision
making which affects the quality and level
of services provided in Monte Sereno. The
City shall take an active role in
coordinating with regional agencies,
special districts, and surrounding cities
regarding issues which lie within its
Sphere of Influence.

PS-2.2. Continue to take a proactive role in
decision making and providing input to
outside service providers.

PS-2.3. Consult with outside service providers to
ensure that uses and equipment are
planned and constructed in a manner
consistent with adopted City policies.

PS-2.4. Work closely with other governmental
agencies, districts, and utility companies,
including cellular providers, in monitoring
current and projected levels of service to
assure that present needs are met and
that adequate capacity is maintained.

PS-2.5. Reduce costs by coordinating public
improvements and programs with
neighboring jurisdictions.

PS-2.6. Promote joint-use of public facilities and
agreements for sharing costs and
operational responsibilities among public
service providers.

PS-2.7. Encourage PG&E to upgrade gas and
electrical systems to improve service and
minimize power outages.

PS-2.8. Encourage PG&E to place overhead utility
lines underground when lines are
replaced.

PS-2.9. Encourage the San Jose Water Company
to upgrade infrastructure and water
pressure sufficiently for fire protection in
all areas of Monte Sereno, especially Very

High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

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PS-3. Ensure that providing services and
infrastructure for new development or
annexation does not create an unreasonable
cost burden for existing residents.

PS-3.1. Require that services and facilities for new
development or annexation are paid for
by developers or property owners to an
extent that does not constrain the
development of new housing.

PS-3.2. Encourage new development to install
safe and modern utility equipment.

PS-3.3. Require all new electrical, communication
and telecommunication lines to be
installed underground, unless the City
deems it infeasible.

PS-3.4. Actively promote the undergrounding of
existing overhead utility facilities.

PS-4. Ensure the highest quality schools, libraries,
police and fire services for Monte Sereno
residents.

PS-4.1. Continue to work with the Los Gatos
Unified School District, the Los Gatos-
Saratoga Union High School District and
the Campbell Union High School District to
ensure that the District continues to offer
high quality educational services to the
community.

PS-4.2. Encourage the Los Gatos Union School
District, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union
High School District and the Campbell
Union High School District to provide
school facilities with the best possible new
or upgraded equipment, technological
advances and highly trained staff.

PS-4.3. Participate in efforts to update the long-
range plan for the Los Gatos Union School
District, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union
High School District and the Campbell
Union High School District to ensure that
Monte Sereno’s needs and interests are
adequately represented.

PS-4.4. Continue to work with the Santa Clara
County Fire Department to provide an
adequate level of fire service for Monte
Sereno residents.

PS-4.5. Continue to participate in Santa Clara
County Library District JPA Governing
Board to ensure that an adequate level of
service is maintained.

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PS-5. Provide effective outreach to the public and
encourage resident participation in City
decision-making.

PS-5.1. Continue to publish a citywide newsletter
containing information regarding special
activities and events, including
governmental involvement opportunities.

Post City and neighboring jurisdiction
events, involvement opportunities, and
activity programs online when feasible.

PS-5.2. Continue to provide opportunities for
residents to informally interact with
elected and appointed officials and City
staff to express their concerns, ask
questions and share ideas.

PS-5.3. Support activities that encourage
community participation such as Annual
Clean-up Day (to remove roadside trash
and trim vegetation on vacant properties)
and Neighborhood Watch.

PS-5.4. Provide and maintain a history of available
public documents and information about
governmental meetings and actions on
the City’s official website when feasible.

PS-5.5. Encourage resident participation in
developing new community programs,
events, and services. Provide an annual
survey to receive community feedback
regarding interest and ideas for
community events.

ADOPTION DRAFT

HEALTH & SAFETY ELEMENT

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

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8. HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT
The Health and Safety Element provides information about risks in Monte Sereno due to natural and human-made
hazards. The Element contains goals, policies and actions designed to protect the community and its property from the hazardous impacts of fire, seismic activity, flooding, toxic materials, and climate change. This Element also
addresses noise within the community and general
emergency and disaster preparedness including
emergency evacuation analysis.

As required by State law, the Health and Safety Element addresses the following:

1. Wildland and urban fires

2. Seismic activity, including seismically induced
surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground
failure

3. Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides

4. Subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards

5. Flooding, including tsunami, seiche, and dam failure 1 This is not a State requirement, but is supported by the State for inclusion into a Safety Element.
2 As of general plan adoption, Monte Sereno is not a party to the 2024 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). However, information and data related to the city are included throughout the plan as appropriate and

6. Hazardous Materials and hazardous waste1

7. Emergency response2

8. Air quality3

9. Noise3

10. Climate Risk
A. Background Information
This section contains information on current risks due to natural and human-made hazards. Existing noise sources
and their projected levels are also addressed in the
background information section.
relevant. Action HS-5.D directs the City to participate in the next update of the LHMP. The current LHMP expires in February 2029. 3 State law mandates that a City’s General Plan address air quality as well as current and foreseeable noise impacts. Air quality and noise are not contained in a stand-alone element but are instead addressed in this Health and Safety Element.

