Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, UC, UV, HD Flex)

Santa Clara City Code ch. 18.10

in effect

Santa Clara City Code § 18.10.010 Purposes of Residential Zones

A. The purpose of this Chapter is to describe the character and intent of each of the City’s residential zones, describe allowed land uses and permit requirements in residential zones, identify any supplemental land use regulations applicable to residential zones, and establish development standards for the same. B. The purpose of the individual residential uses and the way they are applied are as follows: 1. Single-Family Residential Zone (R1-6L). The purpose of the R1-6L Single-Family Residential Parcel Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family dwellings, secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, and accessory dwelling units. It is the intent of this zone to protect and preserve the residential characteristics of existing single-family neighborhoods and to promote a suitable environment for family life. The residential density range for this zone is up to 10 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Very Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 2. Single-Family Residential, Larger Parcel Zone (R1-8L). The purpose of the R1-8L Single-Family Residential Larger Parcel Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family dwellings, secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, and accessory dwelling units. It is the intent of this zone to preserve existing large parcel residential areas and to promote and encourage a single-family residential environment. The residential density range for this zone is up to 10 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Very Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 3. Low-Density Residential Zone (R2). The purpose of the R2 Low Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of single-family detached dwelling units, , secondary dwellings authorized by Government Code Section 65852.21, accessory dwelling units, and two-family dwellings. It is the intent of this zone to maintain a residential character similar to that found in single-family neighborhoods. The residential density range for this zone is 8-19 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Low-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 4. Medium-Residential Density Zone (R3). The purpose of the R3 Medium-Low Residential Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of two-family dwellings, and multi-family dwellings (i.e., rowhouses, townhouses). It is the intent of this zone to ensure compatibility of duplex-type development with surrounding multi- and single-family dwellings and the local neighborhoods. The residential density range for this zone is 20-36 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Medium-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 5. High-Density Residential Zone (R4). The purpose of the R4 High-Density Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of multi-family dwellings (i.e., rowhouses, townhouses, low-rise apartments). It is the intent of this zone to encourage development types that use innovative site planning provide on-site recreational amenities and be located near neighborhood commercial centers. The residential density range for this zone is 37-50 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the Medium-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 6. Very-High-Density Residential Zone (R5) and Patrick Henry Very-High-Density Residential Zone (PH-R5). The purpose of the R5 High- Density Zone and PH-R5 Patrick Henry Very-High-Density Residential Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of high density and intensity multi-family developments (i.e., low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise apartments and condominiums). It is the intent of this zone to encourage development to use innovative site planning, provide on-site recreational amenities and be located near major community facilities, business centers, transportation corridors, and/or major thoroughfares. The residential density range for this zone is 51-99 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 7. Transit Neighborhood Residential Zone (R6). The purpose of the R6 Transit Neighborhood Residential Zone is to provide land areas for the construction, use, and occupancy of high density and intensity multi-family developments (i.e., mid-rise and high-rise apartments and condominiums). It is the intent of this zone to encourage transit-oriented development that uses innovative site planning to connect to existing and/or future transportation stations and transfer points. Parcels designated R6 are meant to be located along major transit corridors or adjacent to local and regional transit stops and stations. Projects in this zone should include on-site amenities, recreational options, and access to employment centers. The residential density range for this zone is 60-350 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 8. Urban Village (UV). The purpose of the UV Urban Village Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development at very-high densities between 5-12 stories within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan. These urban-scale developments feature pedestrian-oriented facades and frontages. Urban Village developments include structured or below-grade parking and shared outdoor spaces proximate to transit. The residential density range for this zone is 100-149 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 9. Village Residential (VR). The purpose of the VR Village Residential Zone is to accommodate multi-family residential development at very-high densities between 5-12 stories within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan. The residential density range for this zone is 60-149 dwelling units per acre. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 10. Urban Center (UC). The purpose of the UC Urban Center Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development at very-high densities with no height limits except those imposed by the FAA due to flight paths for the San Jose International Airport, within the Patrick Henry Specific Plan These urban-scale developments feature pedestrian-oriented facades and frontages. Urban Center developments include structured or below-grade parking and shared outdoor spaces proximate to transit. The residential density range for this zone is 120-250 dwelling units per acre. Densities over 250du/acre may be allowed for the provision of community benefits agreed upon with the City and formalized in a development agreement. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan. 11. High Density Flex (HD Flex). The purpose of the HD Flex High Density Flex Zone is to accommodate transit-oriented, multi-family residential development or office or a combination of residential and office on four parcels along the eastern edge of the Patrick Henry Specific Plan Area. Allowable height ranges between 5-12 stories. The residential density range for this zone is 60-149 dwelling units per acre. Office development is allowed up to 2.0 FAR using the development standards of the HO-RD district, per the choice of property owners. This zone implements the High-Density land use designation in the General Plan.

