Santa Clara County · Zoning · A1
Santa Clara County A1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Clara County's A1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Santa Clara County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator)
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft (Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator)
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft (Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft. (For lot creation)
A1 is a zoning district in Santa Clara County. Every value below was read from the Santa Clara County Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in A1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 35 ft Applies: Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Feet”, column “A1”: 35 2, 4 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Stories”, column “A1”: 2 2, 4 |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft Applies: Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “A1”: 25 2, 4 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Side”, column “A1”: 5 2, 4 |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft Applies: Residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “A1”: 25 2, 4 |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. Applies: For lot creation § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “For lot creation”, column “A1”: 5,000 sq. ft. 4 |
Uses in A1
Uses the code's use tables allow in A1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval
- Apartment building — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval
- Bed and breakfast — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval
- Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval — see note
- Growing crops — Allowed
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in A1:
- Minimum lot size: 3,750 sq. ft. — For building site § 2.50.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for A1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Clara County Municipal Code.
Other Santa Clara County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Clara County's A1 zone?
35 ft (residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator) — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Clara County's A1 zone?
2 stories (residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator) — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Clara County's A1 zone?
25 ft (residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator) — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Clara County's A1 zone?
5 ft (residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator) — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Clara County's A1 zone?
25 ft (residential use without ASA review; other uses are set by the Zoning Administrator) — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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