Chapter 18.96 — Nonconforming Parcels

Sections

18.96.010 – Use of Legal Nonconforming Parcels

• 18.96.020 – Subdivision of Legal Nonconforming Parcels

A single nonconforming parcel that does not comply with the applicable area, depth, or width requirements of this Zoning Code is a legal building site if it meets at least one of the following criteria, as documented to the satisfaction of the Director by evidence furnished by the property owner.

• A. Approved Subdivision. The parcel was legally created by a recorded subdivision in compliance with Chapter 17.05 (Subdivisions) of Title 17 (Development);

• B. Individual Parcel Legally Created by Deed. The parcel is under single ownership and was legally created by a recorded deed before the effective date of the provision which made the parcel nonconforming;

• C. Variance or Lot Line Adjustment. The parcel was approved through the variance procedure or resulted from a lot line adjustment; or

• D. Partial Government Acquisition. The parcel was created in compliance with the provisions of the current Zoning Code or a prior version, but was made nonconforming when a portion was acquired by a governmental entity, provided that both of the following are true: (1) the parcel size was decreased not more than 20 percent; and (2) the yard facing a public right-of-way was decreased not more than 75 percent.

A subdivision of land (i.e., lot line adjustment, tentative parcel map, final parcel map, tentative subdivision map, or final subdivision map) that would increase the nonconformity of an existing parcel or any nonconforming use on the parcel shall not be approved.

Santa Clara Zoning Code, Title 18

July 2025 5-11

18 Attachment 1:366

Publication, Apr 2026

ZONING

Chapter 18.96

Nonconforming Parcels

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Santa Clara Zoning Code, Title 18

July 2025

5-12

18 Attachment 1:367

Publication, Apr 2026

SANTA CLARA CODE

Chapter 18.98

Article 5 – Nonconformities