GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Los Altos, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department
Building Division
Permit portal
City Online Portal System
Contact
bldpermit@losaltosca.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Choose a City-described ADU plan route and review eligibility

    Choose custom, pre-approved or permit-ready plan route Review the applicable City ADU submittal checklist and property eligibility Appropriate plan route and submittal scope

  2. 2

    Submit completed ADU Building Permit package to City Building

    Email plans and submittal documents to the City For a large package, provide a Dropbox link by email City ADU permit application

  3. 3

    City plan check of submitted ADU package

    Provide a complete plan package for City consideration Approval determination or City comments

  4. 4

    Address City review comments and resubmit

    Revise plans or materials if the City issues review comments Resubmit as City directs Revised permit package

  5. 5

    Receive City Building Permit after approval

    Complete applicable conditions before issuance Issued Building Permit and authorization to construct

  6. 6

    Schedule City inspections during construction

    Schedule inspections through the City Building Division webpage City inspection results

  7. 7

    Pass final inspection before occupancy

    Complete final inspection Eligibility to occupy ADU

What you need to submit

  • ADU plan set and listed supporting plan-check materials
  • Completed Building Permit Application
  • Pre-approved or permit-ready plan package with property-specific details
  • Recorded JADU deed restriction

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Los Altos’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Los Altos permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages

  • CityFee Schedule FY2026-27 — Development Services Building Division

    The current City schedule is effective July 1, 2026. It gives valuation-based building and MEP tables, $0 ADU building/MEP/plan-check entries, and separate City surcharge and state-fee formulas.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityAccessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

    The current fee schedule, not this page, is used for fee values.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityAssembly Bill 1483

    The City AB 1483 page publishes residential-development fee transparency materials and identifies development impact fees as a separate category.

    Accessed August 28, 2026