Skip to content

Chapter 153 — ZONING

Sec. 153.236 - Limitations applicable to alterations, additions, replacement, or paved…

Woodside Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-02 · Woodside

(A)

Alterations. Alterations to a nonconforming structure, including the complete rebuilding of such structures are allowed, provided they do not increase or create additional nonconforming attributes and all of the following conditions are met:

(1)

A building permit for the proposed alterations shall be obtained;

(a)

Where alterations significantly modify the exterior of the structure, the architectural style and all other aspects of the structure shall be reviewed pursuant to Sections 153.911 through 153.918 and shall be approved in accordance with ordinances that would be applicable if the structure were to be constructed new or if the structure were conforming;

(2)

The footprint and plate heights of the nonconforming portions of the structure shall not be increased; with the exception that the plate height of an accessory dwelling unit constructed above an existing, nonconforming garage, may be increased to a maximum of 11 feet. Additionally, the overall height of the nonconforming portions shall not be increased above a maximum height of 17 feet;

(3)

An encroachment permit has been granted for any structure or building located within the Town's road right-of-way; and

(4)

If the structure is for human habitation, the structure shall not be located in:

(a)

A flood hazard zone, or

(b)

A landslide as defined on the Town's geologic map or an otherwise identified landslide, unless the location of such structures shall be permitted by the Town Engineer in his/her sole discretion.

(5)

Notwithstanding the above, if the alteration involves the relocation of a building that is deemed to qualify for the California Register of Historical Resources, and the purpose of the relocation is for restoration consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards, the qualifying building may be placed on any lot despite exceeding the maximum size limitations, provided all other provisions of this chapter are met, and the building was originally built in and is currently located in Woodside.

(B)

Additions.

(1)

Additions to a nonconforming structure or building are prohibited unless such additions shall conform to the provisions of all applicable ordinances, including, but not limited to, those ordinances prescribing setbacks and height limits.

(2)

Notwithstanding the provisions of division (B)(1) above, an exception to permit an addition to a nonconforming main residence to encroach into a setback may be granted by the Planning Director, provided all of the following are satisfied:

(a)

The total floor area of the encroaching portion of the addition to the nonconforming main residence shall not exceed 10% of the maximum house size allowed for the lot on which the nonconforming main residence is located;

(b)

The total area of the nonconforming main residence after the addition is made shall not exceed 95% of the maximum house size allowed for the lot on which the nonconforming main residence is located;

(c)

No part of the proposed additions(s) shall encroach into the setback to a greater extent than the furthest encroachment of the nonconforming main residence prior to the addition, or so as to create a side setback of less than ten feet or a rear setback of less than 17 feet.

(d)

The addition that extends into the setback shall not exceed a 17-foot overall height maximum as measured from natural or finished grade, whichever is lower;

(e)

The addition shall conform to all applicable ordinances and regulations except those relating to setback;

(f)

The existing setback encroachment was not created through a variance granted by the Town;

(g)

In the R-1 zoning district, the new encroachments of the addition are limited to the front setback area; and

(3)

Setback encroachments for additions to nonconforming building features listed in Municipal Code Section 153.207(C)(1) within residential zoning districts. Notwithstanding the provisions of division (B)(1) above, an exception to permit an addition to an existing nonconforming building feature listed in Section 153.207(C) (1) to encroach into a setback may be granted by the Planning Director, provided all of the following are satisfied:

(a)

The existing building feature shall be attached to an existing building which currently exceeds the permitted setback encroachment in Section 153.207(C)(1);

(b)

The addition(s) shall comply with any applicable ordinances and regulations, such as the maximum requirements for floor area, height, or paved area and surface coverage;

(c)

The addition(s) shall meet the minimum setbacks in the table below:

TABLE O: Minimum Setbacks for Additions to Nonconforming Building Features
Zones Minimum Setbacks
Front Rear Side
R-1 15 12.5 7.5
SR 25 12.5 10
RR 25 25 25
SCP-5, 7.5, 10 25 25 25

(d)

The addition(s) that extends into the setback shall not exceed a 17-foot overall height maximum as measured from natural or finished grade, whichever is lower. For chimneys, the overall height measurement shall be to the adjacent building plate height. For decks, balconies, and stairways, the overall height shall be measured to the top of the walking surface, and;

(e)

The addition(s) shall not exceed 250 square feet in a 12-month period starting at the date of passing a final inspection for an addition previously permitted by this subsection.

