Local zoning · Woodside

Woodside — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Woodside local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Town of Woodside zoning/planning ordinance requires for development standards — setbacks, height, lot coverage/paved coverage, maximum residence size and density rules — and how those rules vary by district. For rules about parking, design review, overlays, accessory dwelling units, and the state building code, see the linked topic pages inline below; the legal requirements summarized here are grounded in the Town code citations shown.

  • For local zoning and development standards (including setbacks/development standards) see the Woodside Zoning overview.(/us/california/woodside/zoning)
  • For parking rules see the Woodside Parking page.(/us/california/woodside/parking)
  • For design review thresholds see Woodside Design Review.(/us/california/woodside/design-review)
  • Consult the Woodside Overlay Districts page for overlay-specific limitations.(/us/california/woodside/overlay-districts)
  • For rules and exceptions that apply to ADUs see the Woodside ADUs page.(/us/california/woodside/adu)
  • The local code defers to the state building regulations for construction standards; see the California Building Standards Code.(/us/california/building-codes)

All statutory citations below use the Town code § numbers (e.g., § 153.207) and are supported by the uploaded Woodside zoning code excerpts.

District-by-district development standards

Below are the most decision-relevant development rules organized by district. Where the code provides tables or specific formulas those are cited. If an item cannot be confirmed from the retrieved materials I state "Not found in retrieved materials" and advise to verify with the Town.

Notes on terminology used by the code:

  • "Plate height" and "building height" measurement rules and exceptions are in § 153.208.
  • Setbacks are in § 153.207 and its Table H.
  • Maximum residence size (TFA / floor-area rules) and Table G are in § 153.206 (Table G shown in the code extract).
  • Paved area / surface coverage rules and Table J are in § 153.209.
  • Floor-area calculation method (Table F and multipliers) is in § 153.206 / Table F.
  • Slope-density and hillside natural-state rules are in § 153.412–153.414.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses

  • The R-1 district is the Town's standard single-family residential zone (primary use = detached single-family dwelling). Specific permitted-use lists were not reproduced in the retrieved excerpts. Verify with the Town for allowed accessory or home‑business uses. Not found in retrieved materials.

Key dimensional standards

  • Setbacks: basic setbacks in Table H — Front 30 ft, Rear 25 ft, Side 15 ft for structures under 17 ft building height (Table H). § 153.207
  • Height: typical plate/height limits are 11 ft plate height and 17 ft building height; measurement rules and ministerial/discretionary exceptions are in § 153.208.
  • Maximum residence size: See Table G (TFA formulas and maximums for R‑1) — the code uses lot-area-based formulas rather than a single FAR number; see § 153.206 / Table G.
  • Paved area/surface coverage: R‑1 paved limits are controlled by Table J and the Paved Area section § 153.209 (specific values vary with lot size; applicants must consult the Table J series). Where it applies
  • Applies townwide to parcels zoned R‑1 per the Town zoning map. Verify parcel zoning with the Town. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical note: additions to existing nonconforming buildings are tightly limited: additions that encroach into setbacks are limited in size and height and must meet the minimums in Table O; see § 153.207(C) for the exception rules.

SR (Semi‑Rural)

Purpose / typical uses

  • SR is a larger‑lot residential district oriented to semi‑rural parcels. Typical use = single‑family with larger minimum acreage. Not found in retrieved materials for full permitted uses list.

Key dimensional standards

  • Setbacks (Table H): Front 50 ft, Rear 30 ft, Side 30 ft (Table H entries for SR). § 153.207
  • Height: same plate/building baseline (11 ft plate / 17 ft building) unless exceptions approved — see § 153.208.
  • Maximum residence size: Table G gives the SR formula (up to 5,500 sq ft with exception rules) and exception criteria. § 153.206 / Table G.

RR (Rural Residential) and SCP (Special Conservation Planning: SCP-5, SCP-7.5, SCP-10)

Purpose / typical uses

  • RR and SCP zones are for large‑lot rural and conservation‑oriented parcels; slope and minimum natural‑state rules frequently apply. See slope‑density rules § 153.412–153.414 for hillside lots.

