San Mateo Municipal Code Ch. 27.40 Building Height and Bulk

This chapter applies only to the study area encompassed by the Downtown Specific Plan of the General Plan of the City as adopted by the City Council and as may be amended by the Council from time to time. No special permit is required for buildings or structures which meet the height and bulk standards of this chapter.

Structures and building heights as defined in Section 27.04.080 shall be permitted to be developed provided they do not exceed the maximum height delineated for the respective project sites as shown on the Building Height and Bulk Plan in the Downtown Specific Plan. High-rise buildings over fifty-five (55) feet in height may be permitted if a site plan and architectural review is first approved by the Planning Commission as provided in Chapter 27.06.

(1) Structures and buildings shall be developed in accordance with the following standards:

(2) Bulk is measured as illustrated in the following diagrams: [Figure: Figure]

(3) Variations to the maximum building bulk for buildings greater than fifty-five (55) feet in height may be permitted by a special use permit approved by the Planning Commission subject to the following criteria:

(A) A better and more appropriate design for the site is achieved than without the variation;

(B) The parcel coverage will not exceed 40%;

(C) The parcel size is at least one and one half (1.5) acres;

(D) The design preserves view corridors and sunlight access as well as a design that conforms to all requirements of the Downtown Specific Plan;

(E) The design conforms to the goals, policies and the streetwall area standards of the Downtown Specific Plan;

(F) The project site is designated for residential use in the Downtown Specific Plan, and the floor area above fifty-five (55) feet is utilized exclusively for residential use.