Title 8 — ZONING & DEVELOPMENT CODE
Chapter 8.158 — S50 DISTRICT (COMBINING DISTRICT, NORTH FAIR OAKS)
San Mateo County Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Mateo County
8.158.010 - Regulations For “S-50” Combining District (North Fair Oaks). ¶
The following regulations shall apply in specific two-family (R-2) and multiple-family (R-3) residential districts with which the “S-50” District is combined.
In the case where a requirement, standard, or provision of this Chapter conflicts with another requirement, standard, or provision in the Zoning Regulations, including this Chapter, the most limiting provision shall take precedence and govern.
(Prior code § 6300.12 Ord. 3641; 03/28/95)
8.158.020 - Building Site Width. ¶
The minimum building site width shall be an average of 50 feet.
8.158.030 - Building Site Area. ¶
The minimum building site area shall be 5,000 sq. ft.
8.158.040 - Development Density. ¶
The maximum density of development shall be 17.4 dwelling units/net acre.
8.158.050 - Building Setbacks. ¶
The minimum building setbacks shall be:
Front: 20 feet
Sides: 10 feet - When the side property line fronts a public or private street
5 feet - All other cases
Rear: 20 feet
8.158.060 - Building Floor Area Ratio . ¶
The total floor area of all stories of all buildings on a parcel shall not exceed .45 (45%) of the total parcel area.
Floor area specifically includes: (1) the floor area of all stories, excluding uninhabitable attics, as measured from the outside face of all exterior perimeter walls, and (2) the area of all decks, porches, balconies, or other areas covered by a waterproof roof which extends 4 or more feet from exterior walls, and (3) the area of all garages and carports.
8.158.070 - Building Site Coverage Area Ratio. ¶
The maximum building site coverage area ratio shall be .50 (50%) and shall include all: (1) buildings, (2) accessory buildings, and (3) structures such as patios, decks, balconies, and other similar uses which are 18 inches or more above the ground.
8.158.080 - Building Height. ¶
The maximum building height shall be 28 feet, not to exceed two habitable stories . Building height shall be measured as the vertical distance from any point on the finished grade to the topmost point of the building immediately above.
8.158.090 - Daylight Plane. ¶
The daylight plane shall be established by measuring along all setback lines a vertical distance of 20 feet from the existing grade and then inward at an angle of 45 degrees until a maximum height of 28 feet is reached.
Certain architectural features shall be allowed to extend into all yard setback areas according to the provisions of Zoning Regulations Section 8.340.010.
Chimneys, pipes, mechanical equipment, antennae, and other common facilities may extend into the daylight plane up to a maximum of 36 feet as required for safety or efficient operation.
Additionally, architectural features, such as dormers or gables, shall be allowed to extend into the daylight plane of the front and rear setbacks provided that: (1) they measure perpendicularly to the daylight plane no more than 15 feet in length, and (2) they measure no more than a vertical distance of 24 feet from the finished grade.
8.158.100 - Landscaping. ¶
The area within the required front yard setback and side yard setback (in the case of a corner parcel) shall be landscaped to include ground cover, shrubbery, and trees (minimum 10-gallon size) at the rate of one tree per 50 feet of street frontage .
When the determination of the number of trees results in a fractional number, any fraction of one-half or greater shall be rounded up to the next whole number. Any fraction less than one-half shall be disregarded.
Landscape plans , showing the location, type, and size of ground cover, shrubbery, and trees shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning and Building. Surety deposits may be required to ensure installation and adequate maintenance of approved landscaping for up to a two-year period.