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1. Wildland and Urban Fires
Open space areas and residential areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy are especially vulnerable to fire
hazards. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside areas south of Highway 9. The risk of fire is also highest during the summer and fall dry seasons. The risk of fires has also increased due to increased frequency of heatwaves and drought. Because most wildfires are
caused by people, increased accessibility to fire hazard areas further increases the risk of fire. Figure HS-1 identifies the wildfire hazard areas in Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno will continue to use the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zone map data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program per Policy HS-1.23.

Figure HS-2 depicts Monte Sereno’s land uses, structures, roads, and essential public facilities in relation to the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. No areas are lacking service.

Figure HS-1: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal

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Figure HS-2: Land Uses and Fire Hazard
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal, City of Monte Sereno

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A significant portion of Monte Sereno is prone to wildfires and is located in the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI, where houses and other development meet or mix with
undeveloped natural areas. As of February 24, 2025,
identified by the State Fire Marshal, 12 percent of Monte Sereno is within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The majority of the south end of the city is within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, either designated as Moderate Fire Hazard Severity, High Fire Hazard Severity, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity. More information and mapping of Fire Hazard Severity Zones can be found on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website.4
Proximity to wildfire danger must also be understood to include the risk from windblown embers. Fire embers,
which are pieces of burning vegetation or other flammable material, can often travel several miles, before landing and potentially igniting new fires. The distance they travel depends on factors like wind strength, the size of the
embers, and the intensity of the fire.

Due to the recent wildfires in California including the following:5
4 “Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (Office of the State Fire Marshal), available at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones 5 See: “20 Most Destructive California Wildfires (CAL FIRE: 2025), available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics. • Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa; Oct. 2017 – 5,643 structures destroyed, 22 dead
• Camp Fire in Paradise fire; Nov. 2018 – 18,804
structures destroyed, 85 dead
• North Complex Fire in Butte, Yuba & Plumas
Counties; Aug. 2020 – 2,352 structures destroyed, 15
dead
• Eaton Fire in Altadena; Jan. 2025 – 9,413 structures
destroyed, 18 dead
• Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades; Jan. 2025 – 6,833 structures destroyed, 12 dead
It is now known beyond a reasonable doubt that the wildfire danger zone can extend several miles beyond the mapped
high fire zones. Therefore, all of Monte Sereno should be considered for fire protective measures, precautions and planning.6
The residences as well as private roads and City-maintained roads are at risk in these areas. Utilities that provide water or electricity to these homes and businesses are also at risk.

No critical facilities in Monte Sereno are at risk, but the Quito 6See California 2022 Fire Code 4907.3 Requirements; Municipal Code Section 13.04.110 Fire Protection – Special conditions; Municipal Code Title 9 Building and Construction; Municipal

Code Chapter 9.06 Numbering of Buildings.

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Fire Station is very close to a Moderate Hazard Severity Zone.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program and U.S.

Geological Survey historical fire perimeter data, there have been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno.
7 The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire near Los Gatos, which
burned from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz
Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.

Monte Sereno is part of Santa Clara County’s Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
8 Monte Sereno was first
annexed to the plan in 2016, and the data has been
subsequently updated in 2025. The Community Wildfire
Protection Plan outlines a mitigation and preparedness plan to work toward reducing wildfire risk, establishes
7 CAL FIRE Historical Fire Perimeters Map, available at Fire Perimeters | CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fireresource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters. Additional historical data is available through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), see “Combined wildland fire datasets for the United States and certain territories, 1800s-Present”, available at https://www.usgs.gov/data/combined-wildland-fire-datasetsunited-states-and-certain-territories-1800s-present. collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies as well as local stakeholders before an event occurs. These agencies include the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Caltrans, and California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The Plan includes pre-attack plans or tactical maps for suppression personnel to improve firefighter readiness and safety, and documents planning and projects for garnering grant success.

In addition to the CWPP, which is a CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Strategic Fire Plan, Monte Sereno is a part of the Santa Clara County Emergency Operational Emergency Plan (EOP). The
Plan is an all-hazards document describing the County’s Emergency Operations organization, compliance with
relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency Response System. These
plans are incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference.

Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District,
specifically the Santa Clara Unit,
9 serves the City of Monte
8 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, available at
https://sccfc.maps.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/59c5a 1772e3849ad8f225e8f638431d1/data
9 See, 2025 CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Fire Plan

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Sereno for fire protection services. There is one fire station, Quito Station, located at 18870 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in the City’s Sphere of Influence. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Boulevard south of Lark Avenue). California Office of
Emergency Services, Region 2, may also provide fire and rescue services during a wildfire event.

