Housing Element Amendment, Opportunity Sites, & Rezoning Update
February 10th, 2026 Housing Element Amendment, Opportunity Sites, & Rezoning Update
The Community Development Department provided an update on the Town’s Housing Element, Housing Element Amendment, and related zoning actions at the February 10th 2026 City Council meeting. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has confirmed that the Town’s Housing Element remains in substantial compliance with State Housing Element Law. HCD originally certified the Housing Element on May 30, 2023. Following submission of amendments adopted on December 9, 2025 (Ordinance 621 and Resolution 91-25), HCD reviewed the materials, including revisions submitted February 9, 2026, and determined that the Town has adequately addressed the requirements outlined in its October 10, 2025 review letter. HCD found that the Town provided sufficient analysis to support redevelopment potential on nonvacant sites used to accommodate lower-income RHNA and confirmed that the adopted rezoning actions meet statutory requirements under Government Code section 65583.2. The Town has also completed required rezoning programs (A-1, A-4, and A-5) and its zoning is compliant with state law.
At the local level, three components of the Town’s objective design standards including setbacks, site minimums and maximums, and dwelling unit sizes, have been identified for further review to ensure continued alignment with State requirements. Staff is working with the Planning Commission and City Council on the necessary code updates to ensure that all aspects of multifamily design code remain in compliance.
Background
Housing Element Amendment, Opportunity Sites, & Rezoning Update
On September 4, 2025, the Los Altos Hills Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Town’s Multifamily Objective Design Standards and Rezoning Ordinances. These updates are key programs identified in the Town’s adopted Housing Element and are designed to provide a clear, consistent, and predictable framework for future multifamily housing development. The proposed standards establish objective, measurable criteria for building form, site layout, and design features, ensuring new multifamily housing aligns with the Town’s character while meeting State law requirements. The rezoning component identifies specific sites and zoning modifications necessary to accommodate the Town’s housing obligations under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
The next step in this process was a review by the Los Altos Hills City Council on October 16, 2025. At that meeting, the Council adopted the objective design standards and rezoning ordinances.
Following a series of special meetings to review comments from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Town has prepared updated drafts for public review and comment before further action is taken. Additionally, the Town has engaged with individuals and community feedback to open up submittals for additional opportunity sites.
Community members are encouraged to review the documents linked below and attend the meeting, learn more about the updates, and provide feedback as the Town continues to implement its Housing Element programs. These documents have had minor modifications since the October 16th and October 29th City Council meetings in response to Council Member comments and for technical corrections and formatting as well as the inclusion of more comprehensive documentation of the feasibility analysis for multifamily sites and letters of developer interest which have been included as an appendix in the draft Housing Element Amendment as of December 1, 2025.
1. Housing Element Amendment Draft, December 1, 2025: https://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7742/Los-Altos-Hills-Housing-Element-Amendment-Draft-as-of-December-2-2025-Draft-5
2. Feasibility Study for Multifamily Sites: https://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7748/Multifamily-Housing-Opportunity-Site-Feasibility-Study
3. Multifamily Zoning Map After November 20th City Council Meeting
The proposed standards establish objective, measurable criteria for building form, site layout, and design features, ensuring new multifamily housing aligns with the Town’s character while meeting State law requirements. The rezoning component identifies specific sites and zoning modifications necessary to accommodate the Town’s housing obligations under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
Q: What are “Objective Design Standards”?
Objective Design Standards are clear, measurable rules for building form, site layout, and design features. They replace subjective design language (e.g., “compatible” or “attractive”) with criteria that can be applied consistently. This ensures predictability for applicants and fairness in the review process, while preserving the Town’s character.
Q: Why is the Town adopting these standards?
State housing laws require cities and towns to adopt objective standards for multifamily housing projects to streamline approvals and reduce uncertainty. The Town’s Housing Element commits to adopting these standards to stay in compliance with State law.
Q: What is the purpose of the rezoning?
The rezoning identifies specific sites and zoning changes that will allow the Town to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements. This ensures Los Altos Hills provides its fair share of housing opportunities across income levels.
Q: How were the standards and rezoning developed?
Town staff, consultants, and the Planning Commission worked together through public meetings, study sessions, and workshops. The recommendations approved by the Planning Commission on September 4, 2025 are the result of this collaborative process.
Q: What happens next?
The Los Altos Hills City Council will review the proposed Objective Design Standards and Rezoning Ordinances on October 16, 2025. If adopted, they will become part of the Town’s zoning regulations.
Q: How can I get involved?
Community members are encouraged to attend the October 16 City Council meeting to learn more and provide feedback. Meeting details are available on the Town’s website.