Key dimensional standards

  • Setbacks: For RR and SCP the code shows larger setbacks — commonly 50 ft front/rear/side for RR and SCP in many table entries (see Table H and specific exception notes). § 153.207
  • Height: baseline 11 ft plate / 17 ft building; discretionary exceptions may allow larger main‑residence height up to 35 ft if findings met (see § 153.208(D)).
  • Maximum residence size: Table G sets higher maxima for RR and SCP (formulas and upper limits up to 8,800 sq ft with exception process). § 153.206 / Table G.

Slope / density controls

  • Parcels with steep average slopes are subject to slope‑density minimums or minimum natural‑state area rules under § 153.412–153.414; these rules reduce lot yield or limit new development on steep terrain.

Woodside Glens (special R‑18 / R‑9 subareas)

Purpose / typical uses

  • The Woodside Glens is a local neighborhood with unique lot sizes and modified dimensional rules. The code contains separate formulas (Table G) and setback/height special provisions for Glens lots. § 153.206 / Table G; § 153.208 clarifies height and garage rules.

Key dimensional standards / special exceptions

  • Special maximum residence formulas and thresholds for Glens lots appear in Table G (different acreage breakpoints and flat maxima). § 153.206 / Table G.
  • Detached garages/carports/parking platforms in the Glens are treated specially for plate/height measurement and exclusions; see § 153.208(C)(2) and Table F exclusions.

MF / MF‑20 / MFRZ (Multi‑Family Residential districts)

Purpose / typical uses

  • MF, MF‑20, and MFRZ are multi‑family residential zones and are subject to district‑specific development standards in § 153.110. Typical uses = multi‑unit housing; consult the zoning map and the use table for exact permitted uses. § 153.110

Key dimensional / site standards (selected)

  • Density: "Allowable density shall be defined pursuant to § 153.102" (the code points to § 153.102 for density rules). § 153.110
  • Landscape buffer: 10‑foot landscape screening where MF borders single‑family zones. § 153.110(B)(1)(c)
  • Garbage enclosure, lighting, utility screening, driveway limits and grading guidance are all spelled out in § 153.110(B).
  • Slope rules: multi‑family development may occur on slopes > 35% without variance per § 153.110(B)(1)(i).

CC (Community Commercial)

Purpose / typical uses

  • CC is the Town Center / community commercial district. Typical uses are commercial; permitted-use specifics are in the use tables not reproduced here. Not found in retrieved materials for full use list.

Key dimensional standards

  • Height and Town Center special rules: Table I‑3 and § 153.208(A)(2–3) control building heights in the Community Commercial District. For parcels near Woodside Road and Highway 35, the code caps heights in feet above the edge of the adjoining paved right‑of‑way (e.g., 17 ft or 21 ft in mapped CCD areas) and in some cases limits buildings to one story facing Woodside Road. § 153.208 / Table I‑3.

OS (Open Space) / Public Conservation

Purpose / typical uses

  • OS parcels are treated differently for lot yield and may be exempt from some slope density calculations; the code excludes OS from slope‑density lot yield in § 153.414.

SB9 / Ministerial Small‑lot standards (state housing implementation)

Purpose / typical uses

  • The code includes a ministerial SB9 housing chapter for qualifying two‑unit/ministerial projects; specific objective standards and ministerial height/plate limits are codified (e.g., plate 11 ft, building 17 ft baseline for SB9 with specific exceptions and paved/coverage numbers). See the SB9 chapter and the SB9 table excerpt in the code. § references in the SB9 chapter are reproduced in the code extract.

Quick comparison table (decision‑relevant standards)

District Typical height limits (plate / building) Typical setbacks (F / R / S) Max residence size / coverage Code reference
R‑1 11 ft plate / 17 ft building (baseline) 30 ft / 25 ft / 15 ft (baseline) Lot‑area TFA formulas (Table G) — no single FAR number § 153.208, § 153.207, § 153.206
SR 11 ft / 17 ft 50 ft / 30 ft / 30 ft Table G formulas (up to 5,500 sq ft with exception) § 153.207, § 153.208, § 153.206
RR / SCP 11 ft / 17 ft (exceptions possible to 35 ft) Often 50 ft / 50 ft / 50 ft (SCP/RR) Higher Table G maxima; slope/density rules apply § 153.207, § 153.208, § 153.412–414
Woodside Glens Special garage/plate rules; overall building maxs per Table G Glens variants in Table H Special Table G formulas and exclusions (see Table G) § 153.206, § 153.208
MF / MF‑20 / MFRZ Varies; see district rules Landscape buffer 10 ft when next to single‑family Density per § 153.102; other site standards in § 153.110 § 153.110, § 153.102
CC (Town Center) CCD map limits: 17 ft / 21 ft depending on proximity; one‑story facing Woodside Road in Town Center Varies; Town Center rules override in places CC uses building coverage instead of TFA (see § 153.210) § 153.208, Table I‑3, § 153.210

