Here you will find information on updates to the City's Zoning Code, which is revised periodically. The latest version of the City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (July 2025) is available and includes changes from Zoning Code Cleanup #2 effort.

The 2025 Cleanup Ordinance updated the following:

• City’s wireless provisions to be consistent with federal law
• Density Bonus provisions to incorporate recent changes to the Government Code
• Reasonable Accommodation provisions required as a part of the Housing Element Update
• Addition of smoke shops as a defined land use category in the Zoning Code
• Allowed use tables to reflect the range of existing uses in commercial and industrial districts

What does the Zoning Code Update include?

• Zoning districts that are consistent with and implement the General Plan
• New Minor Use Permit process for non-controversial planning approvals
• Streamlined placemaking conditions, including for live entertainment and for additional outdoor seating
• Simplified Parking regulations to facilitate re-tenanting
• New required off-street construction parking for large projects
• Provisions for Mobile Food Vendors

There are a limited number of areas in the City where the previous zoning (pre-2024 Zoning Code) still applies. These are:

• All adopted Planned Development Zonings and Historic combining districts remain in effect and have been carried over from the prior zoning map.
• The Santa Clara Station Plan Area, where a specific plan is under development and the existing zoning districts remain in effect until a specific plan for the area is adopted.
• The TN Transit Neighborhood District within the Tasman East area.

Contacts

• Email: John Davidson, Principal Planner
• Phone: 408-615-2478

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