Permits
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Building
A building permit is required to construct any new structure or improve existing buildings and other structures. The more common building permit applications are for new construction or remodels to residential housing and accessory structures.
Use the Building Submittal Checklist to assist in providing required information and documents to submit a complete building permit application and plan package for a project involving the construction of a new structure, and addition or alteration to an existing building or structure. If you need further guidance, Building staff is available to assist. Please have this checklist signed and dated along with your submittal materials (application, plans, supporting documents, cash/check).
This handout is designed for the average submittal. Each project is individual, additional submittal requirements and or information might be necessary based on the complete scope of the project.
Related Documents
- Application for Building Permit (PDF)
- Building Alteration Calculation Form (PDF)
- Building Permit 2011 Revision Application (PDF)
- Owner Builder Declaration Form (PDF)
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Certification Form (PDF)
Submittal Requirements, Checklists & Forms
The demolition handout is designed for the average submittal. Each project is individual, additional submittal requirements and or information might be necessary based on the actual scope of the project.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Priority Building Materials Screening Assessment Process
Below is a flow chart and form to manage PCBs in building materials during demolition, per Provision C12.f of the Regional Municipal Stormwater Permit. Since most of the structures in Town are wood framed and/or single-family residential, these requirements won't apply; however, the forms will still need to be completed and submitted along with the Building Permit application. The flow chart clearly indicates whether the permit is required or not.
Related Documents
Re-roof permits can be applied for by emailing Project Managers. Please complete the submittal checklist and application and email it along with the independent listing report indicating Class A Assembly for all materials being installed. This checklist is designed for the average submittal. Each project is individual, additional submittal requirements and or information may be required based on the scope of work for the project.
The Town requires minimum Class A roof per WMC 150.01(f). Please see the submittal checklist for the specific re-roofing requirements.
Re-roofs are required to meet the Town's recycling program.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required to be installed prior to final.
Related Documents
Engineering
Any work performed in the public right of way (including public infrastructure within a Public Easement) requires an encroachment permit. For example: installation or repair of sidewalk, curb and/or gutter, or driveway approach; installation of sidewalk underdrain; installation of sewer lateral or cleanout; and placement of monitoring wells or soil borings. Utility companies must also obtain encroachment permits when working within the public right of way or deploying traffic controls.
The property owner or the contractor performing the work must submit an Encroachment Permit/Application to the Public Works Department.
For special public events, please submit an Encroachment Permit to Conduct Public Event.
Related Documents
Septic system repairs, upgrades, new septic systems and percolation tests requires review by the Planning and Engineering Departments. If there are modifications made between the structure and the tank, then a building permit will also be required. Please refer to the handout for additional information.
Review is also required by the San Mateo County Office of Environmental Health for all septic system repairs, upgrades, new septic systems and percolation tests. Fees for the County's review shall be paid directly to them. Three sets of plans shall also be submitted directly to the County with the appropriate fees.
Related Documents
A site development permit is triggered based on the requirements in Woodside Municipal Code Section 151.20. Submit the application and supporting documents by emailing Project Managers.
Related Documents
- Drainage Requirements (PDF)
- Site Development Permit Application (PDF)
- Site Development Permit Checklist and Requirements (PDF)
- Stormwater Checklist for Small Projects (PDF)
- Stormwater Checklist for Special Projects Worksheet (PDF)
- Stormwater Single-Family Home Projects Fact Sheet Final (PDF)
- Stormwater Quality Control Requirements Checklist (PDF)
- Stormwater Quality Control Requirements Flyer (PDF)
A Transportation Permit Application can be submitted by emailing Project Managers, along with a copy of the automobile insurance policy declaration page.
A permit fee of $16 is required for each day of transportation. If multiple daily trips are planned, the Town recommends applicants indicate this on the application and pay the annual fee of $90. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 620005, Woodside, CA 94062 or delivered in person to the permit counter.
Related Documents
Planning
The Town of Woodside will research the legal status of lots and will issue a Certificate of Compliance or a Conditional Certificate of Compliance if the lots are determined to be legally created and served by basic utilities.
Related Documents
The Conditional Use Permit is an administrative method of providing relief from the strict terms of a comprehensive zoning ordinance. In order to give the use regulations the flexibility necessary to achieve the objectives of this title, and to account for the widely varying needs of some uses, in each district certain conditional uses are permitted subject to the granting of a use permit. The State Zoning Law does not establish criteria for issuing or denying a conditional use permit; it is up to local ordinance. In each zoning district, certain land uses are permitted as a matter of right while others are permitted subject to the granting of a use permit. A Conditional Use Permit is granted or denied by the Planning Commission following a public hearing.
The Town of Woodside requires Conditional Use Permits for service stations, livestock, churches, hay/feed sales, public buildings, parks, schools and other uses. Because of their unusual characteristics, Conditional Uses require special consideration so that they may be located with respect to the objectives of this chapter and the General Plan and with respect to their effects on surrounding properties.
Related Documents
Review the following documents for Development Standards (Floor Area, Setbacks, Height, etc.) by Zoning District.