(4)

Floor area relocation. Notwithstanding the provisions of division (B)(1) above, an exception to permit a relocation of portions of the footprint of a nonconforming main residence, which exceeds the maximum

floor area, may be granted by the Planning Director provided all of the following are satisfied:

(a)

The relocated portion shall not encroach into the setback to a greater extent than exists and shall meet all required height restrictions;

(b)

A portion of the residence equal to or greater than the relocated portion beyond the current footprint shall be removed;

(c)

The average exterior wall height of the relocated portion of the residence shall be equal to or lower than the average plate height of the portion to be removed;

(d)

The building height of the relocated portion of the residence shall be equal to or lower than the building height of the portion to be removed; and

(e)

The relocated portion shall be limited to ten percent of the maximum allowable main residence size for the zoning district without an exception.

(5)

The following shall be considered/performed when processing exceptions pursuant to divisions (B)(2) and (B)(4):

(a)

The exception shall not cause significant adverse impacts on neighboring property owners.

(b)

The Planning Director shall notify, by first class mail, all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property of the exception request, of any Planning Director approval.

(c)

Decisions of the Planning Director concerning exceptions granted pursuant to divisions (B)(2) and (B)(4) may be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Sections 153.971 through 153.973.

(1975 Code, § 9-2.1210)

(C)

Paved area and surface coverage. Properties that exceed the maximum permitted paved area and surface coverage for the zoning district shall be subject to the following:

(1)

Paved area and surface coverage may be repaired or replaced in the same location.

(2)

Paved area and surface coverage totaling no more than 250 square feet may be relocated within a 12 consecutive month period. The 12 consecutive month period shall begin on the date of receiving a final inspection of the relocated materials.

(3)

Paved area and surface coverage totaling more than 250 square feet may be relocated if:

(a)

The relocation will result in elimination of the nonconformity, or

(b)

The relocation will result in a reduction of 25 percent or more of the paved area and surface coverage which exceeds the maximum permitted paved area and surface coverage.

(c)

Exceptions. Paved area and surface coverage totaling more than 250 square feet may not be relocated if:

1.

The Town has a survey on file that was associated with a permit issued after January 1, 2000, showing less paved area and surface coverage than is shown on the current application; and

2.

The Town does not have any additional evidence that the paved and surface coverage areas presented as existing at the time of application were permitted by the Town after the survey was prepared.

3.

If the records above do not exist, it shall be presumed that the paved area and surface coverage presented as existing at the time of application were installed in accordance with the Town's regulations.

(Ord. 1991-444, effective 8-9-91; Am. Ord. 1999-494, effective 3-25-99; Am. Ord. 2005-526, effective 5-1205; Am. Ord. 2012-558, effective 1-10-13; Am. Ord. 2013-559, effective 3-14-13; Am. Ord. 2014-563, effective 2-13-14; Am. Ord. 2017-385, effective 4-27-17; Am. Ord. 2017-586, effective 6-8-17; Am. Ord. 2018-593, effective 4-26-18; Am. Ord. 2020-608, § 2, effective 4-23-20; Am. Ord. 2021-616, § 2(Exh. A, § II), effective 3-11-21)

