349 1st Street Residential Project

The project at 349 1st Street in Los Altos, California, involves the demolition of an existing two-story commercial building and its replacement with a six-story residential condominium complex containing 19 units, with a maximum height of 84 feet, 11.5 inches. Eleven and a half percent of the units, totaling four, are designated as below-market-rate housing for low-income households, fulfilling affordable housing requirements. The development will include an integrated parking solution combining at-grade parking with a basement-level automated parking system, along with dedicated bicycle parking, a rooftop terrace, and enhancements to utilities and street frontage at the corner of First and Whitney Streets. The project is being advanced under California Government Code Section 65589(d)(5), commonly referred to as the Builder’s Remedy, which allows developers to proceed with housing projects that meet specific criteria even if local zoning regulations might otherwise restrict them. The City of Los Altos is the overseeing agency, with Sean Gallegos, Senior Planner, listed as the primary point of contact, and Emeric J. McDonald of Octane Capital identified as the lead developer.