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City of Santa Clara Zoning Code Update

Provide feedback on the City's proposed update to the zoning code!

Hello Santa Clara:

The City of Santa Clara is doing its first comprehensive update of the Zoning Code in over 50 years. The purpose of the Zoning Code Update is to modernize the code, streamline permitting processes, and address new land use issues that were not anticipated in the 1969 code.

The comment period for the Zoning Code Update is closed. The proposed code and all comments made during the comment period can still be viewed.

If you have questions, please contact John Davidson, Principal Planner at jdavidson@santaclaraca.gov .
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Commenting is closed for this document.

in reply to Jeya Suresh's comment

JDavidson Jun 23 2023 at 1:56PM on page 209

Residents will be able to research short-term rental permits for property owner information. Since short-term rentals are a form of tenure, parking regulations are not proposed to change.
0 replies
in reply to Mark's comment

JDavidson Jun 6 2023 at 10:56AM on page 40

Thanks for the comments. The City requires developers and property owners to follow the City's Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (WELO) when proposing new landscaping.
0 replies
in reply to Shelly's comment

JDavidson Jun 6 2023 at 10:45AM on page 204

Thanks for the comment. The code provision is meant to keep loading and unloading off of neighborhood streets. The provisions have been re-worked to say, "All loading shall either occur on-site or from the right-of-way of a commercial corridor."
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in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 4:39PM on page 113

Thanks for the comment. While parking minimums have not been removed, in many cases required parking has been reduced from current code requirements. In addition, the state now requires cities to not require parking in transit-rich areas.
0 replies
in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 4:32PM on page 91

The proposed language applies to all residential properties in the City and does not need to be imposed through CC&Rs or permit conditions.
0 replies
in reply to Prisilia Paramita's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 4:15PM on page 248

Thanks for the comment. The proposed 1,000 square foot expansion limit represents a doubling of what was previously allowed without bringing the residence up to current code requirements.
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in reply to JL's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 4:01PM on page 155

Thanks for the comment.
0 replies
in reply to Mark's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 3:56PM on page 87

Sight distance triangle dimensions are determined by speed limit. This figure is meant to be illustrative, and a note has been added to that effect.
0 replies
in reply to Robert Mayer, Architect's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 3:51PM on page 87

Thanks for the comment. This advisory has been added to the discussion of setback measurement in Chapter 18.34.
0 replies
in reply to Mark's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 3:46PM on page 105

Irrigation plans and water budgets are reviewed as a part of the development review process. Any failures in a sprinkler system would be addressed by City Code Enforcement on a complaint-driven basis.
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in reply to Robert Mayer, Architect's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 2:59PM on page 177

Thanks for the comment. Clarifying language has been added to the adoption draft.
0 replies
in reply to James Mc Pherson's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 2:31PM on page 110

Thanks for the comment.
0 replies
in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 1:51PM on page 54

New developments are subject to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance, Chapter 17.35 of the Municipal Code. The impacts to libraries, traffic and police are resolved through conditions of approval as a part of the development review process.
0 replies
in reply to JL's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 10:21AM on page 341

Thanks for the comment. Additional requirements for citizen engagement have been added to the City's Public Outreach Policy, which is currently under development.
0 replies
in reply to JL's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 10:15AM on page 224

Thanks for the comment. This code section is specifically in response to allowable parking locations and configurations in density bonus projects.
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in reply to Linda Z's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 10:14AM on page 215

"Intensity" refers to the allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of commercial developments, which is different than density, which is used to describe housing projects in terms of the number of dwelling units per acre that are on a development site.
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in reply to Winston Har's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 10:08AM on page 182

Thanks for the comment. Additional language regarding structural noise reduction measures has been added to the Data Center section of Article 4.
0 replies
in reply to Robert Mayer, Architect's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:51AM on page 123

Gravel is included as an all-weather surface in the adoption draft.
0 replies
in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:45AM on page 116

VTA collects a one-half percent sales tax on all sales within Santa Clara County through the year 2045.
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in reply to Kevin's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:42AM on page 109

Thanks for the comment. The City maintains a water wise demonstration garden at the San Tomas & Monroe Neighborhood Park, where residents can get information about native plants and drought-tolerant landscape practices.
0 replies
in reply to Mark's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:30AM on page 105

Water budgets for all projects are included as a part of the public record.
0 replies
in reply to G. Baisa's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:28AM on page 101

Thanks for the comment. This code section relates to a front setback exception for abutting corner lots. As mentioned in a previous comment, the adoption draft of the zoning code update will include a corner side setback requirement of 5 feet as opposed to the current 15 feet.
0 replies
in reply to Rick Roy's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:19AM on page 93

