HomeMy WebLinkAbout207:. 11, (41110 4
ORDINANCE NO. 207
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOPM OF LOS ALTOS
HILLS AMENDING PORTION OF CHAPTER 5 (ZONING) OF TITLE 9 OF
THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
The City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills does hereby ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 5 of Title 9 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code is
hereby am.znded to read as follows:
CHAPTER 5. ZONING
ARTICLE I. TITLE, SCOPE, PURPOSE AND INTERPRETATION
SEC. 9-5.101. TITLE
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Law of the Town of
Los Altos Hills".
SEC. 9-5.102. SCOPE
The provisions of this chapter are not intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, or
in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws, or with
private restrictions placed upon property by covenant, deed, or other private agree-
ment, or with restrictive covenants running with the land to which the Town is a
part. Where the provisions of this chapter impose a greater restriction upon land,
buildings, or structures than is imposed or required by such existing provisions of
laws, covenants, contracts, or deeds, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
SEC. 9-5.103. PURPOSES
The provisions of this chapter are adopted to protect and guide the growth and
expansion of the Town in an orderly manner, consistent with the General Plan and true
to the rural residential character of the community; to provide for space deemed
necessary to advance the welfare of the public in assuring adequate light, pure air,
and safety from conflagration and disaster; to promote the smeoth flow, of traffic;
to provide adequate residential off-street parking facilities; to protect the
community against excessive storm water runoff, soil erosieu, earth movement, and
earthquake and other geologic hazards; to minimize the silting of drains and drainage
channels; to preserve and enhance the natrual beauty of the community; and to solve
other conditions arising from the concentration of the population.
SEC. 9-5.104. INTERPRETATION
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be
held to be the mininum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health,
safety, and welfare.
ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS
SEC. 9-5.201. SCOPE
For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the cont:xt,
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certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as set forth in this
article.
SEC. 9-5.202. ACCESSORY USE OR ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
"Accessory use" or "accessory structure" shall mean a subordinate use or
subordinate structure customarily incident to and located on the same lot with the
primary use.
SEC. 9-5.203. AGRICULTURE
"Agriculture" shall mean and include animal husbandry, livestock farming, flower
growing, crop and tree farming, and viticulture.
SEC. 9-5.204. ALTERATION
"Alteration" as applied to a building or structure, shall mean a change or re-
arrangement in the structural parts or in the existing facilities, or an enlargement,
whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one
location or position to another.
SEC. 9-5.205. AREA, GROSS
"Gross area" shall mean the total area included within the boundaries of any
parcel of lard, which bourdsries are specified in the deed to the property.
SEC. 9-5.206. AREA, NET
"Net area" shall mean the gross area of any parcel of land less all public and
private easements for vehicular access not for the exclusive use of the parcel on
which such easements are located.
SEC. 9-5.207. BASEMENT
"Basement" shall mean a space partly or wholly underground and having more than
one-half (1k) its height, measured from its floor to its ceiling, below the average
adjoining grade. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is more than
six (6') feet above grade at any point, such basenent shall be considered a story.
SEC. 9-5.203. BUILDING
"Building" shall mean a stricture having a roof supported by columns or walls
for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals, or chattels.
SEC. 9-5.209. BUILDING HEIGHT
"Building height" shall mean the vertical distance from the average contact
ground ievel of the building to the highest point of the structure.
SEC. 9-5.210. BUILDING LINE
"Building line" shall mean the line along which the vertical surface of a builds-
intersects the ground. If the overhang exceeds four (4') feet, the building line
shall be assumed as four (4') feet back from the extreme point of the overhang.
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SEC. 9-5.211. CLUB, RECREATIONAL
"Recreational club" shall mean a club or recreational facility operated by a
nonprofit organization.
SEC. 9-5.212. CONVENT
"Convent" shall mean a residence facility for participants in a religious order
or organization; provided, however, no money or other consideration shall be required
to be paid by the residents to the proprietor.
SEC. 9-5.213. DWELLING, PRIMARY
"Primary dwelling" shall mean a building designated and/or customarily used as a
residence by not more than one family and situated on a parcel on which no other
primary dwelling is located.
SEC. 9-5.214. DWELLING, SECONDARY
"Secondary dwelling" shall mean a building intended for occupancy, or occupied,
by not more than one family, which building is erected or maintained on land in one
ownership upon which land is separately erected or maintained a primary dwelling.
Said secondary dwelling shall be subordinate to the primary dwelling and shall have a
gross floor area not to exceed 1,000 square feet or 40% of the gross floor area of
the primary dwelling, whichever is greater.
SEC. 9-5.215. FAflILY
"Family" shall mean one person living alone, or two or more persons all related
to eachother by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, together with necessary domestic
employees, or a group not exceeding four persons living as a single household unit.
SEC. 9-5.216. FLOOR AREA, GROSS
"Gross floor area", for the purpose of determining the ratio of the floor area
of a building to the area of the parcel, shall mean the sum of the gross horizontal
areas of the several floors of the building, excluding areas used for accessory uses
and garage purposes and such basement and cellar areas as are devoted exclusively to
uses accessory to the operation of the building. All horizontal dimensions shall be
taken from the exterior faces of walls, including walls or other enclosures, such as
enclosed porches.
