Portola Valley

For lands included in an S-D combining district, the values set forth in Table 3, as based on the formulae given therein, apply in lieu of the values for minimum parcel areas set forth in Table 1 in Section 18.48.010. ... (1) Gross Area = 1/(0.459 - 0.0101(S-15)) (2) Minimum Area Parcel = 1/(0.5 - 0.011(S-15))

For lands included in an S-D combining district, the values set forth in Table 3, as based on the formulae given therein, apply in lieu of the values for minimum parcel areas set forth in Table 1 in Section 18.48.010. ... (1) Gross Area = 1/(0.3704 - 0.007476(S-15)) (2) Minimum Area Parcel = 1/(0.4 - 0.008156(S-15))

The slope of a parcel shall be measured using the following formula and either the town topographic map, dated August 22, 1968, with a scale of one inch equals two hundred feet, or a topographic map with an accuracy acceptable to the administrative official and a scale in which one inch equals no more than two hundred feet. The formula is: S = 0.00229 IL / A

The number of dwelling units permissible in any planned unit development shall be determined as follows: 1. In areas within a slope density combining district, the gross residential area shall be divided by the required gross residential area per dwelling unit indicated in Table 3 for the applicable slope category; 2. In all areas not included in a slope density combining district, the net residential area shall be divided by the minimum parcel area required for the district or combining district in which located.

In R-E and M-R districts the planning commission may authorize the net area for individual parcels or building sites to be reduced to twenty thousand square feet if the commission finds that development results in less disturbance to the natural terrain and vegetation and produces a development more in keeping with the objectives of this title and the Portola Valley general plan than could otherwise have been obtained.

In R-E and M-R districts the planning commission may authorize the net area for individual parcels or building sites to be reduced to twenty thousand square feet if the commission finds that development results in less disturbance to the natural terrain and vegetation and produces a development more in keeping with the objectives of this title and the Portola Valley general plan than could otherwise have been obtained.

Where a planned unit development includes area in categories Pmw, Ms, Pd, Pdf, Md, Psc or Pf as shown on the Ground Movement Potential Map of Portola Valley adopted by council Resolution 2506-2010 and as thereafter amended, the maximum number of parcels permitted shall be determined by either of the two following procedures at the option of the applicant: A. The applicant may compute the maximum number of dwelling units permitted by procedures set forth in Sections 18.50.040 and 18.50.050 except that for those lands in one of the land movement potential categories enumerated in this section, the number of dwelling units shall not exceed ten percent of the number permitted by procedures set forth in Sections 18.50.040 and 18.50.050. B. The applicant may design a conventional subdivision...

Except as provided in this chapter, every structure shall be upon a parcel of such dimensions in relation to the structure as to provide for yards as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of Section 18.48.010 or the district in which the parcel is located.

A structure shall not be erected or maintained on a parcel which abuts a street having only a portion of its required width dedicated... unless the yards provided and maintained in connection with the structure have a width or depth sufficient to complete the road width, plus the width or depth of the yards normally required on the parcel by this ordinance.

Where buildings are permitted by Chapter 18.54 to be erected to a height exceeding the height limit for the district in which located, the least width of required side yard and the least depth of required rear yard shall be increased by one foot for each two feet the structure exceeds the height limit for the district.

Where the wall or exterior line of a structure is not parallel to a parcel line, a portion of the structure may project into the required yard, provided that: A. The average depth or width of yard is at least equal to the required least depth or width otherwise required in the district; B. The yard is not less in depth or width at any point than eighty percent of the least width or depth otherwise required in the district.

Where the wall or exterior line of a structure adjacent to a parcel line does not follow a continuous unbroken alignment, a portion of the structure may project into the required yard provided that: A. The average depth or width of yard is at least equal to the required least depth or width otherwise required in the district; B. The yard is not less in depth or width at any point than eighty percent of the least width or depth otherwise required in the district.

Accessory structures may occupy required yard areas subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.42.

The following enumerated features may project into required yards as set forth in this section, provided that, in a case of an interior side yard, the projection shall not exceed one-fifth of the required least width of side yard: A. Cornices, canopies, eaves or any other similar architectural features may project a distance not exceeding three feet; B. An uncovered stair and necessary landings may project a distance not to exceed six feet... C. Ramps used to provide handicapped access to a structure may extend into any required yards...

On any parcel, which parcel was under one ownership at the time of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, and which has an average width of less than seven times the required least width of side yard, the required least width of side yard may be reduced to fifteen percent of the width of such parcel, but in no case shall the width of any such side yard be less than five feet.

On any legally established parcel in existence at the time of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, a private garage, attached or detached, may be built to within five feet of the front lot line, but not closer than fifteen feet of the center line of a public or private street, provided such garage shall hold the side yard setbacks that are required for the main building when located in districts with required minimum building sites of twenty thousand square feet or less, provided the planning commission finds that: A. It is impractical to construct a private driveway with a grade of twenty percent or less to a garage site conforming to the requirements of this title; B. There are adequate guest parking spaces available to the parcel to obviate the need for parking on the driveway apron unless there is at least twenty feet between the street traveled way and the garage.

Exceptions to yard requirements may be permitted as a part of an approved planned unit development or planned community district provided the provisions of subsection C of Section 18.44.050 are met.

When a parcel does not abut on a street or gains access from an individual accessway, and is in a residential zoning district requiring a minimum parcel area of one acre of more, the required front yard shall be determined as follows: A. If the neighboring parcel(s) common to the front parcel line does not have a residence, the required front yard shall be the same as specified in Section 18.48.010 for the required rear yard. B. If the neighboring parcel(s) common to the front parcel line has a residence, the board of adjustment may grant an exception to reduce the required front yard but in no case to a dimension less than specified in Section 18.48.010 for the required rear yard...

The planning commission may approve siting a wireless communication facility in a required front, side or rear yard if it makes the following findings: A. There is no reasonable alternative location on the site that conforms with required setbacks, is less visually obtrusive, and has at least equivalent access to necessary electromagnetic signals. B. The siting will not adversely impact emergency access. C. If existing vegetation, relied upon for antenna screening, is removed, the antenna will not become highly visible.

Building bulk regulations including height limits, measurement, exceptions, building coverage, and floor area.