Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Santa Clara County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Santa Clara County Roads and Airports →

Recently verified

Key Facts

Permit: Encroachment permit for curb cuts
Fire access: 20 ft clear width minimum
Sidewalk: Vehicles cannot overhang sidewalk
Agency: Roads and Airports Department

City-specific rules exist: Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale have their own driveway rules rules that differ from Santa Clara County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

In unincorporated Santa Clara County, driveways must not block sidewalks or public rights-of-way, and curb cuts require an encroachment permit from Roads and Airports.

Full Breakdown

Santa Clara County regulates driveways under Title C (Building and Construction) and Title B (Roads), which govern curb cuts, driveway approaches, and encroachments on county-maintained roads. Property owners must obtain an encroachment permit from the Roads and Airports Department before constructing or modifying a driveway that crosses a public right-of-way or county road shoulder. Driveways cannot obstruct sidewalks, bike lanes, or pedestrian paths, and vehicles parked in driveways cannot extend over the sidewalk (a violation of CVC 22500(f) enforceable countywide). Flag lot driveways, shared driveways, and long private accessways must meet Fire Marshal width and turnaround standards (typically 20 feet clear width with 13 feet 6 inches vertical clearance) so fire apparatus can reach structures. In hillside zones, driveway grades over 15 percent require special engineering review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to pave my driveway?

Paving within your property line typically does not need a permit, but any work in the public right-of-way including the curb cut and sidewalk apron requires an encroachment permit from Roads and Airports.

Can I park across my own driveway?

You may block your own driveway, but not if vehicles extend into the sidewalk or street. CVC 22500(f) prohibits sidewalk obstruction regardless of ownership.

How does Santa Clara County compare?

See how Santa Clara County's driveway rules rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View California Overview

Santa Clara County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Santa Clara County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours

Fence Regulations: Height Limits

Fire Regulations: Fireworks

Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules

Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes

Accessory Structures: Shed Rules

More Parking Rules in Santa Clara County

Driveway Rules in Other Cities

How does Santa Clara County compare?

See something wrong?