Santa Clara R1 single-family zones cap heights at 25-30 feet, with detached ADUs allowed up to 16 feet by right and 18-25 feet under SB 897 state law.
Santa Clara zoning limits single-family home heights to approximately 25-30 feet depending on specific R1 subdistrict, measured from finished grade to the roof ridge per SCCC Title 18. Accessory structures are limited to one story and 15 feet in height, while detached ADUs may be up to 16 feet by right under state law and up to 18-25 feet with specific conditions per Government Code 65852.2 as amended by SB 897. Mixed-use and multifamily zones allow greater heights, with some downtown and El Camino transit corridor areas permitting 40-75 feet. Height variances require Planning Commission findings that neighborhood character and solar access are preserved. Parapets, chimneys, and mechanical screens may exceed height limits within code allowances.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle structure height limits.
See how Santa Clara's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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