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Woodside, in short
Where does the water from my downspouts go in Woodside?
The Town’s Winter Storm Watercourse Protection page says Woodside “does not have a formal storm drain system, as many other jurisdictions do, and relies on the natural creeks and earthen channels to facilitate drainage to the bay.” It adds “Driveway culverts are also the responsibility of the home owner and shall be kept free and clear of debris.”
The story of Woodside
Woodside, the San Mateo County town that, its own plan says, has been known since the early twentieth century for “its idyllic setting and the presence of horses”.
The Town’s history page says that in 1849 Dr. Robert Orville Tripp, a dentist, arrived in Woodside to recuperate from an illness, and stayed to establish a business and a home. It says that by a close vote of 646 to 574 on October 20, 1956, Woodsiders voted to incorporate.
The Town’s history page says “Before the Europeans came to explore and settle Alta California, Woodside was home to the Ohlone/Costanoan people.” The Town’s General Plan adds that they “made their home in this area for thousands of years”.
The Town’s history page says that in 1769 “a group of explorers led by Gaspar de Portolá searching for San Francisco Bay, camped near Woodside.”
The Town’s history page says “In the 1830’s William Smith (Bill the Sawyer), a fur trader from Oregon, made his home in Woodside, as did John Cooper and James Pease.”
It says “Charles Brown built the first sawmill on his Mountain Home Ranch. His adobe house was built in 1839 and stands today.”
County Parks says that in August 1840 the Governor of Spanish California granted the land, later called Rancho Canada de Raymundo, to John Coppinger, an Irishman who had become a naturalized Mexican citizen, and that the 12,545-acre rancho contained the 973 acres now Huddart Park. The Town’s plan says the rancho’s boundaries “encompassed much of present day Woodside”.
The Town’s history page says “Dennis Martin, who came in the first wagon party over the Truckee pass in 1845, bought one thousand acres of land from John Coppinger.”
It says “In 1849, Dr. Robert Orville Tripp, a dentist, arrived in Woodside to recuperate from an illness, and stayed to establish a business and a home.”
The Town’s history page says “By 1855, there were at least eight sawmills and one shingle mill in Woodside. As the lower hills were timbered out, the mills were moved up the canyons and over the hills.”
It says “In the 1880’s prosperous San Francisco families began to establish country estates in Woodside.”
The Town’s plan says “By the turn of the twentieth century there were well over 800 acres of grapes in the Woodside-Portola Valley area.”
The Town’s plan names the coffee merchant James Folger II, who bought 1,500 acres in 1902, and the banker Mortimer Fleishhacker, who started building Green Gables in 1911.
The Town’s plan says “Originally, horses were a necessity for work and transportation, and later for pleasure, leisure, and sport.”
The Town’s 1993 specific plan says the Woodside Glens’ two subdivisions “created 254 lots”, and that “Lots in the Woodside Glens were generally intended to serve as second homes or vacation cabins for well-to-do San Franciscans.”
The Town’s history page says “By a close vote of 646 to 574 on October 20, 1956, Woodsiders voted to incorporate. Incorporation on November 16, 1956, brought road maintenance, management, planning and zoning under local control and budget.”
County Parks says the contractor Martin Wunderlich bought the Wunderlich Park property from the Folgers in November 1956 and later deeded 942 acres to San Mateo County for use as park and open space.
The Town’s plan says “Since incorporation in 1956, five annexations of additional territory have been approved by the Town Council.”, among them Skywood Acres and Stockbridge Avenue in 1975 and the Greenways-Ward Tract in 2002.
Fire safety
Your fire department
The Woodside Fire Protection District’s rule for defensible space is its Fuel Mitigation Ordinance, No. 24-01. The Town’s page says the District “adopted a new Fuel Mitigation Ordinance on April 30, 2024 that will require property owners in Woodside, Portola Valley and surrounding communities to create defensible space around their homes to help guard against the spread of wildfires.”
Town pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
Free home assessments from the District
The District’s home assessment page says “This is a complimentary service that we offer to all residents in our district.” It also says “These assessments are required by law under local ordinance, and homeowners must comply with the inspection and its requirements.” On the rotation it says “2,000 parcels will be inspected per year. Properties will be on a 3-year rotation.” For time to comply it says “You have 12 months to comply so long as you are making substantial progress.”
