Vehicle Service Stations
Santa Clara City Code § 18.60.220
in effectA. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Section is to establish standards for the development and operation of Vehicle Service Stations. The intent of the standards is to regulate these uses for compatibility with surrounding existing uses.
B. Permit Requirements. Vehicle Service Stations are allowed as specified in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards).
C. Development Standards. In zones where allowed in compliance with Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards), all Vehicle Service Stations shall be developed and operated in compliance with all of the following standards:
1. All Repairs and Storage Conducted Within a Structure. All service and repair work shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure, except for dispensing of petroleum products, water, vacuums, and air from pump islands.
2. Level of Street Required. New Vehicle Service Stations shall be located only along designated arterials or collector streets.
3. Placement of Service Station Pumps.
a. Pump islands shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from a street property line, however, a canopy or roof structure over a pump island may encroach up to 10 feet within this distance.
b. The cashier location shall provide direct visual access to the pump islands and all of the vehicles parked adjacent to the islands.
4. Parcel Ingress and Egress. The maximum number of points of vehicle ingress/egress shall be determined by the Director of Public Works.
5. Prohibited Vehicle Sales. No vehicle may be parked on the premises for the purpose of offering same for sale.
6. Openings of Service Bays. Openings of service bays for new Vehicle Service Stations shall not face public rights-of-way and shall be designed to minimize the visual intrusion onto adjoining properties.
7. Outdoor Storage Prohibited. No used or discarded vehicle parts or equipment, or disabled, junked, or wrecked vehicles may be in any open area outside of the primary structure.
8. Solid Waste Enclosures. Every Vehicle Service Station shall have a solid waste and recycling enclosure and oil collection tanks on the premises. The enclosure shall be provided in compliance with Section 18.30.060 (Solid Waste and Recycling Enclosures and Storage Areas).
9. Minor Motor Vehicle Repair. Vehicle repair in conjunction with a Vehicle Service Station shall be limited to incidental minor motor vehicle repair, including air conditioning service; carburetor and fuel injection service; electrical service; radiator service; tune-up, lube, and oil change; smog check; and tire, battery, and accessory installation. Vehicle body repair or painting, steam cleaning, and engine overhaul are prohibited.
10. All Repairs sand Service Conducted Within a Structure. All vehicle repair and vehicle hoists or pits shall be entirely enclosed within a structure.
11. No Vehicle Sales, Leasing, or Storage. No vehicle sales, rental, leasing, or storage shall be allowed in conjunction with a Vehicle Service Station.
12. El Camino Real Limitation. A Conditional Use/Minor Use Permit may be approved for a Vehicle Service Station on El Camino Real, only if the applicable Review Authority finds that the total number of Vehicle Service Stations along the corridor, inclusive of that Vehicle Service Station authorized by the permit, does not exceed six.
D. Vehicle Service Station Conversion. At a minimum, the conversion of a former Vehicle Service Station to another allowed use shall require a Zoning Clearance to ensure compliance with all of the following:
1. Fuel pumps and tanks have been removed in compliance with all applicable requirements.
2. Landscaping complies with the requirements of Chapter 18.36 (Landscaping Standards).
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