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Office and Industrial Zones (LO-RD, HO-RD, LI, HI)

Santa Clara City Code ch. 18.16
in effect

Santa Clara City Code § 18.16.010 Purpose of Office and Industrial Zones

A. The purpose of this Chapter is to describe the character and intent of the City’s office and industrial zones, identify any supplemental land use regulations applicable to office and industrial zones, describe allowed land uses and permit requirements in office and industrial zones, and establish development standards for the same. B. The purpose of the individual office and industrial uses and the way they are applied are as follows: 1. Low-Intensity Office/Research and Development (LO-RD). The purpose of the RD-OL Office/Research and Development – Low Intensity Zone is to provide areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of office/research and development uses, data centers, limited manufacturing, and employee-serving retail. The intent of this zone is to encourage the development of a richly landscaped campus park like industrial setting. The maximum FAR is 1.00. This zone implements the Low-Intensity Office/Research and Development land use designation in the General Plan. 2. High-Intensity Office/Research and Development (HO-RD). The purpose of the HO-RD High-Intensity Office/Research and Development Zone is to provide areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of office/research and development uses, ancillary data centers, limited manufacturing, and other Minor Industrial Uses, and employee-serving retail. The intent of this zone is to encourage the development of compact and urbanized developments that include a mix of mid- to high-rise structures in a richly landscaped campus park like industrial setting. The maximum FAR is 2.00. This zone implements the High-Intensity Office/Research and Development land use designation in the General Plan. 3. Light Industrial Zone (LI). The purpose of the LI Light Industrial Zone is to provide areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of a broad range of industrial uses including manufacturing, warehousing (including data centers), and wholesale establishments, as well as ancillary office uses and employee-serving commercial uses. Due to the potential presence of noxious and hazardous materials associated with industrial processes, nonindustrial uses that attract sensitive receptors are strictly limited. The maximum FAR is 0.60. This zone implements the Light Industrial land use designation in the General Plan. 4. Heavy Industrial Zone (HI). The purpose of the HI Heavy Industrial Zone is to provide areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of a broad range of heavy industrial uses, including heavy manufacturing and other facilities that use and store noxious and hazardous materials, as well as ancillary office uses and employee-serving retail. Due to the presence of noxious and hazardous materials, nonindustrial uses that attract sensitive receptors are strictly limited. The maximum FAR is 0.45. This zone implements the Heavy Industrial land use designation in the General Plan.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.16.020 Office and Industrial Land Uses and Permit Requirements