District page undated, with a 2024 label that says inspections began June 1, 2024 “and still going”; read Nov 2 2026
See 2 more
What the Town’s code says about fire hazard maps
The Town’s municipal code, in the version we read on November 2, 2026, says “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated on a map titled ‘Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA – Woodside’, 2025, and retained on file at Woodside Town Hall … are Local Agency Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones”.
Code read in Chrome Nov 2 2026
The State’s separate Zone 0 rule: where it stands
The State’s rule for the first five feet around a home, also called Zone 0: adopted by the Board; in final review with the Office of Administrative Law; no effective date known.
Standing check of Nov 7 2026, read from the file Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter guards
Woodside this month
Storm season: the Town says “Sand and sandbags are available at Town Hall for Town of Woodside residents and businesses for the purpose of storm response and flood protection.”
The Woodside blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
The Woodside Store
The County Parks page describes the Woodside Store as “a fully restored wooden structure once used by Dr. Tripp as a general store, post office, and dental office in the heyday of Lumber industry in Woodside.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
Old Woodside Store Day
The same page says “On the first Sunday in May, step into the past during Old Woodside Store Day featuring demonstrations and hands-on activities for families.”
Page listed it when read Nov 2 2026
See 9 more
Folger Stable’s Carriage Room museum
The County’s Folger Stable page says “The Carriage Room museum is open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00pm – 3:00pm.”
Hours as on the page read Nov 2 2026
Soapbox Derby
The Town’s Soapbox Derby page says “Next year’s event will be on Sunday, May 2, 2027.”
Page read Nov 2 2026; it also reports the 2026 derby as held May 3
May Day Festival
The Woodside school PTA’s May Day page lists the “105th annual May Day Festival on Saturday, May 1, 2027!”
Page read Nov 2 2026; it prints the year, 2027
Kings Mountain Art Fair, near Woodside
The fair’s site says “Started in 1963, the Kings Mountain Art Fair is an annual event, held every Labor Day weekend.” It describes itself as “above the town of Woodside, California”.
Site read Nov 2 2026
Filoli, just outside the Town
The Town’s General Plan says “Just outside the Town’s limits is one of Woodside’s largest and most intact estates, Filoli, built between 1915 and 1917.” Filoli’s site says “Built as a private country estate in 1917, Filoli has welcomed the public since 1975.”
Plan of 2012; Filoli page read Nov 2 2026
Heritage Tree Award
The Town’s page says “The Town awards annual certificates of recognition to owners of heritage trees and a yard sign to display next to the tree, based upon size, condition, and care.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
How the Town began
Woodside voted to incorporate in 1956, and the Town incorporated that November, the Town says. More in The story of Woodside, below.
Town history page read Nov 2 2026
The sawmills
The Town’s history page counts at least eight sawmills and one shingle mill in Woodside by 1855. More in The story of Woodside, below.
Town history page read Nov 2 2026
Horse country
The Town’s plan says Woodside has been known since the early twentieth century for its idyllic setting and the presence of horses. More in The story of Woodside, below.
Plan of 2012
Community
Fire Safe San Mateo County
Fire Safe San Mateo County’s page says “residents of Woodside, Skylonda, and the Skyline corridor are served by the Woodside Fire Protection District, which runs defensible space evaluations and participates in the neighborhood chipper program.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
Emergency alerts
The Town’s SMC ALERT page describes it as “an alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations”, and says “SMC ALERT is free.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
See 2 more
Local groups the Town lists
The Town’s Community Services page lists “Woodside Community Foundation”, “Woodside Library” and “Woodside-Portola Valley Rotary Club” among its “helpful links to services offered in Woodside and San Mateo County”.
Page read Nov 2 2026
Woodside History Committee
The Town’s page says the History Committee meets on the “2nd Thursday of every month” in “Independence Hall”, and that “The Committee runs the Woodside Community Museum”.
Page read Nov 2 2026
City rules and regulations
Building permits
The Town’s Permits page says “A building permit is required to construct any new structure or improve existing buildings and other structures.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
Re-roof permits
For a re-roof, the Town’s Permits page says “Re-roof permits can be applied for via eTRAKit.” The Town’s re-roof handout says “Re-roofs are required to meet the Town’s recycling program.” It lists four required inspections: roof tear off, plywood nailing, roof in progress, and final.
