Purpose
Santa Clara City Code § 18.124.010
in effectA. The Purpose of this Chapter is to Ensure That:
1. Variances and Minor Modifications are only approved when, because of special circumstances applicable to the property, the strict application of this Zoning Code denies the owner of the property privileges enjoyed by other property located nearby and in an identical zone; and
2. Specific findings are required and associated conditions are applied that would work together to guarantee that the Variance or Minor Modification shall not constitute an approval of special privilege(s) inconsistent with the limitations upon other property in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located.
B. Limitations. This Chapter does not grant the authority to approve Variances and Minor Modifications which allow land uses not otherwise allowed in the zone.
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