Drive-in/Drive-Through Establishments
Santa Clara City Code § 18.60.100
in effectA. Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish standards for the development and operation of Drive-In/Drive-Through Establishments as allowed by Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards).
B. Permit Requirements. Drive-In/Drive-Through Establishmentsare allowed as specified in Table 2-4 (Commercial Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements) and Table 2-10 (Mixed-Use Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements).
C. Developmental Standards. The following standards shall apply to all Drive-In/Drive-Through Establishments:
1. Drive-through aisles shall have a minimum 10-foot interior radius at curves and a minimum 11-foot width.
2. Each entrance to an aisle and the direction of traffic flow shall be clearly designated by signs/pavement markings.
3. Each drive-through aisle shall be separated by curbing and landscaping from the circulation routes necessary for ingress or egress from the property or access to a parking space.
4. Pedestrian walkways generally should not intersect the drive-through access aisles, but where they do, they shall have clear visibility and be emphasized by enhanced paving or markings.
5. The provision of drive-through service facilities shall not justify a reduction in the number of required off-street parking spaces.
6. Drive-through access aisles shall provide at least 100 feet of space before a menu/order board. Additional menu-only boards may be provided.
7. To properly screen vehicles and associated headlights in a drive-through lane from view of abutting street rights-of-way, a minimum five-foot-wide planter shall include a minimum three-foot-tall (maximum four-foot-tall) landscape barrier planted with shrubs and trees and other landscaping consistent with those in the parking area. At no time shall this landscape barrier be pruned in a manner that allows the vehicle headlights from the drive-through lane to be visible from abutting street rights-of-way. Plantings shall also be designed to discourage potential safety issues (e.g., persons lying in wait).
8. A minimum eight-foot-high solid decorative wall shall be constructed on each property line that adjoins a residentially zoned or used parcel. The design of the wall and the proposed construction materials shall be subject to the approval of the Director. A minimum five-foot landscaping strip shall be provided between the fence and any driveway which shall be maintained by the owners, developers, and/or successors-in-interest.
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