Pages read Nov 2 2026
See 11 more
Scheduling an inspection
The Town’s Building page says “Please schedule your inspection 72 hours in advance.” and “The Town only conducts afternoon inspections, the time window is 1 to 4:30 pm.”
Pages read Nov 2 2026
Fees: where to look
The Town’s Schedule of Fees and Charges lists a re-roof fee, and the Town’s page says “The Schedule of Fees and Charges is effective as of October 1, 2026.”, so check the Town’s fee page for the current amount.
Fee page read Nov 2 2026
The building code in force
The Town’s California Building Code page says “Current Codes: 2025 California Building Codes” and “Effective January 1, 2026, all projects that are submitted for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required to comply with the 2025 California Code of Regulations Title 24.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
Work hours
The Town’s Building page lists work hours of “7:30 am to 5:30 pm” Monday through Friday and “8 am to 1 pm” on Saturday, and for Sunday “No work allowed”. It adds “No work allowed on Town observed holidays.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
Tree permits
The Town’s municipal code says “No person shall engage in tree destruction without first obtaining a permit.” It defines tree destruction as “The cutting of significant trees to the ground or to stumps, complete extraction, killing by chemical application, stubbing, girdling, placing fill within the drip line, other actions which threaten the life of the tree, or other willful actions that result in the premature death of the tree.” A significant tree is “Any living tree that has a trunk circumference, measured 48 inches above mean natural grade, greater than the size in inches in the table below”, and the size depends on the kind of tree; the Town’s information sheet has the table.
Code read in Chrome Nov 2 2026
Emergency tree work
The code says “In case of emergency, when a significant tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be trimmed or removed by order of the Town Manager or his/her designee.”
Code read in Chrome Nov 2 2026
Tree permit fee waivers
The Town’s Permits page says “Fees are waived for Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Monterey Pine trees and when trees are removed under the Defensible Space and Home Hardening Program.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
No grading from October 15 to April 15
The Town’s Annual Grading Moratorium page says “From October 15th to April 15th of each year, no grading work is allowed”.
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Solar on the roof
The Town’s Electrification page says “The Town of Woodside offers expedited solar photovoltaic permits for one and two family dwellings. The panels must be roof-mounted and sized at 10kw or less.”
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Gas-powered leaf blowers
The Town’s leaf blower page says “As of July 1, 2026, gas-powered leaf blowers shall not be operated within the town for either private or commercial purposes” and lists exceptions. The Town’s code, section 94.06 (effective Feb 12 2026), names one exception: parcels in a Special Conservation Planning or Open Space Zoning District.
Page read Nov 2 2026
When you buy or sell Sale-time fire inspection, from the District
The Woodside Fire Protection District’s page says it “now applies” its sale-time fire safety inspection to “our entire fire district (Towns of Portola Valley and Woodside, Unincorporated areas of San Mateo County), regardless of fire hazard severity zone.” It says “The seller shall request a defensible space compliance inspection from WFPD”. The District’s page quotes its ordinance: “Prior to the close of any Real Estate Transaction within the Fire District, the seller of any Improved Parcel must obtain documentation from the Fire Code Official that the property is in compliance” and “Documentation of compliance obtained in the six-month period preceding the date of the close of escrow is sufficient”.
District page undated, read Nov 2 2026; the fee is on that page
Need a hand with this? Roofing
Storms, flood and drainage
Free sandbags at Town Hall
The Town’s Sandbags page says “Sand and sandbags are available at Town Hall for Town of Woodside residents and businesses for the purpose of storm response and flood protection.” It says “The sand is located in front of Town Hall as shown on the location map.” Town Hall is at 2955 Woodside Road, the address the Town’s pages print. The page says “Do not place filled sandbags in your normal garbage or at the curb for disposal. Full sandbags will not be picked up.” It states no limit per household, cost or hours.
Page undated, re-read Nov 2 2026 19:06
Clearing gutters and drains before the rains
The Town’s Winter Weather Preparedness page, written for the 2026/27 season, says to prepare your home “by clearing all watercourses, roof gutters, downspouts, and exterior yard drains so heavy runoff flows safely away from your foundation.” It adds “Also remove dirt, leaves and debris from storm drains in the streets near your home.”
