Builder’s Remedy Project Moves Forward in Los Altos

The Los Altos Planning Commission unanimously moved forward a six-story, 19-unit condominium project at 349 First St. that will become the tallest building in downtown Los Altos at roughly 85 feet. Proposed by Octane Capital under California’s builder’s remedy provisions, the project will replace an existing two-story commercial building and parking lot with 19 condos, including four below-market-rate studios, nine two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The development will also include 23 parking spaces, 14 bicycle spaces, and a communal rooftop terrace. The project was initially submitted under the builder’s remedy in May 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2030.

The builder’s remedy allows the project to bypass many of Los Altos’ local zoning and development standards because the city did not have a compliant housing element when the application was filed, including the site’s then-35-foot height limit. Commissioners expressed significant frustration with their limited ability to modify or reject the development, with Commissioner Joe Beninato calling it a “cautionary tale” about the consequences of falling out of housing-element compliance. Despite their objections, commissioners acknowledged that the developer is legally entitled to use the builder’s remedy and unanimously advanced the project.

More Details: https://www.losaltosonline.com/news/planning-commission-reluctantly-moves-forward-builders-remedy-project-downtown/article_73c8b4c5-5d49-43d8-a409-e8b2152283d7.html

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