A. Table 2-13 Office and Industrial Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements. Table 2-13 indicates the Principal Uses allowed within each office and industrial zone and any permits required to establish the use, in compliance with Article 6 (Permit Processing Procedures) and Article 7 (Zoning Ordinance Administration). B. Accessory Uses are allowed when customarily associated with and subordinate and incidental to the primary use, subject to Section 18.60.030 (Accessory Uses). C. Additional Regulations. Where the last column in Table 2-12 includes a chapter or section number, the regulations in the referenced chapter or section shall apply to the use. Provisions in other sections of this Zoning Code may also apply. D. Definitions. See Article 8 (Definitions) for land use definitions and explanations. E. Zoning Clearance required. Each land use specified in the following land use table as allowed with a “P” as a use permitted-by-right that involves/contains construction activities (e.g., additions, alterations, constructions, reconstruction, or remodeling) shall require the issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Chapter 18.126 (Zoning Clearances). F. Uses not Listed. Uses not listed below may be reviewed by the Director to determine if they are similar to those listed and appropriate in this zone and if so, what type of permit is required, in compliance with Section 18.04.040 (Uses Not Classified). G. Temporary Uses. For all allowed temporary uses and specific standards see Chapter 18.122, Temporary Use Permits. Table 2-14 Office and Industrial Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Zones Permit Requirements
PAllowed by Right
MUPMinor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUPConditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
TUPTemporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).LO-RDHO-RDLIHIAdditional Regulations
Residential Uses
Caretaker HousingCUPCUPCUPCUPSection 18.60.060
Transitional Housing Facilities--MUP-
Human Services Uses
Community Care FacilitiesMUP---
Low-barrier Navigation Centers--MUP-
Emergency Shelters--MUP-Section 18.60.110
Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses
Cemeteries and Mausoleums--CUPCUP
Commercial Recreation Facilities, IndoorMUPMUP--Required to be located in a General Plan Exception Area
Table 2-14 Office and Industrial Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Zones Permit Requirements
PAllowed by Right
MUPMinor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUPConditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
TUPTemporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).LO-RDHO-RDLIHIAdditional Regulations
Commercial Recreation Facilities, OutdoorMUPMUP--Required to be located in a General Plan Exception Area
Commercial recreation Facilities, Outdoor AncillaryPP--
Crematories--CUPCUP
Fitness FacilitiesPP--
Parks and Public PlazasPPPP
Public SchoolsP---
Private SchoolsCUP---
Public/Private Colleges and UniversitiesCUP---
Equipment/Machine/Vehicle Training FacilitiesCUPCUPP-
Vocational/Trade SchoolsCUP---
Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses
Broadcasting and Recording StudiosP---
Fuel Storage and Distribution Centers---CUP
Park and Ride FacilitiesPPPP
Parking FacilitiesCUPCUPCUPCUP
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities and Towers, Co- location/Small CellPPPPChapter 18.66
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities and Towers, Minor (less than 70 feet)MUPMUPMUPMUPChapter 18.66
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities and Towers, Major (70 feet or higher)CUPCUPCUPCUPChapter 18.66
Transit Stations and TerminalsPPPP
Utility Facilities and InfrastructureCUPCUPCUPCUP
Electric Power PlantsMUPMUPMUPMUPSection 18.60.260
Diesel Back-up GeneratorsPPPPSection 18.60.260
Water WellsMUPMUPMUPMUP
Photovoltaic SystemsPPPP
Fuel CellsPPPP
Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Ambulance ServicesPPP-
Banks and Financial Establishments, GeneralPP--
Table 2-14 Office and Industrial Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Zones Permit Requirements P | Allowed by Right MUP | Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114) CUP | Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124) TUP | Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122) - | Not allowed Land Use (see Article 8 for land use | Additional LO-RD | HO-RD | LI | HI definitions). | Regulations Banks and Financial Establishments, Stand-alone | P | P | - | - ATM Business Support Centers | P | P | P | P Call Centers | P | P | CUP | - Data Centers | CUP | CUP | CUP | CUP | Section 18.60.090 Data Centers, Ancillary | P | P | P | Section 18.60.090 Hotels and Motels | P | P | CUP | CUP Kennels | P | - | P | - Maintenance and Repair P | P | P | - Services Medical Services | P | P | - | - Mobile Food Vendors | P/MUP | P/MUP | P/MUP | P/MUP | 18.60.280 Offices | P | P | - | - Outdoor Dining and Seating | Section 18.16.040(B) P | P | CUP | - (Ancillary) | Section 18.60.140 Personal Services (Ancillary) | P | P | - | - | Section 18.16.040(B) Restaurants (Ancillary) | P | P | MUP | MUP | Section 18.16.040(B) Retail Establishments P | P | P | P | Section 18.16.040(B) (Ancillary) Vehicle Oriented Uses Mobile Fueling Delivery | P | P | P | P Transit Services and Dispatch | MUP | - | MUP | MUP Vehicle Service Stations | - | - | - | CUP | Section 18.60.220 Vehicle Rental, General | MUP | - | P | - Vehicle Repair Facilities, Minor | - | - | P | - | Section 18.60.200 Vehicle Repair Facilities, Major | - | - | CUP | P | Section 18.60.200 Vehicle Storage Facilities | MUP | MUP | MUP Vehicle Dismantling Facilities | - | - | - | CUP Vehicle Impound Facility | - | - | - | CUP Industrial, Manufacturing, and Processing Uses Freight Yards/Truck Terminals | - | - | CUP | CUP Hazardous Material Storage - | - | - | CUP Facilities Equipment Sales and Rental P | P | P | P Facilities Industrial, Minor | P | P | P | P Industrial, Major | - | - | CUP | P Outdoor Storage, no on-site - | - | CUP | MUP | Section 18.60.160 building Laundry and Dry-Cleaning - | - | P | P Plants Printing and Publishing P | P | P | P Facilities Recycling Facilities Table 2-14 Office and Industrial Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Zones Permit Requirements
PAllowed by Right
MUPMinor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUPConditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
TUPTemporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).LO-RDHO-RDLIHIAdditional Regulations
Reverse Vending and Collection Boxes Collection Small Collection, Processing, and Transfer--PPSection 18.60.180
--PPSection 18.60.180
--MUPMUPSection 18.60.180
Research and Development FacilitiesPPPP
Storage Personal Storage Facilities Warehouse
CUP-CUP-
PPPP
Wholesaling and Distribution Centers-CUPPP

