Before submitting a Planning application: 

STEP 1: Verify the Zoning District of the property using MapSantaClara.

STEP 2: Verify whether the property is a Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) or within 200 feet of an HRI using the Historic Resources Map.

STEP 3: Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code for compliance.

STEP 4: Consult with the City's Public Works Engineering (Land & Property Development) for information regarding public easements.

STEP 5: Read through the Application Checklists that include the submittal requirements for your application type.

STEP 6: Review the Application Fee (pdf) requirements based on your application type.

STEP 7: Contact the Planning Division if you have any questions. You can also schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. 

1. Note, Plan sets are submitted electronically through the online portal. The plan set should be submitted as a PDF in an 8.5 x 11 format that is searchable. 

To submit a Planning application:

• Register for the Permitting Online Portal: Accela.
  • For instructions on how to register and use the permitting online portal, please review the user guide (pdf).
  • Upload your required submittal materials, plan sets, and application to the Online Portal.
  • Application Fees can be paid through the Online Portal. 

After submitting an application:

• Planning staff will review applications submitted through the Online Portal to determine if correct information has been provided/uploaded and apply required fees generally within 10 business days of the submittal.  
• Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive an email letting you know that the application fees are ready to be paid. 

Planning Application Review Process:

Entitlements/permits have different process workflows. Consult the development review process for more information.

STEP 1: Once the fees have been paid, your application will be assigned to a planner and review of your application will begin.

STEP 2: Planning staff:

• Reviews submitted application and materials
• Meets with applicant (if necessary)
• References General Plan, Zoning Code, etc. to ensure compliance
• Identifies potential issues with application and/or permit, working with applicant to resolve any issues
• Schedules applicable board/commission/Council meetings (if applicable)

STEP 3: Public hearing (if applicable)

STEP 4: Application/permit decision made

Supplemental Information:

Property Owner Authorization Form (pdf)

Before submitting a Planning Zoning Clearance application: 

STEP 1: Verify the Zoning District of the property using MapSantaClara.

STEP 2: Verify whether the property is a Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) or within 200 feet of an HRI using the Historic Resources Map.

STEP 3: Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code for compliance.

STEP 4: Consult with the City's Public Works Engineering (Land & Property Development) for information regarding public easements for outdoor dining permits, wireless telecommunications facilities, reverse vending facilities, vehicle service station conversions.

STEP 5: Read through the Zoning Clearance Application Checklists that include the submittal requirements for your application type.

STEP 6: Review the Application Fee (pdf) requirements based on your application type.

STEP 7: Contact the Planning Division if you have any questions. You can also schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. 

1. Note, Plan sets are submitted electronically through the online portal. The plan set should be submitted as a PDF in an 8.5 x 11 format that is searchable. 

To submit a Planning application:

• Register for the Permitting Online Portal: Accela.
  • For instructions on how to register and use the permitting online portal, please review the user guide (pdf).
  • When creating a new Planning record, choose “Zoning Clearance”.
  • Upload your required submittal materials, plan sets, and application to the Online Portal.
  • Application Fees can be paid through the Online Portal. 

After submitting an application:

• Planning staff will review applications submitted through the Online Portal to determine if correct information has been provided/uploaded and apply required fees generally within five business days of the submittal.  
• Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive an email letting you know that the application fees are ready to be paid. 

Planning Zoning Clearance Application Review Process:

Zoning Clearances are streamlined applications. Consult the minor project flowchart for more information.

STEP 1: Once the fees have been paid, your application will be assigned to a planner and review of your application will begin.

STEP 2: Planning staff:

• Reviews submitted application and materials
• Meets with applicant (if necessary)
• References General Plan, Zoning Code, etc. to ensure compliance
• Identifies potential issues with application and/or permit, working with applicant to resolve any issues

STEP 3: Zoning clearance decision made by Director or designee.