Page undated, written for the 2026/27 season; re-read Nov 2 2026 19:07
See 6 more
Keeping watercourses clear
The Town’s notice quotes its code: “Every person owning property through which a watercourse passes, or such person’s lessee or tenant, shall keep and maintain that part of the watercourse within the property reasonably free of trash, debris, excessive vegetation, and other obstacles”.
Notice and code read Nov 2 2026
Changing how water flows
The Town’s Winter Storm Watercourse Protection page says “doing work other than maintenance and altering the drainage pattern (diverting flows, installing pipes, etc.) may require a Site Development Permit. Please check with the Town.”
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Culverts, ditches and swales
Besides the driveway culverts and creeks in the answer at the top of the page, the Town’s page says “The Town consists of publicly and privately maintained culverts, ditches, and swales that flow to the creeks.” The Town’s General Plan says “The storm drain system in Town consists primarily of open ditches, and some culverts which flow through private properties and public rights-of-way with limited sections of concrete-lined channels and pipes.”
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026; plan of 2012
Where the Town’s plan says to watch
The Town’s Natural Hazards and Safety Element says “Historically, flooding has not been severe in Woodside. However, Woodside has experienced minor flooding in areas adjacent to streams for many years.” It says “Most of the flood plain areas are in the southern part of Woodside along Alambique, Sausal, and Corte Madera Creeks. Small sections of West Union Creek and Dry Creek in central Woodside also are in the flood plain.”
Plan of 2012; read Nov 2 2026
The flood map
FEMA’s community status book lists Woodside, Town of, community 060330, as taking part in the National Flood Insurance Program, with a current effective map date of 10/16/12. The Town’s winter page adds “A new flood policy takes effect 30 days after you sign it, so buy now, before the rain comes.”
FEMA status book pulled Nov 1 2026; Town page re-read Nov 2 2026
Storms on the record
The County’s 2021 hazard plan lists storms with damage recorded in Woodside: January 1997 (FEMA disaster DR-1155), December 2005 on Kings Mountain Road (damage assessed at $142,000), December 2012 on Portola Road ($112,829) and February 1 to 23, 2017 (DR-4308, $229,797).
Plan of 2021; read Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
Check back Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund: check back
The Town’s page says “For approved projects, the Town will reimburse you 50% of the cost of creating defensible space and/or home hardening, up to a maximum of $3,000.” Eligible work includes removing dead brush and woody debris and mowing annual dry grasses, and three home hardening projects: replacing a wood shake roof with a non-wood shake roof, vent screens and chimney spark arrestors, and an approved seismic gas shut-off device. The fund’s pages and application form name no gutter or gutter-guard item. The steps: “Go to the Woodside Fire Protection District’s website and schedule a Woodside Matching Fund Program inspection.”, then “Town staff will notify you if the application has been approved.”, and after the work “Include copies of paid invoices for the work.” The application form asks for Town approval “prior to starting work on your property as some items may require a permit.” The page says “Each program year is from July 1st through June 30th.” It gives no open or closed word, deadline or limit per household, so check back with the Town before you plan on it.
Pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
Chipper Program (free chipping)
The Town’s page says “WFPD is continuing its neighborhood Chipper Program in conjunction with the Town of Woodside and the Town of Portola Valley.” The Town’s pages say “residents must MAKE A RESERVATION for the Chipping Program to schedule service.” and that the program “runs from May through November”. The District’s own chipper page lists limbs up to 8 inches in diameter, and says it does not take “leaves, lawn clippings”, “poison oak” or “Bagged or tied material of any kind”. The Town’s page calls it “the free chipping program”, and says “Chips will be chipped back on-site, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to pull back chips and spread or remove them”.
Town pages undated; District page undated; read Nov 2 2026
See 10 more
Cal Water rebates (Bear Gulch customers)
If you are a Cal Water customer, Cal Water’s page says “Cal Water offers both indoor and outdoor rebates and programs to help our customers save water every day.” It says “The Lawn-to-garden program provides a per-square-foot rebate for our customers that transform grassy areas into water-wise gardens and landscapes”. The page gives no amounts and sends you to “the Conservation Portal for more information and a searchable list of qualified products”. BAWSCA’s rain barrel table has a Cal Water row for “San Carlos, San Mateo, Atherton, SSF, Colma” and does not list Woodside, so ask Cal Water whether the rain barrel rebate reaches your address.
Pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Safe at Home minor repairs (Rebuilding Together Peninsula)
Rebuilding Together Peninsula’s page says “RTP service is provided at no cost to qualifying homeowners.” It asks that “Your home is your primary residence, and you will remain there for at least two years.” and that “Your total household gross income is not higher than San Mateo County’s current ‘low’ income limit (80% AMI).” It says “certain larger repairs such as foundation work, roof replacement, and major plumbing or electrical system repairs are typically not covered by our funding” and “it may take up to six months or longer for work to be started or completed.” Its typical repairs include “Grab Bars”, “Wheelchair Ramps” and “Fence, Gate, and Stair Repair”; the list names no gutter work.
Pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Housing Accessibility Modifications (Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities)
The County’s housing repair page lists the Housing Accessibility Modifications Program: “Free housing accessibility modification assistance, including assistance to those who rent, to qualified clients in San Mateo County.” The Town’s Housing Resources page also links the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities.
Pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide El Concilio minor home repair
The County’s housing repair page lists El Concilio’s “Free minor home repair services that help qualify homes in San Mateo County for participation of Energy Partners to reduce utility bills and conserve energy.”
County page read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Check back PG&E Energy Savings Assistance: check back
PG&E’s page says the program lets you “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you.”, for those who “live in a house, mobile home or apartment that is at least five years old”. Its income guidelines are “Valid through May 31, 2027.” PG&E’s service-area page lists Woodside, but the program page names no town and does not say whether it is taking applications, so check back.
Valid through May 31, 2027; PG&E pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide EASE Home (BayREN): weatherization for moderate-income homes
BayREN’s EASE Home page says “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing.” To qualify you “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI.”, “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.” and “Are a PG&E customer.” The page names no gutter or roof work.
BayREN page read Oct 14 2026, from the county sheet; not re-read
County-wide WestLight Energy rebates and loan
WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, says “We’re currently exclusive to residents and businesses in San Mateo County and Los Banos.” Its page says “Apply for exclusive rebates on heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and used EVs.” and “See if you are eligible for our 0% interest loan for up to $10,000-no credit check required and no money down.”
Provider pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
The California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, runs Earthquake Brace + Bolt, and the Town’s page says “Earthquake Brace and Bolt Program is being offered through The California Residential Mitigation Program.” Its 2025 Northern California ZIP list says “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” and pairs Woodside with 94061 and 94062. The program’s page says answers will determine if your home qualifies for “an EBB retrofit grant of up to $3,000”, and that a retrofit “is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes”. When we read the program’s page on October 20, it said: “The EBB Program is currently closed.”
ZIP list printed 2025; registration page read Oct 20 2026
Town Clean Up Days
GreenWaste Recovery, the Town’s waste collection company, hosts “three Town Clean Up Days per year”, and the Town’s page lists each year’s dates, so check it for the next one. The page says “This event is free for Town of Woodside residents – please bring the original postcard received in the mail as proof of residency.” It says “hazardous materials are not accepted at the Town Clean Up Day.” GreenWaste’s page adds “Residents may request up to two on-call clean-ups per year at no additional charge.”
Pages read Nov 2 2026 (re-read of the Town page 19:07)
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes is a State grant program created by a 2025 law, AB 888, and run by the Department of Insurance. No dated State page we read says it is open, and none gives an application window or a dollar amount.
Standing check last run Oct 8 2026; California sheet read Oct 20 2026
Who serves your home in Woodside
- Fire: The Woodside Fire Protection District. The Town’s page lists it under “Non-Emergency Fire Services”, and the District’s own page says its sale-time inspection covers “our entire fire district (Towns of Portola Valley and Woodside, Unincorporated areas of San Mateo County)”.
- Water: California Water Service’s Bear Gulch District says it is “Serving Atherton, Bear Gulch, Kings Mountain, Los Trancos, Portola Valley, Skyline, and Woodside, and portions of Menlo Park and Redwood City”. The Town’s directory of water companies lists “CA Water Service Co.” and “Redwood City Water”.
- Sewer: The Town’s sewer page says “Piped sewer services (not septic systems) are provided within the Town of Woodside by the Town within the Town Center Sewer District and by the County of San Mateo within the Fair Oaks Sewer District and Redwood Creek Sewer District.” It adds “Properties/parcels outside of this map shall be on septic.”
