Planning Department
Staff
Gary Broad
Town Manager & Planning Director
Contact via Email
(415) 453-1453 Extension 107
Elise Semonian
Senior Planner
Contact via Email
(415) 453-1453 Extension 121
Address
Planning Department
Town of Ross
P.O. Box 320
31 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Ross, CA 94957
Telephone
(415) 453-1453, Menu Option 5
Fax
(415) 453-1950
Office Hours
The Ross Planning Department is open to the public Monday through Friday 8:30am-12:00pm.
The Town of Ross values the charm, quietude and character of the community and its neighborhoods, as well as the natural beauty of the town’s creeks and wooded hillsides. To that end, the town’s planning regulations, Zoning Ordinance and General Plan seek to protect and enhance the qualities that make Ross so special and such a desirable place to live.
The Planning Department works with property owners and their design professionals on most development projects occurring within the Town. Please be sure to contact planning staff before beginning a project to learn about any related regulations or necessary applications. As the Town continues to experience an unprecedented amount of development activity, please contact staff as early as possible with your planning questions.
More Information
Remodeling and Additions
Planning applications must be submitted to the Planning Department at least four weeks before the meeting at which you hope to be heard. Approved applications expire one year after their initial approval date. A one year time extension may be requested prior to their expiration.
Application Review
The Ross Town Council sits as the Planning Commission and Design Review Board and thus makes the final decision on all development applications. A public hearing is held to consider the proposal and the recommendations of the Planning Director. The Council meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month.
Tree Removal
Tree removal, relocation, or alteration requires 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. [more info]
Fences, Gates, & Walls
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. Fences, gates, and walls above six feet in height require a variance. This is required for new fences and gates and for replacement fences and gates.
Play Structures, Pools, & Spas
Play structures, pools, pool equipment, spas, and spa equipment are all defined as structures and 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.
Selling Your Home
Prior to listing your home you must obtain a resale inspection from the Town. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, please call the Building Department at (415) 453-1453, Menu Option 6.
Businesses & Home Occupations
Running a Business Out of Your House? Please first obtain a home occupation permit from the Planning Department. An annual business license may then be obtained from the Building Department. [more info]
Conducting Business In Town?
All parties conducting business within the Town of Ross, whether located inside or outside of the town, must first obtain a business license from the Building Department.