Santa Clara City Code § 18.10.020 Land Uses and Permit Requirements

A. Table 2-1 Residential Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements. Table 2-1 indicates the uses allowed within each residential zone and any permits required to establish the use, in compliance with Article 6 (Permit Processing Procedures) and Article 7 (Zoning Code Administration). B. Additional Regulations. Where the last column in the Table 2-1 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 or SCCC may also apply. C. Definitions. See Article 8 (Definitions) for land use definitions and explanations. D. 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 includes construction activities (e.g., additions, alterations, new construction, reconstruction, or remodeling) shall require the issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Chapter 18.126 (Zoning Clearances). E. 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). F. Patrick Henry Specific Plan Uses. Uses applicable to the residential zones are located in Table 2-2 (Patrick Henry Drive Residential Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements). G. Temporary Uses. For all allowed temporary uses and specific standards see Chapter 18.122, Temporary Use Permits. Table 2-1 Residential Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Residential Zones Permit Requirements P | Allowed by Right MUP | Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114) CUP | Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.114) TUP | Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122) - | Not allowed

Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	R1-6L R1-8L	R2	R3 R4	R5	R6	Additional Regulations
	Residential Uses
Dwelling, Accessory Units	P	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.60.020
Dwelling, Multifamily	-	P	P	P	P
Dwelling, Single-Family	P	P	-	-	-
Dwelling, Two-Family	P	P	P	-	-	Chapter 18.24
Employee Housing	P	P	P	P	P
Home Occupations	P	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.60.120
Live-Work Facilities	-	-	MUP	MUP	MUP	Chapter 18.60.130
Mobile Home Park	-	-	CUP	CUP	-
Organizational Houses	-	-	MUP	MUP	-
Rooming and/or Boarding Houses	-	-	MUP	MUP	-
Supportive Housing	P	P	P	P	P

Table 2-1 Residential Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Residential Zones Permit Requirements P | Allowed by Right MUP | Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114) CUP | Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.114) TUP | Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122) - | Not allowed

Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	R1-6L R1-8L	R2	R3 R4	R5	R6	Additional Regulations
Transitional Housing	P	P	P	P	P
	Human Services Uses
Assisted Living Facilities	-	-	-	CUP	CUP	Chapter 18.60.080
Child Day Care Homes, Up to 14 Children	P	P	P	P	P
Residential Care Facilities, six or fewer residents	P	P	P	P	P
Residential Care Facilities, seven or more residents	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP
Community Care Facilities	-	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Low-barrier Navigation Centers	-	-	P	P	-
Emergency Shelters	-	-	P	P	-	Chapter 18.60.110
	Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses
Community Gardens	P	P	P	P	P
Parks and Public Plazas	P	P	P	P	P
Places of Assembly	-	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Public Schools	P	P	P	P	-
Private Schools	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	-
	Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses
Public Safety Facilities	-	-	P	P	P
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Co- location/Small Cell	P	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.66
Photovoltaic Systems	P	P	P	P	P
	Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Bed and Breakfast Inns	P	P	CUP	-	-	Chapter 18.60.050

Table 2-2 Patrick Henry Drive Residential Zones Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Residential Zones Permit Requirements

