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City of San Mateo Municipal Code.

27.62.060 SETBACKS AND SPACING BETWEEN BUILDINGS.

(1) Setbacks and Distances Between Buildings Within the Development.

Spacing and distances between principal buildings shall be at least equivalent to that required by the zoning district unless the applicant demonstrates that:

(a) A better or more appropriate design can be achieved by not applying the provision of the zoning district; and

(b) Adherence to the requirements of the zoning district is not required in order to insure health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the development.

(2) Peripheral Setbacks.

(a) Generally. Setbacks between any principal building and any peripheral boundary of the development shall be equal to the minimum required setback on the immediately adjacent property unless otherwise provided.

(b) Decreased Setbacks. Decreased setbacks may be allowed where the applicant demonstrates that a better or more appropriate design can be achieved by the allowance of a reduced setback and adherence to the setback requirements of immediately adjacent property is not required in order to insure the health, safety and welfare of inhabitants of the development or the adjacent property.

(c) Increased Setbacks. Setbacks greater than those of the immediately adjacent property may be required where the intensity of development is greater than that of the adjacent property to such an extent that greater peripheral setbacks are needed in order to insure the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the development of the adjacent property.