Monte Sereno adopted the Uniform Fire Code in 1999 via
Ordinance NS-112.10 Later, to reduce fire hazards, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in
2007. This ordinance, codified as Municipal Code Chapter

8.02, broadly defines fire hazards as dry or dead shrubs, dead trees, combustible refuse and waste, and any
vegetation that could pose dangers. Monte Sereno
residents are required by this ordinance to remove and
properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.

Historically, jurisdictions often relied on existing fire hydrants and urban water pressure-based systems to
mitigate fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

However, as seen in the 2025 Los Angeles area fires, it is 10 See:
https://library.municode.com/ca/monte_sereno/codes/code_of_o rdinances?nodeId=MOSECA_ORNONS
11 Gregory Pierce, et al., “How have the LA Fires affected water systems in LA County?” (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation:
2025), available at http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7km452tj impossible to maintain water pressure in widespread
wildfire scenarios.
11 Although the Santa Clara County Fire
Department has alternatives in place for water sources, such as carrying water from reservoirs, damming existing streams, and using residential pools, this could be
insufficient in particularly hot or gusty wildfires. Sufficient water pressure is only one aspect of a multifaceted
approach to wildfire mitigation and resilience.

Due to Monte Sereno being at significant risk of wildfire, proactive tree management is necessary. Monte Sereno
also has a significant amount of eucalyptus trees. These are highly flammable and currently deemed ‘Unsuitable trees” within Monte Sereno’s municipal code (Chapter

10.15.015(C)), requiring removal. In the case of an
emergency, a eucalyptus tree is allowed to be removed if it is a hazard to life or property.

In addition, Monte Sereno offers a hazardous tree removal rebate program for residents located in a Wildland Urban Interface Area or a Local Selection Area.12 Eligible
participants may receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the tree removal cost, provided the tree meets a
12See:
https://montesereno.org/DocumentCenter/View/4117/Hazardou s-Tree-Removal-Rebate-Application

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minimum circumference and is listed among the accepted
species.

2. Seismic Activity
Seismic activity includes activity such as seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Monte Sereno is located within the seismically-active San Francisco Bay region, one of the most seismically-active zones in the United States. The faults in the San Francisco Bay region are capable of generating earthquakes of at least 8.0 in
magnitude on the Richter Scale, producing very strong
ground shaking in Monte Sereno.

A fault is a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with
respect to those on the other side. A fault zone is a zone of related faults which commonly are braided, but which may be branching. The closest major fault is the San Andreas Fault, specifically the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, which passes through Monte Sereno’s SOI southwest of
Lyndon Canyon and is shown on Figure HS-3. Figure HS-4
displays fault rupture zones within Monte Sereno and the vicinity. A portion of Monte Sereno also is near the
potentially active Shannon Fault, just north of Monte Sereno in Los Gatos.
• Ground Failure means mudslide, landslide.
liquefaction, or soil compaction caused by a seismic
event. Monte Sereno is a risk of these occurrences
due to being near the San Andreas fault.
• Ground Shaking a term used to describe the
vibration of the ground during an earthquake.

Ground shaking is caused by body waves originating
from deep within the earth, and surface waves. As a
generalization, the severity of ground shaking
increases as magnitude increases and decreases as
distance from the causative fault increases.
• Seismically Induced Surface Rupture means a
break in the ground’s surface and associated
deformation resulting from the movement of a fault.

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Figure HS-3: Earthquake Regional Faults
Sources: California Geological Survey, Santa Clara County Figure HS-4: Fault Rupture Zones
Source: Santa Clara County

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According to the 2024 Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), Monte Sereno has 1,078 buildings at risk of earthquake exposure.

To address these seismic hazards the City requires new
construction to be built using the most recent building codes, which minimizes potential damage to structures as a result of an earthquake. Development or substantial
renovations in Monte Sereno must comply with the
California Building/Residential Code (BBC/CRC), which
outlines standards for seismic design, foundations and
drainage and requires that geotechnical engineering
studies be undertaken for all newly constructed buildings, including accessory dwelling units, as well as earth works.

3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides Landslides resulting from earthquakes are the greatest
earthquake hazard concern for residents of Monte Sereno.

A landslide is the movement of masses of loosened rock and soil down a hillside or slope. Slope failures occur when the strength of the soils forming the slope is exceeded by the pressure, such as weight or saturation, acting upon them. • Landslide Creep is a slow-moving landslide often
only noticed through leaning trees and disturbed
structures. Monte Sereno residents within the
hillside areas could be impacted by landslide creep.
13 ”Landslide Inventory” (California Geological Survey: 2025) • Mudslides (or debris flows) are rivers of rock, earth, organic matter, and other soil materials saturated
with water.

