Bolthole Index

Santa Clara County, California

Building permits, zoning and septic in Santa Clara County, California

39Index Score / 100
#37 of 58 in California

Unincorporated Santa Clara County, California requires a building permit for most construction, alterations and occupancy changes, issued by the county Department of Planning and Development1. County zoning controls allowed uses on unincorporated land only; a parcel inside a city follows that city's building and zoning rules23. Septic permits come separately from the county Department of Environmental Health where public sewer is unavailable4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction or occupancy changes, with limited exemptions for small projects1
Zoning
Yes; the county's own General Plan, Ordinance Code and Zoning Ordinance govern unincorporated land52
Septic permit
Environmental Health clearance before the building permit; OWTS construction permit issued with it6
Owner-builder exemption
Exempts a qualifying owner-builder from contractor licensing, not permits, code compliance or inspections7
RV, camper or trailer as housing
Ordinarily prohibited as housing; temporary occupancy may be approved while a dwelling is under construction89
Setbacks
Base and combining districts both matter; accessory structures and setback exceptions have separate rules1011
Movable tiny home ADU
At least 100 sq ft of enclosed space for a movable tiny-home ADU; this is not a minimum for every dwelling12
Agricultural building exemption
Conditional for qualifying farm buildings under 10,000 sq ft on a single parcel of at least 10 acres outside a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area13

Who to call

Building permits

Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development - Building

Issues building permits for construction, alteration, repair and occupancy changes in unincorporated Santa Clara County, and runs the Planning Services zoning review that a building permit application must clear first

(408) 299-5700

e-permits@pln.sccgov.org

70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, 7th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110

Online permits →

Septic permits

Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health

Issues onsite wastewater treatment system (septic) permits for new construction and repairs, and inspects installation, in Santa Clara County

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Santa Clara County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in unincorporated Santa Clara County, California?

Yes: a building permit is required before you construct, enlarge, alter, move, replace, repair, improve, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure in unincorporated Santa Clara County1. A short list of small projects is exempt -- a one-story detached accessory structure up to 120 square feet, a fence up to 7 feet high, and a retaining wall up to 4 feet high measured from the footing -- but any retaining wall that supports a surcharge like a road, structure or hillside needs a permit regardless of height14. All work performed under a county building or development permit must be inspected and approved, and it cannot be covered before a County Building Inspector approves it15. An inspection must be approved within 12 months of permit issuance or a new permit is required; after an approved inspection, a 6-month gap without another approval requires a Permit to Complete16. The county enforces the 2025 California building codes and the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, with local amendments17. A conditional exemption covers qualifying agricultural buildings under 10,000 square feet on a single parcel of at least 10 acres outside a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area; it does not exempt grading, electrical or plumbing permits, and the application requires prior septic clearance from Environmental Health13.

Who is the Santa Clara County building department, and how do you reach them?

Santa Clara County's Department of Planning and Development handles building permits for unincorporated land from 70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, 7th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110, at (408) 299-5700181. Confirm jurisdiction and zoning before applying; a planning application may be required first19. Municipal building-permit requirements are separate in Mountain View20, Milpitas21, Gilroy22, Campbell23, Town of Los Altos Hills24. Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health separately handles OWTS permits where sewer is unavailable4. Gilroy requires written Health Officer approval before issuing a building permit for a building without public sewer22. Apply through the county Public Permit Portal; normal processing takes 4–6 weeks, depending on workload and complexity19. Fees depend on project size, type and valuation; plan-check and PO-review fees are due at submission, with remaining building-permit and applicable inspection, encroachment, geologic-review and septic-system fees due before issuance25.

Does unincorporated Santa Clara County have zoning?

Unincorporated Santa Clara County follows the county General Plan, Ordinance Code and Zoning Ordinance; Property Explorer identifies parcel jurisdiction, zoning and site constraints226. Base setbacks are 25 feet front/rear and 5 feet side in R1/R1E/R2/A1, and 30 feet on all sides in A/AR/HS/RR, subject to exceptions10. Combining districts can change setbacks, and accessory structures have separate standards11. Building lot coverage is capped at 50% in R3; the -n3 Stanford Upper San Juan district caps single-family coverage at 20% and two-family/multifamily coverage at 35%, with qualifying ADU exemptions27. The -cv Coyote Valley district caps coverage at 7,500 square feet per legal lot, exempting qualifying ADUs and agricultural uses ancillary to onsite agriculture27. Municipal zoning applies inside San Jose28, Sunnyvale29, Mountain View30, Milpitas31, Gilroy32, Morgan Hill33, Campbell34, Town of Los Gatos35, Los Altos36, Town of Los Altos Hills37. Santa Clara County Environmental Health remains the OWTS authority where sewer is unavailable, including Los Gatos and Los Altos Hills43839.

How do septic (OWTS) permits work in Santa Clara County?

Septic systems in Santa Clara County -- called onsite wastewater treatment systems, or OWTS -- are permitted by the County Department of Environmental Health, which issues permits for new systems and repairs and inspects installation404. An occupied building must connect to an approved available sanitary sewer when the property abuts a street or alley containing one or the property line is within 300 feet41. Where sewer is unavailable, an occupied building must have a water-flush toilet connected to an approved OWTS; a conventional system requires approved plans, site testing, a septic tank and dual subsurface dispersal fields42. Cesspools are prohibited in Santa Clara County43. For new development, Environmental Health clearance comes before building-permit issuance; the OWTS construction permit is issued with the building permit and must be obtained before OWTS work begins, with required inspections scheduled644. Only about 1% of county land is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so investigate early45.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Santa Clara County?

