Title 12 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Los Altos Municipal Code Ch. 12.30 Penalty for Expired Permits
Los Altos Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · Los Altos
Cite as: Los Altos Municipal Code Chapter 12.30 · Text as of 2026-10-03
12.30.010 - Application.¶
This chapter shall apply to all residential, non-residential, commercial, construction and demolition, including, but not limited to, all additions, alterations, modifications, repairs, and improvements, that require a building permit or demolition permit.
(Ord. No. 2025-542, § 4, 10-28-2025)
12.30.020 - Timely renewal of expired permits.¶
In the event a permit expires under Chapter 12 of the Los Altos Municipal Code for suspension or abandonment of work, the property owner shall seek renewal of the permit within thirty (30) days following its expiration.
(Ord. No. 2025-542, § 4, 10-28-2025)
12.30.030 - Penalty for expired permits.¶
A property owner shall be subject to the following penalties for violation of Section 12.30.020:
| Time for Permit Expiration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 days | $0.00 |
| 31 st day through 60 th day | $200.00 per day |
| 61 st day through 120 th day | $400.00 per day |
| 121 st day and every day thereafter | $800.00 per day |
A.
For purposes of this section, if a renewed permit expires and the property owner has not advanced a project to the next level of required inspection, the calculation of penalties shall relate back to the date of the previous permit expiration.
B.
The building official may reduce or waive a penalty accrued under this chapter upon finding that the property owner acted in good faith and either: (1) the delay was attributable to circumstances beyond the property owner's control; or (2) imposition of the full accrued penalty would harm the public interest, provided, however, that and reduction or waiver of more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) must be approved by the development services director.
(Ord. No. 2025-542, § 4, 10-28-2025)
12.30.040 - Appeal of assessed penalty.¶
A property owner may request a hearing to contest a citation issued under this chapter in accordance with Title 1 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.
(Ord. No. 2025-542, § 4, 10-28-2025)
12.30.050 - Public nuisance declared.¶
Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and, in addition to being subject to any other remedies allowed by law, may be abated as provided in Chapter 11.10 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.
(Ord. No. 2025-542, § 4, 10-28-2025)
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