Figure HS-5 identifies susceptible areas in landslide hazard zones. According to the California Geological Survey,
approximately 12 percent of Monte Sereno is located in
areas with some potential for earthquake-induced
landslides. This change from the 2008 general plan is due to updated data provided by California Geological Survey as directed by State law. However, no landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. There have been four historic landslides that have been mapped near the city’s southern border.
13

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Figure HS-5: Landslide Hazard Zones
Source: California Geological Survey
14 Government Code 65302(g)

4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards
State law requires protection from unreasonable risks from subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with
Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body.14 The term “unreasonable risk” is not explicitly defined within government code. It may be best interpreted as the
mitigation risk using up-to-date scientific knowledge and standards.
• Subsidence is the gradual, local settling or sinking of the earth’s surface with little or no horizontal motion (subsidence is usually the result of gas, oil, or water extraction, hydro compaction, or peat oxidation),
and not the result of a landslide or slope failure. As
droughts become more intense and frequent, Monte
Sereno is at higher risk for subsidence.
• Liquefaction is a phenomenon primarily associated
with saturated, cohesionless soil layers located close
to the ground surface. During liquefaction, soils lose
strength and ground failure may occur. Since soils
must be saturated to be at risk of liquefaction, areas
with high groundwater levels are most susceptible to
liquefaction. Figure HS-6 shows that the majority of
the city has a very low potential for liquefaction.

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Areas with high liquefaction potential are located
along the west border of the city limit.
• Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward
movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement
is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce
permanent deformation, but too small to produce
shear failure. Creep is indicated by curved tree
trunks, bent fences or retaining walls, tilted poles or fences, and small soil ripples or ridges. Monte
Sereno residents within the hillside areas could
potentially be impacted by creep.

Earthquakes and droughts can cause earth to move or sink, affecting water sources. Although Monte Sereno currently does not have a groundwater management plan, it has a
relatively low risk of subsidence, liquefaction, and hazards such as creep due to its foothill location (see Figure HS-6).

There is some liquefaction risk along Quito Road and Los Gatos Creek.

Figure HS-7 depicts water mains serviced by San Jose Water and the diameter of the pipes. As subsidence increases with longer periods of droughts, these water mains may require maintenance by San Jose Water.

Figure HS-6: Liquefaction Hazard Zones
Source: California Geological Survey

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Figure HS-7: Water Mains
Source: San Jose Water

5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure Large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard in Monte Sereno. Most of the properties in Monte Sereno are built above the base flood elevation. There are no critical facilities susceptible to flooding in Monte Sereno. However, both
surface and subsurface local drainage problems do exist in some parts of Monte Sereno, and there is currently no
drainage plan for Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno is part of the National Flood Insurance Program. • A floodplain is the land area along the sides of a river that becomes inundated with water during a
flood.
• The 1-Percent-Annual-Chance (100-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
a given year.
• The 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance (500-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded
in a given year.

There has been no historical flooding in Monte Sereno.

There is a small area of the city to the northwest that is subject to a 1% annual chance of flood hazard. Land uses in this area include Single-Family Residential.

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Figure HS-8: Flood Hazard Zones
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
There are five parcels on Monte Sereno’s western boundary in the 100-year flood plain. The land uses subject to this 100- year flooding are Single-Family Residential (1 DU/ac), and only two of them are buildable. The others are either rightsof-way or consist of San Tomas Aquino Creek.

Agencies responsible for flooding include Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company, and California
Office of Emergency Services. Monte Sereno partners with the Town of Los Gatos with a combined police force for
public safety and emergency response services.
a. Dam Failure
Monte Sereno does not have any dams within its borders.

The Town of Los Gatos has Vasona Percolating to the east of Monte Sereno and Rinconada Reservoir to the north of Monte Sereno. Vasona Percolating is within the Extremely High category for inundation or dam failure resulting in significant flooding. However, the flooding would likely occur north of Monte Sereno, not within city boundaries. b. Levee Protection
There are no levees within Monte Sereno. There are three levees near Monte Sereno including Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County Levee 82, and Santa Clara County Levee 90.

Impacts on any of these levees are unlikely to affect Monte Sereno.
c. Seiche
Seiche is an earthquake-induced wave in a lake, reservoir, or harbor. Monte Sereno is not at risk for seiche as there are no significant bodies of water within the city.

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d. Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of high-energy waves that radiate outward like pond ripples from an area where a generating event occurs, arriving at shorelines over an extended
period. Monte Sereno is not at risk for a tsunami as the city is not located near any large body of water.

6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Hazardous material usage and hazardous waste are
primarily associated with residential uses in Monte Sereno.

Household hazardous materials including pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizers and oil are the most commonly
occurring hazardous material in the city. Other household hazardous waste can include flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer materials. The California Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is authorized by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency to enforce and implement Federal
hazardous materials laws and regulations, including
disposal and transportation of hazardous materials.

