Chapter 17.54 — YARD MEASUREMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

Sections:

• 17.54.010 Purpose. 17.54.020 Definitions. 17.54.030 Setback Measurements. 17.54.040 Projections.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules and regulations for setback measurement and yard areas. These provisions, in conjunction with other applicable provisions of this title, are intended to ensure open areas around primary structures; maintain clear visibility for traffic safety and pedestrian access; buffer between land uses; and establish natural and visual light and air space for privacy, landscaping, and recreation. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

Terms that are relevant to this chapter are defined in chapter 17.60 (Definitions). (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

A. All setback distances shall be measured at right angles from the designated property line (e.g., front, interior side, street-side, rear) and the setback line shall be drawn parallel to the designated property line at the required setback distance, except as follows:

1. The rear yard setback on the street side of a double frontage lot is a line parallel to the rear property line abutting the street. However, if a street right-of-way line extends into or through a rear yard, the minimum rear yard setback distance shall be measured at right angles from the access easement or right-of-way line.

2. Where the side lot lines converge to a point with two or three lines, the rear yard setback shall be measured from an imaginary line drawn parallel to the front property line from a distance of ten feet from the point at which the lines converge. See figure 17.54.030-1 (Setback Determination for Converging Side Lot Lines).

Figure 17.54.030-1. Setback Determination for Converging Side Lot Lines

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

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3. The approval authority shall have the authority, through the front/rear lot line redesignation process, to redesignate a front or rear lot line (see chapter 17.20, Front/Rear Lot Line Redesignation).

• B. At the time of building permit application, the applicant’s engineer shall provide certification that the building is being located within the required setback lines.

C. The setback lines shall be staked at the same time as foundation staking so that the field inspector can visually verify that the building is being constructed within the setback lines. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

• A. Roof eaves may encroach into any yard not to exceed a maximum of four feet on the main building and one foot on accessory buildings.

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

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B. Architectural projections for chimneys and fire places on primary buildings may encroach into the interior side and rear yard setbacks a maximum of two feet; provided, that each projection is a maximum of seven feet in length.

C. Additionally, in the R-1B district and in the R-1A district for lots less than ten thousand square feet, one cantilevered bay window on the first floor of the main building may project up to two feet into side or rear setbacks; provided, that the length of the window is no more than seven feet. (Ord. 582 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)