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Chapter 153 — ZONING

Sec. 153.909 - Story poles.

Woodside Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · Woodside

Upon the determination that an application requiring a public hearing is complete, the applicant shall install story poles that reasonably indicate the building footprint, plate heights, roof ridges, and setbacks of each proposed structure or addition. Story poles are not required for Architectural and Site Review Board Conceptual Design Review hearings, pursuant to Section 153.913(A).

(A)

Construction. Story poles shall be constructed using poles or wood and brightly colored ribbon, netting, or flags that are at least six inches wide. All story poles shall be erected to withstand weather and remain standing through the scheduled meeting date, any subsequent public hearings, and the associated appeal period.

(B)

Applicability. Story poles shall be installed for all proposed structures and additions. Pools, vehicle gates, new driveway cuts, and minor structures, such as a freestanding trellis, shall be represented using stakes and brightly colored ribbons. Story poles shall not be required for wireless communication facilities, described in Section 153.600.

(C)

Timing. All story poles and staking shall be installed ten days prior to the public hearing in which the application is reviewed. Story poles shall be maintained through the scheduled meeting date, any subsequent public hearings, and the associated appeal period. Story poles shall be removed no later than 14 days after the appeal period ends.

(D)

Exceptions. Exceptions to this section may be granted by the Planning Director, when he or she determines that story poles would pose a potentially pervasive safety risk to the general public (e.g., story poles at an active fire station).

(Am. Ord. 2018-596, § 2(Exh. A, III), effective 10-26-18)

Sec. 153.910 - Architectural and Site Review. Sec. 153.911 - Evaluation criteria.

The evaluation criteria for design review of proposed development, plans for buildings and other structures, and landscape plans are as follows:

SECTION 1: COMMUNITY CHARACTER.

1.

Rural Character and Community Aesthetics. Whether the property is developed in a manner that is in keeping with the rural character and aesthetics of the Town.

2.

Scenic Corridors and Vistas. Whether the property is developed in a manner which respects the character of scenic corridors and vistas.

3.

Natural Environment. Whether the property is developed in a manner that preserves natural features.

4.

Equestrian Lifestyle. Whether the property is developed in a manner which preserves and supports equestrian facilities and the Woodside trails network.

SECTION 2: SITE PLANNING.

1.

Site Constraints and Features. Whether the building location and site improvements are based on a clear understanding of the property's natural features, regulatory constraints, and relationships to adjacent properties.

2.

Natural Feature Conservation. Whether the site development conserves the property's open space, natural features, vegetation, and wildlife by subordinating development to the site's natural conditions.

3.

Site Usage and Building Siting. Whether the residential and accessory uses are located to respect and preserve Woodside's rural residential character, and maintain the visual continuity of natural landforms.

4.

Site Circulation. Whether the driveways, garages, parking areas, trails, and pathways are located and designed to be safe, minimally visible from the roadway, and subordinate to the site's natural features.

5.

Neighborhood and Community Compatibility. Whether the location, scale, and orientation of site improvements complement and are consistent with neighborhood and community development patterns.

6.

Fire Safe Design. Whether the site planning considers the relationship between buildings and high fuel load vegetation.

7.

Sustainability. Whether the site planning incorporates sustainable strategies to conserve and minimize energy consumption in the construction and use of structures.

SECTION 3: BUILDING DESIGN.

1.

Setting and Architectural Style. Whether the architectural design is tailored to lot size, terrain, vegetation, and other natural and neighborhood conditions.

2.

Building Form. Whether the building form is architecturally cohesive and understated.

3.

Materials, Color, and Details. Whether the materials, color, and details enhance the architectural style in a well-composed, understated manner.

4.

Fire Safety. Whether the project adheres to fire safety regulations, while maintaining the rural character of Woodside.

5.

Sustainability. Whether sustainable building practices are considered in project design.

SECTION 4: LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS.

Grading, Drainage, and Hardscape. Whether the landscape design minimizes grading, allows for appropriate drainage, minimizes paving, and preserves the natural and scenic character of Woodside.

2.

Planting Design. Whether the planting design respects and maintains existing native and mature vegetation, is informal in design, and is in keeping with the rural character of Woodside.

3.

Fences. Whether the fencing is open in design and compatible with the rural character of Woodside.

4.

Entry Features. Whether the design of entry features is simple, modest, and understated.

5.

Lighting. Whether the lighting on private property, especially if visible offsite, is minimized to maintain the rural experience.

6.

Fire Safe Design. Whether the landscape design includes fire resistant plantings and the development of a defensible space around structures by elimination of overgrown plant materials with high fuel content while preserving the natural environment.

7.

Sustainability. Whether the landscape design incorporates sustainable strategies to maximize water efficiency and preserve open space.

SECTION 5: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

1.

In addition to Sections 1-4 above, non-residential development shall be further reviewed, to determine:

a.

Whether the design promotes harmonious transition in scale and character in areas between different designated land uses;

b.

Whether the project expresses an appropriate sense of identity with its function; and,

c.

Whether the design and placement of sign(s) and/or graphics are consistent with Sections 153.501 through 153.506.

(1975 Code, § 9-2.901) (Ord. 1980-291, effective 9-11-80; Am. Ord. 1999-494, effective 3-25-99; Am. Ord. 2012-554, effective 8-23-12; Am. Ord. 2017-589, effective 8-24-17; Am. Ord. 2018-596, § 2(Exh. A, § II), effective 10-26-18)

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▸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.

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