San Mateo Municipal Code Ch. 26.20 Lots

All subdivisions shall result in the creation of lots which are capable of being developed or built upon while retaining the basic natural qualities of the site. No subdivision shall create lots which are impractical for improvement of use due to steepness of terrain, location of water courses, periodic flooding, earth movement, size, shape, or other physical conditions.

prior code § 139.20(a)(1)

(a) The minimum area and dimensions of all lots shall conform to the requirements of this code, the design standards and specifications or to an approved planned unit development or a planned community development pursuant to provisions of this code. Where difficult terrain or other unusual conditions exist, lots larger than the minimum area shall be required in order to accomplish the purposes set forth in this title.

(b) Subdivisions that result in new parcels which are not in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 23.40 are prohibited and may not receive an exception under this chapter.

prior code § 139.20(a)(1)

Lot lines shall be placed to create usable building sites for the intended types of land uses, permit accommodation of sites to the natural terrain and vegetation, and to afford access to the building site without requiring excessive grading.

prior code § 139.20(a)(3)

In cases in which lots may be resubdivided at some future time, the location of lot lines and other details of layout shall be such that resubdivision may readily take place without violating the requirements of this title and without interfering with the orderly extension of streets.

prior code § 139.20(a)(4)

The average depth of any lot shall not exceed three times its average width, except where such modification may have been approved as a part of a planned unit development or a planned community development under the provisions of this code.

prior code § 139.20(a)(5)

Except where a modification may be a part of a planned unit development or planned community development,

(a) All lots created, shall have not less than thirty feet of frontage on a public or private street meeting the minimum requirements of this title for pavement and right-of-way widths, and improved in accordance with adopted city standards for improvements;

(b) Lots with more than one frontage, other than corner lots and those designed for other than single family use shall be avoided;

(c) The design of any lot intended for residential occupancy shall provide for safe vehicular access from a street on which the lot faces via a private driveway to a parking site located in accordance with provisions of this code.

prior code § 139.20(a)(6)

No remnants of property shall be left in the subdivision which do not conform to lot requirements, or are not required for a public or private utility, approved access purpose, or other approved public use.

prior code § 139.20(a)(7)

All lots shall be adequately drained. In case the natural drainage is changed in any way, surface water from each lot shall be conducted directly to the street, or underground drain or drainage channels in a manner approved by the City engineer.

prior code § 139.20(a)(8)

No lot shall be divided by a city boundary line.

prior code § 139.20(a)(9)

Panhandle lots are those lots which include a strip of land used primarily for gaining access from a street to the major portion of the lot. The creation of new panhandle lots shall not be permitted.

prior code § 139.20(a)(10)

Subdivisions that result in new parcels with slopes of twenty-five (25%) percent or more are prohibited unless the following conditions are met:

(a) The parcel contains contiguous area that is less than twenty-five (25%) percent slope which equals or exceeds the minimum required parcel size for the applicable zoning district; and

(b) Any access-way to that portion of the site less than twenty-five (25%) percent slope must limit alteration of the visual character of the hillside and meet the requirements for maximum street and driveway slopes and blending of cut and fill to natural grade.