Project Review, Notice, and Review
Santa Clara City Code § 18.124.040
in effectA. Review by Director. Each Variance and Modification application shall be analyzed by the Director to ensure that the application is consistent with the purpose and intent of this Chapter.
B. Variances – Notice and Public Hearing Required. A public hearing shall be required for the Planning Commission’s decision on a Variance application.
1. Scheduling of hearing. The public hearing shall be scheduled once the Director has determined the application complete.
2. Giving of notice. Notice of the public hearing shall be given and the hearing shall be conducted in compliance with Chapter 18.146 (Public Notices and Hearings).
C. Minor Modifications.
1. No Notice Required. No notice shall be required for the Director’s action on a Minor Modification.
2. Director May Defer. The Director may defer action and refer any Minor Modification request to the Commission for consideration and final decision.
D. Appeals.
1. The Director’s decision on Minor Modifications is appealable to the Planning Commission in compliance with Chapter 18.144 (Appeals). No appeal may be taken from a Planning Commission decision on such an appeal.
2. The Planning Commission’s decision on a Variance is appealable to the Council in compliance with Chapter 18.144 (Appeals).
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