Choose the right checklist
Los Altos distinguishes a site-specific ADU submission from the package for a pre-approved unit. Select the checklist that matches your design route.
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Los Altos ADU Services
In Los Altos, the city provides separate submittal guidance for custom designs and pre-approved detached plans. Compare those two paths against the garden, windows and access you want to preserve.
Plan for your property ↓
Planning an ADU in Los Altos
Contact the plan owner
The city identifies privately prepared pre-approved designs. Ask the listed designer about purchase terms, revisions and site coordination.
Plan the outdoor rooms
On one drawing, mark the part of the garden used by the main house and the outdoor space the new home can call its own.
02 / On the property
A garden between two front doors
Use a line of string to mark the walk to the garden home. Move it away from a bedroom window, then check how much turning room remains at the door. A short bend may buy privacy without a full fence.
Custom ADUs ↗Official resources
Los Altos ADU guidance and listed designs Pre-approved ADU submittal requirementsLos Altos ADU questions
How do I choose a Los Altos submittal route?
Match your proposal to the city’s custom-plan or pre-approved-plan instructions before assembling the drawings.
Who supplies a listed pre-approved plan?
The city directs homeowners to the individual plan provider. Ask what rights and services are included.
What should I ask about changing a window?
Show the proposed change to the plan provider and ask Building how it affects the review route.
Can the new entry face a shared garden?
Sketch a clear arrival for each household. Check that visitors can reach the correct door without walking through a private patio.
Where does the site plan fit in?
It explains how the selected home relates to boundaries, existing buildings and utilities. Use the appropriate city checklist to determine what is needed.
How should I compare a custom quote to a listed design?
Separate the plan fee from survey, site design, engineering and construction. Compare the same deliverables.
What if the best view faces the main house?
Test a higher sill, a changed window angle or an outdoor screen in the concept drawing.
What makes the walk useful after dark?
Draw the turn at the gate and the last few steps to the door. Ask the designer to show how each is lit.
Can I start without choosing a bedroom count?
Describe the daily routine first, including work, sleep and guests. Then compare the smallest layouts that support it.
Which city department receives the plans?
The Los Altos ADU page directs building-permit submissions to its Building Division and provides the corresponding contact links.