Demolition Contractor in Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills Permits Are Different From Palo Alto

Los Altos Hills is a separate incorporated town, so demolition permits come from the Town of Los Altos Hills, not Palo Alto. Palo Alto's deconstruction ordinance does not apply here. The Town has its own building and planning rules, and like every California jurisdiction it expects construction waste to be recycled under CALGreen.

Some owners still choose to deconstruct for salvage, especially on older houses with good lumber. Others prefer conventional demolition with sorted recycling. We explain both options and the Town's requirements at the site visit.

Full-Home Demolition on Acre-Plus Lots

Houses in Los Altos Hills range from 1950s and 1960s ranches to large custom homes. Many are being replaced with new houses designed for the lot. Large lots give room for staging and sorting, which makes the work efficient once equipment is on site.

Getting there is another matter. Long private driveways, narrow roads like Moody Road and Page Mill, and steep grades limit truck size. We plan equipment and haul trips around the access, and protect driveways and bridges that stay.

Sorting is easier with room to work. On a flat pad, we can stage separate piles for wood, metal, concrete and roofing right next to the house, then load full trucks of one material at a time. That cuts trips on narrow roads and keeps loads clean enough for recyclers to accept without extra fees.

Barns, Stables and Outbuilding Removal

Many Los Altos Hills properties have horse barns, stables, hay storage, workshops, pool houses and guest cottages. Some date back to the area's ranch and orchard days. Owners remove them to rebuild, to reduce maintenance or to open space for new uses.

Barns bring long spans, heavy timbers and metal roofing. Old barn wood and timbers can have real salvage value. We take barns down in a planned order, separate wood, metal and concrete, and remove foundations and slabs if the area is being repurposed.

Septic Systems, Wells and Rural Utilities

Many Los Altos Hills properties use private septic systems, and some have wells. When a house is demolished, the septic tank usually has to be pumped and either removed or abandoned under county environmental health rules, and old wells may need to be properly destroyed. We coordinate with the right agencies and licensed specialists.

Electric and gas service here comes from PG&E, not City of Palo Alto Utilities, and water comes from the local water provider. The owner requests disconnects, and we coordinate timing.

Asbestos, Trees and Trails in Los Altos Hills

Crossing the town line does not change the air district rules: an asbestos survey before demolition and notification before work starts. Whatever the survey flags is cleared by a certified abatement company before our crew arrives.

Oaks and other native trees are common on these lots, and the Town has its own tree protection rules. Many properties also border the Town's pathway system used by walkers and riders. We keep trails clear and safe during the work.