Building Setbacks & Zoning in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Santa Clara R1 zones typically require 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 20-foot rear setbacks, with reductions available for ADUs under state law AB 2097 and SB 9 provisions.
Setback Rules in Santa Clara
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
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.
Structure Height Limits in Santa Clara
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Santa Clara R1 zones typically cap building lot coverage at 40 percent, with additional floor area ratio and impervious surface limits for stormwater control.
Lot Coverage Rules in Santa Clara
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Santa Clara County →