City of Santa Clara
MenuArchitectural Review
General Overview
The Architectural Review process was established to encourage the orderly and harmonious appearance of structures and property; maintain the public health, safety and welfare; maintain the property and improvement values throughout the City and to encourage the physical development of the City as intended by the General Plan.
The Director of Community Development, or designee, is the decision-making authority for Architectural Review applications in accordance with Zoning Code Chapter 18.120.
Review CriteriaProjects will be reviewed for consistency with zoning standards prior to submittal for building permits. Projects may be reviewed administratively without a public hearing, EXCEPT when the following criteria applies:
Projects meeting the above criteria shall be reviewed through the Development Review Hearing process. |
How to Apply for Architectural Review?
STEP 1: Read through the application submittal requirements contained in the Application Checklists:
Understand the process:
- If no hearing is necessary, consult the Architectural Review (Minor Project Process) flowchart (pdf)
- If a hearing is necessary, consult the Architectural Review (Development Review Hearing) flowchart (pdf)
STEP 2: Register for the Permitting Online Portal.
- For instructions on how to register and use the permitting online portal, please review the user guide (pdf).
STEP 3: Submit your application, required materials from application checklist, plans, and fees through the Permitting Online Portal.
For the application, the following information will need to be verified:
- Zoning of the property: MapSantaClara
- Historic status: Historic Resources Map
- Size of the lot and existing building square footage
- Consistency with the applicable design guidelines:
- Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines (pdf)
- Community Design Guidelines (pdf)
- For projects located within Specific Plans, consult the Specific Plan requirements.
Once submitted, the application will be assigned to a project manager who will contact you to inform you of any action, meeting date, or whether further information is needed.
Appeals
All Development Review Hearing decisions are final, unless appealed in writing to the Planning Commission or City Council, as applicable, within seven calendar days by 5 p.m. Fees must be paid for the appeal to be valid.
- Submit your Planning Appeal Form (pdf) and fees through the Permitting Online Portal.
Development Review Hearing Dates and Agendas
The meetings are held on scheduled Wednesday afternoons at 4 p.m. in the City Council Chambers and are subject to public noticing requirements. To view current and past meeting agendas and material, please go to Development Review Hearing Meetings Online