Sec. 153.102 - Classification of zoning districts.

(A)

The SCP District applies to certain lands designated in the General Plan diagram and text as "problem areas" and other land with similar characteristics as designated by the Planning Commission where more than one significant problem exists. The Special Conservation Planning (SCP) Districts are special rural residential classifications where the minimum lot size is either five acres, 7½ acres, or ten acres, and where minimum lot size for newly created lots shall increase as the average slope of the lot increases for lots over

15 percent average slope where the provisions of Section 153.414 of this chapter apply. The purpose of the SCP District is to provide for reduced human densities for lands containing characteristics such as, but not limited to, steep hillsides, geological hazards, difficult road access, or soil or water problems, and to implement the policies of the General Plan. Below are guidelines for SCP District classification.

(1)

Findings.

(a)

In 1988, the Town Council adopted a revised Woodside General Plan. Said General Plan set forth certain policies for evaluating lot densities, goals for development, defining environmentally sensitive areas and the constraints found therein.

(b)

Also in 1988 and 1989, the Town staff did a detailed study of the various constraints as identified in General Plan Policy 2111. A constraints map of the Town was prepared (herein the "Map"). The most constrained areas were compared with other zoning districts to determine whether their zoning designation reflected the level of constraints shown for the property. It was determined that areas with greater constraints were zoned with a similar density to areas less constrained.

(c)

A broader range of districts for environmentally sensitive areas were created for the SCP Zoning District as set forth in division (A)(1) above, which districts were created to allow residential density to be varied in the SCP District according to environmental constraints.

(d)

In order to provide greater consistency with the General Plan, and to provide guidelines for application of the SCP Zoning classifications the following regulations shall apply:

(2)

Constraints/definitions. Environmental constraints have been identified in the Town. The Town's Constraints Map, dated April, 1988, on file with the Town Clerk, is incorporated herein by reference. The constraints which have been identified are relevant to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town. The constraints and their definitions are as follows:

(3)

Application of constraints. In order to control the density of development on more constrained property, and protect the health, safety and welfare of persons and property, the following zoning classifications shall be applied in the SCP District consistent with the greater number of identified constraints:

(4)

Further reduction of lot density. In addition to the minimum lot sizes in the SCP Zoning District, lot density may be further reduced at the time of any subdivision of such property pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations of the Town in effect at the time of subdivision.

(5)

Identification of constraints. Identification of constraints affecting a parcel shall be determined by the Planning Director, with the assistance of Town staff. The Planning Director shall make such determination in accordance with the following procedure:

(a)

Ascertain the constraints affecting the parcel;

(b)

Ascertain the percentage of the parcel subject to one constraint, then two constraints, and then to each respective multiple of constraints thereafter, up to a maximum of six constraints.

(c)

A parcel shall be identified as having a total number of constraints, for classification purposes, equal to the number of constraints shown for 50 percent or more of the parcel's area, counting backwards from the areas subject to the greatest number of constraints.

For example: A parcel of 600 acres is identified as having 15 percent (90 acres) with constraints, 20 percent (120 acres) with constraints, 60 percent (360 acres) with constraints, five percent (30 acres) with constraints and zero percent with (five or six) constraints. Counting backwards from the higher number of constraints 50 percent of the property is reached with three constraints. This property would be assigned to the SCP 7.5 District Classification.

(d)

In addition, a parcel shall be classified as if 50 percent of its property were subject to one additional constraint where the total parcel is subject to four or more constraints.

For example: In the 600-acre parcel above, there are constraints applicable to the property. Instead of being classified with constraints, as are applicable to 50 percent of its area, it would be classified with constituents due to the greater number (four or more) of constraints that apply overall to the property. It would be classified therefore in the SCP-10 District Classification.

(B)

The RR District is a rural residential classification where the minimum three-acre lot size requirement, for newly created lots, shall increase as the average slope of the ground increases where the provisions of Section 153.414 apply. The purpose of the RR District is to preserve the Town's primarily rural single-family character.