Santa Clara City Code § 18.16.030 Office and Industrial Development Standards

A. Table 2-14 Office and Industrial Zone Development Standards. The intent of the office and industrial zone development standards table is to clearly and precisely establish the basic site and structure regulations that apply to all developments in each of the office and industrial zones. The table also indicates where additional site and structure requirements, including, but not limited to, off-street parking, landscaping, signage, fences and obstructions, and performance standards, apply to office and industrial zones. B. Density. Maximum density standards shall be consistent with the General Plan or applicable Master Plan, Specific Plan, or Area Plan. C. Zoning Map. The boundaries, designations, and locations of the zones established by this Zoning Code shall be shown upon the map(s) entitled "Zoning Map for City of Santa Clara " and referred to in this Zoning Code as the Zoning Map. Any additional maps adopted shall also be a part of this Zoning Code by reference. This Zoning Code, together with the Zoning Map, is hereby adopted in compliance with current State planning, zoning, and development laws. Changes in the boundaries of any identified zones shall be made by ordinance in compliance with Chapter 18.142 (Amendments). Table 2-15 Office and Industrial Zone Development Standards
Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)LO-RDHO-RDLIHIAdditional Regulations
Parcel Requirements (minimum) area required for each NEWLY CREATED parcel.
Parcel Area20,00043,56020,00020,000
Street Frontage (feet)100100100100
Setbacks (minimum) -Property lines are measured in feet, with those adjacent to the street measured from
the face of the curb., adopted plan line, or edge of right-of-way. See Section 18.30.050 for setback
measurement standards.
Front15201515
Side, Corner15151515
Side, Interior101000
Rear202000
Rear or Side, (adjacent to a parcel in a residential or mixed- use zone)25252525
Height (maximum) measured in feet
Height1002007070Section 18.16.040(B)(2)(c) Section 18.30.040
Maximum Number of Stories81266
Additional Regulations
Fences, Walls, Hedges, and ScreensChapter 18.34
Accessory UsesSection 18.60.030
Landscaping StandardsChapter 18.36
Nonconforming UsesChapter 18.94
Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design StandardsChapter 18.38
Performance StandardsChapter 18.40
Sign StandardsChapter 18.42
Solid Waste EnclosuresSection18.30.060
Temporary UsesChapter 18.122