SEC. 9-5.217. FRONTAGE
"Frontage" shall mean all property abutting one side of a road.
SEC. 9-5.218. GARAGE, PRIVATE
"Private garage" shall mean a building or an accessory to a main building
providing for the storage of automobiles.
SEC. 9-5.219. HONE OCCUPATION
"Nome occupation" shall mean an occupation carried on by the resident of a
dwelling as a secondary use of the premises.
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SEC. 9-5.220. HOUSE TRAILER
"House trailer" shall mean any vehicle or structure designed and constructed in
such a manner as will permit the occupancy thereof as sleeping quarters for one or
more persons, or the conduct of any business, profession, occupation, or trade, or
any use, as selling or advertising, devised and so designed that the vehicle or
structure is or may be mounted on wheels and used on highways conveyed or drawn by
its own or other motive power.
SEC. 9-5.221. LOT
"Lot" shall mean a portion of land shown as a unit on a recorded Parcel or Sub-
division Hap.
SEC. 9-5.222. LOT, CORNER
"Corner lot" shall mean a lot abutting on two (2) or more intersecting roads.
SEC. 9-5.223. PARCEL
A "Parcel" consists of all contiguous land held in one ownership as indicated in
the records of the County Recorder except that each lot of record which is exempted
from the area requirements of this Code by Sec. 9-5.501(c) may be considered a
separate parcel.
SEC. 9-5.224. ROAD, PUBLIC
"Public road" shall mean a road which has been dedicated or deeded to the public
for public use and which road may or may not have been accepted for maintenance.
SEC. 9-5.225. SETBACK BUILDING LINE
"Setback line" shall mean a line established by the provisions of this chapter
to govern the placement of structures with respect to right-of-way lines, or property
lines.
SEC. 9-5.226. STABLE
"Stable" shall mean a building used for housing hoofed animals.
SEC. 9-5.227. STRUCTURE
"Structure" shall mean anything constructed or erected which requires location
on the ground or which is attached to something having a location on the ground,
including swimming pools and tennis courts, but not including driveways, patios at
grade, underground utility facilities, and vehicles designed and used only for trans-
portation of people and goods.
SEC. 9-5.228. STRUCTURE, NONCONFMING
"Nonconforming structure" shall mean a structure, or a portion thereof, which no
longer conforms to the site area, coverage, setback or other open space, height, or
other regulations prescribing physical development standards for the district in which
such structure is located.
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SEC. 9-5.229. USE
"Use" shall mean the purpose for which land or a building is arranged, designed,
or intended, or for which either land or a building is or may be occupied or maintained
SEC. 9-5.230. USE, NONCONFORMING
"Nonconforming use" shall mean a building or land occupied by a use which does
not conform to the regulations for the district in which such building or land is
situated.
ARTICLE 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 9-5.301. ESTABLISHED
The following use districts are hereby established:
(a) Residential -Agricultural (R -A); and
(b) Open Space Reserve (OSR).
SEC. 9-5.302. ZONING MAP
The districts established by Section 9-5.301 of this article and the boundaries
thereof are shown upon that certain map entitled "Zoning Map for the Town of Los
Altos Hills, California", which map and all notations and information thereon are
adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in this
chapter in full.
The zoning map, for convenience, may be divided into section maps, and each such
section map may be separately referred to or amended for the purposes of amending the
zoning map. The zoning map and each of its section maps, anu the notions, referen-
ces, and other information shown thereon, shall be as much a part of this chapter as
if the matters and information set forth by such maps were all fully described in
this chapter.
SEC. 9-5.303. AMEHU6IENTS TO THE ZONING MAP
(a) The zoning map of the Town is hereby amended to rezone that portion of the
Residential -Agricultural District shown upon that certain map marked "Exhibit A" and
attached to Ordinance r1o. IEl of the Town from Residen;;icl Agricultural District to
Open Space Reserve District.
(b) The zoning map of the Town is hereby amended to rezone that portion of the
Residential -Agricultural District shown upon that certain map marked "Exhibit A" and
attached to Ordinance No. 157 of the Town from Residential -Agricultural District to
Open Space Reserve District.
SEC. 9-5.304. ZONING MAP: NOTATIONS OF AMENDMENTS
If changes are made in district boundaries or other matters portrayed on the
zoning map, such changes shall be made on the zoning map promptly after the amendment
has been approved by the Council, together with an entry on the zoning map indicating
the ordinance number authorizing such change and the date upon which such change
becomes effective.
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SEC. 9-5.305. UNCERTAINTIES IN BOUNDARIES
Wherever any uncertainty exists as to the boundary of any district as shown on
the zoning map, the following rules shall control:
(a) Where a boundary line is indicated as following a street or alley, the
boundary line shall be construed as following the center line of such street or alley.