(C)

The SR District is a suburban residential classification where the minimum one-acre lot size requirement, for newly created lots, shall increase as the average slope of a lot increases where the provisions of Section 153.414 of this chapter apply. The purpose of the SR District is to provide suburban residential opportunities within the Town's predominately rural setting.

(D)

The R-1 District is a residential classification where the minimum 20,000 square feet lot size requirements, for newly created lots, shall increase as the average slope of a lot increases where the provisions of Section 153.414 of this chapter apply. Note: Newly created lots in the R-1 District shall comply with the slope density requirements for the SR District in Section 153.414.

(E)

The MF District is a multi-family residential classification that, pursuant to Government Code Sections 65583.2(h) and (i), permits development without discretionary action and requires a minimum of 20 residential units per acre and a maximum of 25 units per acre when at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households. Developments of up to 20 units per acre will also be allowed if at least 60 percent of units are affordable to lower income households and the remaining units are affordable for moderate income households and at least 16 units total are provided.

(F)

The MF-20 District is a multi-family residential classification intended to accommodate residential housing and allows up to 20 residential units per acre.

(G)

The MFRZ District is a multi-family residential classification that allows development of up to 20 residential units per acre on portions of the San Mateo Community College-Cañada College Campus identified on the Town zoning map.

(H)

The Multi-Family Residential Development Overlay Zone (MFOZ) is an overlay district applied to the San Mateo Community College-Cañada College Campus parcels. The overlay zone allows multi-family residential development of up to 20 units per acre on portions of the Cañada College campus parcel zoned as MFRZ. Multi-family housing may only be proposed on any portion of the campus with a zoning amendment to establish an MFRZ on the specific area zoned for MFRZ. Any portion of the campus with an MFRZ designation shall be subject to the objective design standards established for the Cañada College Campus.

(I)

The CC District is a commercial classification designating uses which have the probability of primarily serving the frequent recurring day-to-day needs of the local community.

(J)

The Open Space Zone Districts, OSH, OSN, OSRL, OSRM and OSM, have no minimum lot size. The purpose of the OSH, OSN, OSRL, OSRM and OSM Districts are to implement the polices of the open space element of the General Plan, principally to conserve open space for the preservation of natural resources, outdoor recreation and the public health and safety. The provisions of Section 153.414 of this chapter shall not apply to lots in the OSH, OSN, OSRL, OSRM and OSM Districts.

(K)

(1)

Definition of Planned Community Commercial District. A Planned Community Commercial District is intended to govern and accommodate various types of commercial development, as may be allowed in a Community Commercial District ("CCD"), while allowing greater flexibility in design and planning consistent with the General Plan. Any commercial development that is a subject of an application for enactment of a PCCD under the ordinance codified in this section is hereinafter referred to as a "Project." A PCCD is further intended to obtain substantial public benefit and to provide for maximum review of any proposed project by the Town Council and the agencies of the Town.

(2)

Relationship of Planned Community Commercial District to Community Commercial District. All or any part of a CCD may be designated under the provisions of this chapter as a PCCD. One or more PCCDs may exist within a CCD.

(3)

Alternative rules for governing a PCCD. A PCCD may be governed solely under existing zoning ordinances, applicable to a CCD ("CCD Rules") or under rules that may be established specifically for the purposes of the PCCD as provided in this chapter ("PCCD Rules"). The PCCD Rules may incorporate all or part of the CCD Rules under the terms and conditions established in division (G)(2) above.

(1975 Code, § 9-2.107) (Ord. 1980-291, effective 9-11-80; Am. Ord. 1989-385, effective 4-13-89; Am. Ord. 1989-389, effective 9-1-89; Am. Ord. 1989-393, effective 10-12-89; Am. Ord. 1999-494, effective 3-25-99; Am. Ord. 2012-553, effective 8-23-12; Am. Ord. 2015-565, effective 2-26-15; Am. Ord. 2017-589, effective 8-24-17; Ord. No. 2024-639, § 2 (Exh. A), effective 10-24-24; Ord. No. 2024-640, § 2 (Exh. A), effective 1024-24; 2025-644, § 2, effective 1-14-25; 2025-646, § 3 (Exh. A), effective 3-27-25)