A pair of property owners in Los Altos Hills are attempting to use California’s “builder’s remedy” law to bypass zoning restrictions, in order to develop multifamily properties. Because Los Altos Hills’ housing element is in question, the city would have to approve any housing project if at least 20% of the units are low-income or 100% are moderate-income if it was rejected. 

The Los Altos Town Crier reports that the housing element submitted by Los Altos Hills at the end of January may not be approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which would open the door for “builder’s remedy” projects. Two property owners have submitted plans for multifamily projects on their 1.6 and 1.8-acre lots on Mora Drive and Summitwood Road, which have upset neighbors.

Town officials are convinced that the housing element will be approved by HCD, listing areas near Foothill College and St. Nicholas Catholic School as potential multifamily sites, however, both institutions have expressed resistance.