Santa Clara County operates a Household Hazardous Waste disposal program for incorporated and unincorporated
residents and small businesses. Household hazardous
waste includes flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer material and can be dropped off at facilities located in Sunnyvale, San Jose and San Martin.
15 See Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, available at https://files.santaclaracounty.gov/exjcpb1566/migrated/2022%2 Monte Sereno Municipal Code section 8.02.020 prohibits
the accumulation of hazardous material, stating that “No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the City of Monte Sereno shall permit weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growths and other hazardous material to remain upon said premises, or public sidewalks, or streets, or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.”
The City is responsible for ensuring implementation of the ordinance and overall protection of the community,
including through its contracted police services agreement.

The City is not solely in charge of hazards on Highway 17 and works with responsible agencies.

There are no hazardous waste producing land uses in the City of Monte Sereno, which contains only residential and institutional land uses as well as open space.

7. Emergency Response
As required by law, Monte Sereno has established
emergency preparedness procedures to respond to a
variety of natural and man-made disasters that could occur within the area. The City participates in the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP)15 and the City has representatives on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Steering Committee. The Plan is an all-hazards document 0EOP_County%20of%20Santa%20Clara_01.20.2022%20Accessibili ty%20Check.pdf.

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describing the County’s Emergency Operations
organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency
Response System. This system is activated during
extraordinary emergency situations associated with largescale disasters affecting Santa Clara County and/or the Santa Clara County Operational Area. By definition of the State of California, the Santa Clara County Operational Area consists of the cities, special districts, and the
unincorporated areas of the county. This plan is not
intended to address emergency responses for specific
events.

The Plan continues the County’s compliance with the
California Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS) and establishes compliance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), the National
Response Framework (NRF), and the National Preparedness Guidelines (NPG).

Monte Sereno works with the Los Gatos Emergency Services Coordinator who plans and implements disaster response
and training activities including community educational programs. The coordinator functions as a liaison between the town and governmental agencies. The coordinator
additionally works in emergency planning management
involving data collection, analysis and preparation of state and federal reports.

Monte Sereno residents also have an important role in
responding to emergencies. Many neighborhoods in Monte
Sereno and Los Gatos have organized to plan and prepare for disasters through the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. The CERT program educates people
about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic
disaster response skills. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive. The Town of Los Gatos currently offers CERT training courses that are
available to Monte Sereno residents.

During an emergency event, residents who subscribe to the city newsletter will receive updates. In the event the
emergency effects Santa Clara County as a whole and
residents are subscribed to Santa Clara County alerts,
residents will receive emergency updates from this source.

There are also several public and private emergency
communications. Policy HS-5.2 directs the City to continually update and collaborate on communications links with
surrounding jurisdictions during emergency events.
a. Evacuation Analysis
Updated State law requires additional evacuation analysis requirements:
• SB 99 (2019) requires identification of residential
developments in any hazard area identified in the
Safety Element that do not have at least two
emergency evacuation routes.
• AB 747 (2019) requires identification of evacuation
routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and
evacuation locations under a range of emergency
scenarios.

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The SB 99 residential development identification map is Figure HS-9.

Figure HS-9: Residential Developments with One Evacuation Route
Source: M-Group

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Parcels are identified on Figure HS-9 if they have only one egress route. These are typically parcels on cul-de-sac or foothill street that “dead-end” before connecting to another street. Streets are considered dual-egress even if both ends of the street connect to the same street in a horseshoe development pattern, under the theory that households
would be able to evacuate from an impassable hazard, even if they were required to take a longer, more winding, route.

The primary evacuation routes out of Monte Sereno include Highway 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road), crossing the city eastwest, and Winchester Boulevard to the east. Additional evacuation routes include Highway 17, on the eastern side of Monte Sereno.

Of these roads, Highway 9 is a divided highway for much of its path through Monte Sereno, with two lanes in each
direction. Winchester Boulevard is one lane in each
direction. Highway 17 is a divided freeway, with the
interchange at Highway 9 located .60 miles from the Monte Sereno border.

In addition to major streets, Monte Sereno has many singlelane and private roads. As seen in Figure HS-9 many residents have only one evacuation route. It is important for these single-lane and private roads to be properly
maintained both for residents and emergency responders.

Monte Sereno has ability to evacuate residents through
biking and pedestrian pathways. Bike lanes exist on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road/Highway 9, Winchester
Boulevard, sections of Quito Road and Daves Avenue, and along Twin Creeks Road. Some additional streets have Class II bike lanes. There is a bridle path between Via Cabellero and Vineland Avenue. Pedestrian pathways including
sidewalks exist on some streets including parts of Daves Avenue.