- Garbage, recycling and compost: The Town’s page says “All waste in Woodside is collected by GreenWaste Recovery”. GreenWaste’s page says “GreenWaste is proud to provide the Town of Woodside mixed compostables, recyclables, and yard trimmings collection and processing service.”
- Electricity and gas: The Town’s events page of March 2025 calls Peninsula Clean Energy “the town’s electricity provider”, and WestLight Energy’s page says “Peninsula Clean Energy is now WestLight Energy”. PG&E’s service-area page lists Woodside by name.
- Schools: Several school districts reach parts of Woodside, and which one serves a home depends on the address. The Town’s school page lists “Las Lomitas School District”, “Portola Valley School District”, “Redwood City School District” and “Woodside Elementary School District” among its links to “schools located in and/or surrounding Woodside”. The Woodside School District’s site asks “Wondering if your home or prospective home is within the Woodside School District boundaries?” and sends you to its main office to confirm your address. The Sequoia Union High School District names Woodside among the communities it serves.
Useful links: Woodside Fire Protection District · Town of Woodside: Permits · Town of Woodside: Schedule of Fees and Charges · Town of Woodside: Defensible Space and Home Hardening Matching Fund · Town of Woodside: Winter Weather Preparedness · Town of Woodside: Winter Storm Watercourse Protection · Town of Woodside: Sandbags at Town Hall · Town of Woodside: Town Clean Up Days · Cal Water: Bear Gulch District · GreenWaste Recovery · WestLight Energy · San Mateo County Parks: Woodside Store · California State Landmark: Woodside Store
The homes of Woodside
Woodside’s median home was built in 1965, and about 43 percent of its homes were built before 1960, our own calculations from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 tables. Of the occupied homes, about 87 percent are owner-occupied and about 13 percent are rented.
Before 1950
The older homes
About 24 percent of the homes were built before 1950, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1950 to 1959
The 1950s
About 19 percent of the homes were built in 1950 to 1959, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1960 to 1979
The middle years
About 25 percent of the homes were built from 1960 to 1979, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1980 to 1999
The later decades
About 15 percent of the homes were built from 1980 to 1999, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
2000 and later
The newest homes
About 17 percent of the homes were built in 2000 or later, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Across the town
House types
About 96 percent of the homes are detached houses, about 2 percent are attached and about 2 percent are in buildings of 2 to 4 units, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Estates and compact lots
The range
The Town’s General Plan says residential development “can range from large rural estates with multiple accessory buildings, such as Mountain Home road; to smaller, single-family homes within compact neighborhoods, such as The Woodside Glens.”
New homes
What the Town asks for
For new homes, the Town’s residential design guidelines say “Woodside prefers the use of naturally fire resistant roofing and siding materials which retain the rural design character of the Town.” and “Roof colors should be inconspicuous when viewed from a distance. Select roof colors and materials that limit glare.”
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Woodside
History and character
The Town’s history page says “Before the Europeans came to explore and settle Alta California, Woodside was home to the Ohlone/Costanoan people.” The Town’s General Plan adds that they “made their home in this area for thousands of years”.
The Town’s history page says that in 1769 “a group of explorers led by Gaspar de Portolá searching for San Francisco Bay, camped near Woodside.”
The Town’s history page says “In the 1830’s William Smith (Bill the Sawyer), a fur trader from Oregon, made his home in Woodside, as did John Cooper and James Pease.”
It says “Charles Brown built the first sawmill on his Mountain Home Ranch. His adobe house was built in 1839 and stands today.”
County Parks says that in August 1840 the Governor of Spanish California granted the land, later called Rancho Canada de Raymundo, to John Coppinger, an Irishman who had become a naturalized Mexican citizen, and that the 12,545-acre rancho contained the 973 acres now Huddart Park. The Town’s plan says the rancho’s boundaries “encompassed much of present day Woodside”.
The Town’s history page says “Dennis Martin, who came in the first wagon party over the Truckee pass in 1845, bought one thousand acres of land from John Coppinger.”
It says “In 1849, Dr. Robert Orville Tripp, a dentist, arrived in Woodside to recuperate from an illness, and stayed to establish a business and a home.”
The Town’s history page says “By 1855, there were at least eight sawmills and one shingle mill in Woodside. As the lower hills were timbered out, the mills were moved up the canyons and over the hills.”
