Public Works: Planning Division
Division Overview
The City of Piedmont consists primarily of unique single family residences set among mature trees and other vegetation. The residents of Piedmont believe it to be in the welfare of all residents to preserve the beauty and architectural heritage of the City’s housing stock, the mature vegetation, and the tranquility and privacy which now exist. The residents also desire to reduce on-street parking and traffic in the neighborhood streets and to avoid overcrowding and its detrimental effects on City schools and other services and facilities. The Planning Division is responsible for maintaining the General Plan, enforcing zoning laws, processing applications for design review and Conditional Use Permits and working directly with the Planning Commission and City Council regarding review and approval of proposed construction projects.
Design Review
Please click here for detailed information about the Design Review Process.
Second Unit Permits
In residential zones, Piedmont permits small second units through a ministerial, staff level Second Unit Permit process.
Zoning
The process of regulating the character of construction in the city to protect the integrity and beauty of Piedmont neighborhoods includes both the General Plan and the city's zoning ordinances. Piedmont is divided into five districts or zones. Within each zone only certain uses of land and buildings are allowed as permitted and certain other uses of land and buildings are restricted or prohibited. Other uses may be "conditionally" permitted if they meet certain criteria.
The City of Piedmont is divided into five zones:
- Zone A Single Family Residential Zone
- Zone B Public Facilities Zone
- Zone C Multiple Density Residential Zone
- Zone D Commercial Zone
- Zone E Single Family Residential Estate Zone
More than 95% of Piedmont’s single family homes are located in Zone A. Less than 5% are in Zone E. Multi-family dwellings are generally located in Zone C.
Piedmont has two small areas which are zoned for commercial business (Zone D) and anyone wishing to conduct business in these zones must apply for a Conditional Use Permit. The Conditional Use Permit is reviewed by staff and is then scheduled for consideration by both the Planning Commission and the City Council. When approved, a Conditional Use Permit states the approved hours of operation, number of employees, parking restrictions and other details regarding the business.
Contact the Planning Division to verify your zoning district. Chapter 17 of the Piedmont City Code contains the specific regulations for each zone in the city
Hayward Fault Special Studies Zone
Piedmont is entirely outside the Hayward Fault Special Studies Zone. The fault lies approximately 1/4 mile east of the city limits.
Flood Map
No portion of Piedmont is within the 100-year flood plain of any creek or waterway, All properties are classified as Zone C on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps,