Supplemental Information:

Property Owner Authorization Form (pdf)

• Architectural Review (Multi-family, Mixed-Use & Commercial) (pdf)
• Architectural Review (Single-Family & Duplex) (pdf)
• Changes to An Approved Project (Amendment) (pdf)
• Conditional Use Permits & Minor Use Permits (pdf)
• Lot Line Adjustments (pdf)
• Mills Act Contracts (pdf)
• Minor Modifications (pdf)
• Mobile Food Vendors (Private Property) (pdf)
• Off-Site Parking Permits (pdf)
• Preliminary Applications (pdf)
• Significant Property Alterations (pdf)
• Signs & Comprehensive Sign Programs (pdf)
• Subdivisions (Tentative Parcel & Tentative Maps) (pdf)
• Temporary Signs (pdf)
• Temporary Use Permits (pdf)
• Tree Removal Permit (Planning) (pdf)
• Variance (pdf)
• Zoning Verification Letters (pdf)
• Zoning Clearances
  • Accessory Uses (not mobile food vendors) (pdf)
  • Business Licenses & Home Occupancy (pdf)
  • Wireless Telecommunication Facilities (pdf)
  • Outdoor Dining (fewer than 24 seats) (pdf)
  • Reverse Vending Facilities (pdf)
  • Tasting Incidental to Retail (pdf)
  • Vehicle Service Station Conversion (pdf)

Additional Application Checklists:

• Project Clearance Committee Submittal Checklist (pdf)
• Climate Action Plan Compliance Checklist (pdf)

Planning Application Fees (pdf)

Includes submittal fees based on application type from Planning and other City Departments related to Planning Applications. Some of the fees listed may be invoiced later if determined necessary through the course of the planning review process. 

Other City Permits and Fees (pdf)

Includes fees that may be relevant at different stages of a project.  Other than Planning fee schedule, the other city permit fees listed are not assessed at Planning Application submittal stage.

Architectural Review is required for projects that involve demolition and construction of a new single-family dwelling or remodels and additions to existing single-family dwellings. 

Before submitting an application for a single-family remodel and/or addition, prepare an Application Package as instructed below:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Find Zoning standards for your zoning district in the Zoning Code (pdf).
  • Reference the Santa Clara City Code Chapter 18.10 for single-family zoning standards.
• If applicable, refer to the Architectural Review Process (Development Review Hearing).
• Consult the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines (pdf) for best design practices.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an application for a multi-family residential project, prepare an Application Package as instructed below.

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code (pdf) for compliance.
• Refer to the Architectural Review Process (Development Review Hearing).
• Consult the Community Design Guidelines for best design practices.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an application for a non-residential and/or mixed-use project, prepare an Application Package as instructed below.

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code (pdf) for compliance.
• Refer to the Architectural Review Process (Development Review Hearing).
• Consult the Community Design Guidelines for best design practices.
• Prepare an Application Package as instructed in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) not meeting the criteria for ministerial approval will need to receive an Architectural Review approval.

Before submitting an application for a ADU that is subject to Architectural Review, prepare an Application Package as instructed below:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Find Zoning standards for your zoning district in the Zoning Code (pdf).
  • Reference the Santa Clara City Code Chapter 18.60.20 for ADU standards.
• Refer to the ADU and JADU Handout (pdf). 
• If applicable, refer to the Architectural Review Process (Development Review Hearing).
• Consult the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines (pdf) for best design practices.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an SB9 application, review the information linked below:

• Verify your zoning district on MapSantaClara. 
• SB 9: California HOME Act
• SB9 Overview (pdf)
• Zoning code chapters for single-family zoning districts: R1-6L and R1-8L.
• SB 9 FAQ (pdf)
• Santa Clara City Code: Chapter 18.24: Two Unit Dwelling Residential Development and Urban Lot Splits (pdf)
• SB 9 Project Eligibility Checklist and Application (pdf)
• SB 9 Owner Affidavit (pdf)

SB 9 projects not eligible for ministerial review will require Architectural Review approval.

Refer to the Architectural Review Process.

Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units projects can be submitted as a Building Permit, except for new attached second-story ADUs on a single-story residence, would require an Architectural Review. 

A guide regarding the regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may be found at the link below: 

 ADU and JADU Handout (pdf)

Before submitting an SB9 application, review the information linked below:

• Verify your zoning district on MapSantaClara. 
• SB 9: California HOME Act
• SB9 Overview (pdf)
• Zoning code chapters for single-family zoning districts: R1-6L and R1-8L.
• SB 9 FAQ (pdf)
• Santa Clara City Code: Chapter 18.24: Two Unit Dwelling Residential Development and Urban Lot Splits (pdf)
• SB 9 Project Eligibility Checklist and Application (pdf)
• SB 9 Owner Affidavit (pdf)

Before submitting SB 35 and SB 330 applications through the City’s Permitting Online Portal, review the following information.

