Chapter 17.36 — PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SCHOOLS DISTRICT (PFS)

Sections:

• 17.36.010 Purpose.

• 17.36.020 Characteristics of the District.

• 17.36.030 Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements.

• 17.36.040 Development Standards.

• 17.36.050 Guidelines for School Master Plans.

• 17.36.060 Standards for Emergency Shelter Operation.

• 17.36.070 Multifamily Overlay District (RM-20/40).

This chapter establishes the allowed use provisions and development standards for uses located in the public facilities and schools district. It is the intent of this chapter to implement the land use categories outlined in the general plan by providing appropriate locations for public facilities and school uses. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

The public facilities and schools (PFS) district provides for the development of public uses (e.g., town hall, town corporation yard, public utilities, etc.) and schools (both public and private), consistent with the town’s general plan. Other appropriate uses may include churches, country clubs, and other assembly and civic uses upon

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 77 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

issuance of a conditional use permit. It does not provide for the development of residential uses except for convent housing, teacher housing, student housing, and other residential uses when associated with primary nonresidential use of the same property with a conditional use permit. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

Table 17.36.030-1 (Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for PFS District) identifies the allowed uses in the PFS district subject to the development standards of this chapter and all other provisions of this title. Allowed use provisions are symbolized in the table as follows:

P = Land use permitted by right

CUP = Land use permitted with approval of a conditional use permit

Table 17.36.030-1. Allowed Uses

and Permit Requirements for PFS

==> picture [206 x 350] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
District
Zoning
District
Land Use
PFS
Public library P
Public school P
Town corporation yard P
Town hall and associated P
community uses
Accessory dwelling unit in P
conjunction with
multifamily residential
uses
Emergency shelters P [4 ]
Multiple-family residential P [5 ]
uses
----- End of picture text -----

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 78 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Table 17.36.030-1. Allowed Uses

and Permit Requirements for PFS District

==> picture [206 x 403] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning
District
Land Use
PFS
Single-room occupancy P [5 ]
Churches and places of CUP
worship
Convents CUP
Country clubs CUP
Residential associated CUP
with primary
nonresidential use of
property on same site [1 ]
Private schools
CUP [2, 3 ]
Public utilities and CUP
facilities, uses, and
structures
Transportation terminal CUP
facilities
----- End of picture text -----

Notes:

1 Examples include dorms or teacher housing associated with school site, convent when associated with religious institutions, etc., and not located on sites with a multifamily overlay.

2 Where a master plan for a private school has been prepared and filed with the town for public record, any application for a conditional use permit shall be compared to the master plan for consistency with that document. All building and/or faculty changes, improvements, or new construction shall require a conditional use permit. To that end, all conditional use permit applications shall include the following:

a. Maps and diagrams showing the proposal in relation to the master plan layout;

b. History of student and faculty growth and projections of future growth, including an analysis of that growth’s consistency with the master plan projections;

c. A traffic and parking analysis of the proposal and comparison to the master plan projections;

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 79 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

d. A circulation plan showing how the traffic and pedestrian circulation will function upon implementation of the proposals; and

e. Other information that might be required for specific proposals, such as noise analyses, lighting plans, landscape screening plans, heritage tree locations, and other similar information.

3 In addition to other conditions of approval, the planning commission shall require the following items where relevant:

a. Identification of the approved uses and hours of operation; and

b. Clustering of high intensity or noise-intense structures and uses (such as gymnasiums, theaters, athletic facilities) away from neighboring residential uses, where possible.

4 Emergency shelters shall be permitted only when located within the Town Civic Center property and pursuant to section 17.36.060; defined as Lots 1, 2, 24, 25 and 26, Watlinton Park RSM (Resubdivision Maps) 5/8.

5 Shall only be permitted by right (i.e., as a staff-level decision and ministerial review, without discretionary review) on sites with a Multifamily Overlay District (RM-20/40) designation. Subject to compliance with objective design standards in section 17.36.070 (Multifamily Overlay District RM-20/40).

(Ord. 669 § 4, 2024; Ord. 667 § 4, 2025; Ord. 665 § 4, 2024; Ord. 591 § 7, 2010; Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

Table 17.36.040 (Development Standards for PFS District) identifies the development standards for the PFS district, except the buildings, structures, or land used for governmental purposes by the United States of America, State of California, or Town of Atherton. All buildings and structures located in the PFS district shall be considered as main buildings and not as accessory structures.

