New Home Construction in Los Altos Hills, CA
Get a Free Los Altos Hills New Home Consultation
Custom Homes in Los Altos Hills
New homes here are custom estates designed around slope, views, oaks and setbacks. Every new home goes through site development review with story poles or an approved rendering.
Site development review applies to any exterior change, expansion or new coverage, and a site development permit must be issued before the building permit. The path starts with a pre-application meeting and a site analysis meeting. Projects are approved by staff (about 2 weeks), staff with notice at a Site Development hearing (500-foot notice), Fast Track before the Planning Director, or the Planning Commission (6 to 8 weeks, then City Council consent; appeals within 22 days).
Story poles (rules updated September 18, 2025) are required for new buildings, second-story additions, additions over 900 sq ft or raising the roof, and accessory buildings over 900 sq ft. They go up 10 days before the hearing with orange fencing; homes up to 19 feet and 4,000 sq ft may use a 3D rendering instead.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
New-Home Requirements
Floor and development area: maximum floor area (MFA) and maximum development area (MDA) come from a lot-unit-factor formula based on net acreage and average slope. Basements are exempt, garages count, and space over 17 feet tall counts double. Patios, decks, pools, paving and the first 100 feet of driveway count toward development area. Minimum lots are one acre.
- Geotechnical report reviewed by the Town Geologist; the Altamont and Monta Vista faults cross the area.
- Fire hazard severity zones mapped by the Town; Class A roofs on new construction.
- Sewer connection within 200 feet, otherwise County-approved septic.
- Outdoor lighting plan approved by Planning before plan check.
- Pathway easement or in-lieu fee on Master Path Plan lots.
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 · (650) 941-7222 · Bu******@**************CA.Gov
The Town issues permits and performs inspections through its eTRAKiT Community Development Web Portal.
Explore More
Other Los Altos Hills services: Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Los Altos Hills ADU builder · Los Altos Hills overview
Same service nearby: Los Altos · Palo Alto · Cupertino
See our custom home builder page.
Los Altos Hills New Home Construction FAQ
What is the minimum lot size?
One acre.
Are story poles required for a new home?
Yes, or a 3D rendering for homes up to 19 feet and 4,000 sq ft.
Do new homes need a geotechnical report?
Yes, reviewed by the Town Geologist.
What roof is required?
Class A roofing on new construction.