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Title 14 — ZONING

§ 14.12

Los Altos Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-08 · Los Altos

14.12.090 - Height of structures (R1-40).

No structure shall exceed two stories or twenty-seven (27) feet in height from the natural grade. On flag lots the height of structures shall be limited to one story and twenty (20) feet in height. Basements shall not be considered a story.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

14.12.100 - Daylight plane (R1-40).

No structure shall extend above or beyond a daylight plane as follows:

A.

The daylight plane starts at a height of eleven (11) feet at each side property line and at an angle of twentyfive (25) degrees from the horizontal.

B.

On a site where the grade slopes greater than ten (10) percent from side property line to side property line, the daylight plane at the lower side property line shall be measured from a point equal to the average elevation of the site and proceed inward at an angle of twenty-five (25) degrees.

C.

An extension of an existing gable roof may project over or beyond the daylight plane when it is determined by the city planner that such projection is necessary to maintain the architectural integrity of the structure.

D.

Television and radio antennas, chimneys, and other similar appurtenances may project above the daylight plane as provided for in Section 14.66.250.

(Ord. 07-312 § 5 (part); Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

14.12.110 - Basements (R1-40).

Basements shall be regulated as follows:

A.

Basements shall not extend beyond the floor area of the first floor of the main or accessory structure above;

B.

Light wells, ingress and egress wells, patio wells, and other similar elements shall not be permitted within a required front or exterior side yard setback. These elements may be permitted within an interior side or rear yard setback, but in no event closer than six feet to a property line.

C.

Light wells, ingress and egress wells, patio wells, and other similar elements shall utilize vertical retaining walls. Contour graded slopes, which expose the basement as a story, are prohibited.

D.

Light wells, ingress and egress wells, patio wells, and other similar elements shall be at least seventy-five (75) percent open in area to light and air above.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 2015-414, § 3, 9-8-2015)

14.12.120 - Outdoor kitchens, barbeques, fireplaces and swimming pools.

A.

Outdoor kitchens, barbeques, fireplaces, and similar structures shall be allowed in the main structure's building envelope, and in the required rear yard setback with a minimum setback of five feet from any property line. Said structures shall not be located in the required front or side yard setback areas.

B.

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas shall be allowed within the main structure's building envelope, and the required rear yard setback with a minimum setback of five feet from any property line. Said structures shall not be located in a required front or side yard setback area.

1.

The setback shall be measured from the outside edge of the pool structure.

2.

Swimming pool motors and equipment shall be enclosed in a noise attenuating structure, as proscribed in Chapter 6.16, and shall not be located in a required interior side yard setback area.

(Ord. 08-329 § 2 (part): Ord. 05-285 § 5 (part): Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

(Ord. No. 10-348, § 2, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 2012-375, § 3, 1-24-2012; Ord. No. 2015-414, § 5, 9-8-2015; Ord. No. 2018-440, § 2, 3-13-2018)

14.12.130 - Design control (R1-40).

As provided in Chapter 14.76 of this title.

(Ord. 08-329 § 2 (part): Ord. 05-285 § 5 (part): Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 10-348, § 2, 4-13-2010; Ord. No. 2012-375, § 3, 1-24-2012)

14.12.140 - Off-street parking (R1-40).

As provided in Chapter 14.74 of this title.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

14.12.150 - Signs (R1-40).

As provided in Chapter 14.68 of this code.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part); Ord. No. 2015-414, § 12, 9-8-2015)

14.12.160 - Fences (R1-40).

As provided in Chapter 14.72 of this title.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

14.12.170 - Nonconforming use regulations (R1-40).

As provided in Chapter 14.66 of this title.

(Ord. 04-267 § 5 (part))

14.12.180 - Accessory structures.

As provided in Chapter 14.15 of this title.

(Ord. No. 2018-440, § 3, 3-13-2018)

Chapter 14.13 - SINGLE-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY OVERLAY DISTRICT

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▸ Contents — Los Altos Zoning Code
Los Altos Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 14 — ZONING
    Overview
    1. § 14.01
    2. § 14.02
    3. § 14.04
    4. § 14.06
    5. § 14.08
    6. § 14.10
    7. § 14.12
    8. § 14.13
    9. § 14.14
    10. § 14.15
    11. § 14.16
    12. § 14.18
    13. § 14.20
    14. § 14.22
    15. § 14.24
    16. § 14.26
    17. § 14.28
    18. § 14.30
    19. § 14.34
    20. § 14.36
    21. § 14.40
    22. § 14.44
    23. § 14.48
    24. § 14.50
    25. § 14.52
    26. § 14.54
    27. § 14.56
    28. § 14.58
    29. § 14.60
    30. § 14.62
    31. § 14.63
    32. Chapter 14.64 — DUAL OPPORTUNITY DEVELOPMENTS (SB9)

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