(b) Where a boundary line is indicated as approximately following a property
line, the property line shall be construed to be the boundary.
(c) Where a boundary line crosses property under one ownership, the boundary
line shall'be determined by the use of the notation or scale designated on the map.
(d) Where further uncertainty exists, the Board of Planning Administration, upon
a written application or on its own motion, shall determine the location of the
boundary in question, giving due consideration to the location indicated on the zoning
map and the purposes of this chapter.
SEC. 9-5.306. PREZONING ADJOINING UNINCORPORATED LANDS AND ZONING OF ANNEXED LANDS
Adjoining lands in unincorporated territory may be prezoned by amending the
zoning map to include such land in a zoning district category. In the event any pre-
zoned lands are subsequently annexed to the Toem, the zoning indicated on the map
shall become effective at the time of annexation. All other lands annexed to the Torn
shall be in the OSR district until otherwise classified.
SEC. 9-5.307. UNCLASSIFIED LAND
In every case where any land has not been specifically included within a district,
or if any district is determined to be invalid or inapplicable, such land is hereby
declared to be in the Residential -Agricultural District until otherwise classified.
SEC. 9-5.303. BUILDING MOVING
No building shall be moved onto any site in the Town except by a permit granted
by the Council and, if granted, upon conditions and restrictions deemed reasonable
and only after the consideration and report of the Board of Planning Administration.
(See Chapter 5 of Title 8 of this Code.)
SEC. 9-5. 309 CONFORMITY REQUIRED
Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance:
(a) Land or structures in any district shall hereafter be used only for the
purposes listed herein as permitted in that district and in accordance with the regu-
lations herein established for that district and in accordance with any conditions
and requirements which may have been established in connection with the authorization
of any variance or the granting of any conditional use permit.
(b) Ho structure shall be erected, reconstructed, relocated or structurally al-
tered to have a greater bulk or higher proportion of parcel coverage than permissible
under the limitations set forth herein for the district in which the structure is lo-
cated. If already greater than the maximum permitted, it shall not be further
increased.
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(c) No open space or off-street parking space existing or provided hereafter
about any structure shall be reduced below the minimum requirement hereinafter set
forth for such open space or parking space. If already less than said minimum re-
quirements, it shall not be further reduced.
(d) No parcel held under one ownership as of the effective date of this ordinance
shall be reduced in dimension or area so as to be smaller than required by this or-
dinance. If already less in dimension or area,the dimension or area shall not be
further reduced.
(e) No parcel created contrary to the requirements of the subdivision ordinance,
Title 9, Chapter 4 of this Code, shall be used for any primary use.
SEC. 9-5.310. APPLICABILITY TO PUBLIC AGENCIES
The provisions of this ordinance, to the extent permitted by law, shall apply to
all public bodies, districts and agencies of the Federal, State, county and municipal
governments.
ARTICLE 4. NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
SEC. 9-5.401. NONCONFORMING USES: CONTINUATION
A nonconforming use may not be changed, enlarged, or altered, nor shall the
building, structure, or premises upon which such use is located be enlarged, recon-
structed, or structurally altered unless such use is changed to a use permitted by
the provisions of this chapter.
SEC. 9-5.402. 110NCONFOR14ING USES: CONVERSION TO CONFOPHING USES
When any building or land has been used other than in conformity with the regu-
lations applicable to the district of which it is a part, and when the Council, after
due notice and hearing thereon, shall have found that the use has become dangerous or
injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare, such use shall forthwith be con-
verted to the classification of the area in which it is located.
Should any nonconforming use be changed to another use not specifically authorizC
by the provisions of this chapter, the Council, after due notice and hearing thereon,
may order the discontinuance of the previously authorized nonconforming use and con-
version of the use to the classification of the area in which such use is located.
SEC. 9-5.403. NONCONFORMING USES: DISCONTINUANCE
A nonconforming use shall be considered as permanently discontinued and may not
be resumed if it is discontinued or abandoned for 180 days or more within twelve (12)
consecutive calendar months.
All nonconforming uses shall be permanently discontinued not later than
January 27, 1976.
SEC. 9-5.404. NONCONFORMING USES: REPAIRS TO DAMAGES
The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the reconstruction, repairing,
rebuilding, and continued use of any structure occupied by a nonconforming use when
damaged by fire, collapse, explosion, or act of God, occurring on or after
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December 4, 1961, wherein the expense of such work does not exceed fifty (50%) percent
of the appraised value for tax purposes of the structure at the time such damage
occurred.
SEC. 9-5.405. NONCONFORNING USES: MAINTENANCE
Such repairs and maintenance work as are required to keep it in sound condition
may be made to a structure occupied by a nonconforming use, provided no structural
alterations shall be made except as are required by law or ordinance or authorized
by the Environmental Planning Commission by a conditional use permit.
The total structural repairs and alterations that may be made to a structure
pursuant to the provisions of this Section (9-5.405) shall not, during its life
subsequent to the date of its use becoming nonconforming, exceed fifty (50%) percent
of its then appraised value for tax purposes, unless such use is changed to a con-
forming status.
