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ORDINANCE NO. 511
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
ADDING SECTION 10-1.508 TO ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 1 OF
TITLE 10 OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
REGULATING AREA, COVERAGE, HEIGHT AND SETBACK
LIMITATIONS.
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to establish a consolidated ordinance section
that provides regulations and limitations with regards to estate homes.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does
ORDAIN as follows:
I. AMENDMENT OF CODE. Section 10-1.508 (Estate Homes) is hereby added to
Article 5 (Area, Coverage, Height, and Setback Limitations) of Chapter 1
(Zoning) of Title 10 (Zoning and Site Development) of the Los Altos Hills
Municipal Code to read as follows:
Section 10-1.508. Estate homes.
(a) Purpose. Single-family residential development on a grand scale typically
includes a primary dwelling of substantial size as well as accessory structures
such as a swimming pool, tennis court, secondary dwelling, pool cabana, barn,
and stables. The following regulations have been established to address the
potential impacts of estate homes and to ensure that they are developed in a
manner that is compatible with the open,rural character of the Town.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions are established for the purpose of this
Article:
Estate Home. .A building with floor area totaling 10,000 square feet of floor area
or greater, not including areas that meet the definition of"basement" set forth in
Sec. 10-1.208. For the purposes of this ordinance, buildings connected by a
breezeway, covered walkway, or other means with a height of six (6) feet above
grade or greater shall be deemed one (1)building.
(c) Setbacks.
(1) Additional setbacks. Additional setbacks shall apply.to Estate Homes as
follows:
Front setback: 44 feet plus 4 feet per 2,000 square feet over 10,000
square feet up to a maximum of 60 feet
Side and rear setbacks: 33 feet plus 3 feet per 2,000 square feet over
10,000 square feet up to a maximum of 45 feet
Size of building Setback Requirements for Estate Homes
Front Sides and Rear
10,000-11,999 s.f. 44 33
12,000-13,999 s.f. 48 36
14,000-15,999 s.f. 52 39
16,000-17,999 s.f. 56 42
18,000+ s.f. 60 45
(2)Exceptions. Exceptions to the additional setbacks required in subsection
(d)(1) may be granted by the Planning Commission where the options for
siting of buildings are substantially constrained by existing natural
features of the lot (e.g., steep slopes over 30%, significant natural water
courses, unusual lot configurations or size, mature oak trees, earthquake
fault zones, or native vegetation) or by dedicated conservation, open
space, or access easements. Nothing in this section or any decision made
under this section shall preclude a property owner from applying for a
variance under Article 11.
(d) Height. Primary dwellings shall be permitted a maximum structure height of up
to 32 feet if the standard setbacks as defined by Sec. 10-1.505 are increased in
accordance with the provisions of Sec. 10-1.504. The maximum overall building
height of 35 feet shall not be exceeded.
(e) Approval Process. Site development applications for estate homes are not
eligible for the Fast-Track process under Sec. 10-2.1305.1.
(f) Conditions. Every Site Development Permit granted for an estate home may be
subject to conditions that are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety
and general welfare and to secure the objectives set forth in this Ordinance. The
City Council and Planning Commission have the discretion to apply stricter
standards to increase setbacks, reduce height, reduce floor area, and reduce
development area where site specific constraints dictate further limitations, such
that the purposes of the ordinances are complied with. Some examples of site
constraints include, but are not limited to, the shape or natural features of the lot
and easements which restrict development.
(g) Additions. Any proposed addition to an existing building which brings the total
floor area of the building in excess of 10,000 square feet, shall be subject to the
procedures and requirements of this Ordinance.
(h) Landscape Screening. Any development project subject to the Estate Homes
Ordinance is required to provide an application for Landscape Screening. The
Landscape Screening Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning
Commission.
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2. .EFFECTIVE DATE-This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from the
date of its passage.
INTRODUCED: January 10, 2008
PASSED: January 24, 2008
AYES: Mayor Craig A. T. Jones, Vice Mayor Jean Mordo, Councilmember Breene Kerr
and Councilmember Mike O'Malley
ABSENT: Councilmember Dean Warshawsky
ABSTENTIONS: None
ATTEST:
BY:
City Clerk Craig A.T. Jo es., ayor
APPROVED AS TO CONFORM:
City Attom
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