	P			Allowed by Right
MUP	Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
TUP	Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-	Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	PH-R5	UV HD-Flex	VR	UC	Additional Regulations
	Residential Uses
Dwelling, Accessory Units	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.60.020
Dwelling, Multifamily	P	P	P	P
Dwelling, Single-Family	-	-	-	-
Dwelling, Two-Family	-	-	-	-	Chapter 18.24
Employee Housing	P	P	P	P
Home Occupations	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.60.120
Live-Work Facilities	MUP	MUP	MUP	MUP	Chapter 18.60.130
Mobile Home Park	-	-	-	-
Organizational Houses	-	-	-	-
Rooming and/or Boarding Houses	-	-	-	-
Supportive Housing	P	P	P	P
Transitional Housing	P	P	P	P
	Human Services Uses
Assisted Living Facilities	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	Chapter 18.60.080
Day Care Homes, Up to 14 Children	P	P	P	P
Community Care Facility, Small	P	P	P	P
Community Care Facility, Large	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Emergency Shelters	-	-	-	-	Chapter 18.60.110
	Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses
Community Gardens	P	P	P	P
Parks and Public Plazas	P	P	P	P
Places of Assembly	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Public Schools	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Private Schools	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
	Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses
Public Safety Facilities	P	P	P	P
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Co- location/Small Cell	P	P	P	P	Chapter 18.66
	Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Bed and Breakfast Inns	-	-	-	-	Chapter 18.60.050
Retail	P	P	P	P
Off-sale of alcohol	P	P	P	P
Restaurants, including on-sale of alcohol	P	P	P	P
Bars	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Office	P	P	P	P	For Office Uses in the HD-Flex zone, see Table 2-5

Santa Clara City Code § 18.10.030 Residential Development Standards

A. Table 2-3 and 2-4 Residential Zone Development Standards. The intent of the residential 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 residential 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 residential 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). D. For additional allowable uses pertaining to the HD-Flex Zone, see Table 2-5. Table 2-3 Residential Zone Development Standards

Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)	R1-6L	R1-8L	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6
	Parcel Area (minimum) area required for each NEWLY CREATED parcel.
Parcel Area	6,000	8,000	7,000	8,500	8,500	10,000	None
Street Frontage (feet)	60	70	50	60	70	70	None
	Structure Coverage (maximum percentage)
Parcel Area (less than 10,000 sq. ft.)	40%	40%	45%	60%	80%	None	None
Parcel Area (10,000 sq. ft. or greater)	40%	40%	45%	None	None	None	None

Table 2-3 Residential Zone Development Standards

Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)	R1-6L	R1-8L	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Additional Regulations
	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.
Front	20	20	15	10	10	10	10	Section 18.30.050
Front, second story	25	25	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Side, Corner	10	10	10	10	15	15	15
Side, corner second story	15	15	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Side, Interior	5	6 and 9	5	5	10	10	10	Section 18.10.040(B) Section 18.30.050
Side, interior, second story	10	11 and 14	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rear, single-story	20	20	10	10	20	20	20	Section 18.30.050
Rear, multi-story	20	20	15	15	20	20	20	Section 18.30.050
Length of driveway G approach	20	20	20	20	20	20	20
	Height (maximum) measured in feet
Height (within 20 feet of the R1-6L, R1-8L, and R2 zones)	25	25	32	32	32	32	32	Section 18.30.040
H Height (all other zones)	25	25	32	40	80	100	200	Section 18.30.040
	Number of Stories (maximum)
Number of Stories and the Daylight Plane	All structures adjacent to R1 and R2 zones shall include a 45-degree daylight plan off the property line to implement a compatible transition between structures.
Number of Stories	2	2	2	4	8	10	20
	Gross Residential Density (minimum to maximum) shown in number of dwelling units per acre
Allowable Density	0.1-10	0.1-10	8-19	20-36	37-50	51-99	85-350