ARTICLE S. AREA, COVERAGE, HEIGHT AND SETBACK LIMITATIONS
SEC. 9-5.501. PARCEL
The provisions of this section are minimum requirements for parcels used or in-
tended to be used for primary uses or conditional uses. Other laws of the Town may
impose standards requiring substantially larger parcels, thereby reducing the number
of lots possible in a subdivision.
(a) Minimum Parcel Area. No parcel shall have a net area less than 43,560 square
feet.
(b) Slo a density requirements. In addition to the requirements set forth in
subsection a of
tis section, the average area of lots created in any subdivision
after October 3, 1963, shall not be less than the following:
(1) Where the average slope of the parcel to be subdivided is greater than
ten (10%) percent, but not greater than forty-five (45%) percent, the average net lot
area shall not be less than "a" as determined by the formula:
a- .L`'t 43 _ O where "S" is the average slope of the parcel
in percent.
(Z) Where the average slope of the parcel to be subdivided is greater than
forty-five (45%) percent, the following provisions shall be adhered to:
(I) The number of lots and average net lot areapermittedshall be
based on a demonstration by the applicant and finding by the Board of Planning Ad-
c.i,:istraticnor Environmental Planning Commission that each lot and related subdivision
improvements can be developed in compliance with the "Purposes" (Sec. 9-5.103) of
this chapter and "Purposes" of Title 9, Chapter 4 of this Code.
(II) The Board of Planning Administration or Environmental Planning
Commnission shall extend the formula provisions in Sec. 9-5.501(b)(1) to the average
slope of the parcel to be subdivided as a guideline up to fifty (50%) percent in
determining the adequacy of the average net lot area of the subdivision.
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(III) In no case, shall the average net lot area be less than the area
required by Sec. 9-5.501(b)(1) for a slope of 45%.
(3) for the purposes of subsection (I) and (2) of this subsection, the
average slope of a parcel to be subdivided shall be determined according to the
formula S= .00229 IL where:
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(I) S is the average slope in percent;
(II) I is the contour interval in feet;
((III) L is the combined length of contour lines in scale feet within
the gross area; and
(IV) A is the gross area in acres of parcel to be subdivided.
The topographic base map to be used shall meet the requirements for
tentative subdivision maps as set forth in Article 3 of Chapter 4 of this title.
Weasurements along contours shall be made at contour intervals not to exceed ten (10')
feet. Any portion or portions of a parcel to be subdivided which have an average
natural slope greater than 55% may be assigned an average slope of 55% for purposes
of computing the average slope of the entire parcel.
(4) Any proposed lot which is large enough to be further subdivided under
the provisions of subsections (I) and (2) of this subsection, shall be excluded in
computing the average slope and average net lot area in the balance of the subdivision.
(5) It is inte;ided that the flexibility in individual lot sizes permitted by
this ordinance shall be used for the purpose of maximizing the inherent usefulness of
each lot as a superior building site and in adjusting the overall subdivision to
.iatural conditions and the surrounding neighborhood. The Board of Planning Adminis-
tration or Planning Commission shall review the size of individual lots to determine
compliance with this intent.
(6) Once a final subdivision map has been recorded for a subdivision, lot
lines shall thereafter not be altered so as to allow a greater number of lots in that
subdivision than the maximum permitted by the provisions of subsections (I) and (2)
of this subsection. tots not included in the total net acreage used in determining
average lot area, as provided for in subsection (4) of this subsection, may be
further divided subject to the provisions of this chapter and other laws of the Town.
(c) The following are exempt from the minimum parcel area requirements of the
district in which situated even though less in area than required by this ordinance
and may be used by the owner of the parcel or his successor in interest as a site for
a principal use permitted in the district provided that all other regulations for the
district are complied with:
(I) Any parcel which was under one ownership prior to the adoption of this
ordinance and was established in full compliance with zoning and subdivision regula-
tions in force at the time such parcel was created as a separate parcel;
(2) Any lot in a subdivision recorded subsequent to February 13, 1945.
SEC. 9-5.502. COVERAGE
No building or combination of buildings shall be erected, established, maintained
or altered where the total building coverage would exceed fifteen (15%) percent of
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the net lot area. Building coverage is the area covered by all buildings on a parcel.
The area shall be measured in a horizontal plane and may exclude roof overhangs up to
four (4') feet. Uncovered decks no more than two (2') feet above the average level of
the finished ground shall not be included as building coverage.
SEC. 9-5.503. HEIGHT
(a) Structures. No structure, or part thereof, including aerial towers, shall be
construct oe� t%red to exceed thirty (30') feet in building height.
(b) Walls and fences. Walls or fences shall not exceed a maximum height of six
(6') feet wnan o� T cateTbetween setback lines and property lines, nor a maximum height
of three (3') feet in an area bounded by the center line of intersecting roads or
easements for vehicular access, public or private, and a straight line joining points
on such center lines eighty (80') feet distant from their intersection. The purpose
of this requirement is to provide an unobstructed view of approaching traffic on the
intersecting roads. The Environmental Planning Commission may prescribe greater res-
trictions than the heights or distances set forth in this subsection where unusual
conditions made such additional restrictions desirable in the interests of the public
safety.
