Applicability
Santa Clara City Code ch. 18.26, Downtown Form-Based Code § 1.2
in effectThe Development Standards of this Form-Based Code regulate land use and the physical form of development for the ten blocks identified in Figure 4–1 (The Downtown Zone), which corresponds to the Downtown Precise Plan Area. The zone established herein replaces the existing zoning for all property and uses within its boundaries.
A. Existing Requirements. This Chapter replaces currently-adopted zoning regulations for parcels in the Plan area, but relies on many of the land use and procedural requirements of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC). In cases where this Chapter is silent, the requirements of the SCCC shall apply; in cases where there is conflict between the requirements of this Chapter and those of the SCCC, the requirements of this Chapter shall apply.
B. Existing Structures and Uses. Permitted structures and uses that do not conform to the standards of this Chapter on the date of its adoption shall be deemed to be legal nonconforming. The provisions of SCCC 18.94 shall apply.
C. Historic Preservation & Resources Inventory. Downtown’s historic buildings and sites shall be preserved as described by the City’s Historic Preservation and Resources Inventory and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Preservation and Treatment of Historic Properties and with the City’s regulations for Historic Combining Districts (see Chapter 18.58 of the Santa Clara City Code). The continued assessment of buildings and sites with potential but undetermined historic significance will continue throughout the life of the Precise Plan. In particular, the City should study the potential eligibility of the downtown post office for the Historic Preservation and Resources Inventory.
D. Specific to the Historic Combining District. The property located at 906 Monroe St (APN 26920095) shall comply with all regulations of the Historic Combining District (HT) as described in Chapter 18.58 of the Santa Clara City Code.
E. Historic Building Reuse. The reasonable use of historic buildings may necessitate adaptive reuse. The Director of Community Development ("Director"), to encourage such reuse, may allow flexibility around parking guidelines, change-in-use thresholds, and other topics, while remaining consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Preservation and Treatment of Historic Properties and with the City’s regulations for Historic Combining Districts (see Chapter 18.58 of the Santa Clara City Code).
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