Table 17.36.040. Development

Standards for PFS District

==> picture [242 x 196] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning District
Development Standard
PFS
Height, maximum 34 ft.
Lot coverage, aggregate, 40% gross lot area
maximum
Front yard, minimum 60 ft.
Side yard, minimum, 50 ft. when building
adjacent to residential height ≤ 22 ft.
----- End of picture text -----

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 80 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Table 17.36.040. Development

==> picture [242 x 271] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Standards for PFS District
Zoning District
Development Standard
PFS
75 ft. when building
height > 22 ft.
Side yard, minimum, all See chapter 17.38.
others
Rear yard, minimum, 60 ft. when building
adjacent to residential height ≤ 22 ft.
75 ft. when building
height > 22 ft.
Rear yard, minimum, all 60 ft.
others
----- End of picture text -----

Notes:

1 The setbacks for the PFS district properties in the vicinity of Ashfield Road and Station Way containing the town administration building, town hall, library, and other uses shall be as provided in section 17.33.040 (Development Standards) of the R-1B residential district.

2 The side- and rear-yard setbacks for PFS district properties where a public or private school is located adjacent to a side or rear portion of another public or private school shall be a minimum of ten feet. The setback is limited to that portion of the property where a PFS district property is adjacent to another PFS district property.*

(Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 577 § 1)

***** Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 582’s replacement of Title 17 inadvertently removed the setback provisions added by Ordinance 577. The provisions of Ordinance 577 have been inserted as Note 2, reflecting the intent of the city.

It is the city council’s policy to request the preparation of master plans for all private schools located in the PFS district. Where such master plans are prepared, they should be general enough to allow flexibility and adjustment of the facilities’ locations but shall have specific projections such as enrollment or floor space proposed. It is further requested that the schools involve interested neighbors, residents, town representatives, and others in the preparation of such master plans. Suggested content of master plans includes:

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 81 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

• A. Land uses, their location, and extent;

• B. Circulation patterns;

• C. Locations for parking and parking standards;

• D. Current enrollment projections and maximum enrollment anticipated;

• E. A list of possible facilities to be developed;

• F. A schedule or priority of development;

• G. Identification of historic or other unique facilities, heritage trees, and their disposition;

• H. Identification of uses and their days and hours of operation, including evenings; and

• I. Identification of other institutions or uses at the facility.

Where master plans have been prepared and adopted by schools, it is requested that they be filed with the office of the town planner for public record. The town planner shall report annually to the planning commission at a regular meeting on the status of school master plans, their availability, and contents. Each private school in Atherton shall report to the planning commission meeting to provide input on the status of master plan preparation and implementation. In addition, the annual meeting shall be noticed to all property owners within five hundred feet of the boundaries of the schools. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

The objective and predictable standards listed below apply to emergency shelter operations permitted in the PFS District.

A. Beds and Population. The maximum number of client beds permitted in each emergency shelter shall be fifteen and the maximum client population permitted to be served nightly by the facility shall be fifteen. Any additional beds or population shall require a conditional use permit.

B. Parking. Parking will be provided at a number sufficient to accommodate staff and will not exceed the required parking standards for other uses in the PFS zone.

• C. Handicap Accessibility. Each emergency shelter shall be completely handicap accessible.

• D. Exterior Lighting. All exterior lighting shall be shielded or downlit so the source of light is not visible from other properties. (Ord. 669 § 4, 2024; Ord. 591 § 8, 2010)

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 82 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

This section establishes development standards for multifamily uses on identified portions of lots that are zoned as public facilities and schools (PFS). The development standards establish objective criteria for the evaluation of multifamily housing so that it can be permitted by right on specific lots that are identified on the zoning map and in the Housing Element of the General Plan, or on additional lots as designated by the City Council.

The residential multifamily 20 overlay zone (RM-20) allows multifamily development of up to twenty units per acre on identified portions of lots that are zoned as public facilities and schools (PFS). Development within the RM-20 district shall have minimum of twelve units per acre.

The residential multifamily 40 overlay zone (RM-40) allows multifamily development of up to forty units per acre on identified portions of the Menlo College Campus (zoned PFS). Development within the RM-40 district shall have a minimum of twenty-four units per acre. Where standards in this section conflict with Table 17.36.040, the standards in this section shall apply. However, this does not preclude other actions that require discretionary review (i.e., lot redesignations, variances, or special structure permits). Adjoining parcels with a PFS zoning designation and RM-20 or RM-40 zoning overlay can be treated as a single parcel.