• SB 330: Housing Crisis Act of 2019 - Preliminary Application Form (pdf)
• SB 330 Application Timeline Flowchart (pdf)
• SB 35 Streamlined Ministerial Project Eligibility Checklist and Processing Procedures (pdf)

Senate Bill 684 (SB 684) went into effect on July 1, 2024. The bill adds Government Code sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41 to California State law, which requires local jurisdictions to provide a ministerial review process for subdivision and housing developments on multifamily lots that meet the law's eligibility requirements.

SB 684 creates an approval process for up to 10 housing units on qualified lots that are:

1. zoned multi-family,
2. no more than 5 acres, and
3. substantially surrounded by qualified urban uses. The bill disallows discretionary review for housing development projects and subdivisions that meet certain criteria. 

A local ordinance to adopt and implement SB 684 is not required and has not been adopted. Instead, the City of Santa Clara is implementing state law directly and will use local forms to collect information from applicants for review. The bill's full text can be found on the California Legislative Information website. 

In accordance with SB 684, the City shall determine within 60 days of a complete application whether the application qualifies and is approved.

• Complete and submit the SB 684 Eligibility Checklist (pdf) with your application at the Permitting Online Portal.

If you need Zoning Clearance for a Business License, submit a Planning Application through Permitting Online Portal and provide the following information:

• Business License Number
• Business Address
• Business Name
• Business Type and Description
• Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) form (if applicable)
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) form (if applicable)
• Business License - Home Occupancy application checklist (pdf)
• Property owner Authorization form (pdf)

A development or new land use allowed through a Architectural Review, Conditional Use Permit, Minor Modification, Minor Use Permit, Reasonable Accommodation, Temporary Use Permit, Variance, or an approved PD zoned project shall be in substantial compliance with the approved drawings and plans, and any conditions of approval imposed by the Review Authority, except where changes are approved in accordance with Chapter 18.128.080.

Request Desired Changes In Writing. An applicant shall request desired changes in writing, and shall also furnish appropriate supporting materials and an explanation of the reason(s) for the change(s).

Type of Changes Allowed. Requested changes may involve changes to one or more conditions imposed by the Review Authority or actual changes to the operation, use, or physical characteristics of the project (e.g., hours of operation, expansion of a use) as originally proposed by the applicant or approved by the Review Authority. 

Shall First be Approved by Review Authority. Changes shall not be implemented until first approved by the applicable Review Authority in compliance with Chapter 18.128.080 and may be requested either before or after construction or establishment and operation of the approved use.

Minor changes may be approved by the Director of Community Development, while major changes require approval by the review authority in accordance with Chapter 18.128.080(C), (D) and (E).

Before submitting an application for changes to an approved project, prepare an Application Package as instructed in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an application for a Comprehensive Sign Program, prepare an Application Package as instructed below.

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara
• Consult the Zoning Code (pdf):
  • Reference the SCCC 18.42 for Sign Regulations
• For any parcel on which five or more signs are proposed that require a Sign Permit, the owner(s) shall prepare and submit a Comprehensive Sign Program consistent with the Application Checklist (pdf). 

Business use in a dwelling unit need a home occupation application and Zoning Clearance.

• Refer to SCCC Chapter 18.60.120 for more information.
• Refer to and submit the Business License - Home Occupancy application checklist (pdf)
• Complete the Home Occupations Regulations Acknowledgement Form (pdf). 
• Submit a Planning Application through Permitting Online Portal with project description and Home Occupations Regulation Acknowledgement Form.
• Complete Fee Payment.
• Planning staff will process and provide Zoning Clearance for the business license. 

Before applying for Off-site Parking Permit, prepare an Application Package as instructed below: 

• Prepare an application package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).
• Complete the Off-Site Parking Cover Sheet (pdf).
• Review the Planning Fee Schedule (pdf). An additional planning fee is charged for stadium event parking north of Highway 101. This is an ongoing per event / per space used fee that is collected to help recover additional public safety costs incurred for each event.
• Submit your application through the City’s Permitting Online Portal.