- R-1 Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- RR Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- Attachment - Adjusted TFA for Nonconforming RR Lots (PDF)
- SR Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- SCP-5 Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- Attachment - Adjusted TFA for Nonconforming SCP-5 Lots (PDF)
- SCP-7.5 Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- Attachment - Adjusted TFA for Nonconforming SCP-7.5 Lots (PDF)
- SCP-10 Zone District - Zoning District Development Standards (PDF)
- Attachment - Adjusted TFA for Nonconforming SCP-10 Lots (PDF)
- Floor Area Calculation Worksheet (PDF)
Structures within 50 feet (30 feet in the R-1 Zone) of the front property line, such as vehicular gates, pedestrian gates, pylons, lighting, wingwalls, mechanical equipment, entry key pads, and call boxes are considered entry features.
All entry features are subject to Conceptual Design Review with the Architectural and Site Review Board (ASRB).
Related Documents
Fences, walls, gates, pylons, and berms require a permit.
Automatic gates are reviewed by the Woodside Fire Protection District in addition to the Town of Woodside Building and Planning Departments. Please call the Fire Marshal at 650-851-1594, or email the Fire Marshal for more gate requirements.
Related Documents
A Home Occupation Permit is required for any home occupation conducted within the Town of Woodside. Home Occupation is defined in the Woodside Municipal Code (WMC) as follows:
- The conduct of an art, profession, or business as a gainful occupation entirely within a dwelling which use is clearly incidental to the use of the structure as a residence and which use does not alter the residential character of the dwelling and does not change or adversely affect the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Typical home occupations include dressmakers, architects, engineers, accountants, attorneys, writers, manufacturers' representatives, artists and artisans, instructors when limited to one pupil at a time, and other occupations when found by the Planning Director to be similar to the occupations listed in this subsection. All home occupations shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 153.111. HOME OCCUPATION shall not include commercial service enterprises, such as barber shop and beauty shops and massage studios.
To apply for a Home Occupation Permit, complete the Home Occupation Permit Application form and submit it to the Woodside Planning Department for review along with the Home Occupation Fee as set forth in the Schedule of Fees and Charges. No public hearing shall be required for a Home Occupation Permit, but a public notice shall be posted for 10 days prior to the issuance of the permit and mailed to addresses within a 300 feet radius of the Home Occupation address as set forth in WMC Section 153.963.
A Home Occupation Permit shall be valid for a period of one year and shall be renewed annually. The renewal process and fee amount will match that of a regular Business License, and the noticing requirements will not apply to the renewal.
Related Documents
A permit is to be obtained prior to filming a motion picture or television film production in the Town of Woodside.
Related Documents
The following documents include the submittal requirements for applications for Planning Commission or Architectural and Site Review Board (ASRB) Review of Formal Design Review or other Entitlements.
Woodside Municipal Code Section 153.207(D)(1) contains the setback requirements which apply to all zoning districts.
Woodside Municipal Code Sections 153.500-153.506 outline the regulations for the display of identification, directional, and advertising signs.
A Stable Permit is required for commercial and private use. Under the Woodside Municipal Code (WMC), no horse shall be kept for more than 30 consecutive days without obtaining a stable permit (Sec. 115.10). Stable Permit fees are set under the Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
When applying for a new Stable Permit, please complete a Stable Permit application and submit it to the Planning Department for review. All applications shall be made by or on behalf of the owner of the property. A stable inspection will be conducted by the Livestock and Equine Heritage Committee (LEHC). If Town Staff finds that the use or proposed use does not conform with the WMC, the Stable Permit shall be denied. Property owners must adhere to the regulations outlined in WMC Chapter 115. – Stables.
Permits are issued for an annual term commencing July 1 of each year. Annual Stable Permit renewal notices and billings are mailed in the month of July each year with payment due 30 days after mailing. If the number of horses increases, the Stable Permit renewal will require review by the Planning Department.
Stable Permits may not be transferred or assigned to new owners or permittees. If you are a new owner or permittee of an existing stable, please complete an Application for a Change of Property Owner and submit it to the Planning Department for review. An inspection by the LEHC is not required for an application for a private stable permit submitted by a new owner of a property that has had a current and valid stable permit in the preceding 12 months.
Upon issuance of the Stable Permit, the permittee will be provided a copy of the "Keeping Horses in Woodside" booklet and a "Horses Live Here" sign to display at the property.
Related Documents
All tree species require a Tree Destruction Permit. Download Section 153.005 of the Woodside Zoning Ordinance (PDF) to see the size at which the specific species need a permit. Fees are assessed pursuant to the Town's Schedule of Fees and Charges. Fees are waived for Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Monterey Pine trees and when trees are removed under the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Program.
Related Documents
A variance is an approval by the Town to develop or use a property in a way that does not meet the letter of current zoning requirements.
A variance cannot authorize a use or activity that is prohibited by zoning ordinances; it may only grant a variation, a degree of departure, from the strict interpretation of the standards, such as setbacks, height, construction on slopes, etc.
Related Documents
This application is for minor construction permits (e.g., sheds, paving, lighting, etc.).