(c) Trees and shrubs. In an area bounded by the center line of intersecting
roads or easementvehicular access, public or private, and a straight line
joining points on such center lines eighty (80') feet distant from their intersection,
all shrubs and plants shall be pruned to a height not to exceed three (3') feet above
the road level at its nearest point. All side limbs of trees in such area shall be
pruned to a height of not less then six (6') feet above the road surface. The purpose
of the provisions of this section is to provide an unobstructed view of approaching
traffic on the intersecting roads. The Environmental Planning Commission may prescribe
greater restrictions on the heights and distances set forth In this section where
unusual conditions make such additional restrictions desirable in the interests of
public safety.
(d) Ornam=.ntal garden structures. Ornamental garden structures without roofs and
which do not excee SIX feet in height may be located between property lines and
setback lines provided they not exceed three (3') feet in height when located in an
area bounded by the center line of intersecting roads or easements for vehicular
access, public or private, and a straight line joining points on such center lines
eighty (00') feet distant from their intersection.
SEC. 9-5.504. SETBACK LINES
The location of structures with respect to property lines and easement lines shalt
be regulated as follows:
(a) No structure, nor any portion thereof, shall be so constructed, altered, or
maintained as to be located between the property line and the setback line, except as
otherwise permitted by this chapter.
(b) The setback line for any structure shall be:
(I) Forty (40') feet from the nearest line of any public or private street
right-of-way easement for vehicular access or official plan line. Where a lot abuts ok
more than one such street or easement, the forty (40') foot setback line shall be
required from only one such property line. In such instances, the property owner may
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select the property line provided such choice, in the opinion of the City (Manager or
his authorized representative, will not be injurious to adjacent properties or the
public interest, and
(2) Thirty (30') feet from the property lines in all other instances.
ARTICLE 6. OFF-STREET PARKING
SEC. 9-5.601. RESIDENTIAL USES
Each dwelling shall provide surfaced off-street parking facilities for a minimum
of six (6) cars, including garage or carport space. Each parking space shall be at
least ten (10') feet wide and at least twenty (201) feet long. Unobstructed vehicular
access shall be available to each space at all times.
SEC. 9-5.602. CONDITIONAL USES
Parking areas for conditional uses shall be adequate to accommodate all vehicle
storage requirements for maximum foreseeable assemblies without resorting to adjoining
roads or interior driveways for parking. In no case shall the combined ground coverage
of structures, roadways, parking areas, or other impervious facilities exceed forty
(40%) percent of the net area of the lot.
ARTICLE 7. RESIDENTIAL -AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (R -A)
SEC. 9-5.701. PRIMARY USES PERMITTED (R -A)
The following primary uses shall be permitted in the Residential -Agricultural
District:
(a) Primary dwellings; and
(b) Agriculture
SEC. 9-5.702. ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES PERMITTED (R -A)
The following types of accessory uses and structures shall be permitted in the
Residential -Agricultural District:
(a) Home�occu.atiors. Home occupations shall be permitted where the use is en-
tirely subor road' to to the primary use of the premises for the home of a family. There
shall be no retail sales on the premises,no advertising of any kind visible from off
the premises, no evidence from off the premises of the business, no parking more than
normally required for a residence, and not over one assistant outside the family unit
shall be employed.
The raising on the premises of agricultural products and the sales thereof are
expressly excepted from the provisions of this chapter but shall be subject to rea-
sonable regulations by the Town.
(b) Halls, and fences, trees and shrubs. Halls, fences, trees and shrubs are
permitted within the confines of a lot or contiguous lots, subject to the height
limitations of Sec. 9-5.503.
(c) House number signs. A sign not more than one and one-half (1-31) square feet
in area bearing the house number and the name of the occupant, or a name designated
other than one of a commercial purpose, shall be permitted.
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(d) ._cc_ss r, ':uitdin;s. Accessory buildings may be constructed only in accor-
dance with the setback requirements of this chapter. An accessory building may be
erected prior to the construction of the main building only if it is agreed that the
main building shall be completed within three (3) years from the date of the issuance
of the permit for the accessory building. A temporary accessory building shall be
removed within thirty (30) days after the completion of the main building or within
eighteen (18) months after the issuance of a permit for the accessory building,
whichever is the earlier date.
(e) Private stables. No structure designed or used for occupancy by hoofed
animals may be constructed or maintained within thirty (30') feet from the property
line. A maximum of two (2) hoofed animals per acre shall be permitted provided the
conditions are satisfactory to the County Department of Health or such other agency
as may be in charge of health standards for the Town.
(f) Swimmin ools, tennis courts reenhouses and workshops. These and other
accessory uses foun by the ann ng Comm ss on to comply with the definition of
accessory use shall be permitted.