Before submitting an application for a Permanent or Temporary Sign Permit:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Consult the Zoning Code (pdf):
  • Reference the SCCC Chapter 18.42 for Sign Regulations.
• Prepare an Application Package as instructed in the Application Checklist:
  • Permanent Signs Application Checklist (pdf).
  • Temporary Sign Permit Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an application for a Temporary Use Permit:

• Consult the Zoning Code (pdf):
  • Reference SCCC Chapter 18.122
• Prepare an Application Package as instructed in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Entitlements are typically valid for two years after the review authority decision and are subject to expiration (Chapter 18.128.060 of the City’s Zoning Code). It may become necessary for an applicant to request a time extension. Chapter 18.128.070 of the Zoning Code describes the process for time extensions.

• The Community Development Director may extend the entitlement’s effectiveness for two additional 12-month periods.
• The applicant must request a time extension in writing at least 30-days prior to the expiration of the entitlement, along with the filing fee (pdf).
• Time extensions beyond 24-months are described in Chapter 18.128.070 of the Zoning Code.

Street Tree Removal

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of street trees. Residents and contractors are prohibited from trimming and removing City trees. Having a City street tree trimmed or removed by anyone other than City personnel is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, plus the cost of replacing the tree and any associated administrative costs. If a City street tree needs to be trimmed or removed, please fill out an online service request form or call the City's Public Works Department at 408-615-3080. For additional information about street tree removal qualifications, please reference the City Trees website and the Guidelines for City Street Tree Removal (pdf).

Protected Trees (Private Property)

Protected trees shall not be removed without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the City. Protected trees include the following:

• Heritage trees in all zoning districts.
• All specimen trees with a diameter of twelve (12) inches or more when measured at fifty-four (54) inches above natural grade of the following species on private property:
  • Aesculus californica (California buckeye);
  • Acer macrophyllum (big leaf maple);
  • Cedrus deodara (deodar cedar);
  • Cedrus atlantica “Glauca” (blue Atlas cedar);
  • Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree);
  • Platanus racemosa (western sycamore);
  • Quercus (native oak tree species), including:
    • Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak);
    • Quercus lobata (valley oak);
    • Quercus kelloggii (black oak);
    • Quercus douglasii (blue oak);
    • Quercus wislizeni (interior live oak);
    • Sequoia sempervirens (coast redwood); and
    • Umbellularia californica (bay laurel or California bay).

• Approved development trees.
• A private tree which has a trunk with a diameter of thirty-eight (38) inches or more measured at fifty-four (54) inches above natural grade.
• A multibranched private tree which has major branches below fifty-four (54) inches above the natural grade with a diameter of thirty-eight (38) inches or more measured just below the first major trunk fork.

Tree Removal Permit Submittal Requirements:

1. A drawing outlining the location of the tree(s) and proposed tree replacements;
2. A written explanation of why the tree(s) should be removed;
3. An arborist report from an arborist certified by the ISA;
4. Signature of the property owner and/or homeowner’s association (where applicable) with proof of a vote of the homeowner’s association;
5. Photograph(s) of the tree(s);
6. Permit fee, where applicable; and
7. Other information deemed necessary by the Department of Community Development to evaluate the tree removal request.

Resources:

• You can find more information in Santa Clara City Code Chapter 12.35: Trees and Shrubs
• City Arborist Notes (pdf)
• Application Checklist for Planning Permit Tree Removals (pdf)

If you need Zoning Clearance for the following projects, prepare an Application Package as instructed in the relevant Application Checklist and submit a Planning Application through Permitting Online Portal:

• Wireless Telecommunication Facilities (pdf)
• Reverse Vending Facilities (pdf)
• Tasting Incidental to Retail (pdf)
• Vehicle Service Station Conversions (pdf)
• Outdoor Dining (fewer than 24 seats) (pdf)

If you need a zoning verification letter, submit your request through the Permitting Online Portal and include the Application Checklist (pdf).

The zoning verification letter at a minimum will be on City letterhead and include the requested property’s zoning, general plan land use designation, any related planning permits, and any active zoning violations.

Provide a written request as part of your application that may include additional zoning questions about the property.

Examples of a Conditional Use Permit include: auto sales car lots, private schools, bars, etc.

Before submitting an application:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code (pdf) for compliance.
  • Chapter 18.114 Conditional and Minor Use Permits.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

For wireless telecommunications facilities, in addition to the information above, consult Chapter 18.66 - Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Zoning Code for specific regulations and requirements.

