Los Altos Hills, CA · Santa Clara County
Variance Application
Property owners seeking an exception to Town zoning or site development standards use this application to request a variance for a proposed project.
What this form is
Use this application to request an exception when a proposed project exceeds Town standards for items such as height, setbacks, development area, parking, grading, or foundation restrictions. Before filing, schedule a pre-application meeting with a Planner, who completes a checklist of required materials. The application asks for plans and a statement addressing the required variance findings; incomplete applications are not accepted.
Who needs it
Property owners proposing a project that exceeds a zoning or site development standard must apply for a variance before receiving other permits necessary for the project.
How to submit it
First schedule a pre-application meeting with a Planner, who completes the required checklist. Schedule an appointment for submittal; the document does not provide a submission address or email.
About notarization
This application is completed without a notary; it identifies no sworn or notarized attachment, and the signer just signs and dates it.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the variance application packet.
- 2
Schedule A Pre-Application Meeting
Schedule an appointment with a Planner, who completes the required checklist at the meeting.
- 3
Complete The Application Materials
Prepare the application, required plans, and a statement addressing the required variance findings.
- 4
Schedule Submittal
Schedule an appointment to submit the application and checklist to the Town.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the variance application?
- No. The application does not require notarization and identifies no sworn or notarized attachment; the signer just signs and dates it.
- How do I submit the variance application?
- Schedule a pre-application meeting with a Planner to complete the checklist, then schedule an appointment for submittal. The document gives no submission address or email.
- What materials are required with the application?
- The Planner completes a checklist at the pre-application meeting. The packet also specifies plans and a statement addressing the required variance findings; requirements vary by application type.
- When is a variance required?
- The packet says a variance is required when a proposed project exceeds standards such as maximum height, setbacks, development area, minimum parking, grading, or foundation restrictions.