Other Specific Nonconforming Provisions

Santa Clara City Code ch. 18.98

in effect

Santa Clara City Code § 18.98.010 Nonconformities Regarding Landscaping

A. Use May Continue Indefinitely. Any lawfully created use that becomes nonconforming with regard to landscaping requirements, including, but not limited to, site coverage, parking lot coverage, distribution, installation, or maintenance, may continue indefinitely with the nonconformity as long as the use continues as permitted. B. Improvements Exceeding 75 Percent. However, upon performing any improvements to the parcel of 75 percent or more of the total appraised value of the existing development of the property, landscaping shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 18.36 (Landscaping Standards). C. Landscaping Shall Be Improved to Maximum Extent Possible. Along with any change, expansion, or intensification of use, the landscaping shall be improved to the maximum extent possible.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.98.020 Nonconformities Regarding Off-Street Parking and Loading

A. Parking Spaces and Improvements. 1. Any nonconformity with respect to off-street parking spaces or improvements may continue indefinitely, except that with any change, expansion, or intensification of use, the additional off-street parking required for the change, expansion, or intensification shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 18.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards). 2. The only exception to this provision is found in Subsection 18.92.040 A.1. (Residences with legal nonconforming parking), which allows retention of legal nonconforming parking in certain specified circumstances. B. Loading Spaces. Any nonconformity with respect to off-street loading areas may continue indefinitely, except that with any change, expansion, or intensification of use, the additional off-street loading areas required for the change, expansion, or intensification shall be provided in compliance with Chapter 18.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards). C. Parking Lot Landscaping. Upon a review for any expansion, intensification, or reconfiguration of an existing parking lot, the designated Review Authority may require that any nonconformity with respect to interior landscaping and landscaped yards along streets for parking lots be made to conform with the requirements specified in Chapter 18.38 (Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards) to the fullest extent feasible.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.98.030 Nonconformities Regarding Signs

Legally established nonconforming signs shall be allowed to continue, subject to the compliance with Section 18.42.200 (Nonconforming Signs).

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