Los Altos Hills ADU Permit & Building Guide
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Los Altos Hills is a smart way to add flexible living space and increase the value of your property. At Apex Homes, we provide in-house ADU design and development services, helping homeowners create private offices, art studios, guest houses, or rental unit. With careful planning, an ADU in Los Altos can be completed efficiently, providing extra space, rental income, or a long-term investment opportunity.
ADU Regulations in Los Altos Hills
ADUs in Los Altos Hill must follow specific setbacks, height, and size requirements. A new ADU must maintain a minimum front setback of 40 feet from street frontages and at least four feet from side and rear property lines. If the ADU provides a least 30-foot side and rear setbacks, it may qualify for additional floor area and increase height.
The standard height limit for a new ADU is 16 feet. This can be increased to 19 feet if the design includes an on-site parking space and meets the 30-foot side and rear setback requirement. By default, properties may build an ADU up to 800 square feet. Depending on Maximum Development Area (MDA) and Maximum Floor Area (MFA), ADUs may be expanded to 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, or up to 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom units. If on-site parking is provided and setbacks meet 30 feet, the maximum ADU size may reach 1,200 square feet.
The Los Altos Hills ADU Permitting Process
To build an ADU, start by confirming your property’s eligibility and reviewing size, height, and setback requirements. Prepare detailed site and building plans, and submit them to the Planning Department for zoning approval. Once approved, apply for a building permit before beginning construction. Apex Homes can guide you through every step, ensuring compliance and helping streamline the process.
Once your building permit is approved, construction can begin under the guidance of city inspectors to ensure all work meets local building codes and safety standards. Apex Homes coordinates all inspections and helps manage any adjustments or clarifications requested by the city, making the process smoother and less stressful for homeowners. This hands-on support ensures your ADU is built efficiently, on time, and in full compliance with Los Altos Hills regulations
Why Build an ADU in Los Altos Hills?
An ADU in Los Altos Hills provides versatile space to support your lifestyle. It can serve as a home office, art studio, or guest home, giving family members or visitors privacy and independence while keeping everyone close
ADUs are also a smart financial investment. Renting out an ADU can generate steady passive income, helping offset expenses or serve as a long-term investment. In a high-demand area like Los Altos Hills, ADUs are attractive to renters seeking modern, private living spaces,
In addition, building an ADU can increase your property’s overall value. Homes with ADUs often stand out in the market, offering extra living space, rental potential, and flexible options for family or future use, all while making efficient use of you existing lot.