Table 2-3 Residential Zone Development Standards

Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)	R1-6L	R1-8L	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6
	Recreation Space for Multi-Family Dwellings (minimum) measured in square feet per dwelling unit
Private Recreation Space (required for a minimum of 50 percent of units)	None	None	None	60	60	40	40
Common Recreation Space (per unit)	None	None	None	200	200	200	200
	Additional Regulations
Residential Accessory Structures	Chapter 18.32
Density Bonus and Affordable Housing	Chapter 18.64
Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screens	Chapter 18.34
Landscaping Standards	Chapter 18.36
Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards	Chapter 18.38
Performance Standards	Chapter 18.40
Sign Standards	Chapter 18.42

Table 2-4 Patrick Henry Residential Zone Development Standards

Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)	PH-R5	UV	VR	UC	HD Flex	Additional Regulations
	Parcel Area (minimum) area required for each NEWLY CREATED parcel.
Parcel Area	10,000	10,000	10,000	8,500	8,500
Street Frontage (feet)	70	70	70	60	70
	Structure Coverage (maximum percentage)
Parcel Area (less than 10,000 sq. ft.)	None	None	None	None	None
Parcel Area (10,000 sq. ft. or greater)	None	None	None	None	None
	Setbacks (minimum) - Setback lines are measured from the back of walk.
Residential (front, side corner and interior)	10	10	10	10	10
Mixed-Use (front, side corner and interior)	0	0	0	0	0
Office (front, side corner and interior)	0	0	0	0	0
Setback Encroachments (i.e., awning, balconies, stoops)	Setback encroachments are allowed per the quantitative standards of the PHD plan.
	Height (maximum) measured in feet
Height (within 20 feet of the R1-6L, R1-8L, and R2 zones)	32	32	32	32	32	Section 18.30.040
Height (all other zones)	135	160	160	FAA	160	Section 18.30.040
	Number of Stories (maximum)
Number of Stories (all other zones)	10	12	12	FAA	12
	Gross Residential Density (minimum to maximum) shown in number of dwelling units per acre
Allowable Density	51-99	100-149	60-149	120-250	60-149
	Recreation Space for Multi-Family Dwellings (minimum) measured in square feet per dwelling unit
Private Recreation Space (required for a minimum of 50 percent of units)	Per the PDO and PHD plan
Common Recreation Space (per unit)	Per the PDO and PHD plan
	Additional Regulations
Residential Accessory Structures	Chapter 18.32
Density Bonus and Affordable Housing	Chapter 18.64
Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Screens	Chapter 18.34
Landscaping Standards	Chapter 18.36

Table 2-4 Patrick Henry Residential Zone Development Standards

Development Feature (minimum unless otherwise indicated)	PH-R5	UV	VR	UC	HD Flex	Additional Regulations
Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design Standards	Chapter 18.38
Performance Standards	Chapter 18.40
Sign Standards	Chapter 18.42

Table 2-5 Office and Industrial Uses, HD Flex Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Uses, HD Flex Zone Permit Requirements

	P
MUP	Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
TUP	Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-	Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	HD-Flex	Additional Regulations
	Residential Uses
Caretaker housing	CUP
Transitional housing facilities	-
	Human Services Uses
Community care facilities, small	-
Community care facilities, large	-
Emergency shelters	-	Section 18.60.110
	Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses
Cemeteries and mausoleums	–
Crematories	–
Fitness facilities	P
Parks and public plazas	P
Public schools	CUP
Private schools	CUP
Public/private colleges and universities	–
Equipment/machine/vehicle training facilities	CUP
Vocational/trade schools	–
	Vehicle Oriented Uses
Mobile Fueling Delivery	-
	Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses
Parking facilities	CUP
Wireless telecommunications facilities and towers, co- location/small cell	P	Chapter 18.66
Wireless telecommunication facilities and towers, minor (less than 70 feet)	MUP	Chapter 18.66

Table 2-5 Office and Industrial Uses, HD Flex Zone Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements Office and Industrial Uses, HD Flex Zone Permit Requirements