(g) '
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ddcare homes. Family homes, non -institutional in character, which
provide day care only, for not more than six (6) children and pursuant to applicable
State and local regulations. Such uses shall also comply with the limitations of
hone occupations in Sec. 9-5.702(a).
(h) Household pets and demestic animals permitted by Town regulations.
(i) Ornamental garden structures, such as benches, statuary, raised planters and
fountains.
SEC. 9-5.703. CONUITIONAL USES AND STRUCTURES (R -A)
The following uses may be established in the Residential -Agricultural District
subject to the recommendation of the Environmental Planning Commission, the approval
of the Council, and the issuance of a permit therefor pursuant to the provisions of
this chapter:
(a) Public libraries.
(b) Churches, other places of worship, and convents, but not including funeral
chapels or mortuary chapels. The number of residents of a convent shall not exceed
three and five -tenths (3.5) times the estimated maximum number of lots permitted by
the provisions of this chapter on such property as is devoted exclusively to convent
use;
(c) House trailers or other vehicles may not be used as primary or secondary
dwellings. A temporary permit for the use of a house trailer as a dwelling for not
more than thirty (30) days in any calendar year may be issued by the City Clerk upon
certification that the use pursuant thereto shall be by a bona fide nonpaying guest,
but in all events applicable setback requirements shall be strictly enforced;
(d) Recreational facilities, including recreational or community center buil-
dings and grounds for games and sports, except those customarily carried on primarily
for profit;
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(e) Day nurseries and kindergartens. Day nurseries are facilities which accept
for day care and supervise children under 16 years of age or provide for care that is
institutional in character for ten or fewer children. Such facilities shall be opera-
ted pursuant to applicable State and local regulations.
The term day nursery includes all types of group day care programs, in-
cluding day nurseries for children of working mothers, nursery schools for children
under the minimum age for admission to public schools, parent -cooperative nursery
schools, play groups for preschool children, programs giving after school care to
school age children, etc.;
(f) Public schools;
(g) Private schools;
(h) Public utility and service uses; provided, however, permits shall be required
for all public utility and service uses except that distribution and transmission
lines will not require a conditional use permit or a building permit. The proposed
routes of all electrical distribution lines carrying current in excess of fifteen (15)
kilovolts and the location of public utility structures requiring rights-of-way of
thirty (30') feet or more in width shall be submitted to the Environmental Planning
Commission for approval prior to the acquisition of rights-of-way therefor, and any
construction thereon shall not be commenced until such approval shall have been re-
ceived;
(i) Fire stations;
(j) Police stations; and
(k) Secondary dwellings subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter and
other laws. One secondary dwelling on each parcel of land in one ownership which is
of at least one acre in net area shall be permitted. Where any such parcel contains
less area than is sufficient to permit two lots pursuant to the lot area requirements
of Section 9-5.001 and the requirements of Title 9, Chapter 4, of this Code, no
kitchen plumbing or other kitchen facilities of any kind shall be maintained or in-
stalled in any secondary dwelling, and such dwelling shall be used only as a temporary
residence for bona fide nonpaying guests of the residents of the dwelling on the same
parcel. Where the Environmental Planning Commission finds the parcel is of sufficient
size to provide area for two lots pursuant to Section 9-5.501, the restrictions on
kitchen facilities and temporary residence of nonpaying guests may be deleted at the
discretion of the Environmental Planning Commission.
(1) Commercial stables in compliance with Title 6, Chapter 1, and when deemed
appropriate by the Environmental Planning Commission to meet the needs of residents of
Los Altos Hills for stabling facilities.
zSEC. 9-5.704. AREA, COVERAGE, HEIGHT AND SETBACK LIMITATIONS (R -A)
(See Article 5 of this chapter for the applicable provisions)
SEC. 9-5.705. OFF-STREET PARKING (R-A).(See article 6 of this chapter for the appli-
cable provisions.) ARTICLE 3. OPEN SPACE RESERVE DISTRICT (OSR)
SEC. 9-5.801. PRIMARY USES PERMITTED (OSR)
The following primary uses shall be permitted in the Open Space Reserve District:
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(a) Agricultural uses, including horticulture and grazing;
(b) Forest preserves; and
(c) Other open space uses.
SEC. 9-5.802. ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES PERMITTED (OSR)
The following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted in the Open Space
Reserve District:
(a) Structures other than buildings which are necessary for the conduct of a
permitted primary use.
(b) Fences, trees and shrubs subject to the height limitations of Sec. 9-5.503.
SEC. 9-5.803. AREA, COVERAGE, HEIGHT AND SETBACK LIMiITATIONS (OSR)
(See Article 5 of this chapter for applicable provisions.)
ARTICLES 9 AND 10 NOT USED.
ARTICLE II. APPEALS, VARIANCES, CONDITIONAL USE PER4ITS, AND MIENDMENTS
SEC. 9-5.1101. APPLICATIONS
Each application for a conditional use permit, variance, or appeal shall be in
writing and shall contain or be accompanied by the following:
(a) A reference to the specific provisions of this chapter which are involved;
(b) As the case may be:
(1) A description of the use for which the conditional use permit is sought;
or
(2) The details of the variance applied for and the grounds upon which the
claim is made; or
(3) The interpretation claimed or decision made on which the appeal is
filed.