RVs, campers, trailers, boats and similar vehicles may not ordinarily be used as housing on residential lots in unincorporated Santa Clara County8. Temporary occupancy during dwelling construction requires approval, a primary-residence building permit issued before or with that approval, and use of the new home's approved septic system unless sewer is available9. Unincorporated Santa Clara County allows ADUs on legal residential or mixed-use lots with an existing or proposed single-family residence, adequate water and sewage service, compliant setbacks and fire/life-safety standards; planning review and building permits apply, with provisions varying by district and lot size46. A qualifying JADU must be within the residence and no larger than 500 square feet; owner-occupancy of the main home or JADU is required4647. A movable tiny home may replace a standard ADU, with DMV registration, required certification and direct water, wastewater and electric connections; waste holding tanks are prohibited48. The 100-square-foot enclosed-space minimum applies to movable tiny-home ADUs, not every dwelling type12. The primary residence needs building-site approval before the ADU application, and ADU rentals must last at least 30 days48. Ask Planning and Development about primary-residence tiny-home approval: California requires an approved classification and location4918.

How do you build a home in unincorporated Santa Clara County?

  1. Search Property Explorer by parcel number or address to confirm jurisdiction, site constraints and zoning26.
  2. Confirm the intended use and lot meet the applicable zoning, minimum-lot and setback rules250.
  3. Determine wastewater service: connect to an approved available sewer when required, or obtain Environmental Health clearance before the building permit and the OWTS construction permit at building-permit issuance where sewer is unavailable416.
  4. Obtain a Valley Water permit before covered private-well work begins, if needed51. Submit application materials and plans through the Public Permit Portal to the Department of Planning and Development19.
  5. If you act as owner-builder, sign the declaration and accept responsibility for permits, code compliance and inspections; the exemption is from contractor licensing only, with eligibility depending on who performs the work and whether the improvements are intended for sale527.
  6. Request each required inspection separately, do not cover work before approval, and obtain final inspections to close every related permit15.

What should you check before buying land in unincorporated Santa Clara County?

Start with jurisdiction: a parcel inside a city follows that city's planning rules, while unincorporated land follows Santa Clara County zoning3. Lot creation and building-site minima differ: R1/R1E/R2/A1 generally require 5,000 square feet for lot creation versus 3,750 for a building site, subject to table notes and combining districts5354. RS requires 5 acres for lot creation versus 1 acre for a building site; OS/F generally requires 160 acres for lot creation with clustering exceptions, and SCA uses a 20–160 acre slope-density formula without clustering or minimum-lot reductions54. If you plan to split land, expect a tentative map, improvement plans, access and utilities for each proposed parcel, with additional requirements possible based on location and site conditions55. Check the county flood map because development in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area can require a floodplain development permit56. Confirm driveway feasibility; county guidance requires at least 10 feet of unobstructed width and at least 8 feet of surfacing, with greater width possible when the fire marshal requires it57. Investigate septic suitability early because only about 1% of county land is rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field45. If the parcel needs a private well, obtain the required Valley Water permit before covered well work begins51.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm temporary camping rules for private land in unincorporated Santa Clara County; ask Planning and Development before buying for that purpose, because the published county-park camping rules apply to designated park campsites5818.
  • Off-grid does not mean sanitation-free: where sewer is unavailable, an occupied building needs a water-flush toilet connected to an approved OWTS, and cesspools are prohibited4243.
  • A movable tiny home ADU requires direct utility connections and cannot use holding tanks for waste storage; ask Planning and Development about the proposed site before buying the unit48.

Sources

  1. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning Services, quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning Services (2026 county census)
  6. Other approvals that may be needed for construction, quoted and re-checked
  7. California Business and Professions Code Section 7044, quoted and re-checked
  8. plandev.santaclaracounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building setbacks, quoted and re-checked
  11. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Agricultural (Building) Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  14. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Schedule an Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  16. Inspections Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  17. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  18. Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development - Building (plandev.santaclaracounty.gov)
  19. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. Mountain View: New Construction (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  21. Milpitas: Milpitas Municipal Code, § C.10.030 Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  22. Gilroy: Article II: Sanitary Disposal of Sewage Within City - City of Gilroy, CA (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  23. Campbell: Building | Campbell, CA (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Town of Los Altos Hills: 2019 Residential Building Guide (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  26. Access Property Information (Property Explorer), quoted and re-checked
  27. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. San Jose: San José Municipal Code § 20.10.060, Zoning districts established (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  29. Sunnyvale: official source (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  30. Mountain View: R2 zone development standards (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  31. Milpitas: Milpitas Municipal Code, § B.4.030 Residential Zones Development Standards (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  32. Gilroy: Table of Contents - City of Gilroy, CA (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  33. Morgan Hill: Chapter 18.16 - Residential Detached Zoning Districts; 18.16.030 - Development standards (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  34. Campbell: Campbell Municipal Code § 21.08.020, Residential zoning districts (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  35. Town of Los Gatos: Zoning (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  36. Los Altos: Public GIS Viewer (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  37. Town of Los Altos Hills: Municipal Code (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  38. Town of Los Gatos: Application for Septic or OWTS for new development or additional feasibility testing (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  39. Town of Los Altos Hills: Septic System/OWTS (Santa Clara County), quoted and re-checked
  40. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) (2026 county census)
  41. Santa Clara County OWTS Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  42. Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), quoted and re-checked
  43. Santa Clara County OWTS Ordinance No. NS-517.85, quoted and re-checked
  44. Application for septic/OWTS clearance for new development, quoted and re-checked
  45. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), quoted and re-checked
  47. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), quoted and re-checked
  48. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  49. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  50. Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  51. Well Permits and Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  52. Owner-Builder Overview, quoted and re-checked
  53. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2.30, quoted and re-checked
  54. Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2.50, quoted and re-checked
  55. Planning Miscellaneous Application Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  56. Floodplain Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  57. Where can I build on my property?, quoted and re-checked
  58. Camping rules and policies, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Santa Clara County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSanta Clara CountySanta Cruz CountyAlameda CountySan Mateo CountyContra Costa CountyStanislaus CountySan Francisco County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Health Services AgencyCounty Dept. of Env. HealthCounty Env. Health ServicesContra Costa HealthCounty Dept. of Env. ResourcesNot published

