"Y" Definitions
Santa Clara City Code § 18.160.250
in effectYard. Any open space on the same parcel with a structure(s) or a dwelling group which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward to the sky, except for the projections or accessory structures allowed by this Zoning Code. See illustration below.
Yard, front. The space between the front of the structure and the front parcel line or highway setback line and extending the full width of the parcel.
Yard, rear. The space between the rear of the structure and the rear parcel line and extending the full width of the parcel.
Yard, side. The space extending from the front yard, or from the front parcel line where no front yard is required by this Zoning Code, to the rear yard, or rear parcel line, between a side parcel line and the side of the structure.
Source: City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (santaclaraca.gov PDF)URL: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/zoningFetched: 10/24/2026