(For paved area / surface coverage by lot size see § 153.209 and Table J series. )

Notes:

  • The ordinance calculates floor area by plate‑height multipliers (Table F / floor‑area method) rather than a simple FAR in many districts; see § 153.206 / Table F.
  • Where the code uses “exception” or “maximum residence size exception” the approval path and findings are described in the code (Planning Commission or Planning Director depending on the exception). See § 153.206 and the exceptions sections.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high level)

  • Confirm zoning district on Town zoning map and applicable overlays; apply the district rules in § 153.205–153.210 as applicable. Verify with the Town.
  • Meet setback minima from § 153.207 / Table H (or request an allowed exception if qualifying).
  • Ensure plate and building heights comply with § 153.208 (measure heights per the code's measurement rules).
  • Confirm allowable total floor area (TFA) using Table F multipliers and Table G limits for your district; compute garage/carport exclusions per Table F.
  • Check paved area and surface coverage limits in § 153.209 and the applicable Table J for your zone/lot size.
  • If in MF zones, provide required landscape screening, garbage enclosure, and lighting/utility screening per § 153.110(B).
  • If your lot is hillside or exceeds slope thresholds, apply slope‑density/natural‑state rules in § 153.412–153.414.
  • For ADUs, follow the ADU-specific exceptions and standards in § 153.211 and the ADU chapter; consider state ADU law for ministerial entitlements. See the ADU page for practical guidance.(/us/california/woodside/adu)
  • Check whether design review is triggered under Town design rules (see Woodside Design Review).(/us/california/woodside/design-review)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
FAR (floor‑area ratio) not present as a single cap Woodside uses TFA formulas and plate multipliers rather than a single FAR in most residential districts; applicants expecting a simple FAR may miscalculate allowable area. Verify TFA method and Table F multipliers and Table G formula for your lot in § 153.206.
Parcel‑specific slope density / natural‑state limits Steep lots trigger slope‑density rules and minimum natural‑state retention that can reduce buildable area and lot yield. Run slope analysis and consult § 153.412–153.414 and Town planning staff.
Woodside Glens special rules Garages, plate height exclusions and unique TFA formulas apply in the Glens — these alter how garage area and plate height count toward TFA. Confirm Glens status and apply Table G/Table F and § 153.208 garage exceptions.
Town Center / CC height map requirements CCD Map areas have height caps measured from roadway edge that may be lower than standard district caps. Check whether your parcel is within CCD Map area A/B and the CCD map notes; see § 153.208 and Table I‑3.
Nonconforming structures and additions Additions to nonconforming buildings have strict size and setback rules (e.g., maximum 10% TFA addition into setback, height caps). Review § 153.207(C) and consult Planning Director for allowable exceptions.
SB9 ministerial standards The Town includes an SB9 ministerial chapter with objective standards; compliance offers different (ministerial) review but has strict objective thresholds. If pursuing a two‑unit SB9 project, follow the SB9 chapter requirements and objective standards in the code.

Plain‑English Summary

Woodside regulates how big, tall, and how close homes and buildings can be on each lot by district: typical single‑family lots (R‑1) use 30‑ft front, 25‑ft rear, 15‑ft side setbacks and have an 11 ft plate / 17 ft building cap; maximum house size is calculated by lot‑area formulas (not a single FAR), and paved coverage is limited by tables. Hillside rules, special neighborhoods (Woodside Glens), the Town Center map, multi‑family rules, and SB9 ministerial standards add district‑specific exceptions — always check the precise § citations cited here and verify parcel status with the Town.