Before submitting an application:

• Please contact Planning Division for information on submittal requirements.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested.

Before submitting an application for a Mills Act Contract, consult the Application Checklist (pdf) and submit the necessary materials.

Before submitting an application for a minor modification, prepare an Application Package as instructed below:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Read through Santa Clara City Code Chapter 18.124: Variances and Minor Modifications (pdf).
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf). 

Examples of a Minor Use Permit include in residential zones include: residential care facilities, rooming or boarding houses & live-work facilities.

Before submitting an application:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code (pdf) for compliance.      
  • Chapter 18.114 Conditional and Minor Use Permits.
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

For wireless telecommunications facilities, in addition to the information above, consult Chapter 18.66 - Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Zoning Code for specific regulations and requirements.

Beginning September 19, 2024

Mobile food vendors can operate in Commercial, Mixed-Use, Office and Industrial zoning districts. Longer durations are permitted only with a Zoning Clearance or Minor Use Permit.

Check MapSantaClara to see what the zoning of the property you are interested is.

• No permit when operating less than two hours (Any allowed district).
• Zoning clearance (Accessory Use) is required when operating more than two hours, but less than four hours.
• Minor Use Permit is required when operation more than four hours or locating within 100 feet of a residentially zoned parcel.

Consult Santa Clara City Code Chapter 18.60.280 for specific regulations for mobile food vendors. 

When submitting for a Zoning Clearance or a Minor Use Permit for mobile food vendors on private property through the Permitting Online Portal, submit the Property Authorization Form (pdf) and the Application Checklist (pdf).

Preliminary Applications are reserved for SB 330 projects, multi-family residential, mixed-use, or non-residential projects. Do not submit a Preliminary Application for a single-family residence.

For SB 330 projects, you must complete the SB 330 Preliminary Application Form (pdf).

For all other projects, there are minimum submittal requirements necessary to file your application as noted in the Application Checklist (pdf). Additional information may be submitted that will allow the various City departments provide feedback to help you with your future formal application submittal. 

It is strongly encouraged for applicants to discuss their submittal with a planner prior to submitting. 

Any major alteration to a HRI property requires a Major SPA permit. 

Before submitting an application:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and Zoning Code (pdf) for compliance
  • Chapter 18.130 Historic Preservation
• Confirm whether the property is a Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) on the Historic Resources Map. 
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Before submitting an application for a variance, prepare an Application Package as instructed below:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the SCCC Chapter 18.124: Variances (pdf).
• Prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Appeals from the Development Review Hearing are made to the Planning Commission (for single-family residential projects) or to the City Council (for projects other than single-family residential projects) and will be placed on a subsequent agenda.

Appeals from the Planning Commission are made to the City Council and will be placed on a subsequent agenda. 

Refer to the Appeals Process Flowchart (pdf). 

Apply for appeals through the Permitting Online Portal.

Filing an appeal requires the submission of the Planning Appeal Form (pdf) (when requested to submit an application checklist in the Portal) and payment of a fee.

Before submitting an application for Subdivisions, Tentative Map, Tentative Parcel Map, and/or Lot Line Adjustment:

• Verify Zoning of the property using MapSantaClara.
• Reference the General Plan and SCCC Title 17: Development (Subdivisions) for compliance.
• For Tentative Subdivision Maps and Tentative Subdivision Parcel Maps, prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).
• For Lot Line Adjustments, prepare an Application Package with submittal materials as requested in the Application Checklist (pdf).

Projects using the density bonus law, shall along with any applicable application checklist submit the Density Bonus Supplemental Form (pdf). The form summarizes proposed density, the number of affordable units and any waiver and/or concession requests. 

Applicants with projects subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), should seek direction from their assigned City Project Manager regarding the process. Any projects requiring CEQA documentation shall be drafted by a consultant that is on the City's Approved Environmental Consultant List (pdf).

Refer to the Residential Fence Handout (pdf) for regulations on where fences can be built on R1-6L, R1-8L, and R2 zoned parcels. 

Information about Historic property projects and permitting processes and Santa Clara's historic resources program can be found on the Historic Preservation page. 

Summary of Historic Preservation regulations and processes (pdf) handout