Proposed Old Quad exceptions were not included in the public review draft. This reference has been removed from the adoption draft.
0 replies
in reply to Jonathon E's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:19AM on page 93

Proposed Old Quad exceptions were not included in the public review draft. This reference has been removed from the adoption draft.
0 replies
in reply to Jonathon E's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:17AM on page 93

This reference to FEMA standards has been deleted from the adoption draft of the Zoning Code update.
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in reply to JL's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:10AM on page 91

The Zoning Code Update includes language prohibiting the parking of unregistered and inoperative vehicles within the front setback. The Zoning Code also requires 30% of the front yard to be landscaped. Driveways do not count towards required parking, with the exception of units created under the provision of SB9. SB9 exception
0 replies
in reply to gretchen baisa's comment

JDavidson May 22 2023 at 9:02AM on page 89

Thanks for the comment. The required sight distance triangle and street side yards in the public review draft reflect the current version of zoning code, first adopted in 1969. The proposed adoption draft will include a reduced street side setback for corner lots at 5 feet, consistent with interior side setbacks.
0 replies
in reply to Jonathon E's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:57PM on page 79

Thanks for the comment. Libraries are now a permitted use in the Zoning Code.
0 replies
in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:55PM on page 78

All new developments are subject to either land dedication or payment of in-lieu fees as a result of the City's Parkland Dedication Ordinance, Chapter 17.35 of the Municipal Code.
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in reply to Winston Har's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:52PM on page 77

Thanks for the comment. The intent of this zoning code update is to implement the General Plan, which includes any direction from that document on building heights and intensities citywide.
0 replies
in reply to Cindy Richardson's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:49PM on page 72

Thanks for the comments.
0 replies
in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:48PM on page 68

The zoning district allows for the development of higher intensity, more compact office and industrial uses, which could potentially free up additional industrial land for conversion to residential.
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in reply to Ana Vargas-Smith's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:40PM on page 66

Thanks!!
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in reply to Mark Apton's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:39PM on page 66

Additional underground parking could be encouraged by allowing higher densities that take up additional land area, or by allowing mechanical lifts, which decrease the cost of underground garages.
0 replies
in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:36PM on page 66

Comment noted.
0 replies
in reply to Dustin Harber's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:35PM on page 66

Thanks for the comment. While parking minimums have not been removed, in many cases required parking has been reduced from current code requirements.
0 replies
in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:33PM on page 65

Thanks for the comment. This language, which is from the City's General Plan, has been deleted because the zoning code does not describe a process.
0 replies
in reply to Jonathon E's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:29PM on page 64

Thanks for the comment. The transition standards have been added to the commercial zoning districts.
0 replies
in reply to Linda Z's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 1:25PM on page 59

Thanks for the careful proofreading. The minimum density should be 20 DU/AC, and will be changed in both places.
0 replies
in reply to Winston Har's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:30AM on page 54

This topic will be reviewed as a part of the El Camino Real specific plan.
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in reply to Ana Vargas-Smith's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:29AM on page 53

Thanks for the comment. Hours of operation can be extended through the Minor Use Permit (MUP) process.
0 replies
in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:27AM on page 50

Higher FAR limits for commercial development have been added to Table 2-6 of the adoption draft of the Zoning Code.
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in reply to Shelly's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:25AM on page 49

The setbacks for multi-story commercial developments, including C-N neighborhood commercial, have been changed to 20'. Thanks for the comment.
0 replies
in reply to Shelly's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:22AM on page 49

Good comment. The required rear setbacks for multi-story commercial have been modified to be a minimum of 20' when adjacent to R1 and R2 districts.
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in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:19AM on page 49

The fifteen foot standard applies to properties zoned C-R Regional Commercial, which are the largest and deepest commercial lots in the City.
0 replies
in reply to Jonathon E's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:13AM on page 46

Good comment, thanks. That's been changed to permitted for the adoption draft.
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in reply to David Moore's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:11AM on page 44

Thanks for the comment. Many of the City's commercial corridors have an underlying mixed-use General Plan designation (including El Camino, Homestead Road, and Saratoga Avenue), and will be rezoned to mixed-use zoning districts consistent with the General Plan designations.
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in reply to Bryan Shields's comment

JDavidson May 19 2023 at 11:08AM on page 44

Thanks for the comment.
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in reply to Kevin Stube's comment

JDavidson May 18 2023 at 3:17PM on page 42

Thanks for the comment. This has been removed from the adoption draft of of the Zoning Code Update.
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in reply to Robert Mayer, Architect's comment

JDavidson May 18 2023 at 3:15PM on page 41

Comment noted, thanks.
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