County locator

Santa Clara County in California

39
County map
Santa Clara County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How Santa Clara County scores

Seclusion20100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency50100% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability33100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost42100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$1624kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$13,303Land / acre
23.9"Annual rain
34.6% of yrsSevere drought
3 / yr (+2.1)Mid-century 100°F days
95.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.8" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.08×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,365Home insurance / yr
4.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
91,336People within 30 min
8,670,211People within 2 hr
788,325Radius comparison (15 mi)
1,454.3People / sq mi
1.4%Federal land
33.3%Land at 15% slope or less
1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,104 acWorkable land screen
48.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Santa Clara County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Cupertino · Saratoga

Answers from the rulebook for Santa Clara County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Santa Clara County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, replacement, repair, improvement, conversion, demolition, or occupancy change involving a building or structure in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • A permit must be obtained before the listed work begins.
    • A permit is not required for certain exempt work, including one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet, fences not over 7 feet high, and retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
    • All retaining walls supporting a surcharge, including a road, structure, or hillside, require a building permit regardless of height.
    • The County directs applicants to the complete exemptions in California Residential Code Section R105 and California Building Code Section 105.
    • The County page instructs applicants to confirm that the property is within unincorporated Santa Clara County and that the proposed use is allowed by zoning and County Ordinance.

    detached accessory structure size threshold: <= 120 square feet (one-story detached accessory structures such as sheds and playhouses) · fence height threshold: <= 7 feet (fences not over 7 feet high) · retaining wall height threshold: <= 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall; surcharge-supporting walls are not exempt)

    “A building permit must be obtained before you construct, enlarge, alter, move, replace, repair, improve, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Building permit is not required for certain work such as one-story detached accessory structure (Sheds, Playhouse, etc.) not exceeding 120 square feet, fences not over 7 ft. high, retaining walls not over 4 ft. in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), etc.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, enlargement, alteration, moving, replacement, repair, improvement, conversion, demolition, or occupancy change of a building or structure in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “A building permit must be obtained before you construct, enlarge, alter, move, replace, repair, improve, convert, demolish”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement by Santa Clara County for construction in unincorporated areas.

    • The County lists the 2025 California Administrative, Building, Residential, Energy, Wildland Urban Interface, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building Standards, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes as enforced.
    • The County also lists the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code as enforced.
    • County amendments to the California Building Standards Codes are located in County Municipal Code Division C3.
    • As of July 30, 2024, the County no longer enforces the all-electric provisions in Title C, Division C3, Chapter VII, sections C3-62 through C3-63.
    • County amendments to the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code in Title C, Division C3, Chapter III remain in effect.

    California Building Standards Code edition: 2025 · International Property Maintenance Code edition: 2024

    “Below is a list of Building Codes enforced by the County of Santa Clara. [...] 2025 California Building Code [...] 2024 International Property Maintenance Code”
  • InspectionsRequired

    All work being done with a Santa Clara County building or development permit in the County's building-inspection service area, including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, reroof, swimming-pool, and land-development inspection work.

    • The County page states that inspections and approval by a County Building and/or Land Development Engineering Inspector are required for all permitted work.
    • Work must not be covered until it has been approved by a County Building Inspector.
    • For projects with multiple permits, each permit must be requested separately and each inspection that is needed must be requested.
    • Final project-complete inspections must be requested for all related records to close out a permit and avoid delays and administrative fees.
    • Fire Prevention/MFMO inspections for construction projects are separately scheduled through the Fire Marshal's Office at (408) 341-4420.
    • The County provides next-day inspections for requests received before 3 p.m. on regular workdays; weekend and County-holiday requests are entered on the next regular workday and scheduled for the following workday or later.
    • Inspections may be requested up to five days in advance.
    • The County FAQ gives project-specific timing examples: foundation or piers before covering, underground electrical or plumbing after trench and installation, and remodel rough inspections before insulation or sheetrock.
    • For reroof projects, the County FAQ states that two or more inspections are required: a progress inspection at approximately 50-75% completion and a final composition re-roof inspection when complete.

    next-day inspection request cutoff: 3 p.m. on regular workdays (Weekend and County-observed-holiday requests are entered on the next regular workday and scheduled for the following workday or later.) · maximum advance scheduling period: <= 5 days · reroof progress inspection timing: 50-75% completion (Reroof projects also require a final composition re-roof inspection when all work is complete.)

