Los Altos Hills R-A zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-A (Residential-Agricultural District) is a zoning district in Los Altos Hills. Every value below was read from the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in R-A

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	27 ft Applies: primary dwellings may be up to 32 ft if the code's listed requirements are met § 10-1.504 · code text No structure or part of a structure shall be constructed or altered to exceed 27 feet in structure height in any permitted location, except that primary dwellings shall be permitted a maximum structure height of up to 32 feet subject to all of the following requirements:
Minimum front setback	40 ft Applies: from the street; where a lot abuts several streets, the town designates which one the 40 ft is measured from § 10-1.505 · code text Where a parcel abuts on a single street or other access way, 40 feet from the nearest such public or private street right-of-way, easement for vehicular access, or where an official plan line has been established, from such official plan line.
Minimum side setback	30 ft Applies: 30 ft from property lines in all cases other than the 40 ft street setback § 10-1.505 · code text Thirty feet from property lines, nearest lines of public or private streets, rights-of-way easements for vehicular access, or official plan lines in all other instances.
Minimum rear setback	30 ft Applies: 30 ft from property lines in all cases other than the 40 ft street setback § 10-1.505 · code text Thirty feet from property lines, nearest lines of public or private streets, rights-of-way easements for vehicular access, or official plan lines in all other instances.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-A:

Maximum building height: 32 ft — primary dwellings that meet extra rules: bigger setbacks above 27 ft, sloped roof (4:12 pitch minimum), continuous walls no higher than 27 ft § 10-1.504
Maximum building height: 35 ft — Chimneys and appurtenances § 10-1.504

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-A in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code.

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Los Altos Hills's R-A zone?

27 ft (primary dwellings may be up to 32 ft if the code's listed requirements are met) — Los Altos Hills Municipal Code § 10-1.504.

What is the minimum front setback in Los Altos Hills's R-A zone?

40 ft (from the street; where a lot abuts several streets, the town designates which one the 40 ft is measured from) — Los Altos Hills Municipal Code § 10-1.505.

What is the minimum side setback in Los Altos Hills's R-A zone?

30 ft (30 ft from property lines in all cases other than the 40 ft street setback) — Los Altos Hills Municipal Code § 10-1.505.

What is the minimum rear setback in Los Altos Hills's R-A zone?

30 ft (30 ft from property lines in all cases other than the 40 ft street setback) — Los Altos Hills Municipal Code § 10-1.505.

General information, not legal advice.