Atherton · Zoning · PFS
Atherton PFS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Atherton's PFS zone, buildings can be up to 34 ft tall and the front setback is 60 ft (Atherton code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 34 ft
- Minimum front setback: 60 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 60 ft (Lots not next to a residential lot)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
PFS (Public Facilities and Schools District) is a zoning district in Atherton. Every value below was read from the Atherton Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in PFS
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 34 ft § 17.36.040 · code textTable row “Height, maximum”, column “PFS”: 34 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 60 ft § 17.36.040 · code textTable row “Front yard, minimum”, column “PFS”: 60 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 60 ft Applies: Lots not next to a residential lot § 17.36.040 · code textTable row “Rear yard, minimum, all others”, column “PFS District Zoning District PFS”: 60 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 17.36.040 · code textTable row “Lot coverage, aggregate, maximum”, column “PFS”: 40% gross lot area |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in PFS:
- Minimum side setback: 50 ft — when adjacent to residential and building height is 22 ft. or less § 17.36.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Where a school sits next to another school; only along the shared PFS boundary § 17.36.040
- Minimum rear setback: 75 ft — adjacent to residential and building height is greater than 22 ft. § 17.36.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Where a school sits next to another school; only along the shared PFS boundary § 17.36.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, side setback, lot size, FAR, density limit for PFS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Atherton Municipal Code.
Other Atherton zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Atherton's PFS zone?
34 ft — Atherton Municipal Code § 17.36.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Atherton's PFS zone?
60 ft — Atherton Municipal Code § 17.36.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Atherton's PFS zone?
60 ft (lots not next to a residential lot) — Atherton Municipal Code § 17.36.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Atherton's PFS zone?
40% — Atherton Municipal Code § 17.36.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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