Source References

  • Setbacks: § 153.207 (Table H; exceptions for additions), Woodside zoning code excerpts.
  • Height / plate height / exceptions: § 153.208 (measurement, ministerial/discretionary exceptions).
  • Paved area & surface coverage: § 153.209 (Table J series for R‑1 etc.).
  • Floor area calculation (Table F) & exclusions: § 153.206 / Table F.
  • Maximum residence size (TFA) by lot and exceptions (Table G): § 153.206 / Table G.
  • Multi‑family development standards: § 153.110 (MF, MF‑20, MFRZ requirements).
  • Slope‑density / hillside rules: § 153.412–153.414.
  • SB9 / ministerial small‑lot standards (local chapter): SB9 chapter excerpts in the code.
  • Woodside topic pages cited in the text (internal site navigation): Woodside Zoning, Woodside Parking, Woodside Design Review, Woodside Overlay Districts, Woodside ADUs, California Building Standards Code.(/us/california/woodside/zoning) (/us/california/woodside/parking) (/us/california/woodside/design-review) (/us/california/woodside/overlay-districts) (/us/california/woodside/adu) (/us/california/building-codes)

Verify parcel‑specific and up‑to‑date interpretations with Town planning staff; the raw ordinance text and the Town zoning map are the final authorities.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.501) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.207) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Chapter 150) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (article III) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Woodside?

Allowed/buildable uses per district are in the Town zoning map and use tables. For development standards (setbacks, height, maximum residence size, paved coverage) apply § 153.207 (setbacks), § 153.208 (height), § 153.206/Table G (maximum residence size), and § 153.209 (paved coverage). Confirm permitted uses for that specific parcel with the Town; the retrieved excerpts do not include the full permitted‑use list.

What are Woodside setback requirements?

Setbacks are set in § 153.207 and Table H. Typical R‑1 setbacks are 30 ft front / 25 ft rear / 15 ft side for structures under 17 ft building height; other districts (SR, RR, SCP) have larger setbacks per Table H. See § 153.207 for exceptions for additions and nonconforming buildings.

How is building height measured in Woodside?

Height and plate height measurement rules are in § 153.208: overall/plate height is measured vertically from finished or existing grade (whichever is lower) to the uppermost roof/wall/parapet; ministerial exceptions (chimneys, cupolas) and discretionary exceptions (e.g., up to 35 ft for main residence under findings) are also in § 153.208.

Does Woodside use FAR (floor‑area ratio)?

Woodside primarily uses total floor area (TFA) formulas, plate‑height multipliers (Table F) and Table G maximums rather than a single citywide FAR for most residential districts. A simple FAR cap was not found in the retrieved materials; compute allowable TFA per § 153.206 / Table F and Table G.

What are the rules for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and setbacks?

ADU specifics and many statutory exceptions are in § 153.211 and the ADU chapter. ADUs must meet building/fire/septic rules but the Town provides explicit ADU exceptions to some zoning limits (see § 153.211); also consult state ADU law for ministerial limits. See the Woodside ADUs page for practice.(/us/california/woodside/adu)

When do paved area / driveway limits apply and where are they listed?

Paved area and surface coverage limits are in § 153.209 and the Table J series; R‑1 and SCP districts have lot‑size‑based paved limits. Check Table J for your lot size to determine the maximum paved area.

If my lot is steep, how will that affect density and building size?

Lots with gross average slopes above program thresholds are subject to slope‑density and minimum natural‑state rules in § 153.412–153.414, which can reduce allowed lot yield and constrain building locations. A slope analysis is required to apply those formulas.

Do garages count toward maximum floor area?

Yes — floor area counting rules and garage/carport exclusions are in Table F and the TFA rules. Some garage area is excluded in the Glens up to 440 sq ft under limited conditions; otherwise garages are generally counted. See § 153.206 / Table F.

Are there special Town Center height limits?

Yes. The Community Commercial / Town Center area uses the CCD Map and Table I‑3/§ 153.208 to cap heights relative to the adjacent right‑of‑way (e.g., 17 ft or 21 ft limits and one‑story facing Woodside Road for certain parcels). Check the CCD map for your parcel.

Do I need design review for residential additions or new houses?

Design review triggers and objective standards are handled in the Town's design review chapters and policies; see Woodside Design Review for thresholds and process.(/us/california/woodside/design-review) For certain ministerial SB9 projects the Town applies objective design standards ministerially (SB9 chapter).

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