Santa Clara City Code § 18.16.040 Other Applicable Regulations

A. In addition to the standards specified in Article 3 (Regulations Applicable to All Zones) and Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), the following other applicable mixed-use regulations shall be applicable in the specific office and industrial zones: B. General Office and Industrial Regulations. 1. Commercial Ancillary Uses. Commercial ancillary uses are allowed in the LO-RD and HO-RD zones. In the LI and HI zones, commercial ancillary uses may be granted with approval of a Minor Use Permit by the Zoning Administrator when the uses are found to comply with all of the following provisions: a. The uses are intended to support and serve employees and visitors in the immediate area. b. Uses shall be located entirely within structures occupied by the primary use. c. Ancillary uses shall occupy no more than 10 percent of the gross floor area of any structure or a maximum of 20,000 square feet, whichever is less. d. Ancillary uses are limited to the following: (1) Retail Establishments. (2) Personal Services Establishments. (3) Restaurants. (4) Alcohol service incidental to a restaurant. (5) Drinking Establishments, subject to a Conditional Use Permit. (6) Outdoor Seating, ancillary to a restaurant. (7) Banks and Financial Establishments. 2. Development Standards. a. Private Easements or Covenants. Private easements or covenants between parties may further restrict the use of setbacks or other areas of a site beyond the requirements of this Chapter. b. Minimum Parcel Size and Frontage. (1) The required area of any parcel, as shown on a parcel or final subdivision map approved before the effective date of this ordinance that is less than the minimum parcel area required for the zoning district in which the parcel is located, but is not less than 3,000 square feet, the required parcel area shall be the area shown for the parcel on the approved parcel or subdivision map. (2) The required frontage of any parcel, as shown on a parcel or final subdivision map approved before the effective date of this ordinance that is less than the minimum parcel frontage required for the zone in which the site is located, but is not less than 45 feet, the required frontage shall be the frontage shown for the parcel on the approved parcel or subdivision map. c. Maximum Height. Parcels within the designated flight path zones for Mineta San Jose International Airport shall conform to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) height requirements or the height limitations of Table 2-14, whichever are less. d. Setback Encroachments. Except as otherwise expressly and specifically provided in other Sections of this Chapter, every part of every setback area shall be unobstructed and unoccupied except for those allowable encroachments identified in Table 2-15 (Office and Industrial District Setback Encroachments). Table 2-15 Office and Industrial Zone Setback Encroachments
ImprovementSetback AreaMaximum Allowed
Encroachment
Bicycle racksFront, Side Corner, Side, RearAllowed in setback area
LandscapingFront, Side Corner, Side, RearAllowed in setback area
Overhead wires and underground lines necessary for the sewerage, drainage, plumbing, water, gas, and electrical and other utility needs of the parcel or structure on the parcel. Overhead wires and lines shall not be constructed if prohibited by another section of this Code or by any other law.Side Corner, Side, RearAllowed in setback area
FrontAllowed in setback area
Pedestrian walkways and plazas, vehicle driveways for access to the parcel.Front, Side Corner, Side, RearAllowed in setback area
Sills, eaves, cornices, canopies, and other similar architectural features eight feet or more above surface gradeFront, Side Corner, Side, Rear8 feet into setback area
Stairs, wells for basement windows, and architectural features which occupy, in the aggregate, not more than 20% of the length of the side of the structure on which they are located.Front, Side Corner, Side, Rear2 feet into setback area
Utility structuresFront, Side Corner, Side, RearAllowed in setback area
3. Transition Standards. a. Maximum Height Adjacent to Residential. Building Height Limits Abutting Residential Zoning Districts, 45-degree Daylight Plane height transitions are required for any new development adjacent to single family and duplex residential zoning districts, measured from the property line at ground level. Rear property daylight planes extend 40 feet from the rear property line; side property line daylight planes start at 15 feet above grade and extend the full height of the building. See Figures 2-1 and 2-2. b. Maximum Height Across the Street from Residential. The following applies to portions of a development directly opposite a residentially zoned property where the street is less than 65 feet wide. (1) Wall plates and heights may be no taller than one story above the maximum height allowed in the opposing residential zone. (2) Uses shall be located entirely within structures occupied by the primary use. Building heights shall step up away from the street following a 45-degree Daylight Plane measured from the top of the building facade/wall plate. 