Accessory Buildings and Structures: see chapter 17.40

• A. Height. The maximum height for main buildings in the RM-20 overlay shall be thirty-four feet.

The maximum height for main buildings in the RM-40 overlay shall be forty-eight feet; provided, that the vertical midpoint between the eave and the top of roof does not exceed forty-two feet. If the main building has a flat roof, the maximum height is forty-two feet. See figure 17.36.070-1 (RM-40 Maximum Height).

Figure 17.36.070-1. RM-40 Maximum Height

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 83 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [394 x 264] intentionally omitted <==

1. Vertical Sidewalls.

   • a. Within the RM-20 overlay, any vertical end walls, sidewalls, or columns built facing the front setback line shall not exceed twenty-eight feet. Vertical end walls, sidewalls, and columns built at the side or rear setback line shall not exceed twenty-eight feet. See figure 17.36.070-2A (RM-20 Sidewall Height).

   • b. Within the RM-40 overlay, vertical end walls, sidewalls, and columns built at the setback line shall not exceed thirty-four feet. See figure 17.36.070-2B (RM-40 Sidewall Height).

c. Vertical end walls, sidewalls and columns built at the setback line shall not exceed twenty-one feet when facing an adjacent R-1 parcel. See figure 17.36.070-2C (R-1 Adjacent Sidewall Height).

d. End wall, sidewall and column heights can exceed these limits on side and rear conditions with an additional setback that is increased by a ratio of one foot for each one foot increase in height. See figures 17.36.070-2A (RM-20 Sidewall Height), 17.36.070-2B (RM-40 Sidewall Height), 17.36.070-2C (RM-20 R-1 Adjacent Sidewall Height), and 17.36.070-2D (RM-40 R-1 Adjacent Sidewall Height).

2. Height measurement: see section 17.42.030.

3. Dormers can exceed the vertical sidewall height and shall be in compliance with development standards in section 17.32.040(A)(4).

Figure 17.36.070-2A. RM-20 Sidewall Height

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 84 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [387 x 231] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.36.070-2B. RM-40 Sidewall Height

==> picture [459 x 282] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.36.070-2C. RM-20 R-1 Adjacent Sidewall Height

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 85 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [301 x 331] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.36.070-2D. RM-40 R-1 Adjacent Sidewall Height

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 86 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [361 x 451] intentionally omitted <==

• B. Setbacks. A setback shall be required from all property lines.

Minimum setback requirements are:

1. The minimum spacing between any main buildings shall be twenty feet.

2. General Setbacks.

a. The minimum setback from the property line is forty feet. See figure 17.36.070-3A (RM-20 Setbacks) and 17.36.070-3B (RM-40 Setbacks).

b. Within the RM-20 overlay, where the height of a main building placed at the setback is between twenty-eight and thirty-four feet, the setback shall be increased by a ratio of one foot for each one foot increase in height. See figure 17.36.070-3A (RM-20 Setbacks).

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 87 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

c. Within the RM-40 overlay, where the height of a main building placed at the setback is between thirty-four and forty-eight feet, the setback shall be increased by a ratio of one foot for each one foot increase in height. See figure 17.36.070-3B (RM-40 Setbacks).

Figure 17.36.070-3A. RM-20 Setbacks

==> picture [426 x 276] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.36.070-3B. RM-40 Setbacks

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 88 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [406 x 338] intentionally omitted <==

3. R-1 Adjacent Setbacks.

a. The minimum setback from any property line that is adjacent to a parcel with an R-1 zoning designation shall be fifty feet. See figure 17.36.070-3C (R-1 Adjacent Setbacks).

b. Where the height of a main building placed at an R-1 adjacent setback is between twenty-one and forty-eight feet, the setback shall be increased by a ratio of one foot for each one foot increase in height. See figure 17.36.070-3C (R-1 Adjacent Setbacks).

Figure 17.36.070-3C. R-1 Adjacent Setbacks

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 89 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [438 x 263] intentionally omitted <==

C. Lot Coverage. The maximum lot coverage for buildings, including accessory buildings, shall be forty percent of the lot size. The maximum coverage for all impervious surfaces, not including buildings, shall be twenty percent. The maximum total coverage of all buildings and impervious surfaces shall be fifty percent.

