Planning FAQs

The ASCC meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Town's Historic Schoolhouse. Often the ASCC conducts a site visit with the applicant and project design team. Adjacent property owners to the subject property under review are notified of the hearing date and time scheduled.

Building height is the vertical distance at any point from the natural ground level which existed prior to grading for any building or from the building pad if excavated below natural ground level, whichever level is lower to the highest part of the building directly above. The maximum building height is the vertical distance between the lowest point of contact with the finished ground surface to the highest point of the building or its appurtenance.

The height limit for zoning districts of 1 or more acres is 28'; the maximum height limit is 34'. In the 7.5M - 20M zoning districts the height limit is 15-28'; with a maximum height of 34'.

When your application is before the ASCC for review, the perimeter of all proposed structures should be clearly staked and labeled on the site; in addition, the ASCC may ask that you show the actual bulk of the proposed structure with storey poles.

A basement is a floor level directly under a building which meets provisions as outlined in the zoning ordinance (Section 18.04.065). The basement ceiling height shall not exceed twelve feet directly under the first floor of the building above. Further, a basement is not counted towards floor area.

Under Resolution No. 500-1974, it was recognized that the Geologic and Movement Potential of Undisturbed Ground Maps were based upon a certain level of geologic information and that further study may permit their improvement. The Planning Commission may, after recommendation from the Town Geologist, modify the map(s). Where a modification is approved, a written report shall be prepared indicating the nature of the change, the reasons therefore and filed with the Town Geologist.

Resolution No. 500-1974 approved the Town's Geologic Map and Movement Potential of Undisturbed Ground Map and established land use policies. Deviations from the land use policies are considered under public hearing by the Planning Commission, only after the Town geologist has reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed project, and when it is clearly demonstrated to the decision making body that such deviations will not unduly jeopardize life, public property or private property. When application for deviation is made, a written report describing such deviation and reasons therefore shall be made and filed with the Town Geologist.

Generally, your application could be on an ASCC agenda as quickly as two weeks after submittal, depending upon its completeness. However, there are certain times that numerous applications are received to be scheduled for hearing, and the agenda cannot accommodate all applications; your application will be placed on agenda in a timely fashion. Often a site meeting and regular ASCC meeting would suffice, however, sometimes adjustments are necessary and modifications to the proposed plans would require another meeting with the ASCC.

ASCC reviews applications for buildings or additions of four hundred square feet of larger, or two stories or more; all commercial buildings; all building permits on parcels fronting arterial roads as shown on the Portola Valley General Plan; tennis courts and paddle courts; conditional use permits; restoration or reconstruction of nonconforming buildings; buildings with historic resources; grading activities of at least one hundred cubic yards but not over one thousand cubic yards or where cuts and fills exceed five feet and matters referred to ASCC by Staff, Planning Commission and Town Council.

Early contact with town staff is highly recommended. Staff can assist in identifying any areas of concern that should be addressed prior to finalization of your project plans. As your plans develop, meet with staff to share your direction. Staff is available to meet at the proposed project site or in the office to review your proposed project plans and how they relate to the community.

The Architectural & Site Control Commission (ASCC) design review board is comprised of five volunteer residents of the town; they focus on how proposed plans fit the unique conditions of the site and neighborhood. Review and approval of applications before the ASCC is guided by the principles set forth in the Town's Design Guidelines and are based upon conformity with the Town's Zoning and Site Development Ordinances.

The ASCC approval becomes in effect sixteen days after its approval, to allow for a fifteen day appeal period. The ASCC approval shall expire if the permit has not been issued within two years from the date of approval. You may apply for building permits after the sixteen day appeal period.

Your application shall be referred to the Town Geologist for: all site development permits; foundation repair and replacement involving more than 35 lineal feet; swimming pools; building permits subject to provisions of the Alquist-Priolo Act; building permits for sites located within the E-F zone setbacks; building permits for sites located within a flood zone; new residential construction and additions exceeding 500 square feet.

The Town Geologist has provided guidelines on Minimum Standards for Geotechnical Reports to aid you and your Geotechnical Professional. The goal of the guidelines is to inform you and your consultant of the expected scope of work and necessary documentation to be included for geotechnical investigations.

A Site Development Permit is required when: 1) Excavation, fill or any combination thereof exceeds fifty cubic yards; 2) Fill will exceed three feet in vertical depth at its deepest point measured from natural ground surface; 3) An excavation will exceed four feet in vertical depth at its deepest point; 4) An excavation, fill or combination thereof, will exceed an area of five thousand square feet; 5) Vegetation is to be removed from an area exceeding five thousand square feet on any vacant parcel of land or any parcel of land in excess of ten acres; and 6) A significant tree is to be removed or would be affected by actions which would tend to injure, mutilate, destroy or kill the tree, including placing fill within the dripline or substantially reducing tree in size.

• Grading work under one hundred cubic yards: application is generally performed by the Town Engineer, Town Geologist and Town Planner.
• Grading work of at least one hundred cubic yards but not over one thousand cubic yards or where cuts or fills exceed five feet: application is generally performed by the Town Engineer, Town Geologist, Town Planner and other appropriate members of the site development committee and ASCC.
• Grading work in excess of one thousand cubic yards or removal of vegetation or both: application is generally performed by the Town Engineer, Town Geologist, Town Planner and other appropriate members of the site development committee, ASCC and Planning Commission.

Floor Area for residential uses is the total floor area as measured from exterior walls, for all buildings on a parcel.

Impervious Surface are surfaces that will not allow or will greatly reduce the penetration of water into the ground. Impervious surfaces include: concrete; asphalt; bricks; paving stones; swimming pools; turf stone; plastic sheeting; compacted gravel and rock areas; corrals and similar surfaces.

The allowed floor area for your property is based upon the acreage, average slope, geologic or flood zone areas and zoning district. Town Staff can provide you with your allowed Floor Area and Impervious Surface Calculations. The 85% calculation for Floor Area regulates the mass of the residence including first floor/second floor and required off street parking (two car attached/detached carport or garage).

A building permit is not required to build any fence 6' or less in height. However, when a fence, regardless of height, is to be built within your property's building setbacks, on your property line, or adjacent to a trail easement, a fence permit is required. Regulations for fence style, color, height, and opacity vary depending on the zoning district that your property is located within. Please refer to the Town's fence ordinance for fencing regulations and permit requirements.