Building Setbacks & Zoning in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Santa Clara County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Santa Clara County Division C12 sets R1 setbacks at 20 foot front, 5 foot side, and 20 foot rear, with larger 30 foot hillside requirements in HS combining districts. ADUs follow state 4 foot rule.

Santa Clara County Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Santa Clara County caps residential height at 35 feet in R1 and 25 to 28 feet in hillside and ridgeline overlays under Division C12. Height is measured from natural grade to the highest point of the roof.

Santa Clara County Structure Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Santa Clara County Division C12 caps lot coverage at 40 percent in R1, 35 percent in RR, and 15 to 25 percent in HS Hillside zones. FAR caps of 0.35 to 0.45 apply in hillside areas. Detached 800 sq ft ADUs are exempt.