Builder’s Remedy Invoked for 19-Unit Los Altos Condominium Project

A residential development at 349 1st Street in Los Altos, Santa Clara County, has successfully passed its environmental review. The project utilizes California's builder’s remedy provision, allowing for the approval of a six-story apartment complex situated a block from Main Street.

Emeric McDonald, representing Octane Capital, is responsible for the application. The proposed 84-foot-tall structure is designed to feature 19 condominiums, with four units deed-restricted for low-income households. It will also include a podium garage, bicycle parking, and a rooftop amenity deck. This latest proposal, submitted in late 2023, supersedes an earlier four-story, 12-unit plan. City staff published the notice of exemption for CEQA purposes earlier this month.

The 0.16-acre property is located at the intersection of 1st Street and Whitney Street, near the city center's walkable downtown area. While the environmental hurdles are cleared, the estimated cost and construction timeline for the project have not yet been disclosed. This development exemplifies how builder's remedy can facilitate housing, including affordable units, in areas with high demand.