All parts of the lot not covered by buildings or impervious surfaces shall be covered by landscape area. All landscape areas shall be maintained reasonably free of weeds, litter, and debris. All planting shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition and, whenever necessary, replaced with plant materials approved by the town arborist to provide continued conformance with approved plans. All new screening plantings shall be provided with a water-efficient automatic irrigation system to be installed at the time of planting. Landscape areas shall not interfere with heritage tree protection. On properties with an underlying PFS zoning designation the lot coverage requirement shall apply to any area of the site that facilitates the development of multifamily housing, including ancillary buildings and structures.

Table 17.36.070.C-1.

==> picture [322 x 82] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Lot Coverage
Building Impervious Surface Lot
40% 20% 50%
----- End of picture text -----

• D. Site Design. Requirements for design of the site are:

  1. Vehicle Access.

     • a. Direct ingress/egress to below grade parking or an accessory parking structure shall not be allowed on any street that is designated as a highway or a minor arterial in the Atherton General Plan. In lieu of

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 90 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

this requirement, then the applicant may provide a traffic study that provides an alternative recommendation which the project implements.

• b. Surface parking introduced as part of a new multifamily development shall not be allowed within any setback.

• c. Driveway access shall only be provided from a local street, as designated in the Atherton General Plan, or from internal site circulation.

• d. The maximum driveway width shall be twenty-six feet.

• e. Driveways shall conform to the requirements of the Fire Marshal.

f. Driveway Visibility. All driveways that intersect with a public right-of-way shall maintain a vision triangle delineated by sides of ten feet along the right-of-way and ten feet perpendicular to the right-ofway measured from the edges of the driveway. Within this vision triangle, structures, landscaping, and other obstructions shall have a maximum height of three feet. Trees are permitted within the vision triangle provided their canopy maintains a clearance of six feet above ground level.

2. Pedestrian Access.

   • a. All building entries shall be connected with resident parking areas by a pedestrian pathway that is at least five feet in width.

   • b. Pedestrian pathways are prohibited within ten feet of a property line adjacent to a parcel with an R-1 zoning designation.

   • c. Pedestrian pathways shall be demarcated with decorative paving materials that include brick, patterned or colored concrete, stone blocks, and pavers.

3. Streetscape Design.

   • a. A public pathway shall be provided for the full length of the site frontage with a street.

   • b. The pathway shall be a minimum width of five feet.

   • c. The pathway shall meet ADA requirements and be free from obstruction.

   • d. The pathway shall be designed in compliance with design guidelines provided in section 3.2 of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

e. All trees removed to accommodate a pathway shall be replaced. Tree removal shall adhere to heritage tree protections provided in chapter 8.10.

E. Landscape Screening. All property lines adjacent to new structures shall be screened according to the standards in chapter 17.50 and the standards in this section. Where standards conflict, the most restrictive standard shall apply.

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 91 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

1. Prior to the final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy (unless delay is authorized by the building official) all required landscape screening shall be installed in conformance with the approved plans. In the case of phased building construction, the town building official may permit phased installation of landscape screening. No other exception to this installation requirement shall be allowed, including any in lieu fee or deposit.

2. Plantings shall reach a minimum height of twelve feet within three years of planting.

3. All trees and shrubs shall be evergreen.

4. If the property line is screened with existing landscaping that is at least twelve feet tall and opaque, no new landscaping is required.

• F. Building Massing. Minimum Building Massing requirements are:

1. The maximum aggregate façade length: The aggregate length of all façade segments facing in a common direction shall not exceed one hundred forty feet per building, as measured wall to wall. See figure 17.36.070-4A (Maximum Aggregate Façade Length).

Figure 17.36.070-4A. Maximum Aggregate Façade Length

==> picture [455 x 211] intentionally omitted <==

2. For any building façade located at the required setback or within ten feet of a required setback, the maximum aggregate façade length shall be sixty-five feet. Any portion of the façade that causes the aggregate length to exceed sixty-five feet shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the front setback line. See figure 17.36.070-4B (Maximum Aggregate Façade on Setback).

Figure 17.36.070-4B. Maximum Aggregate Façade on Setback

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 92 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [455 x 176] intentionally omitted <==

• G. Façade Design. Minimum Façade Design requirements are:

  1. Primary Entries. A primary entry provides access to one or more units from the exterior of a main building and shall conform to the following standards:

     • a. A main building shall be limited to a maximum of four primary entries.

     • b. No primary entry shall face a highway as designated in the Atherton General Plan.

     • c. On building sides facing a local street, as designated by the Atherton General Plan, a maximum of three primary entries shall be allowed.