(c) Filing fee and deposit for services as adopted by resolution of the Town
Council.
(d) The name and address of every owner of property within a distance of 300 feet
from the property as shown on the latest assessment roll of the County.
SEC. 9-5.1102. APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIALS
Any party aggrieved by the decision of an administrative official in the admin-
istration or enforcement of this chapter relative to variances and other matters for
which this chapter assigns responsibility to the Board of Planning Adjustment may
appeal such decision to the Board of Planning Administration. All other matters shall
be appealed to the Environmental Planning Commission. All appeals shall be in accor-
dance with the provisions of Section 9-5.1101 and subject to public hearing by the
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appropriate body pursuant to SEC. 9-5.1105. All actions of the Board of Planning
Administration and Environmental Planning Commission shall be in accordance with
SEC. 9-5.1106.
SEC. 9-5.1103 VARIANCES
The Board of Planning Administration shalt hold a public hearing on each aoolica-
tion for a variance. Notice of such hearing shall be in accordance with SEC.9-5.1105.
Actions of the Board of Planning Administration shall be in accordance with SECTIONS
9-5.1106 and 9.5.1107.
SEC, 9-5.1104. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
The Environmental Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on each appli-
cation for a conditional use permit. Notice of such hearing shall be in accordance
with SEC. 9-5.1105. Actions of the Environmental Planning Commission shall be in
accordance with SECTIONS 9-5.1106 and 9-5.1107.
SEC. 9-5.1105. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Notice of public hearings shall be posted on Town bulletin boards and at least
300 feet at approximate 100 foot intervals from each boundary of the property alonq
the highway or street upon which such property abuts or from any access road or
way to non -frontage property. Notice of such hearings shall also be served by United
States mail to each property owner within a distance of 300 feet of the property,
using addresses from the last adopted tax roll. Such postings and service by mail
shall be completed at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing.
SEC. 9-5.1006. ACTION OF THE BOARD OF PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANNING COMMISSION
Upon the approval or conditional approval of an appeal or application for a con-
ditional use permit or variance, the Board of Planning Administration or Environmental
Planning Commission shall transmit a record of its action to the Council. The trans-
mittal shall state the full record of the findings made and shall be filed in the
office of the City Clerk by appropriate reference.
A ruling shall be requested from the City Attorney before any determination in-
volving an unusual question of law is made or from the City Engineer in the event of
an unusual question of engineering, and such ruling shall be filed with the applicatir
SEC. 9-5.1107. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES: APPROVAL: CONDITIONS
Conditional use permits and variances may be granted only when facts are es-
tablished which support the findings required by the provisions of this section. Con-
ditions may be attached to any approved application in order to secure the purposes of
,his chapter.
(a) Conditional use permits.
(1) Conditional use permits shall be granted by the Environmental Planning
Commission only when it is found that:
(I) The proposed use or facility is properly located in relation to the
community as a whole, land uses, and transportation and service facilities in the
vicinity;
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(II) The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate the proposed use and all yards, open spaces, walls and fences, parking,
loading, landscaping, and such other features as may be required by this chapter or,
in the opinion of the Planning Commission, will be needed to assure that the proposed
use will be reasonably compatible with land uses normally permitted in the surrounding
area;
(III)The site for the proposed use will be served by streets and high-
ways of adequate width and pavement to carry the quantity and kind of traffic generate6
by the proposed use; and
W) The proposed use will not adversely affect the abutting property
or the permitted use thereof.
(2) Every conditional use permit granted may be subject to such conditions
as are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare and
secure the objectives of the General Plan.
(b) Variances. The Board of Planning Administration shall grant the requested
varianceni—wha or in part if, from the facts presented in connection with the
application or at the public hearing, it appears and the Board of Planning Administra-
tion specifies in its findings facts which establish beyond reasonable doubt:
(I) That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions
applying to the property involved, including size, shape, topography, location or
surroundings, which do not apply generally to other property or uses in the same
vicinity and zoning district;
(2) That, e.,ing to such exceptional or extraordinary circumstances, the
literal enforcement of the provisions of this chapter would result in practical
difficulties;
(3) That the strict application of the provisions of this chapter would
deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity
and under an identical zoning classification;
(4) That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental
to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity or
in the zoning district in which the property of the applicant is located;
(5) That the variance will not authorize a use or activity which is not
otherwise expressly authorized by the zoning district regulation governing the parcel
of property; and
(6) That the granting of such variance will be in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of this chapter and the General Plan.
If the facts do not establish that all of the six (6) conditions set forth in
this subsection apply to the subject case, the Board of Planning Administration shalt
deny the requested variance. Any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions
as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of
special privileges inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the
vicinity classified in the same zoning district.