Above the northeast border of Monte Sereno is the La
Rinconada Country Club golf course. While not considered a primary evacuation route, in the event of wildfire the golf course could provide an additional evacuation route. Some parts of La Rinconada Country Club golf course may be
impacted by a 100-year flood.

Another potential means of evacuation is the open space between Vineland Avenue and La Rinconada Country Club.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, the city could potentially establish easement rights to use these areas for pedestrian egress.

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i. Evacuation Route Capacity
Highway 9 through Monte Sereno has annual average daily traffic (AADT) of 12,631 in a 2010 count, with an estimated growth rate of 1.3% per year.16 Peak AM/PM volumes are
described in Table HS-1:

Table HS-1: 2010 Peak Hour Volumes on Highway 9
Highway 9 Peak Hour
Volumes
Passenger Vehicles/Hour
Eastbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 552
Peak Hour Volume PM 994
Westbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 1,049
Peak Hour Volume PM 782
“Eastbound” means towards Highway 17 and Los Gatos, while “Westbound” means towards Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga.

These volumes are all well under the typical maximum
capacity rate of 1,800 passenger vehicles an hour –
especially considering that lanes may be reversed in times of emergency (i.e., if there is a wildfire to the west of Monte Sereno, one or more westbound lanes may be temporarily
converted to eastbound to ease emergency traffic).
16 “Transportation Concept Report” (Caltrans: September 13), available at https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/district4/documents/d4-transportation-planning-localii. Evacuation Route Safety and Viability Monte Sereno is situated between Highways 85 and 17,
giving residents and workers two complementary routes
away in case of emergency. In addition, Daves Avenue and Winchester Boulevard can provide alternate connections to these main routes. All of these roads are in good repair and well maintained by the appropriate authorities.

The primary hazard facing Monte Sereno is wildfire in the south of the city. There are additional hazard risks to a lesser extent:
• Flooding (along western boundary)
• Liquefaction (along western boundary)
• Landslides (northern, western, and southern
portions of the city)
All of these parcels are single-family residential or open space, with a relatively low density of occupants compared to commercial or high-density residential uses. Table HS-2 quantifies the parcels that could be potentially affected:
assistance/system-regional-planning/tcrs/f0020323_sr9-tcr-finala11y.pdf

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Table HS-2: Parcels Affected by Potential Hazards*
Hazard
# of Parcels (including in
Sphere of Influence)
Wildfire 239
Moderate 80
High 85
Very High 74
Flood (100-Year Flood) 5
Liquefaction 55
Landslides 256
* All parcels in Table HS-2 are zoned for single-family residential uses or open space
Beach Traffic
In outreach conducted for the 2026 General Plan Update, many community members expressed concern over a
wildfire hazard event occurring during a summer afternoon (PM), when Highway 17 is particularly congested with
beach-goers above and beyond a “typical” peak hour
volume. The traffic is often exacerbated by individuals attempting to bypass Highway 17 traffic using local Monte Sereno roads.
17 “State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan” (Caltrans:
2024).
18 Damien Pierce and John Anderson, “Improving traffic
evacuations: A case study” (Google Research: 2023), available at This concern is well-understood by Caltrans, the State
transportation agency. At the time of General Plan Update development, Caltrans is working on a State Route 17
Resiliency and Adaptation Plan.17 This plan will prioritize project opportunities that align with assessing physical climate risk and safety improvements, along with other plan priorities. Monte Sereno will review the plan and support implementation, as appropriate (see Action HS-5.E).

In any case, Monte Sereno community members can
potentially also evacuate via Winchester Boulevard or
Highway 9. Due to Monte Sereno’s relatively small and lowdensity development pattern, community members have alternate evacuation routes should Highway 17 be
temporarily not viable. Analysis conducted in other
communities indicate that a policy of encouraging residents to evacuate with only one vehicle rather than multiple
vehicles per household should be considered. Traffic
models confirm that this policy can significantly improve evacuation times, potentially saving lives during a severe wildfire event.18
iii. Evacuation Locations
Monte Sereno is a small community, both in terms of
population and geography. Although Daves Avenue
Elementary School could prove to be a viable evacuation https://research.google/blog/improving-traffic-evacuations-aPage 309 of 390 case-study/.

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location in case of small-scale hazards, in case of largerscale hazards Monte Sereno community members will likely seek evacuation further towards Campbell, and San Jose.

For safe and efficient evacuation to these jurisdictions north of Monte Sereno, it is crucial that community members are aware of emergency messaging systems, such as those
administered by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department and the Santa Clara County Fire Department,
as well as the Monte Sereno – Los Gatos CERT.

8. Air Quality
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD, formerly Bay Area Air
Quality Management District, or BAAQMD) regulates air
quality in Santa Clara County. The county, including Monte Sereno, is part of a region-wide non-attainment area in which ambient levels exceed State or Federal air quality standard for ground-level ozone and airborne particulates (PM2.5, and PM10.). Additionally, ozone precursors generated in Santa Clara County often move to other communities,
where smog is formed several hours later. Thus, the BAAD tries to minimize local emissions that will contribute to an existing violation of State and Federal standards in any part of the Bay Area.