In addition to the standards in subsection (G)(1) of this section, a primary entry shall include one or more of the three frontage typologies listed in standards in subsections (G)(2) through (G)(4) of this section:

2. Common Entry. A common entry is a large opening that leads directly into a lobby or common space on the ground floor. A common entry shall comply with the following standards. See figure 17.36.070-5 (Common Entry).

Table 17.36.070.G.2-1. Common Entry Requirements

==> picture [481 x 157] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Common Entry
Minimum Maximum
Depth 2 feet 6 feet
Width 8 feet 16 feet
----- End of picture text -----

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 93 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Table 17.36.070.G.2-1. Common Entry Requirements

Height (Clear) 8 feet 14 feet

==> picture [15 x 16] intentionally omitted <==

Weather protection shall be provided with a projection or recession with a minimum depth of four feet. A common entry shall provide access to all units within a main building.

Figure 17.36.070-5. Common Entry

==> picture [351 x 287] intentionally omitted <==

3. Stoop. A stoop is a small, raised entry that shall conform with the following standards. See figure 17.36.070-6 (Stoop).

Table 17.36.070.G.3-1. Stoop Requirements

==> picture [481 x 106] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Stoop
Minimum Maximum
Depth (Landing) 3 feet 8 feet
----- End of picture text -----

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 94 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

==> picture [481 x 212] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Table 17.36.070.G.3-1. Stoop Requirements
Width (Landing) 5 feet 8 feet
Width (Stairs) 4 feet 8 feet
Height (Landing) 1 foot 4 feet
Weather protection shall be provided with a projection or recession for a minimum depth of twelve inches.
A stoop shall provide direct access to no more than two units.
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 17.36.070-6. Stoop

==> picture [351 x 287] intentionally omitted <==

4. Frontage Court. A frontage court is an open-air space on the building frontage with primary entries oriented to the courtyard interior. A forecourt shall conform with the following standards. See figure 17.36.070-7 (Frontage Court).

Table 17.36.070.G.4-1. Frontage Court Requirements

Frontage Court

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 95 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Table 17.36.070.G.4-1. Frontage Court Requirements

==> picture [481 x 228] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Minimum Maximum
Depth 15 feet 30 feet
Width 25 feet 50 feet
Height (above grade) No Minimum 1 foot
A frontage court shall provide direct access to no more than four units.
The height of sidewalls facing the courtyard shall not exceed a 2:1 ratio to its depth or width.
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 17.36.070-7. Frontage Court

==> picture [351 x 287] intentionally omitted <==

5. Terrace. A terrace is an elevated area for pedestrian circulation along a building frontage that provides access to one or more primary entries. See figure 17.36.070-8 (Terrace).

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 96 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Table 17.36.070.G.5-1. Terrace Requirements

==> picture [481 x 255] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Terrace
Minimum Maximum
Depth 10 feet 24 feet
Height (above grade) 1 foot 3 feet
Height (wall or railing) 30 inches 42 inches
Terrace stairs shall be spaced no more than twenty-five feet apart.
A terrace shall provide direct access to no more than four units.
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 17.36.070-8. Terrace

==> picture [351 x 287] intentionally omitted <==

6. Balconies or decks shall not be allowed on walls that face an adjacent R-1 parcel, or on portions of any perimeter wall within twenty-five feet of the setback from the R-1 parcel. Roof decks shall not be permitted. See figure 17.36.070-9 (Balcony Placement).

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 97 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

Figure 17.36.070-9. Balcony Placement

==> picture [455 x 171] intentionally omitted <==

7. Minimum Window Detail requirements are:

   • a. Windows shall be recessed at least two inches from the exterior wall plane to the window glass. See figure 17.36.070-10 (Window Detail Requirements).

• b. Windowsills shall project a minimum of two inches from the surrounding exterior wall plane. See figure 17.36.070-10 (Window Detail Requirements).

Figure 17.36.070-10. Window Detail Requirements

==> picture [250 x 301] intentionally omitted <==

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 98 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

• c. All windowsills for nonsleeping rooms facing an R-1 district, located on the second floor or higher, shall be elevated a minimum of fifty-four inches above the floor plate. See figure 17.36.070-11 (Sill Height).

Figure 17.36.070-11. Sill Height

==> picture [250 x 301] intentionally omitted <==

  - d. Any window facing an R-1 district, located on the second floor or higher, shall be translucent but not transparent for any part of the window glass less than fifty-four inches above the finish floor. 