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
Contents — Woodside Zoning Code
Woodside Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 153 — ZONING
    Overview
    1. Sec. 153.001 - Adoption; short title.
    2. Sec. 153.002 - Purposes.
    3. Sec. 153.003 - Contents.
    4. Sec. 153.004 - Application and interpretation.
    5. Sec. 153.005 - Definitions.
    6. Sec. 153.101 - Establishment of Zoning Districts.
    7. Sec. 153.102 - Classification of zoning districts.
    8. Sec. 153.103 - Zoning Map.
    9. Sec. 153.104 - Zoning district boundaries.
    10. Sec. 153.105 - Prezoning of adjoining unincorporated territory.
    11. Sec. 153.106 - Conformity required.
    12. Sec. 153.107 - Residential and commercial zoning districts: pe…
    13. Sec. 153.108 - Open space zoning districts: Permitted, conditi…
    14. Sec. 153.109 - Planned Community Commercial District.
    15. Sec. 153.110 - Multi-Family Residential Zoning District Develo…
    16. Sec. 153.111 - Home occupations: Special requirements.
    17. Sec. 153.112 - Wineries: Special requirements.
    18. Sec. 153.113 - Use of residential parcels for commercial purpo…
    19. 153.200 - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND EXCEPTIONS
    20. Sec. 153.201 - Purpose.
    21. Sec. 153.202 - General conformity required.
    22. Sec. 153.203 - Required conditions in all zoning districts.
    23. Sec. 153.204 - Exceptions for minor improvements for disabled …
    24. 153.205 - LOT AREA
    25. 153.207 - SETBACKS
    26. 153.208 - HEIGHT
    27. 153.209 - PAVED AREA AND SURFACE COVERAGE
    28. 153.210 - BUILDING COVERAGE
    29. 153.212 - FENCES, WALLS, GATES, PYLONS, AND BERMS
    30. 153.213 - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
    31. Sec. 153.221 - Purpose.
    32. Sec. 153.222 - General application.
    33. Sec. 153.223 - Minimum number of required automobile parking s…
    34. Sec. 153.224 - General provisions for off-road parking facilit…
    35. Sec. 153.225 - Development and maintenance of parking areas.
    36. Sec. 153.226 - Off-road loading facilities.
    37. Sec. 153.231 - Purpose and applicability.
    38. Sec. 153.232 - Continuation of nonconforming uses, lots, struc…
    39. Sec. 153.233 - Required conditional use permit.
    40. Sec. 153.234 - Maintenance.
    41. Sec. 153.235 - Limitations on modifications.
    42. Sec. 153.236 - Limitations applicable to alterations, addition…
    43. Sec. 153.237 - Discontinuance due to cessation of use.
    44. Sec. 153.238 - Termination of nonconforming uses.
    45. Sec. 153.239 - Nonconforming uses of land and structures.
    46. 153.400 - DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE …
    47. Sec. 153.412 - Applicability.
    48. Sec. 153.413 - Average ground slope.
    49. Sec. 153.414 - Lot yield; slope-density standards.
    50. Sec. 153.415 - Development standards.
    51. Sec. 153.416 - Natural state reclamation.
    52. Sec. 153.421 - Purposes.
    53. Sec. 153.422 - Required approval.
    54. Sec. 153.423 - Building site review.
    55. Sec. 153.424 - Seismic safety.
    56. Sec. 153.425 - Procedures and permit issuance.
    57. Sec. 153.426 - Plans and reports.
    58. Sec. 153.427 - Nonconforming structures and buildings in fault…
    59. Sec. 153.428 - Liability.
    60. 153.430 - TREE PROTECTION
    61. Sec. 153.431 - Purpose.
    62. Sec. 153.432 - Applicability.
    63. Sec. 153.433 - Emergencies.
    64. Sec. 153.434 - Permit—Required.
    65. Sec. 153.435 - Permit—Application.
    66. Sec. 153.436 - Permit—Application review.
    67. Sec. 153.437 - Protection of significant trees during site dev…
    68. Sec. 153.438 - Replacement of significant trees.
    69. Sec. 153.439 - Violations—Penalty.
    70. Sec. 153.441 - Purposes.
    71. Sec. 153.442 - Application.
    72. Sec. 153.443 - Uses permitted.
    73. Sec. 153.444 - Conditional uses.
    74. Sec. 153.445 - General limitations.
    75. 153.500 - SIGNS
    76. Sec. 153.501 - Purpose.
    77. Sec. 153.502 - Signs permitted in all districts.
    78. Sec. 153.503 - Temporary signs.
    79. Sec. 153.504 - Sign permits and design review.
    80. Sec. 153.505 - Signs permitted in the community commercial dis…