    “Inspections and approval by a County Building and/or Land Development Engineering Inspector are required for all work being done with a permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — County building-permit work in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “Building permits are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. When you pass a building inspection (approved or partially approved), the permit expiration date automatically extends for six months. If no inspections are approved within 12 months of the permit issuance date the permit will expire, and you will need to apply for a new permit.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation administered by Santa Clara County in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • The county zoning ordinance applies to unincorporated areas; incorporated municipalities have separate zoning administration.
    • Proposed uses must conform to the County General Plan, Ordinance Code, Zoning Ordinance, and adopted land-use policies and guidelines.
    “Confirm property is within unincorporated Santa Clara County and the proposed use is allowed by zoning and County Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across unincorporated Santa Clara County and incorporated cities within the county.

    • The County administers zoning and development information for unincorporated areas.
    • For property within a city, zoning and other development information must be obtained from the planning department of the particular city.
    • Applicable zoning, permits, and development standards therefore vary by jurisdiction.
    “The property profile provides only limited information for parcels that are located within city limits. Zoning and other development information for a property within a city can be obtained through the planning department of the particular city the property is located in.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning information and district identification for properties administered through Santa Clara County planning services.

    • The County Property Explorer allows searches by assessor parcel number or street address.
    • The source confirms publication/access to zoning information but does not enumerate every zoning district in the cited passage.
    • Specific zoning rules and permitted uses may vary by district and property.
    “The Department's Property Explorer application allows review of detailed property information such as jurisdiction, site constraints, and zoning. The application supports searching by 1) assessor's parcel number (APN) or 2) street address.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Movable tiny homes regulated as accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • The 100-square-foot minimum is a minimum enclosed-space requirement for movable tiny homes, not a general minimum floor-area rule for every dwelling type.
    • The movable tiny home must also satisfy the detached-accessory-dwelling-unit floor-area, setback, and height limitations in Section 4.10.015(D).
    • The unit must meet the listed California, ANSI 119.5, DMV registration, utility-connection, wastewater, structural-placement, and design requirements in Section 4.10.015(E).

    minimum enclosed space: >= 100 square feet

    “5. Shall have at least 100 square feet of enclosed space.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot-size and setbacks combining districts applied to parcels in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • Combining-district provisions supersede the lot-area and setback requirements of the applicable base zoning district.
    • The numeric designator is added to the base zoning designator for properties to which a combining district applies.
    • Standard minimum lot sizes are expressed in net square feet for urban districts and gross acres for rural districts.
    • Slope-density combining districts determine minimum lot size by formula based on average slope.

    Urban -6 combining district minimum lot area: 6000 square feet · Urban -8 combining district minimum lot area: 8000 square feet · Urban -10 combining district minimum lot area: 10000 square feet · Urban -20 combining district minimum lot area: 20000 square feet · Rural -1 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 1 acre · Rural -2.5 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 2.5 acres · Rural -5 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 5 acres · Rural -10 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 10 acres · Rural -20 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 20 acres · Rural -40 Ac. combining district minimum lot area: 40 acres

    “(Urban) -6 6,000 sq. ft. 25 6 25 -8 8,000 sq. ft. 25 8 25 -10 10,000 sq. ft. 25 10 25 -20 20,000 sq. ft. 30 15 25 -1 Ac. 1 acre 30 20 25 -2.5 Ac. 2.5 acres 30 30 30 (Rural) -5 Ac. 5 acres 30 30 30 -10 Ac. 10 acres 30 30 30 -20 Ac. 20 acres 30 30 30 -40 Ac. 40 acres 30 30 30”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lot creation and building sites in the unincorporated Santa Clara County urban residential base districts R1, R1E, RHS, R1S, R3S, R2, and R3.
      “Table 2.30-3 establishes property development standards for the urban residential base districts. A “–” indicates there is no applicable standard or requirement.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lot creation and building sites in the unincorporated Santa Clara County special-purpose base districts A1, RS, OS/F, and SCA.
      “For lot creation 5,000 sq. ft.4 5 acres 160 acres1 20-160 acres”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential buildings and structures in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district and structure type.
    • Detached accessory buildings have different setback requirements than dwellings.
    • Numerous exceptions apply, including exceptions for particular lot circumstances and the County's setback-exception provisions.
    • The residential standards PDF identifies, among other examples, R1/R1E/R2/A1 setbacks of 25 feet front, 5 feet side, and 25 feet rear, and rural A/AR/HS/RR setbacks of 30 feet front, side, and rear.
    • Corner lots may have a 10-foot exterior-side setback minimum where the standard would otherwise be less than 10 feet.

    R1/R1E/R2/A1 front setback: 25 ft (District-specific; accessory structures and exceptions may differ.) · R1/R1E/R2/A1 side setback: 5 ft (District-specific; corner-lot and other exceptions may apply.) · R1/R1E/R2/A1 rear setback: 25 ft (District-specific; exceptions may apply.) · A/AR/HS/RR front, side, and rear setbacks: 30 ft (District-specific; scenic-road setbacks and other exceptions may apply.)