It says “In the 1880’s prosperous San Francisco families began to establish country estates in Woodside.”
The Town’s plan says “By the turn of the twentieth century there were well over 800 acres of grapes in the Woodside-Portola Valley area.”
The Town’s plan names the coffee merchant James Folger II, who bought 1,500 acres in 1902, and the banker Mortimer Fleishhacker, who started building Green Gables in 1911.
The Town’s plan says “Originally, horses were a necessity for work and transportation, and later for pleasure, leisure, and sport.”
The Town’s 1993 specific plan says the Woodside Glens’ two subdivisions “created 254 lots”, and that “Lots in the Woodside Glens were generally intended to serve as second homes or vacation cabins for well-to-do San Franciscans.”
The Town’s history page says “By a close vote of 646 to 574 on October 20, 1956, Woodsiders voted to incorporate. Incorporation on November 16, 1956, brought road maintenance, management, planning and zoning under local control and budget.”
County Parks says the contractor Martin Wunderlich bought the Wunderlich Park property from the Folgers in November 1956 and later deeded 942 acres to San Mateo County for use as park and open space.
The Town’s plan says “Since incorporation in 1956, five annexations of additional territory have been approved by the Town Council.”, among them Skywood Acres and Stockbridge Avenue in 1975 and the Greenways-Ward Tract in 2002.
Woodside, roof and gutters
The Town’s 2012 General Plan gives Woodside’s elevation as “200 – 1,600 Feet”. It says “The steep, tree covered slopes and deeply incised canyons of the Santa Cruz Mountains provide the watershed, land form and backdrop for the westerly portion of the Town.” It says the central area contains “the gentle oak and grassland foothills, flatter valley areas, valley stream corridors containing riparian habitat, flood plains, ground water aquifers”, and that “The portion of Town east of Interstate 280 is predominantly mixed oak woodland.” The plan says “The tributary system of San Francisquito Creek drains much of the area. Redwood Creek drains most of the remainder.”
According to NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals, yearly rain is about 17 inches, the mean of the two weather stations nearest Town Hall: 19.02 inches at the Redwood City station, about 3.4 miles away, and 15.12 inches at the Palo Alto station, about 6.2 miles away, a mean of 17.07 inches. By our own calculation from the same monthly normals, about 85 percent of a year’s rain falls from November through March (85.5 percent at the Redwood City station and 85.1 percent at the Palo Alto station), and June to August together bring 0.20 and 0.13 inch.
The Town’s General Plan lists coast live oak, valley oak, blue oak, black oak, California bay and California buckeye among the trees of its mixed oak woodland, which it says occurs “primarily on lower slopes and on rolling hills in central and eastern areas of Woodside”. It lists redwood, Douglas-fir, tanoak, big-leaf maple, coast live oak, California bay and madrone in its redwood forest, which it places “primarily in the western portion of Woodside in the foothills and eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains”. The Forest Service says coast live oak sheds its old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, that valley oak’s leaves fall in November, and that blue oak leaves fall from August to mid-November; the University of California says coast redwood sheds needles several years old in late summer and early fall, a natural process.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Independence Hall
It “was moved, finally, in 1991, completely restored, and now stands next to Town Hall”, the Town’s page says. The State lists Independence Hall on the National Register of Historic Places (N651), dated August 3, 1978.
Woodside Store
The State’s list shows the Woodside Store (93) as both a National Register listing and a State Landmark, dated March 29, 1933.
Folger Estate Stable Historic District
“In 2010 the Folger Stable and surrounding buildings opened to the public after extensive renovations.”, County Parks says. The State lists it on the National Register (N2234), dated April 16, 2004.
Site of San Mateo County’s first sawmill
Carried on the State’s list as State Landmark 478, dated November 9, 1950.
Barkley Fields and Park
The Town’s page says it “is the Town’s only park and playing fields”.
Kite Hill Native Plant Preserve
The Town’s page says “In 1978, it was transferred to the ownership of the Town and dedicated as a wildflower preserve to assure the preservation of the natural landscape.”
Huddart Park
County Parks says “The forested slopes and steep, cool canyons of Huddart Park are located within easy reach of the population centers of the San Francisco Peninsula.” The Town’s plan counts Huddart and Wunderlich parks within the Woodside Planning Area.