	P
MUP	Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.124)
TUP	Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-	Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	HD-Flex	Additional Regulations
Wireless telecommunication facilities and towers, major (70 feet or higher)	CUP	Chapter 18.66
Park and ride facilities	P
Broadcasting and recording studios	-
Fuel storage and distribution centers	-
Transit stations and terminals	P
Utility facilities and infrastructure	CUP
Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Ambulance Services	P
Banks and Financial Establishments, General	P
Banks and Financial Establishments, Stand-alone ATM	P
Business Support Centers	P
Call Centers	P
Data Centers	CUP	Section 18.60.090
Data Centers, Ancillary	P	Section 18.60.090
Equipment Sales and Rental Facilities	P
Hotels and Motels	P
Kennels	-
Maintenance and Repair Services	P
Medical Services	P
Mobile Food Vendors	P/MUP	18.60.280
Offices	P
Outdoor Dining and Seating (Ancillary)	P	Section 18.16.040(B) Section 18.60.140
Personal Services (Ancillary)	P	Section 18.16.040(B)
Restaurants (Ancillary)	P	Section 18.16.040(B)
Retail Establishments (Ancillary)	P	Section 18.16.040(B)

Santa Clara City Code § 18.10.040 Other Applicable Regulations

In addition to the standards specified in Article 3 (Site Planning and General Development Standards) and Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), the following other regulations shall be applicable in the specified residential zones: A. General Residential Regulations. 1. Development Standards. a. Minimum Parcel Size and Frontage. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 18.10.030 (Residential Development Standards), the following shall apply: (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 zone in which the parcel is located, but is not less than 3,000 square feet, 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 parcel is located, but is not less than 45 feet, shall be the frontage shown for the parcel on the approved parcel or subdivision map. b. Setback Areas Shall be Kept Open. Except as provided in Subsection a above, or as otherwise expressly and specifically provided in this Zoning Code, every part of every setback area in a residential zone shall be kept open, unobstructed, and unoccupied on the surface of the ground, above the surface of the ground, and below the surface of the ground by all structures except those allowable encroachments identified in Table 2-6 (Residential Zone Setback Encroachments). 2. Common Living Area Requirements. For dwelling units, the minimum percentage of a dwelling devoted to common living area is twenty-five percent (25%). Table 2-6 Residential Zone Setback Encroachments

	Improvement
Bay windows, on a foundation or cantilevered, chimneys, or wells for basement windows or stairs, of up to 10 feet in length each, not occupying in the aggregate more than 20% of the length of the side of the structure on which they are located	Front, Side Corner, Side, Rear	2 feet provided a minimum remaining 3-foot setback
Patio cover for unenclosed patio no more than 12 feet in height attached to a dwelling other than a secondary dwelling	Rear	In the R1 district, may encroach a distance of up to of 50% of required setback depth, provided encroachment covers no more than 40% of the required setback and maintains a minimum 5-foot setback from the interior side parcel line
Sills, eaves, cornices, canopies, and other similar architectural features eight feet or more above surface grade	Front, Side Corner	4 feet
Side	2 feet provided a minimum remaining 3-foot setback
Rear	4 feet provided a minimum remaining 3-foot setback
Uncovered and unenclosed steps or stairs providing access to a porch or structure entry with a finished floor no more than 56 inches above surface grade	Front	Any encroachment allowed, provided a minimum remaining setback of 10 feet in R1-6L, R1-8L; and 2 feet in R2, R3, and R4
Unenclosed porches, whether covered or uncovered, which have a finished floor no more than 56 inches above surface grade	Front	6 feet into setback
Utility structures	Front, Side Corner, Side, Rear	Allowed in setback area

