Residential Architect in Los Altos Hills | Remodels, Additions, and Custom Homes
Los Altos Hills is intentionally low-density. Most projects that expand floor area or change the development footprint require a Site Development Permit before a building permit. The town's General Plan is explicit: the natural environment should dominate the visual character of each lot. This shapes what gets approved. Prestin Ravid Architects works with Los Altos Hills homeowners on custom homes, remodels, and additions. Projects here begin with the site.
Regulations change and every property is different. This page reflects general conditions in Los Altos Hills, not a substitute for a property-specific feasibility review.
Los Altos Homeowners We Work With
Los Altos Hills homeowners value privacy, views, mature trees, and connection to the landscape. Some are replacing homes that have reached the end of their useful life on parcels that could accommodate something significantly better. Others are adding to existing homes and want to do it in a way that fits the site. Many are dealing with the specific constraints of hillside lots: grading, drainage, and fire access all shape the building footprint before design begins.
Common Project Types
Home Remodels and Renovations
Los Altos Hills has a mix of mid-century modern homes, ranch-style structures, and more recent custom construction on lots typically ranging from one to several acres. Interior remodels that do not change the exterior or add floor area may be processed through building permits without a Site Development Permit. Any project that expands floor area or modifies the development footprint requires Planning coordination. Building permits are submitted electronically through the town's eTRAKit portal as of July 2024.
Home Additions & Second Story Expansions
Additions expanding floor area or the development footprint require a Site Development Permit processed by the Planning Department, with Planning Commission review for significant projects. Los Altos Hills is hillside terrain throughout. Grading, drainage, fire access driveway width, and protected tree locations all shape what can be built before any design is developed. Protected tree assessment is part of feasibility, not an afterthought.
Custom Homes and Rebuilds
New homes require a Site Development Permit and in most cases a Zoning Permit as well. Building placement that minimizes grading, designs that do not dominate the ridgeline, and materials that fit the natural context. These are not guidelines to satisfy; they shape what the Planning Commission approves.
The Approval Process in Los Altos Hills
Most projects expanding floor area require a Site Development Permit before building permits. The SDP is processed by the Planning Department with Planning Commission review for significant projects. New homes may also require a Zoning Permit.
Total timeline from design start to permit: typically 10 to 16 months for significant additions and new construction.
Working on a Project in Los Altos Hills?
Los Altos Hills projects require more upfront site assessment than most. The feasibility conversation happens before any design direction is set.
Areas We Work In
We work throughout the South Bay and Peninsula, including the following cities. Each city links to a relevant project pathway and design and permitting context for that area.
Los Altos Hills · Los Altos · Palo Alto · Saratoga · Cupertino · Mountain View · Portola Valley · Atherton · San Jose · Menlo Park