SEC. 9-5.1108. EFFECTIVE DATES OF ACTIONS OF BOARD OF PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND
ENVIROWENTAL PLAINNING COMMISSION
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Actions of the Board of Planning Administration with regard to variances and
appeals from administrative officials and actions of the Environmental Planning
Commission with regard to conditional use permits and appeals from administrative
officials shall become final on the eleventh day following approval or denial, but no
sooner than the next regular meeting of the Town Council, unless an appeal is filed
in accordance with SEC. 9-5.1109 or the Town Council elects to review the approval or
denial in accordance with SEC. 9-5.1110.
SEC. 9-5.1109. APPEALS FROM DECISI014S OF BOARD OF PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND
ENV1ROMMENTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Any party aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Planning Administration or
Environmental Planning Commission may appeal such decision to the Town Council in
accordance with the provisions of SEC. 5.1101 within ten (10) days of the decision
being appealed. The Town Council shall hold a public hearing pursuant to notification
as required by Sec. 9-5.1105. Prior to any action of the Town Council to modify the
action of the Board of Planning Administration or Environmental Planning Commission,
the Council shall refer the matter to the body against which the appeal was taken for
review and report within thirty (30) days from date of Council referral.
SEC. 9-5.1110. COUNCIL REVIEW OF ACTIONS
The Town Council may at its first regular meeting following an approval by the
Board of Planning Administration. or Environmental Planning Commission of an appeal
from an administrative decision, variance or conditional use permit, elect to review
such approval. In such event, the Council shall set the matter for public hearing in
accordance with SEC. 9-5.1105. Prior to taking any action reversing the decision of
the Board of Planning Administration or Environmental Planning Commission, the Council
shall refer the matter back to the approving body for review and report within thirty
(30) days from date of Council referral. The action of the Town Council shall be
effective immediately upon a decision.
SEC. 9-5.1111. DENIAL: RESUBMISSION
An application for a conditional use permit, variance, or appeal which has been
denied by the Council which is substantially similar to one which has been so denied
may not be resubmitted by the applicant within a period of one year from the date of
the final Council action.
SEC. 9-5.1112. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this chapter shall be made pursuant to applicable provisions of
state taw.
ARTICLE.12. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 9-5.1201. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter,the City Manager, City Clerk,
Building Inspector, or other designated public official shall administer and enforce
the provisions of this chapter.
SEC. 9-5.1202. BUILDING PERMITS
No structure or accessory structure for which a building permit is required by
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the Building Code shall be erected or altered until a permit therefor has been issued
by the Building Inspector or other person designated by the Council. All applications
and fees for such permits shall be in accordance with the requirements of this chapter
and other laws, and no building permit shall be issued for any building where the
construction, addition, or alteration would violate the provisions of this chapter or
other laws.
SEC. 9-5.1203. BUILDING PER11ITS: APPLICATIONS: ACCOMPANYING DATA
There shall be submitted with all applications for building permits the required
copies of a layout or plot plan with a five (5') foot contour interval and drawn to a
suitable scale (one inch equals fifty (50') feet or larger) showing the actual dimen-
sions of the lot to be built upon, the exact size and location on the lot of the
building and accessory buildings to be erected, and such other information as may be
necessary to determine and provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this
chapter or other laws.
Such plans and specifications as may be deemed necessary by the Building Inspec-
tor to determine and provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter or
other laws shall also be submitted with applications for building permits.
SEC. 9-5.1204. ISSUANCE OF CONFLICTING PERMITS, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATES
Any permit, license, or certificate issued in conflict with the provisions of this
chapter shall be null and void.
SEC. 9-5.1205. SUPPLEdETAL REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES
The Board of Planning Administration and the Environmental Planning Commission
may recommend and the Council may adopt in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter and in amplification thereof such regulations and procedures as may be deemed
desirable for the Town. Such regulations and procedures shall be typed or printed and
kept on file with the City Clerk in the Town Hall and be available forthe use of any
interested party at any time during the office hours of the City Clerk.
SEC. 9-5.1206. PUBLIC NUISANCES: ABATEMENT
Any structure erected, moved, altered, enlarged, or maintained and any property
used contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be, and is hereby declared to
be, unlawful and a public nuisance. The City Attorney, on referral thereof to him by
the Council, shall immediately institute the necessary legal proceedings appropriate
for the abatement, removal, and injunction thereof in the manner provided by law and
shall take such other steps as may be necessary to accomplish these ends and to cause
the structure or use to be removed or abated and to restrain or enjoin the erecting,
moving, or enlarging of the property or use contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
SECTION 2. This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the Planning Act of the State of
California and following noticed public hearings. It shall be posted in three (3)
public places within the Town, and shall become effective thirty (30) days following
its adoption.
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I hereby certify that the foregoing ordinance was introduced at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills held on January 17, 1973,
and was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the Town of
Los Altos hills held on robruary 7, 1973 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmen Davey, Grabowski, Kubby, Miller and Mayor Heigesson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
APPROVED:
Mayor �—
LAKK Title 9 Chapter 5
(Ordinance 207)
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arrest' �—
City Clerk