3. Driveway Approach. Minimum driveway apron length applies only to driveways providing access from a public street to a garage that serves a single dwelling unit or a two-dwelling unit. 4. Citywide Annual Cleanup Curbside Storage Exception. The storing of household items typically used in the interior of a dwelling, including but not limited to ping pong tables, refrigerators, washing machines, sinks, stoves, heaters, boilers, tanks, mattresses, swimming pools, tables, sofas, couches or futons, upholstered chairs, and indoor carpets, but excluding furniture expressly designed for outdoor use, is prohibited. During the City’s Citywide cleanup campaign, this prohibition does not apply during the applicable clean-up period for the subject parcel. 5. Exceptions and Reductions of Parking Requirements. For parking reduction standards in residential zones see Section 18.38.040 (Exceptions and Reductions to Parking Requirements). 6. Parking. Except as expressly allowed in this Chapter, required parking shall not be provided in the required front or side corner setbacks. 7. Parking Surface. Parking areas in the front setback shall be limited to a continuously paved or all-weather surfaces (i.e., concrete, asphalt, brick, pavers, stone, or gravel), which are directly accessible from the driveway approach. All-weather surfaces do not include landscaping ground cover materials, such as, mulch, wood chips, or bark. 8. Pavement Limitation. In the R1-6L, R1-8L, and R2 zones, not more than 65 percent of the required front setback of any parcel be paved with asphalt, cement, pavers, brick, gravel, crushed granite, or any other all-weather surface. 9. Parking and Storage of Commercial Vehicles. The parking or storage of any commercial vehicle is prohibited on any parcel in a residential zone, except while loading, unloading, or providing a commercial service to a resident of that parcel. 10. Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. For height exceptions for Wireless Telecommunications Facilities see Chapter 18.66. 11. Accessory Structures in Single-Family and Duplexes. Accessory structures shall maintain setbacks in accordance with Chapter 18.32 (Residential Accessory Structures). B. Specific Residential Regulations. 1. R1-8L Parcels. Parcels shall have two side yards, one having a width of not less than six feet on one side and nine feet on the opposite side. Notwithstanding the above, the side setback on the street side of each corner parcel, exclusive of the front setback, shall not be less than 15 feet in width. A minimum 35 percent of the street side setback shall be permanently maintained as landscaped area. 2. Accessory Structures. a. Second Story. Second stories are only allowed on accessory structures if the maximum height of the second story wall is four feet in height or less for the second-floor plate. This would equate to a one and one-half story accessory structure. b. Design Consistency. Exterior materials and cladding do not need to be consistent with the primary structure. c. Attached Accessory Structure Setbacks. Attached accessory structures are subject to the same setbacks as the primary structure. 3. Primary Structures. a. Basement Wall Height. The basement wall height shall not exceed four feet in height above the finished grade. b. Reconstruction Standards. In the event of a fire or other natural disaster (i.e., flood, earthquake, etc.) the home is allowed to be constructed to the previous structure footprint and setbacks, as a nonconforming structure (See Article 5 (Nonconformities)). Any changes to the structure footprint and setbacks shall require that the structure comply with current zoning development standards and regulations. 4. Porches and Stairs. a. Unenclosed porches, whether covered or uncovered, which have a finished floor no more than 56 inches above surface grade shall not encroach more than six feet into the front setback. b. Uncovered and unenclosed steps or stairs providing access to a porch or structure entry with a finished floor no more than 56 inches above surface grade shall maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet for the R1-6L and R1-8L zones, and a minimum two-foot setback for R2, R3, and R4 zones. 5. Townhouses in R-2 and R-3 districts. Townhouses that have frontage on a public street are required to have their front door on the front elevation. C. R6 Non-Residential Ground Floor Uses Table 2-7 R6 Transit Neighborhood District Non-Residential Ground Floor Uses R6 Non-Residential Uses Permit Requirements

	P
MUP	Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
TUP	Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-	Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	R6	Additional Regulations
	Human Services Uses
Child Day Care Facilities	P	Section 18.60.070, Note 1
Child Day Care Homes, Up to 14 Children	P	Note 1
	Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses
Commercial Recreation Facilities, Indoor	P
Commercial Recreation Facilities, Outdoor	P
Fitness Facilities	P
Libraries	P
Museums	P
Parks and Public Plazas	P
Places of Assembly	P
Pre-schools, Nursery Schools	P	Note 1
Public Schools	P
Private Schools	CUP
Public/Private Colleges and Universities	P
Theaters and Auditoriums	P
Vocational/Trade Schools	P
	Utility, Transportation, and Communication Uses
Parking Structures	CUP
Diesel Back-up Generators	P	Section 18.60.260
Photovoltaic Systems	P
	Retail, Service, and Office Uses
Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service	P	Section 18.60.040
Ambulance Services	CUP
Animal Sales and Grooming Facilities	P
Banks and Financial Establishments, General	P
Banks and Financial Establishments, Stand-alone ATM	P
Bars	CUP
Business Support Centers	P

