Santa Clara Zoning Code § 13.5 On-Site Open Space

A. Introduction

On-site open space is private or shared outdoor space that exists for the enjoyment and use of building tenants, and sometimes the public It can also provide comfortable paths through which pedestrian access is provided from the street to any buildings (or portions of buildings) that lack direct street frontage This Section identifies a series of open space types and design characteristics of each type

B. Court

1. Description. A court is an open space surrounded by one or more buildings, for use by residents or tenants, or for activation as a public plaza or outdoor dining area It can provide visitor access from the street to dwellings, retail, office spaces, or buildings within the lot that lack direct access from the street

2. Guidelines. A court’s perimeter should be coherent and well-defined by walls on at least three sides Courts should include a minimum of one shared amenity, such as a seating area, fountain, BBQ island, or outdoor fireplace

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

A court may provide access to private residences or amenity spaces.

C. Forecourt

1. Description. A forecourt is a court that abuts the public sidewalk Where forecourts give access to retail and other public uses, they function as an extension of the public realm Where forecourts grant access to residential or other private uses, they function as transitional spaces between the public and private realms

2. Standards. Forecourts are only permitted if they serve a specific function, such as providing gathering space outside a common building entry or providing outdoor dining space in front of restaurant shopfronts At least one building entry shall be provided from a forecourt into the adjacent building(s)

3. Guidelines. Forecourts should be a minimum of 15’ x 15’ in size in order to serve as a usable outdoor room

4. Build-Out Requirements. A forecourt is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot See Section 5.3.A

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

Forecourts help transition from the public to private realm.

18 Attachment 1:172

Publication, Apr 2026

ZONING

82 | City of Santa Clara Downtown Form-Base Code

D. Side Yard

1. Description. A side yard is an open space along one side of a building It can serve as a semi-private space through which visitor access is provided to one or more buildings or dwellings, or it can be a private space for the exclusive use of the residents of one or more dwellings

2. Guidelines. Side yards should be defined by buildings on a minimum of two sides Side yards should not exceed twenty-five feet in width where adjacent to streets or public open spaces

E. Rear Yard

1. Description. A rear yard is a private, landscaped open space located behind a building It is for the use of the residents or users of one or more dwellings

2. Guidelines. For buildings with two or more units, a rear yard may be divided into separated private yards, provided each private yard is directly adjacent to the dwelling unit

3. Build-Out Requirements. An entry to a side yard is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot See Section 5.3.A.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

Single- and multifamily residences separated by side yards.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

Rear yards can contain amenities for multi-family buildings.

18 Attachment 1:173

Publication, Apr 2026

SANTA CLARA CODE

83 | Chapter 13: Site Standards & Guidelines

F. Passage

1. Description. Passages provide a pedestrian connection between or through buildings, from the street to a court, building entrance, or rear parking lot Passages may be covered or uncovered They may be gated or completely open to the street Passages which provide public access through a block are known as paseos

2. Standards. Passages shall be a minimum of 12 feet in width

• a. Exception Portions of passages no longer than 20' may be less than 12 feet wide but no narrower than 6 feet wide

3. Build-Out Requirements. An entry to a passage is a permitted exception to the build-out requirement for a lot See Section 5.3.A.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

A passage may provide access to residential units.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

G. Roof Deck/Terrace

1. Description. A roof deck or terrace is an outdoor gathering space that may be assigned to individual units or shared by all residents or tenants of a building

2. Standards

• a. Publicly accessible roof tops should be visible from the public right of way

3. Guidelines.

• a. Roof decks and terraces should include a minimum of one amenity and design element, such as a trellis, seating area, fountain, landscaping, or outdoor fireplace to encourage their use as an outdoor gathering place

• b. Roof decks and terraces should not provide views toward single family residences They should be oriented toward public rights-of-way or other shared open spaces

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

A roof deck/ terrace used as a dining area for restaurants.

(Image not reproduced in this text.)

18 Attachment 1:174

Publication, Apr 2026

ZONINGShall be submitted to the Cultural Commission for a recommendation

84 | City of Santa Clara Downtown Form-Base Code