The BAAD monitors air quality at numerous sites within the nine-county District, although not within Monte Sereno. The closest air monitoring station is in Los Gatos, but the closest air monitoring station with complete annual data is in San Jose.

Local air pollutant levels measured over the most recent three years (2017 to 2019) at the San Jose stations are reported in Table HS-3. The air pollutants of greatest
concern are ground-level ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, because health standards for these compounds are exceeded in the Bay Area. CO, lead, and NO2 standards have been achieved, primarily through cleaner fuels, more efficient motor
vehicles, and evolving regulations.

As shown in Table HS-3, measurements of ozone in San Jose exceeded air quality standards during the 2017-2019
monitoring period. Carbon monoxide measurements met
Federal and State standards during the 2017-2019 period.

Measurements of PM10 exceeded California air quality
standards on one day during the 2017-2019 monitoring
period.

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Table HS-3: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations in San Jose (2017-2019)19 Pollutant
Average
Time
National
Ambient Air
Quality Standard
California Ambient
Air Quality
Standard
2017 2018 2019
Ozone 1-hour n/a 0.09 ppm 0.121 ppb 0.078 ppb 0.095 ppb Ozone 8-hour 0.070 ppm 0.070 ppm 0.098 ppb 0.061 ppb 0.081 ppb Carbon Monoxide 1-hour 35 ppm 20 ppm 2.1 ppm 2.5 ppm 1.7 ppm Carbon Monoxide 8-hour 9 ppm 9.0 ppm 1.8 ppm 2.1 ppm 1.3 ppm Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
24-hour 150 ug/m3 50 ug/m3 70 ug/m3 122 ug/m3 77 ug/m3
Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual n/a 20 ug/m3 21.6 ug/m3 23.1 ug/m3 19.2 ug/m3
19 Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

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9. Noise
For the purpose of the General Plan, noise is defined as a sound or series of sounds that are considered invasive, irritating, objectionable or disruptive to the quality of life.

Noise varies in its range, source and volume and can derive from individual incidents such as a lawnmower, to sporadic disturbances such as a car horn, to more constant irritants such as traffic along major arterials.

State Law requires that all City and County General Plans address noise to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. To this end, local governments are required to “analyze and quantify noise levels and the
extent of noise exposure” through field measurements or noise modeling, and “implement measures and possible
solutions to existing and foreseeable noise problems.”
Noise contours for current and projected conditions within the community are required to be prepared in terms of
either the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which are descriptors of total noise exposure at a given location for an annual average day. CNEL and Ldn are generally considered to be equivalent descriptors of the community noise environment within
plus or minus 1.0 dBA. Table HS-4 provides definitions of the acoustical terminology used in this document.
a. Land Use Compatibility
Land uses deemed noise sensitive by the State of California include schools, hospitals, rest homes, long-term care and mental care facilities. Many jurisdictions also consider residential uses noise sensitive since families and
individuals expect to use time in the home for rest and relaxation, and excess noise can interfere with those
activities. Monte Sereno considers residential uses as noise sensitive since the quiet community character is one of attractions to living in the city.

Monte Sereno is generally a quiet, residential community.

The primary noise generator that impacts Monte Sereno
residents is vehicular noise from major roadways. To ensure that future development is not adversely impacted by noise generators, or is itself a negative noise source, the City will utilize land use compatibility guidelines as part of planning and development decisions. Figure HS-10 summarizes
which areas of Monte Sereno are affected by the different noise levels from highways and throughfares.

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Table HS-4: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definition
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).

A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A- weighting filter de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report are A-weighted, unless reported otherwise
Community Noise
Equivalent Level, CNEL
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 5 decibels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am
Day/Night Noise Level,
Ldn
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.

Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.

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Figure HS-10: Noise Levels
Sources: Los Gatos General Plan (2022); Saratoga General Plan (2024) 20https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31984/8- LGGP_2040_Environment-and-Sustainability-Element;
b. Existing and Future Noise
Automobiles are the most common noise source in Monte
Sereno. As shown on Figure HS-10, automobile noise is
greatest on Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard. Local and regional growth is not anticipated to lead to a dramatic increase traffic noise during the next 20 years. Figure HS10 depicts projected future noise levels for sample roadways based on future traffic levels.

The majority of traffic increases will result from regional growth, over which the City has no control. Noise levels are only shown for those roadways that were studied as part of neighboring General Plan traffic analysis, published from 2020-2024.
20 Roadways that were not modeled for noise
contours also experience traffic noise, with noise levels along local streets anticipated to be similar or quieter than those modeled streets.

