Pathways

The Town prides itself on the over 86 miles of pathways which provide connections between the Town’s unique neighborhoods and access to local open space areas. These pathways provide safe access for pedestrians and equestrians throughout the Town and promote a sense of wellbeing and recreation. The Master Path Plan under the Town's General Plan outlines a pathway network and future proposed pathway routes for the Town. The Town is continually working to improve, expand, and maintain its pathway network each year.

Current Pathway Priorities 2026-27

Pathways Committee

The Pathways Committee meets on the 4th Monday of every month at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers and is comprised of up to nine Town residents serving four-year terms. Items on the Agenda at meetings includes updates on current pathway priorities, pathway events around Town, property review, conversations with VTA and Town Public Works Department, proposals for new pathways, and general business related to the construction, maintenance, or safety of the pathway system. Currently, six out of nine seats are taken with three open vacancies. Town residents are encouraged to apply for the Pathways Committee should they be interested in preserving and expanding the current system. Additional information and an application to apply is found on the committee site here. Meeting agendas are posted the week before each meeting on the Town's CivicClerk site.

Pathway Fund

The Pathway Fund is a fund exclusively for the construction of the Town's pathway system established under The Master Path Plan. Pathway capital improvement projects are funded by the Pathway Fund from pathway development impact fees. Effective November 18, 2025, a new pathway development impact fee adopted by City Council requires a $5.49 per square foot (SF) fee for any new single-family residences, additions (excluding garages, exterior patios, & ADUs), and barns/stables over 900 SF. The FY 2025-2026 adopted budget outlines capital improvement program funding sources through FY 2029-2030 for the Pathway Fund. Over the next five years, approximately $1,015,000 will be budgeted towards the Pathway Fund. 

Developer Guide for Building Pathways

For developers or contractors looking to construct pathways in Town, please reference the standard details below. All pathways constructed along the roadside must be built in accordance with Standard Detail 15 & 21. Before construction begins, the applicant must apply for an Encroachment Permit and meet all the requirements for fees, insurance, bond, site plan, and traffic control. The Town may require special conditions for the Encroachment Permit before issuance including additional deposit for inspections. Pathway construction projects are subject to Town inspection and compaction testing before project acceptance. Once pathways projects are complete, the Town will maintain the official pathway, and it is added to the Town's Pathway Network for public use. 

Town Pathway Information

On Road Paths		Off Road Paths
Most on road pathways consist of crushed Steven's Creek quarry fines with a redwood or pressure treated header board and Douglas fir or pine water boards. Crushed quarry fines provide a stable foundation for pedestrians and equestrians while also preserving the area's rural aesthetic. Header boards along both sides of the path ensure integrity while water boards help divert the flow of water during heavy rain.		Off road pathways through open space or easements utilize existing native soil to minimize disturbances and environmental impact. A majority of off-road paths connect streets through public easements on private property and provide scenic shortcuts throughout Town.
Typical roadside pathway with retaining wall.		Off road pathway recently graded.

Pathway Maintenance

The Town's maintenance crew of five maintains the system of on road and off road pathways through vegetation management, tree trimming, regrading, water bar installation, repairing existing paths, and placement of signage/pathway posts. Occasionally, the maintenance crew will add to existing or build new pathways depending on scope and budget. Maintenance work on pathways depends on the time of year and which areas are in critical need of rehabilitation. Vegetation management typically occurs in the spring and summer months while tree trimming and grading occur in the fall to prepare for the rainy season. 

For Pathway maintenance concerns, please report a concern through iWorq.

Pathway Maps & Standard Details

Staff contact for Pathways: Astha Khanal, Associate Engineer: akhanal@losaltoshills.ca.gov & (650) 947-2541.