Table 2-7 R6 Transit Neighborhood District Non-Residential Ground Floor Uses R6 Non-Residential Uses Permit Requirements

	P
MUP	Minor Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
CUP	Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 18.114)
TUP	Temporary Use Permit (Chapter 18.122)
-	Not allowed
Land Use (see Article 8 for land use definitions).	R6	Additional Regulations
Catering Companies	P
Co-working space	P	Note 1
Equipment Sales and Rentals	P
Garden Centers/Plant Nurseries	P
Hotels and Motels	CUP
Kennels	CUP
Live Entertainment, Incidental	P
Live Entertainment, Standalone Uses	CUP	Section 18.12.040(A)(5)
Maintenance and Repair Services	P
Medical Services, General	P
Mobile Food Vendors	P/MUP	18.60.280
Nightclubs	CUP
Offices	P	Note 1
Outdoor Displays and Sales	CUP	Section 18.60.150
Outdoor Dining and Seating	P	Section 18.60.140
Outdoor Walk-up Facility	P	Appurtenant to a retail use
Personal Services	P
Personal Services, Restricted	MUP	Section 18.60.170
Restaurants	P
Retail Establishments General, Small Format General, Medium Format General, Large Format
P
MUP
CUP
Smoke Shops	CUP
Smoking Lounges	MUP	Chapter 8.37
Veterinary Facilities	MUP
	Neighborhood Light Industrial Uses
Printing and Publishing Facilities	P
Wineries, Distilleries, Breweries, and Micro-Breweries	P
Garment manufacturing	P
Artists’ Studios	P

Note 1: This use is also allowed on the second and third floors of mixed-use buildings. D. Existing Buildings and Uses. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, the lawful use of buildings existing prior to the adoption of this chapter may continue, and shall continue to be governed by the standards of the prior zoning (including any re-tenanting, maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, expansions and restoration in the event of casualty), until such time as (1) the existing building in its entirety is demolished voluntarily (unless for the purposes of implementing maintenance, repair, replacement, expansion or restoration in the event of casualty), and/or (2) the existing use (including any expansions) has been discontinued in its entirety or is replaced with a use not permitted in the prior zoning regulations but permitted or conditionally permitted by this chapter, at which time the prior zoning shall become inapplicable and the other sections of this chapter shall apply from that point forward. 2. Allowed Uses. For parcels with legal uses of buildings existing prior to the adoption of this chapter, permitted uses of the prior zoning district are allowed, and none of the other sections of this chapter shall apply to such building and use, until such time as the existing use (including any re-tenanting, maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, expansions and restoration in the event of casualty) has been discontinued in its entirety as set forth in subsection (a) of this section. 3. Conditional Uses. For parcels with legal uses of buildings existing prior to the adoption of this chapter, conditional uses of the prior zoning district are conditionally permitted, and none of the other sections of this chapter shall apply, until such time as the existing use (including any re-tenanting, maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, expansions and restoration in the event of casualty) has been discontinued in its entirety as set forth in subsection (a) of this section. 4. Development Standards. For parcels with legal uses of buildings existing prior to the adoption of this chapter, development standards of the prior zoning district shall apply, and none of the other sections of this chapter shall apply, until such time as the existing use (including any re-tenanting, maintenance, repair, replacement, modification, expansions and restoration in the event of casualty) has been discontinued in its entirety as set forth in subsection (a) of this section. E. Transition Standards. 1. 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. Rear property line 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. Figure 2-1 Rear Property Line Daylight Plane Figure 2-2 Side Property Line Daylight Plane

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