What is my zoning code and development requirements?
How/when can I submit comments regarding a project?
When are story poles required?
How can I get my application on the consent agenda?
Does the Town regulate lighting?
When do I need to submit my application to have it heard by the Council?
When does my approval expire?
When are the Town Council meetings?
Do I need a permit to cut my tree?
Fences, Gates, & Walls
What are my setback requirements?
Do I need a home occupation permit to run a business out of my house?

What is my zoning code and development requirements?

Refer to the list of properties and their zoning codes and the basic zoning information fact sheet, as well as the Ross Municipal Code. Planning department staff is available by phone, email and in person to answer any questions that you may have.

The Town Council invites interested parties to submit written comments on applications in advance of the hearing to allow the Council, applicants and staff sufficient time to consider and, if appropriate, respond to the comments.  Written comments received by the Planning Department by 5:00 p.m. the Thursday (7 days) prior to the Town Council meeting will be included in the Council agenda packet.  Other written comments should be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the Council meeting so the Council has ample time to review the comments. 

Written comments may be mailed to the Town Council at PO Box 320, Ross, CA 94957, emailed through the Town website townofross.org or hand-delivered to 31 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross.  In order to ensure e-mail correspondence is included in the Town records, please copy the Administrative Manager llopez@townofross.org.

Story poles are a tool to assist decision-makers, staff, and the public in the review of planning projects. Please note that actual site improvements are subject to compliance with approved plans, rather than the story poles.

Story poles connected by ribbon are required to indicate changes to ridgelines, building corners, and exterior walls along with any proposed fencing adjacent to a right-of-way.  Story poles must be in place at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. A plan detailing the story pole locations and elevations is required. The planning department may request surveyor certification of story pole location and height. If required story poles are not installed on time, the Town may continue the item to a later meeting.

Story poles shall be removed within two weeks of a final Council decision on a project.

Requests for variances and hillside lot applications require a public hearing and cannot be placed on the consent agenda. Staff may place certain planning items on the consent agenda. Matters listed under the Town Council meeting consent agenda may be acted upon by the Town Council without discussion. Any member of the Council or any citizen may request that an item be taken from the consent agenda, discussed and acted upon separately during the meeting. Staff will place an item on the consent agenda if the following criteria are met:

• Staff supports the application
• All neighbor acknowledgments have been received and no neighbor objection is anticipated
• Staff is unaware of any controversy related to the item
• Staff does not expect an objection by the applicant to any proposed conditions

Yes. Exterior lighting of landscaping by any means is not permitted if it creates glare or annoyance for adjacent property owners. Lighting expressly designed to light exterior walls or fences that is visible from adjacent properties or public right-of-ways is prohibited. Lighting generated by outdoor use of television, video or other electronic devices shall not be permitted if it creates glare or annoyance for adjacent property owners. (Ross Municipal Code Section 18.40.190)

Planning applications must be submitted to the Planning Department at least four weeks before the meeting at which you hope to be heard. Council meetings are generally held the second Thursday of every month.

Approved applications expire one year after their initial approval date. A one year time extension may be requested in writing prior to the expiration date. One additional extension may be available, depending on the approval

The Council generally meets on the second Thursday of each month. However, the meeting date may be changed for holidays, so contact staff to confirm the meeting date.

Most tree removals or alterations require advance approval of a permit from the planning department. The Town Arborist will review most tree removal requests, so please allow a minimum of one week for a decision. See Chapter 12.24 of the Ross Municipal Code and the Tree Removal Fact Sheet.

Fences, gates and walls above four feet in height in a yard adjacent to a street require design review approval, even if they are outside of the required yard setback. Any fences, gates, and walls taller than six feet in height require a variance.

With certain exceptions, setbacks, or “required yard areas,” must be unobstructed. On-grade patios, air conditioning units, play structures, pool equipment, spas, and other development must meet setback requirements. All residential properties have a 25 foot front yard setback and a 40 foot rear yard setback. Side yard setbacks range from 15 feet to 25 feet. Your exact setback may be obtained from the Planning Department.

A home occupation permit is necessary to run a business out of a residence. An annual business license may be obtained from the Building Department after approval of the home occupation permit.