Santa Clara's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Santa Clara, California, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
EV Charging
Santa Clara requires EV-ready wiring in new construction under CALGreen, and Silicon Valley Power offers rebates for residential Level 2 charger installations.
Key details: New Construction: EV-ready wiring required by CALGreen. Utility Rebates: Silicon Valley Power residential and commercial programs. Permit: Electrical permit required for Level 2 installation. Renter Rights: Civil Code 1947.6 protects EV install in rentals. Contact: Silicon Valley Power (408) 615-5741.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around ev charging in Santa Clara lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Driveway Rules
Santa Clara requires encroachment permits for new driveways, limits driveway width by zoning, and prohibits parking across sidewalks regardless of property ownership.
Key details: Curb Cut Permit: Public Works encroachment permit required. Max Width: Typically 20 feet for single-family residential. Sidewalk Parking: Prohibited per CVC 22500(f). Front Yard Paving: Limited by zoning coverage rules. Contact: Public Works (408) 615-3000.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Santa Clara restricts commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds from residential street parking overnight and limits heavy truck routes under SCCC Title 10.
Key details: Weight Threshold: Over 10,000 pounds GVW restricted overnight. Prohibited Hours: 9 PM to 6 AM in residential zones. Truck Routes: El Camino Real, Lawrence Expressway, freeways. Loading Exception: Brief active loading or service allowed. Contact: Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Overnight Parking
Santa Clara has no citywide overnight parking ban but enforces CVC 22651(k) 72-hour limits and residential permit zones near SCU and Levi's Stadium.
Key details: Citywide Ban: No general overnight ban on streets. Permit Zones: Enforced 24/7 or during event windows near SCU/stadium. 72-Hour Rule: State CVC 22651(k) still applies. Park Lots: Closed after posted hours, typically 10 PM. Contact: Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Santa Clara is more permissive than most cities when it comes to overnight parking. That said, there are still limits.
Abandoned Vehicles
Santa Clara tows abandoned vehicles after 72 hours under CVC 22651(k) and participates in the Santa Clara County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program for private property.
Key details: Street Tow: 72-hour marking under CVC 22651(k). Private Property: County AVA program with 10-day notice. Definition: Inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered over 30 days. Screening Exempt: Hidden from public view generally allowed. Contact: Police Non-Emergency (408) 615-4700.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
RV & Boat Parking
Santa Clara limits recreational vehicle street parking to 72 hours, requires permits for extended street storage, and restricts driveway RV storage under zoning code.
Key details: Street Limit: 72 hours without permit per CVC 22651(k). Guest Permit: Available through Police Parking Unit. Driveway Storage: Must be screened and behind front setback. Registration: Must be current DMV registration. Contact: Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Street Parking Limits
Santa Clara limits continuous street parking to 72 hours under CVC 22651(k), posts time zones near downtown, and operates residential permit districts near SCU and Levi's Stadium.
Key details: Time Limit: 72 hours continuous parking maximum per CVC 22651(k). Permit Zones: Near SCU campus and Levi's Stadium neighborhoods. Sweeping: Weekly posted routes, citation for non-compliance. Hydrant Distance: 15 feet clearance required per CVC 22514. Contact: Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Santa Clara gives residents more room on parking rules. 2 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
This guide is based on Santa Clara's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.