CITY GOVERNMENT
LOS ALTOS
Los Altos City Hall
1 N. San Antonio Road
(650) 947-2700
Fax: (650) 947-2701
www.losaltosca.gov
LOS ALTOS
A bustling community, characterized by tree-lined streets and a village atmosphere, the City of Los Altos is seven square miles with seven distinct commercial areas and is home to 29,000 people. Incorporated as a city in 1952, originally to control development and prevent annexation from neighborhood cities, Los Altos celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2012. Since 1952, Los Altos has successfully preserved its rural roots, maintained spacious lot sizes for single family homes and established policies for commercial development.
The Mission of the City Council, staff, council, commissions, committees and volunteers is to foster and maintain the City of Los Altos as a great place to live and to raise a family.
This practice makes it possible for residents and businesses to enjoy the charm of a small town while in close proximity to the innovation of Silicon Valley. Los Altos, with its beautiful neighborhoods, award-winning schools, 40+ acres of parks and open space and friendly commercial areas, is an exceptional place to call home and conduct business.
Los Altos City Council members are elected at-large to four-year terms and are responsible for determining City policies and service standards. The City Council in turn appoints the City Manager, to oversee the daily operation of the City organization.
Basic services are funded through property and sales tax revenue, sewer rates and development services. The 2011-2013 Biennial Budget is approximately $30 M, with a Capital Improvement Program of $3.5 M for 2011-2012. The City has launched several initiatives to address substandard infrastructure conditions, support strong retail districts and increase the retail tax base. These include the following:
First Street Utility Undergrounding was completed during the summer of 2011 and included the removal of all overhead utility lines and poles and installation of a new water main.
The First Street Streetscape and Infrastructure Project is underway from Main Street to State Street and will be completed in fall 2011. This comprehensive project installs a new storm drain system to meet State of CA collection and retention reduction standards, a new sewer section, new gas line, brings the street up to current ADA disabled access requirements, new street lighting, new synchronized traffic signals, new crosswalks, wider sidewalks, streetscape furnishings and landscaping including new trees and enhanced streetscape ornaments.
San Antonio Road Streetscape Project will be completed in Spring 2012. This installs new sidewalks, includes new storm water retention & reduction methods, ADA disabled access sidewalk improvements, new crosswalks and installs a “green wall” landscaping feature to enhance the parking plaza.
The Community Center Master Plan, guided by a 25-member Advisory Committee has been reviewed by the community in a comprehensive 18-month outreach effort led by Council. The City is currently developing a financing strategy for the project. The plan focuses on recreational, athletic, library, arts, history and theatrical interests for all ages as well as government service needs.
These improvement projects are a direct response to the City’s commitment to vibrate Los Altos retail areas, places that encourage shopping, sidewalk dining and meeting family and friends.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
City of Los Altos
Business License
(650) 947-2618
Economic Development
(650) 947-2620
www.losaltosca.gov
Los Altos Chamber of Commerce
(650) 948-1455
www.losaltoschamber.org
Los Altos Village Association (LAVA)
(650) 949-5282
www.downtownlosaltos.org
NOVA (North Valley Job Training Consortium)
505 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 550
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 730-7232
CONNECT! Job Seeker Center
420 S. Pastoria Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 774-2365
www.novaworks.org
Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center
100 E. Santa Clara Street
San Jose
(408) 351-3600
www.svsbdc.org
SCORE Silicon Valley
234 E. Gish Rd., Ste. 100
San Jose
(408) 453-6237
www.svscore.org
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
1112 S. Bascom Ave.
San Jose
(408) 278-7400
www.sanjosebbb.org
Other Licenses and Permits
Santa Clara County Environmental Health
Health regulations and permits for food services
(408) 918-3400
State Board of Equalization
Resale permit: for selling tangible personal property
(408) 277-1231
State of California Community Care Licensing
Child daycare licensing: home daycare and daycare centers
(408) 324-2148
Federal Tax ID Number: Internal Revenue Service
(800) 829-1040
Franchise Tax Board
(800) 852-5711
State Alcohol and Beverage Control
(408) 277-1200
LOS ALTOS HILLS
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
26379 Fremont Road
(650) 941-7222
Fax: (650) 941-3160
www.losaltoshills.ca.gov
Los Altos Hills is a residential community of approximately 8.4 square miles nestled in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once a rural agricultural area, the community has become one of the premier residential areas in Silicon Valley. Over the years, the population has grown and land use patterns have changed. The farmhouses, cattle ranches and orchards of the past have become today’s private homes, riding stables and vineyards. The community has gradually urbanized over time but still retains a semi-rural atmosphere, with large size lots and expanses of open space, as envisioned by the Town’s founders. The Town is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, creeks and wildlife. Many properties have sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, Santa Clara Valley and the coastal mountains to the west. The minimum lot size is one acre.
One of the most unique features of the Town is its Pathway System. The system was designed to provide safe and convenient non-vehicular travel throughout the community and consists of approximately 65 miles of beautiful trails and off-road paths. This distinctive recreational asset is used by school children, walkers, runners, horseback riders and bicyclists. The paths that travel away from the roadways provide a rare glimpse into the natural beauty of the Hills.
Los Altos Hills is a general law city with a Council-Manager form of government. Members of the City Council are elected by the residents and serve a term of four years with a two term limit. A new Mayor is selected by the Council from among its members each December. The City Council appoints the City Manager to implement its policies and to oversee the Town’s administrative operations. The Town has an operating budget of $6.4 million for fiscal year 2011-2012.
The Los Altos Hills City Council meets the third Thursday of each month. The Council appoints residents to serve on the Planning Commission, Library Commission, and on these standing committees: Community Relations, Education, Emergency Communications, Environmental Design & Protection, Environmental Initiatives, Finance & Investment, History, Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Pathways and Water Conservation. The Council also appoints an Exhibit Curator for art exhibits at the Town Hall.
For public safety services, the Town contracts with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. The Los Altos Hills County Fire District contracts with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for fire protection services.
For additional information, please visit the Town’s website: www.losaltoshills.ca.gov
Updated 11.09.2011
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