ADU permit process in Los Altos Hills, 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

Step by step

  1. 1

    Meet Town Planning and obtain ADU application checklist

    Schedule pre-application meeting with Planner Provide preliminary plans and worksheets Obtain checklist of required documents, fees and applicable level of review Planner application checklist and review scope

  2. 2

    Submit ADU Building Permit package

    Gather Planner-checked documents and drawings Submit through eTRAKiT, in person or Planning email Town Building Permit application

  3. 3

    Town Planning and Building ministerial review

    Respond to Town requests for complete information Approval, disapproval or correction request

  4. 4

    Revise plans if Town finds them incomplete

    Submit revised plans when staff requires them Revised review package

  5. 5

    Town approves or disapproves complete ADU application

    Satisfy any outstanding City requirements before Building Permit issuance Approval/disapproval decision and Building Permit pathway

What you need to submit

  • Planner-prepared application checklist and preliminary plans/worksheets
  • ADU Occupancy and Rental Survey — only in some cases
  • Building Permit Application and construction plan package

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Los Altos Hills’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 Hills 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