    81. Sec. 153.506 - General requirements.
    82. Sec. 153.507 - Holiday displays.
    83. Sec. 153.601 - Purpose.
    84. Sec. 153.602 - Definitions and acronyms.
    85. Sec. 153.603 - Permitted use.
    86. Sec. 153.604 - Permit required; permitting fees.
    87. Sec. 153.605 - Application required; contents of WCF permit ap…
    88. Sec. 153.606 - Review of WCF permit application.
    89. Sec. 153.607 - Design standards.
    90. Sec. 153.608 - Required findings for approval.
    91. Sec. 153.610 - Small cell applications.
    92. Sec. 153.611 - Time to act on applications.
    93. Sec. 153.612 - Appeal to Town Council.
    94. Sec. 153.613 - Standard conditions.
    95. Sec. 153.614 - Operational regulations.
    96. Sec. 153.615 - Modification of a WCF permit.
    97. Sec. 153.616 - Revocation of a WCF permit.
    98. Sec. 153.617 - Abandonment, removal or relocation of facilities.
    99. Sec. 153.618 - Transfer of an interest.
    100. Sec. 153.619 - Exemption for municipal facilities.
    101. Sec. 153.620 - Violations are infractions.
    102. Sec. 153.621 - Controlling provisions.
    103. Sec. 153.701 - Purpose.
    104. Sec. 153.702 - Findings.
    105. Sec. 153.703 - Definitions.
    106. Sec. 153.704 - Compliance required.
    107. Sec. 153.705 - Architectural and Site Review Board reviews.
    108. Sec. 153.706 - Design standards.
    109. Sec. 153.707 - Exceptions.
    110. 153.900 - PROCEDURES
    111. Sec. 153.909 - Story poles.
    112. Sec. 153.912 - Required review.
    113. Sec. 153.913 - Design review.
    114. Sec. 153.914 - Applications and fees.
    115. Sec. 153.915 - Actions on design review.
    116. Sec. 153.916 - Inactive planning applications.
    117. Sec. 153.917 - Lapse of approvals.
    118. Sec. 153.918 - New applications.
    119. 153.920 - CONDITIONAL USES
    120. Sec. 153.921 - Purposes and authorization.
    121. Sec. 153.922 - Applications and fees.
    122. Sec. 153.923 - Action of the planning director.
    123. Sec. 153.924 - Referrals.
    124. Sec. 153.925 - Public hearings.
    125. Sec. 153.926 - Planning Commission action.
    126. Sec. 153.927 - Findings for use permits.
    127. Sec. 153.928 - Conditions required.
    128. Sec. 153.929 - Revocation of use permits.
    129. Sec. 153.930 - New applications.
    130. 153.940 - VARIANCES
    131. Sec. 153.941 - Purposes.
    132. Sec. 153.942 - General provisions.
    133. Sec. 153.943 - Applications and fees.
    134. Sec. 153.944 - Action of the Planning Director.
    135. Sec. 153.945 - Referrals.
    136. Sec. 153.946 - Public hearings.
    137. Sec. 153.947 - Planning Commission action.
    138. Sec. 153.948 - Findings for variances.
    139. Sec. 153.949 - Decisions of the Planning Commission.
    140. Sec. 153.950 - Conditions of variances.
    141. Sec. 153.951 - Revocation of variances.
    142. Sec. 153.952 - Violations of conditions.
    143. Sec. 153.953 - New applications.
    144. 153.960 - AMENDMENTS
    145. Sec. 153.961 - General provisions.
    146. Sec. 153.962 - Applications and fees.
    147. Sec. 153.963 - Public hearings.
    148. Sec. 153.964 - Planning Commission and Council Action.
    149. Sec. 153.965 - New applications.
    150. Sec. 153.971 - Appeals on decisions.
    151. Sec. 153.972 - Filing appeals.
    152. Sec. 153.973 - Procedure for appeals.
    153. Sec. 153.974 - Town Council hearing of an appeal.
    154. 153.980 - SB9 UNIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
    155. Sec. 153.981 - Purpose.
    156. Sec. 153.982 - Definitions and acronyms.
    157. Sec. 153.983 - Applicability and review process.
    158. Sec. 153.984 - Applications and additional materials required/…
    159. Sec. 153.985 - Allowable land uses for SB9 lots.
    160. Sec. 153.986 - Objective development standards for SB9 housing…
    161. Sec. 153.987 - Nonconforming structures, uses, and paved area …
    162. Sec. 153.988 - Deed restriction requirements.
    163. Sec. 153.989 - Denial of applications.
    164. 153.990 - ENFORCEMENT
    165. Sec. 153.991 - Authority and enforcement.
    166. Sec. 153.992 - Violations a public nuisance.
    167. Sec. 153.993 - Reserved.
    168. Sec. 153.999 - Penalty.

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.