Woodside planning panel recommends abandoning 100-foot setback easement on four Mission Trail lots

The Woodside Planning Commission on Dec. 3 voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council abandon a recorded 100-foot building setback easement affecting four lots on Mission Trail Road, a change staff said would enable more feasible building sites while remaining consistent with the town’s general plan.

Planning staff member Sarah introduced the proposal, telling the commission, “I will be introducing a proposal to abandon a 100 foot wide building setback easement on 4 lots on that are located on Mission Trail.” She reviewed the parcel history: a 1982 subdivision recorded an original 200-foot scenic‑corridor setback, a later variance and commission action reduced that to 100 feet for the parcels in question, and a 2017 municipal‑code and general‑plan amendment removed the 200‑foot requirement for many smaller parcels while retaining it for a limited set of larger properties on specific roads.

An applicant representing the property, Lisa Putnam, described practical constraints the easement creates. “My name is Lisa Putnam, and I represent the property,” she told the commission, and explained that conservation easements, steep topography near the cul‑de‑sac and the recorded 100‑foot setback effectively limit buildable area on Lots 3 and 5.

Commissioners pressed staff on whether the affected lots fit the “smaller” category exempted in 2017 and on notification. Staff said owners within 300 feet were notified and reported one inquiry but no opposition. Commissioner Taubber summarized the history and the lack of opposition and moved to approve the draft resolution recommending abandonment; he said, “I think this is a no brainer.” Commissioner Gunerco seconded the motion.

Commission action and next steps: Commissioner Taubber read a resolution recommending that the Planning Commission find the proposal is in conformance with the general plan and recommend that Town Council abandon the 100‑foot building setback easement affecting APNs 073011340, 073011350 and 073011360 (Mission Trail parcels). The roll call recorded Chair Weaver voting yes, Commissioner Gunerco approving, and Commissioner Taubber yes; the motion passed 3‑0. A staff member clarified the Planning Commission’s recommendation is not appealable and that the Town Council will make the final decision; members of the public may speak at council when it takes up the item.

Background and implications: Staff noted that even if the recorded easement is abandoned, the minimum zoning setbacks (for example, a typical 50‑foot front setback and 20‑foot side setbacks for one‑story structures) would still apply, so any future development would need to comply with current zoning standards. The recommendation returns the question of whether to retain or abandon the recorded easement to Town Council for final action.

The commission received no other public comment on the item. The meeting concluded with staff reports on the town center area plan update and scheduling for a mid‑December meeting. The Town Council will consider the planning commission’s recommendation at a future meeting; the commission did not set a council date.