4. Fencing. For additional fencing requirements see Chapter 18.34 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges). 5. Hotel and Motel Uses. Hotels and motels are allowed in the Low-Intensity and High-Intensity Research and Development Zones north of the Caltrain Corridor, at a maximum FAR of 2.0, provided that the property is annexed to the City’s Community Facilities Assessment District, or similar district, and that the use is compatible with planned uses on neighboring properties. 6. Loading Docks.Loading docks shall be located a minimum of 75 feet distance from any residential zone. 7. Retail Sales (Ancillary) in Industrial Zones. a. Ancillary retail sales shall be directly related to, and supportive of, the industrial products or products manufactured on-site. b. Ancillary retail sales shall comply with one of the following: (1) The ancillary retail sales area occupies no more than 10 percent of the floor area occupied by the primary use; or (2) The ancillary retail sales area is incidental to the wholesale of construction materials including, but not limited to, lumber, tile, stone, plumbing materials, garage doors, windows, and roofing, and no more than 50 percent of the structure floor is used for product display and retail sales. 8. Performance Standards. All uses in the office and industrial zones shall comply with the performance standards in Chapter 18.40 (Performance Standards). In addition to the performance standards listed in Article 3, all uses shall also comply with the following standards: a. Incineration. Incineration of waste material is prohibited. b. Noise. On-site noise shall be in compliance with the Performance Development Standards in Section 18.40.060 (Noise and Vibration) and SCCC Title 9. c. Vibration. Except during construction, activity causing ground vibration which is perceptible without instruments at the property line is prohibited. 9. Screening Adjacent to Residential or Mixed-Use Zones. For additional screening requirements see Section 18.34.040 (Additional Requirements by Land Use Type). 10. Vehicle Repair and Services. All vehicle-related repair, service, and accessory or other installation, excepting the cleaning of vehicles, shall be conducted within a fully enclosed structure. 11. Wireless Telecommunication Facilities and Towers. For height exceptions for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities and Towers see Chapter 18.66. C. Specific Office and Industrial Regulations. 1. Low-Intensity Office/Research and Development Zone (LO-RD). a. The following uses are only allowed as ancillary to a primary use: (1) Fitness Facilities; (2) Equipment Sales and Rental Facilities; (3) Maintenance and Service Repairs; (4) Personal Services; and (5) Retail Establishments. b. Kennels. Shall only be operated and conducted entirely within an enclosed structure. 2. High-Intensity Office/Research and Development Zone (HO-RD). a. Floor Area Ratio. Commercial support uses are not included in FAR calculations. b. The following uses are only allowed as ancillary to the primary use: (1) Fitness Facilities; (2) Equipment Sales and Rental Facilities; (3) Maintenance and Service Repairs; (4) Personal Services; (5) Retail Establishments; and (6) Data Centers 3. Light Industrial Zone (LI). a. Height. Low-intensity uses such as Data Centers are allowed a maximum height of 90 feet. b. Development Review. Any structure with an FAR greater than the General Plan allows shall be occupied by a lower intensity use in the Light Industrial Zone as determined by the Review Authority. c. Offices. Officesmay occupy no more than 20 percent of the structure floor area d. Medical offices are not allowed. e. The following uses are only allowed as ancillary to the primary use: (1) Equipment Sales and Rental Facilities; (2) Maintenance and Service Repairs; and (3) Offices; and (4) Outdoor Storage on up to 25% of the lot area, subject to the development standards of Code Section 18.60.160. Outdoor storage occupying more than 25% of the site is subject to the approval of a Minor Use Permit. 4. Heavy Industrial Zone (HI). a. Offices. Officesmay occupy no more than 10 percent of the structure floor area. b. Medical offices are not allowed. c. Outdoor Storage on up to 50% of the lot area is allowed, subject to the development standards of Code Section 18.60.160. Outdoor storage occupying more than 50% of the site is subject to the approval of a Minor Use Permit.
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

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