Los Altos Regulations

BACKYARD OFFICE REQUIREMENTS:

Permit Restrictions

Building Department requires a permit for sheds > 120 square feet
A planning/design review permit is required if a building permit is needed for the project
If the enclosed structure is > 6 ft, it requires a Site Permit and/or a Building Permit
The addition of a deck and overhang would potentially require a permit
The addition of slab foundation (if needed) would not require a permit
The addition of electrical work would require a building permit

Height and Setback Restrictions

If the structure exceeds 6 feet in height, it must follow the property’s floor area and lot coverage requirements
Structures in a Side Yard Setback Area:
- Max height: 6 feet
- Max size: 120 square feet
- No minimum setbacks
- Minimum separation: 5 feet from primary house and property lines
- Screening: the unit has to be screened by a fence of equal or greater height
Structures in the Rear Yard Setback Area:
- Max height: 12 feet
- Max size: 800 square feet
- Minimum setbacks:
  - 0 feet if < 6 feet in height
  - 5 feet if 6-12 feet in height
  - 2.5 feet for an eave overhang if > 6 feet in height
- Accessory Structure Daylight Plane:
  - Starts six feet up at the side and rear property lines
  - Heads into the property for 10 feet at a 5:12 pitch
  - All parts of the structure must be within the plane
- Minimum separation:
  - At least 10 feet from the primary house
  - At least 5 feet from any other structure
- Rear yard coverage restrictions: Less or equal to 35% if > 6 feet in height

ADU REQUIREMENTS:

Zoning Restrictions

Setback and Height Restrictions

Maximum height: 16 feet
Daylight plane:
- Begins 8 feet above the property line
- Slope in at a 6:12 roof pitch
- Possible to be prevented from building all the way to 16 feet close to the property line
Setback Restrictions:
- Side lot: 4 feet
- Rear lot: 4 feet
- Any existing structure: 6 feet

Other Restrictions

ADU