Wunderlich Park
County Parks says it is “a hillside area of redwood forest, open meadows, and beautiful oaks and madrones”.
Thornewood Open Space Preserve
Near Woodside: Midpeninsula’s page puts it “in the hills above the Town of Woodside” and calls it “a 167-acre preserve offering nice, easy hikes or horseback rides”.
The Horse Park at Woodside
Near Woodside: the Horse Park’s site says “It began in 1981 with a vision and a cow pasture called Guernsey Field.”
How we can help in Woodside
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Woodside
| January | Wettest stretch: December, January and February are the wettest months at both stations |
|---|---|
| February | Coast live oaks shed their old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, the Forest Service says |
| May | The Soapbox Derby, Sunday, May 2, 2027, the Town’s page says The May Day Festival, Saturday, May 1, 2027, the school PTA’s page says |
| June | The dry months begin: June to August bring very little rain at either station |
| September | Coast redwoods shed needles several years old in late summer and early fall, the University of California says The Kings Mountain Art Fair, near Woodside, is held every Labor Day weekend, the fair’s site says |
| October | October 15: the Town’s grading moratorium begins, and no grading work is allowed until April 15 |
| November | The wet months begin: November through March brings most of the year’s rain at the two weather stations nearest Town Hall Valley oak leaves fall in November, the Forest Service says |
Woodside questions
What Woodside homeowners ask us
Does roof replacement require a permit in Woodside?
The Town’s Permits page says “A building permit is required to construct any new structure or improve existing buildings and other structures.” For a re-roof it says “Re-roof permits can be applied for via eTRAKit.” If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
What should I clear before the rains in Woodside?
The Town’s Winter Weather Preparedness page says to prepare your home “by clearing all watercourses, roof gutters, downspouts, and exterior yard drains so heavy runoff flows safely away from your foundation.” It adds “Also remove dirt, leaves and debris from storm drains in the streets near your home.”
Do I need a permit to take down a tree in Woodside?
Yes, for tree destruction of a significant tree: the Town’s code says “No person shall engage in tree destruction without first obtaining a permit.” A significant tree is one with a trunk size above the code’s table for its kind of tree; the table is on the Town’s information sheet.
Where can I get sandbags in Woodside?
The Town’s Sandbags page says “Sand and sandbags are available at Town Hall for Town of Woodside residents and businesses for the purpose of storm response and flood protection.” It says “The sand is located in front of Town Hall as shown on the location map.”
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Woodside neighbourhoods we serve
Town Center
The Town’s General Plan says the Town Center “is located on both sides of Woodside road between Whiskey Hill road and just west of Cañada road”, and the Town’s planning page lists a “Town Center Area Plan (PDF)”.
Woodside Glens
The Town’s General Plan names “The Woodside Glens” among “smaller, single-family homes within compact neighborhoods”, and the Town’s planning page lists “Specific Plans for Emerald Lake Hills and Woodside Glens.”
Woodside Hills
The Town publishes a map of the Woodside Hills Homes Association that shows “WHHA Parcels (264 total)”, and the Fire District’s home assessment page lists “Woodside Hills & Woodside Heights”.
Woodside Heights
The Town’s Safety Element lists Woodside Heights among its emergency-preparedness divisions, and the Fire District’s home assessment page lists “Woodside Hills & Woodside Heights”.
Western Hills
The Town’s General Plan defines the Western Hills as “all lands west of Kings Mountain road, Woodside road, and Portola road”, and its Open Space Element uses the name in its rules.
Skywood Acres
The Town’s plan lists Skywood Acres as one of its environmentally sensitive areas and says the Town annexed Skywood Acres in 1975; the Fire District’s home assessment page lists “Skywood”.
Woodside West
The Town’s Safety Element lists Woodside West among its emergency-preparedness divisions, and the community preparedness group’s list of “5 active Nodes” includes “Woodside West”.
Woodside North
The Town’s Safety Element lists Woodside North among its emergency-preparedness divisions, and the Fire District’s home assessment page lists “Woodside North”.
Woodside South
The Town’s Safety Element lists Woodside South among its emergency-preparedness divisions, and the Fire District’s home assessment page lists “The Glens, Woodside South”.
Also serving nearby: Portola Valley · Redwood City · Atherton · Menlo Park · Emerald Lake Hills · East Palo Alto