Residential Accessory Structures

Santa Clara City Code ch. 18.32

in effect

Santa Clara City Code § 18.32.010 Purpose and Applicability

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide development standards for detached non-habitable residential accessory structures. The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by maintaining safe distances between structures, establishing architectural compatibility between primary and residential accessory structures, and minimizing potential impacts associated with lot coverage, privacy, and maintenance of light and air space. B. Applicability. The provisions in this Chapter shall apply to detached non-habitable residential accessory structures on private property and shall be in addition to any other development standards contained elsewhere in the Zoning Code. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Chapter and any other provisions of this Title, the stricter regulation shall control. Generally, this Chapter regulates detached accessory structures that are larger than 120 square feet in size. For the purposes of this Zoning Code, residential accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are governed by the requirements of Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses) and are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter. Accessory structures shall not contain indoor cooking facilities (any combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance) and shall not be designed for living or rental purposes.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.32.020 Permit Requirements

A. Permit Requirements. Except as otherwise exempt in Subsection b, residential accessory structures require Architectural Review Check as described in Chapter 18.120 (Architectural Review). B. Exemptions. The following residential accessory structures are exempt from permits and approvals governed by this Title, provided they comply with any specified limitations. Exempt accessory structures may require building permits in keeping with the California Building Code. 1. Enclosed and/or solid-roofed accessory structures that are 120 square feet or smaller and no greater than 16 feet in height. 2. Structures shall not be located in a required front yard. 3. In order to maintain necessary fire breaks, all combustible residential accessory structures shall be set back a minimum of four feet from side and rear property lines with a minimum six-foot separation between structures.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.32.030 Development Standards

The development standards in this Section are intended to supplement the standards in the underlying base zone for residential accessory structures. In the event of conflict between these standards and the underlying base zone standards, the provisions of this Section shall apply. A. Height and Roof. The maximum height of a residential accessory structure shall be 16 feet, provided that the height of such a structure is no greater than the height of the primary building. B. Floor Area. Floor Area of Accessory Structures is limited to 600 square feet maximum. Residential accessory structures larger than 600 square feet may be allowed subject to the approval of a minor use permit. C. Phasing. Residentialaccessory structures must be constructed subsequent to construction of the primary structure(s) on the site. D. Interior Side and Rear Setbacks. Proposed residential accessory structures shall provide a three-foot setback from interior side property line and a five-foot setback from the rear property line. E. Structure Separation. Residential accessory structures shall maintain a six-foot separation from other structures, including the primary structure on the parcel. F. Front and Corner Side Setbacks. The minimum setback shall be consistent with the minimum setback distance for the primary structure in the underlying zone. On all parcels, residentialaccessory structures shall not be placed in the front setback of the primary structure. If located to the side of the primary structure on an interior parcel, the structure shall maintain the same front, side, and rear yard setbacks as required for the primary structure and shall not be placed closer to the front lot line than the farthest back front wall of the primary structure. G. Yard Coverage. Not more than 40 percent of the required rear setback shall be occupied by residential accessory structures. H. Play Structures. Swing sets, playground equipment, and treehouse structures for residential use shall be exempt from the provisions of this section and long as they meet the following requirements: 1. The area of the treehouse shall not exceed 120 square feet. 2. The total height of any portion of the structure shall not exceed 15 feet from grade to the top of the structure. 3. A child’s playhouse and/or playground equipment, shall be located in the rear yard and not in the front or side yards. Non-conforming properties without rear yards exempted. 4. Any play structure located within an easement or encroachment shall be removed within ten days upon request.

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