Santa Clara County, CA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)

Table 2.20-2 of the County Zoning Ordinance lists "Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals" with a U in every rural base district column: A, AR, HS and RR. Section 2.20.020 defines U as a use permit and architecture and site approval, which pulls in two separate processes: Chapter 5.65 (Use Permit) and Chapter 5.40 (Architecture and Site Approval). No rural district allows the use by right or by simple planning clearance, and the section adds that use classifications not listed in the tables are prohibited in the rural base districts.

Note 17 attached to the row sets a hard size floor: the minimum lot size for veterinary clinics and hospitals is two and one-half acres. A smaller parcel cannot qualify, whatever the district.

The definition in Chapter 2.10 matters for what the permit covers. A veterinary clinic or hospital is a commercial establishment for medical and surgical treatment of domestic and farm animals, including animal grooming and boarding of animals receiving medical care for no more than 30 days. Boarding beyond that medical-care window falls outside the definition and is a separate commercial kennel question under Section 4.10.200.

Under Section 5.65.020 the Planning Commission hears and decides use permit applications. To grant one it must find, among other things, that the site is adequate in size and shape, that the use will not impair the character of the district, that adequate off-street parking and fire and emergency access exist, that wastewater treatment meets local, state and federal requirements, that noise, odor, dust or bright lights will not harm the adjacent area, and that the use will not substantially worsen traffic congestion.

Parking is set by Table 4.30-2 of Section 4.30.040: one space per 500 square feet, plus one per employee.