A preliminary application provides an applicant the opportunity for the City to provide feedback on a project prior to submitting a formal application.

Note: Preliminary Applications are reserved for Senate Bill (SB) 330 (2019) projects, SB 9 (2021) projects, large or complex multi-family residential, mixed-use, or non-residential projects.

Preliminary Applications are reviewed by an internal review committee without needing a public hearing to determine the scope of actions required through the entire process prior to submitting a formal application. It is strongly encouraged for applicants to discuss their submittal with a planner prior to submitting.

All Planning permits, entitlements, and preliminary applications require the submission of an application and materials. Refer to the Planning Permit or Entitlement Application Process page for submittal requirements.

To guide development, the City adopted plans, regulations and guidelines for land use and development. All development applications must comply with the applicable codes and regulations.

• General Plan
• Climate Action Plan
• Single-Family and Duplex Residential Design Guidelines (PDF)
• Community Design Guidelines (PDF)
• Specific Plans
• Subdivisions and Maps
• Zoning (PDF)

Depending on the type of project, the review process may vary. The following are process flowcharts by application type:

• Minor Project Process (PDF)
  • Minor projects include: Architectural Review without Development Review Hearing, Permanent & Temporary Signs, Comprehensive Sign Programs, Tree Removal Permits (Private), Significant Property Alterations (small projects), Lot Line Adjustments and Minor Modifications.
  • SB 9
• Architectural Review (Development Review Hearing) (PDF)
• Mills Act Contract (PDF)
• Minor Use Permit (PDF)
• Conditional Use Permit and Variance Process (PDF)
• Significant Property Alteration (Major projects) (PDF)
• Tentative Parcel & Tentative Map (PDF)
• General Plan Amendment & Rezone (PDF)

Once applications are submitted, a project manager is assigned, and the application is routed to the PCC/SC. The PCC/SC is an internal review body made up of the different departments of the City (e.g., Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works).

The PCC reviews project applications for completeness (with the State Permit Streamlining Act) and compliance (Clearance) with City standards and other necessary requirements that apply to the specific request.

The Committees meet weekly to guide a project through the process in a prompt manner and may require plan revisions to ensure they include necessary project information. A project should be deemed complete and cleared to move on in the process. The Committees do not act on most applications, but provide recommendations to the decision-makers, such as the Development Review Hearing, Planning Commission and City Council.

Preliminary Applications are reviewed by the PCC with no public hearing to determine the scope of actions required through the entire process prior to submitting a formal application.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that environmental issues be considered for all discretionary permits. See the City’s Environmental Review/CEQA page for more information.

• Development Review Hearing – The Director of Community Development, or designee, is the decision-making authority for Architectural Review applications in accordance with Zoning Code, Chapter 18.120.

• Historical and Landmarks Commission – The Historical and Landmarks Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters involving historical places and landmarks. This Commission provides advice on the naming and renaming of streets, museums, and the establishment in the City, and the marking and preservation of historical landmarks and places. The Historical and Landmarks Commission consists of seven Commissioners who are volunteers and appointed by the City Council.

• Planning Commission – The Planning Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters related to the physical development of the City. The Commission makes recommendations with respect to land subdivisions, zoning as prescribed by ordinance, and more. The Planning Commission consists of seven commissioners who are volunteers and appointed by the City Council.

• City Council – The City Council, as the elected legislative body, represents the citizens of Santa Clara and is empowered by the City's Charter to define Citywide policy.

Refer to the Hearing Body Process Flowchart (PDF) to see what entitlements are reviewed by the various review bodies.

• Appeals from the Development Review Hearing are made to the Planning Commission (for single-family residential projects) or the City Council (for projects other than single-family residential projects) and will be placed on a future agenda.
• Appeals from the Planning Commission are made to the City Council and will be placed on a future agenda. 
• Filing an appeal requires the submission of the Planning Appeal Form (PDF) and payment of a fee.

Refer to the Appeals Process Flowchart (PDF) and the Planning Appeal Form (PDF).