    “R1, R1E, R2, & A1 (in USA) 25 5 25 [...] A, A1 30 30 30”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential and other development on properties in Santa Clara County standard lot-size and setbacks combining districts in unincorporated areas.
      “Building setbacks and height limitations for residential buildings vary by zoning district. Different standards apply to accessory buildings and structures (§ 4.20.020 Accessory Buildings and Structures), which include detached garages, sheds, barns, carports, patio covers, and trellises, solar or wind energy systems, water tanks, and light poles and flag poles.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building lot coverage in applicable unincorporated County zoning districts.

    • The County zoning table lists a 50% maximum building lot coverage for the R3 urban residential district.
    • The -n3 Stanford University: Upper San Juan combining district limits single-family development to 20% lot coverage and two-family/multi-family development to 35%.
    • Accessory dwelling units developed pursuant to the cited County provisions are exempt from the -n3 lot-coverage standards.
    • The -cv Coyote Valley combining district has a 7,500-square-foot maximum lot coverage per legal lot; agricultural uses ancillary to onsite agriculture and qualifying accessory dwelling units are exempt under the cited provisions.

    R3 maximum lot coverage for buildings: 50 percent (Subject to applicable notes and combining districts.) · -n3 single-family maximum lot coverage: 20 percent (Accessory dwelling units and qualifying housing are exempt.) · -n3 two-family/multi-family maximum lot coverage: 35 percent (Accessory dwelling units and qualifying housing are exempt.) · -cv maximum lot coverage: 7500 sq ft per legal lot (Agricultural uses ancillary to onsite agriculture and qualifying accessory dwelling units are exempt.)

    “Lot coverage – buildings [...] 50% [...] Single-Family development shall not exceed 20% lot coverage [...] Lot Coverage (max) 7,500 sq. ft.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of RVs, campers, trailers, boats, and similar vehicles as housing while maintained on residential lots in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • The vehicle must be registered to a person who lives on the property.
    • Connection to electricity or plumbing is prohibited except when needed for limited maintenance.
    • The vehicle must be maintained at least 75 feet from the front property line or in the rear yard.
    • An exception may apply for emergency housing following a casualty such as an earthquake or fire.

    front property line distance: >= 75 feet (Alternatively, the vehicle may be located in the rear yard.)

    “RVs, campers, trailers, boats, and similar vehicles may not be used as housing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Occupancy of a recreational vehicle, including a travel trailer, on the same property during construction of a dwelling in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “A mobile home, recreational vehicle (includes travel trailer), or an existing home on the property may be temporarily occupied during the construction of a dwelling”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping at designated Santa Clara County Parks campsites.

    • Camping is limited to designated campsites and applicable reservations or park procedures.
    • RVs are permitted at Mt. Madonna, Coyote Lake, and Sanborn Parks.
    • RV campsites require an RV capable of connecting to water and electricity.
    • Camping is limited to no more than 14 days in any 45-day period, with a maximum of 14 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
    • Check-in starts at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is at 1:00 p.m.

    maximum camping stay: <= 14 days in any 45-day period (Maximum is 14 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.) · RV height: <= 11 feet · RV length: <= 30 feet

    “RV campsites cannot be occupied without an RV. RVs must have the ability to hook-up water and electricity. RVs are permitted at Mt. Madonna, Coyote Lake, and Sanborn Parks. [...] Limit of stay for camping is no more than 14 days in any 45-day period with a maximum of 14 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    A movable tiny home used as an accessory dwelling unit on a legal lot in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • One movable tiny home per lot is allowed in lieu of one standard ADU.
    • The movable tiny home must comply with all applicable County zoning and Ordinance Code requirements, including requirements for onsite wastewater treatment systems or sewer connections, water supply, setbacks, and height limitations.
    • The unit must be self-contained, comply with all State of California requirements, comply with ANSI 119.5 as certified by an accredited qualified third-party inspector, and be licensed and registered with the California DMV.
    • The unit may not move under its own power and may not exceed the size allowed by state law for movement on public highways.
    • The unit must have at least 100 square feet of enclosed space.
    • The unit must connect directly to an approved water source, an onsite wastewater treatment system or sanitary sewer system, and electric utilities. Holding tanks may not be used for waste storage and must connect directly to the approved wastewater or sewer system.
    • The undercarriage must be hidden from view; wheels and leveling or support jacks must rest on a surface acceptable to the County Building Official or designee.
    • Mechanical equipment must be incorporated into the original design and may not be located on the roof or added to the exterior.
    • Corrugated aluminum or fiberglass siding, shipping containers, and cargo containers are prohibited; residential exterior cladding, trim, thermal insulation, and weather resistance are required; windows must be at least double-pane, labeled for building use, and have exterior trim.
    • Accessory dwelling units may not be rented for terms shorter than 30 days.
    • A building permit application is required; ministerial applications are reviewed by applicable County departments and public agencies and are approved or disapproved within 60 days after receipt of a complete application.
    • Building site approval is not required for the accessory dwelling unit, but is required for the existing or proposed primary residence before the accessory-dwelling-unit building-permit application is submitted.