  - e. Windows shall be vertically oriented and taller than they are wide. 

  - f. All privacy windows shall be translucent but not transparent; reflective glass is prohibited. 

• H. Façade Material Requirements. The following materials shall be prohibited on any main building façade:

  1. An exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS).

  2. Aluminum lap siding.

  3. T1-11 siding.

  4. Vinyl siding.

• I. Roof and Eave Details. Minimum Roof and Eave Detail requirements are:

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 99 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

1. Roof eaves may encroach into any yard not to exceed a maximum of four feet on the main building.

2. Roof parapets, when included, shall be a minimum of three feet tall and may not exceed the maximum building height. Roof parapets shall be consistent in material and color with the main building.

3. Any equipment placed on the rooftop of a building shall be screened entirely.

• J. Site Lighting. Minimum Site Lighting requirements are:

  1. No exterior lighting element shall be placed above the height of eight feet above the ground plane unless required by the California Building Code. All exterior lighting shall be directed downward and fully shielded to restrain light to a minimum thirty degrees below the horizontal plane of the light source. Lighting shall be arranged so that the light will not shine directly onto any adjacent lot.

  2. Up-lighting of trees and permanent lighting within trees is prohibited.

  3. Interior lighting of all common areas shall be controlled by motion detecting controls programed to turn off no more than five minutes after movement is no longer detected by the controlling device. Interior “common areas” are spaces used by multiple units generally for circulation purposes having exterior-facing windows.

• K. Accessory Buildings and Structures. Where standards in this section conflict with chapter 17.40, the most restrictive standard shall apply.

  1. Accessory Buildings.

• a. Accessory buildings shall not be allowed in a setback that faces a public right-of-way. Accessory buildings shall be set back from the property line for a minimum of five feet, or a minimum of fifteen feet on a property line that is adjacent to an R-1 parcel.

  2. Trash and Recycling Enclosures.

     • a. Trash disposal and recycling areas shall be within an enclosure and shown on the site plan.

     • b. Each enclosure shall screen trash and recycling receptacles from public view.

     • c. Trash and recycling enclosures shall be a minimum of six feet and a maximum of eight feet in height. The enclosure shall be constructed of solid wood or masonry painted the same color as the main building(s).

     • d. Trash and recycling enclosures shall have a gate and a roof.

     • e. Trash and recycling enclosures are not permitted within any setback.

  3. Mailboxes.

a. Projects with six or more dwelling units shall cluster mailboxes in a common centralized location that is part of or within twenty-five feet of a residential building.

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 100 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code

  - b. Mailboxes shall be located outside of the public right-of-way. 

• L. Parking. Minimum Parking requirements are:

  1. Vehicle Parking.

     • a. There is no minimum resident or guest parking requirement for housing located within the PFS zone.

     • b. Total resident and guest parking shall not exceed one-and-a-quarter spaces per unit.

     • c. Total resident and guest parking can be increased to a maximum of two spaces per unit if all the resident and guest parking spaces are provided in a below-grade parking garage.

  2. Parking Garage Design.

     • a. No more than twenty-five percent of any ground floor façade shall be dedicated to garage openings.

b. Garaged parking that is above grade shall be screened from a public right-of-way with livable space that has a minimum depth of twenty feet. Livable space shall include any multifamily housing use that does not include vehicle parking.

• c. Partially sub-grade parking shall not have an exposed façade that exceeds five feet above grade and shall provide landscape screening with a minimum depth of ten feet along the entire façade length.

3. Bicycle Parking. Short-term bicycle parking (Class II bicycle parking facility) consists of racks that support the bicycle frame at two points and allow for the bicycle frame and one wheel to be locked to the rack with a U-lock.

Minimum bicycle parking requirements are:

• a. Resident bicycle parking shall be provided at a minimum rate of one bicycle parking space per dwelling unit.

b. Bicycle parking facilities shall be located on the ground floor and shall not be located between the building and the street.

• c. Bicycle parking that is placed below grade shall not be counted as floor area.

4. Vehicle Miles Traveled Analysis. Development proposals located in a high-VMT area shall include a VMT analysis that identifies travel demand management (TDM) measures and/or physical measures to reduce VMT impacts to less than significant. The VMT analysis should use the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) VMT Estimation Tool. (Ord. 669 § 4, 2024)

The Atherton Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 677, passed February 18, 2026.

Page 101 of 192

Title 17 Zoning | Atherton Municipal Code