Noise impacts also result from construction and
landscaping activities. To limit noise from these sources, Chapter 9.07 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code
establishes permitted hours for construction and
mechanical blowers. Construction requiring a building
permit is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and
prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Construction not
requiring a permit can occur at any time. The use of
mechanical blowers is limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/5403/Genera l-Plan-Noise-Element-PDF

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Monday through Saturday, and permitted from 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The maximum
volume for mechanical blowers is 65 decibels as measured 50 feet from the fully operating mechanical blower.

10. Climate Risk
California is experiencing increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, and droughts.

Temperature increases will cause longer droughts and
overall water supply problems, and the Bay Area’s electrical grid will be venerable to power outages during high winds and wildfires. Climate change may increase the effects of socioeconomic inequity as the abilities of individuals to prepare for and recover from heat waves, floods, and
wildfires will vary.
a. Community Profile
Monte Sereno is a community of 3,637 people nestled
within the hills of Santa Clara County, just west of Los Gatos.21 Demographically in Monte Sereno, in 2020
decennial census, White residents make up the majority at

75.3 percent, 7.3 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino,

17.7 percent of persons identified as Asian, 1.3 percent of persons identified as Black or African American, 2.1 percent of persons identified as two or more races. According to the Department of Finance, the average household size is 2.84 individuals in 2025. According to the 2020 American
21 California Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2021-2025, May 2025,
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4- Community Survey (ACS) the average family size is 3.27
individuals. The 2020 American Community Survey (ACS)
has the median household income of Monte Sereno to be
$250,000+. The median age of Monte Sereno residents
according to American Community Survey 2023 Census
Data is 55.1.

Monte Sereno does not have any disadvantaged
communities according to California Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s
CalEnviroScreen 4.0. defined as a census tract meeting
certain income levels and/or public health indicators.

Monte Sereno is primarily made up of single-family
residential land uses of one unit per acre, consisting of 692 acres within the city (74 percent of land in the city). Areas for single-family residential homes of two dwelling units per acre consist of 55 acres. Areas for single-family residential homes of 3-5 dwelling units per acre consist of 134 acres.

Land uses allowing for multi-family residential homes of 3- 8 dwelling units per acre consist of 4.5 acres. Areas
designated for multi-family residential overlay district allow development of up to 20 dwelling units per acre. Public land population-estimates-for-cities-counties-and-the-state-2021- 2025-with-2020-census-benchmark/

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use consists of 9 acres. Open Space land use consists of 38 acres.

Critical facilities in Monte Sereno include Quito Fire Station (in the Sphere of Influence), Daves Avenue Elementary
School, and City Hall.
b. Climate Hazards
Climate Change is projected to affect Monte Sereno through risk of wildfires, droughts, landslides, and air quality. These impacts will cause a secondary impact to emergency service groups and plans supporting Monte Sereno residents.

Areas not expected to increase their current effect on Monte Sereno include sea level rise and flooding.
i. Drought
A drought is where conditions are drier than normal for an extended period, making less water available for people and ecosystems. While drought is a normal occurrence in California, prolonged drought conditions can harm
ecosystems and the regional economy. Droughts do not
typically cause direct loss of life or structural damage, but they can lead to critical environmental and economic harm, including agricultural losses, increased water costs, habitat degradation, and heightened wildfire risks.

Historical droughts in Santa Clara County in the extreme to exceptional range include an exceptional drought from the years of January 2014 to March 2016, according to U.S.

Drought Monitor. The extreme drought continued until
November 2016. Another extreme drought started in April 2021 and extended to December of 2021 with an
exceptional drought also occurring in this timeframe.

Monte Sereno receives its water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and San Jose Water Company. San Jose Water Company receives its water supply from three sources of potable water supply: purchased, or imported, treated
surface water from Valley Water District, groundwater from the Santa Clara Subbasin, and surface water from local
watersheds. A fourth and growing source of supply is nonpotable recycled water. Drought poses significant challenges to the continued operations from these water supply systems. All of Monte Sereno residents will be
affected by drought conditions.

According to Valley Water District’s 2020 Urban Water
Management Plan, Valley Water will have sufficient supplies to meet San Jose Water Company’s, and other retailers’
demands through 2045 under average year, single dry year, and five consecutive dry year conditions. San Jose Water Company indicated by use of current and implementation
of new water sources, such as recycle water, and
conservation efforts and programs in conjunction with
Valley Water District, Monte Sereno’s water supply demands will be met.

As temperatures increase, precipitation will occur more frequently as rain than snow affecting the availability of water supplies. Identified by Cal Adapt, the City of Monte Sereno is projected to have an increase in annual
precipitation from (1961 to 1990) of an average of 31 inches, to an average of 33.7 inches by mid-century (2035 to 2064) and an average of 38.0 inches by late-century (2070 to
2099).