    maximum movable tiny homes per legal lot: 1 unit (in lieu of one standard ADU) · minimum enclosed space: >= 100 square feet · minimum rental term: >= 30 days · application decision period: <= 60 days (after the County receives a complete application)

    “All accessory dwelling units, including standard ADUs, Junior ADUs, and movable tiny homes, are required to comply with all of the following provisions. For the purposes of this section, one movable tiny home per lot is allowed in lieu of one standard ADU:”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in residential or mixed-use zones in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • The lot must be a legal lot of record with an existing single-family residence or a single-family residence under construction.
    • The property must be in a residential or mixed-use zone.
    • There must be adequate water and sewage services.
    • Minimum setback requirements and fire and life-safety standards must be met.
    • ADUs are subject to building-code standards, planning review, and building permits and may have additional requirements such as parking.
    • The County page states that provisions vary between rural zoning districts and urban unincorporated districts and based on lot size.
    • A JADU must be no more than 500 square feet, entirely within a single-family residence, have a separate entrance and efficiency kitchen, and may share a bathroom with the primary dwelling.

    maximum combined units described by County FAQ: 2 units (One ADU and one JADU if the property qualifies.) · maximum JADU size: <= 500 square feet

    “County of Santa Clara provides for secondary dwellings (or Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs) in zoning districts that allow residential uses.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units on qualifying properties in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “County of Santa Clara provides for secondary dwellings (or Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs) in zoning districts that allow residential uses.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems and septic systems in Santa Clara County, including areas without public sewer service.

    • The County Department of Environmental Health issues OWTS permits and conducts installation inspections.
    • State OWTS policy and other applicable state requirements may also apply.
    “Issuing permits for new OWTS and repairs to existing systems”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, or repair of an individual onsite sewage disposal system in Santa Clara County; septic systems are used where public sewer is unavailable within 300 feet of the property line.

    • An OWTS/septic permit must be obtained from the Department of Environmental Health.
    • For new development, Environmental Health clearance is required before obtaining a building permit.
    • The OWTS construction permit is issued at building-permit issuance and must be obtained before septic/OWTS construction starts.
    • If an approved available sanitary sewer abuts the property or is within 300 feet, sewer connection requirements apply instead, subject to sewer-authority and LAFCO approvals.

    sewer availability threshold: <= 300 feet from property line (Where sewer is not available within 300 feet, an OWTS is required.)

    “A permit must be obtained from the Department of Environmental Health to construct, reconstruct, or repair an individual on-site sewage disposal system (septic system).”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of septic/OWTS systems in Santa Clara County.

    • Environmental Health must verify installation against the approved design plan.
    • The applicant must contact Environmental Health to schedule inspections.
    • Typical inspections include pre-construction inspection for all alternative systems and challenging sites, septic tank inspection and watertightness testing, multiple dispersal-field inspections, and a final inspection.
    • The final inspection requires the system to be installed and backfilled, risers and diversion valve to be accessible, and all construction-permit conditions to be met.
    “The applicant must contact EH to schedule the required inspections.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Domestic sewage treatment and dispersal through an onsite wastewater treatment system on premises in Santa Clara County where a sanitary sewer is unavailable.

    • OWTS may be considered only where a sanitary sewer is not available.
    • Every residence, place of business, or other occupied building that cannot connect to a sanitary sewer must have a water flush toilet connected to an approved OWTS.
    • Buildings or appurtenances containing waste-producing fixtures must be connected to an approved OWTS meeting Chapter IV requirements.
    • No hazardous wastes may be discharged into an OWTS.
    • The county ordinance applies where maximum daily waste flow is 10,000 gallons per day or less.
    • OWTS with projected daily wastewater flow over 2,500 gallons per day require an operating permit.
    • OWTS with peak flow over 10,000 gallons per day, community systems serving multiple separately owned discharges, or systems otherwise referred by the Regional Water Quality Control Board require Regional Water Quality Control Board review and approval in addition to county approval.
    • A county permit and Board-established permit fee are required where the ordinance requires director approval.
    • Conventional OWTS require a septic tank and subsurface dispersal system, approved plans, dual dispersal fields, site testing, and compliance with siting criteria.
    • Multiple buildings may share a common OWTS only subject to local zoning restrictions and planning approval, and only if treatment and dispersal capacity is sufficient.

    maximum daily waste flow covered by county chapter: <= 10000 gallons per day (Flows above 10,000 gallons per day require Regional Water Quality Control Board approval.) · operating-permit threshold: > 2500 gallons per day (The ordinance also identifies holding tanks and alternative OWTS as requiring operating permits.) · minimum permeable soil depth for conventional dispersal field: >= 5 feet (Subject to the ordinance's definitions and other siting requirements.) · maximum soil fill over dispersal area: <= 12 inches · maximum ground slope in conventional dispersal field: <= 30 percent (Sites over 20 percent require a geotechnical report.)

    “OWTS may be considered for the treatment and dispersal of domestic sewage where a sanitary sewer is not available”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitRequired

    Water wells and specified deep excavations intersecting groundwater aquifers within the Santa Clara Valley Water District service area in Santa Clara County.

    • A Valley Water permit is required before digging, boring, drilling, deepening, modifying, repairing, or destroying a covered well or specified deep excavation.
    • Water-supply well construction applications also require Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health approval before Valley Water accepts the application.
    • Water-supply well construction permits require a completed Well Inventory Form.
    • Permit fees must accompany the application; the current fee schedule is effective January 1, 2026.
    • Applications require processing time of 10 working days.
    • Construction, reconstruction, and destruction work must begin within one year of permit issuance or the permit is voided.
    • An authorized district inspector must inspect annular-seal placement for construction or reconstruction and grouting for wells to be destroyed; at least 24 hours' notice is required.
    • Limited exceptions to certain state drought requirements apply to individual domestic wells using less than two acre-feet per year, public water systems, and certain eminent-domain replacement wells; these exceptions do not eliminate the Valley Water permit requirement stated on the page.

    permit fee schedule effective date: 2026-01-01 (The page states current fees remain in place through December 31, 2025.) · permit processing time: 10 working days (Do not schedule well drilling within this window.) · permit validity: 1 calendar year from issuance (Unused permits are voided.)

    “No person shall dig, bore, drill, deepen, modify, repair or destroy a water well”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Wastewater utility connections for properties in Santa Clara County, especially properties in unincorporated areas subject to the County OWTS ordinance.

    • A property with a proposed occupied building must connect to an approved available sanitary sewer if the property abuts a street or alley containing one or the property line is within 300 feet of one.
    • Connection must be made in the most direct manner possible.
    • A right-of-way and necessary approval from the appropriate sewer authority and Santa Clara County Local Agency Formation Commission are required.
    • For an existing OWTS near an available sewer, connection is required upon system failure or qualifying remodeling, subject to the same approvals.

    sanitary sewer proximity: <= 300 feet from property line (The ordinance also applies where an approved available sanitary sewer abuts the street or alley.)

    “available sanitary sewer, must be connected to the sanitary sewer in the most direct manner possible”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural building permit exemptions in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • The building must be less than 10,000 square feet.
    • It must be on a single parcel of at least 10 acres.
    • It must not be in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, defined on the source as the 100-year flood zone.
    • It must be designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or other horticultural products.
    • Buildings within 100 feet of a designated scenic road remain subject to design review.
    • Exempted buildings are subject to periodic onsite inspections and limited agricultural-use restrictions; violation results in a County Ordinance Code violation.
    • The exemption does not exempt grading, electrical, plumbing, or other types of permits.
    • An agricultural exemption application requires an assessor parcel map, clearance form, land-development permit application, seven sets of scaled plans, site plans, elevations showing height, floor plans, fire-protection information, and prior septic clearance from the Department of Environmental Health.

    maximum agricultural building size: < 10000 sq ft (Source states less than 10,000 square feet; application form separately states 10,000 square feet maximum.) · minimum parcel size: >= 10 acres (Single parcel.) · scenic-road design-review distance: <= 100 ft (Buildings within this distance are subject to design review.)

    “less than 10,000 square feet, located on a single parcel at least ten (10) acres in size [...] may apply for exemption from county building regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision applications in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • A tentative map and improvement plans are required for each proposed parcel.
    • Access and necessary utilities must be provided for each proposed parcel and located within appropriate easements as necessary.
    • For a new residential building within a city's urban service area under County jurisdiction, an annexation-initiating General Plan Conformance/Contiguity Statement is required when the property is directly adjacent to a city boundary, across the street from a city boundary, or within 300 feet of a city boundary along a public road.
    • If any proposed lot is under one acre, an Energy Conservation Plan is required.
    • Slope-density calculations are required when minimum lot size is based on slope density.
    • Additional Habitat Plan, inclusionary-housing, environmental, geologic, water, wastewater, and other application requirements may apply.
    “Tentative Map. Submittal shall include improvement plans”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveways serving property development addressed by Santa Clara County planning guidance.

    • Driveways must maintain at least 10 feet of unobstructed width between buildings and property lines.
    • Driveway pavement or surfacing must be at least 8 feet wide.
    • The fire marshal may require greater driveway width under certain circumstances.

    unobstructed driveway width between buildings and property lines: >= 10 feet · driveway pavement or surfacing width: >= 8 feet (Greater width may be required by the fire marshal)

    “Driveways must provide for at least 10 feet of unobstructed width between buildings and property lines. Driveway pavement (or surfacing) must be at least eight (8) feet wide. Under certain circumstances, greater driveway width may be required by the fire marshal”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development within mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, including the 100-year floodplain, in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas is regulated by the County Department of Planning and Development.
    • In most cases, a building or grading permit is required for all development in a floodplain.
    • A local floodplain development permit is required even when state or federal permits are obtained.
    • All development must be reasonably safe from flood damage and must not result in physical damage to other property.
    • Technical analysis may be required for increased flood heights, diversion of flow, flotation of materials, release of pollutants, or floodway encroachments.
    • Development should be protected to a level two feet above the Base Flood Elevation, or two feet above the engineer-calculated flood elevation when no BFE is available.
    • Santa Clara County began regulating floodplain development on August 2, 1982.
    • No new development is permitted within a regulatory floodway unless a licensed professional engineer demonstrates no rise in the 100-year flood elevation.

    flood protection level above Base Flood Elevation: >= 2 feet (If no BFE is available, use the elevation calculated by a professional engineer) · Santa Clara County FIRM date: August 2, 1982 · floodway rise: 0 feet (Licensed professional engineer demonstration required)

    “A floodplain development permit is thus required for a wide range of activities within the mapped Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain). Site improvements that are made in conjunction with a building project and those made for other purposes must comply with standards for floodplain development.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits and related construction permits in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • Fees are calculated based on the size, type, and valuation of construction.
    • Plan check and PO review fees are required at plan submission.
    • Building permit inspection, SMIP, encroachment, geologic review, and septic system fees are paid when the permit is issued.
    • Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees are paid when those permits are issued.
    • Remaining fees, including the building permit fee, are payable before issuance; school fees may also apply.

    fee basis: size, type, and valuation of construction · plan check and PO review fees: per plan submission · building permit inspection, SMIP, encroachment, geologic review, and septic system fees: per permit issuance

    “Fees​ are calculated based on the size, type, and valuation of construction. Plan check and PO review fees are required at the time of plan submission. Building permit inspection, SMIP, encroachment, geologic review and septic system fees are paid at the time the permit is issued. Fees for plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits are paid at the time those permits are issued.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit applications in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

    • Applicants must confirm the property is within unincorporated Santa Clara County and that the proposed use is allowed by zoning and County Ordinance.
    • A planning application may be required before the building permit application.
    • Applicants prepare application materials and plans, submit through the Public Permit Portal, and respond to completeness or plan-review requests.
    • Normal processing takes four to six weeks, varying with seasonal workload and project complexity.
    • Building permits are valid for one calendar year; extensions and stated exceptions apply.
    • The first building permit extension request has no fee; subsequent requests have an additional fee. Plan-check extension requests require an extension fee.

    normal processing time: 4–6 weeks (Varies with seasonal workload and project complexity) · building permit validity: 1 calendar year (Revisions, deferred submittals, and grading permits are excluded from the stated expiration rule) · building permit extension: 180 days (First request has no fee; subsequent requests subject to an additional fee) · plan-check extension: 90 days (Request must be submitted before expiration and an extension fee is due)

    “Processing of your application varies with the seasonal workload and complexity of your project. The plans will be checked for compliance with the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Zoning Ordinance, Health Code, etc. Normal processing takes four to six weeks. Any remaining fees, including the building permit fee, are payable prior to issuance of the building permit, as well as school fees, if applicable.”

California rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Exemption from California contractor-licensing chapter for an owner-builder who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this does not itself establish exemption from local building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.

    • For work personally performed by the owner or performed by the owner’s employees, none of the improvements may be intended or offered for sale, and employee compensation must be wages as their sole compensation.
    • For work directly contracted to licensed trade contractors, the owner must directly contract with licensees duly licensed for the respective trades.
    • For single-family residential structures under the licensed-contractor arrangement, no more than four structures may be intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this limitation does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.
    • For a homeowner improving a principal residence or its appurtenances, the work must be performed before sale, the homeowner must have actually resided in the residence for the 12 months before completion, and the homeowner must not have used this exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.
    • A nonprofit corporation may qualify when assisting an owner-builder participating in a mutual self-help housing program.
    • Sale or offering for sale within one year after completion creates a rebuttable presumption that the structure was undertaken for sale; sale or offering for sale of five or more structures within one year creates a conclusive presumption.
    • This is a contractor-licensing exemption and should not be treated as a building-permit exemption.

    single-family structures intended or offered for sale: <= 4 structures per calendar year (Does not apply if the owner contracts with a general contractor for construction.) · prior residence occupancy: >= 12 months before completion (Applies to the principal-residence homeowner exemption.) · owner-builder exemption use: <= 2 structures during any three-year period (The statute states the homeowner has not availed himself or herself of the exemption on more than two structures more than once during any three-year period.) · sale presumption period: 1 year after completion (Sale or offering for sale creates a rebuttable presumption; five or more structures creates a conclusive presumption.) · conclusive-presumption threshold: >= 5 structures within one year after completion (Structures sold or offered for sale by the owner-builder.)

    “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — California owner-builders constructing, altering, repairing, improving, or remodeling property, including projects in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “An owner-builder is exempt from licensure, but there are limitations.”
    • Conditional — California owner-builders performing or arranging construction on property they own, including projects in unincorporated Santa Clara County.
      “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
    • Conditional — Owners who build or improve structures on their own property, and homeowners improving their principal residence or appurtenances, subject to Business and Professions Code section 7044.
      “(a) This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
    • Available (with conditions) — California contractor-licensing requirements for an owner who builds or improves a structure on the owner’s property; this is not stated as an exemption from building permits, inspections, or other code requirements.
      “This chapter does not apply to any of the following: (1) An owner who builds or improves a structure on his or her property”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Completed construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.

    • The HCAI Compliance Officer issues the project-completion Substantial Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy once required conditions are met.
    • The stated examples include delivery of all test reports to the Inspector of Record, clearance of outstanding items, and completion of the Testing, Inspection and Observation Program.
    • Once construction is completed, the certificate of occupancy allows the owner to apply to the Department of Health Services for a license to operate the health facility.
    “Issues the certificate of occupancy and/or construction final.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California.

    • The manufactured home must satisfy applicable federal standards and California Manufactured Housing Act and Title 25 requirements.
    • Installation and approval for occupancy are governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act.
    • HCD or a local enforcement agency with assumed Mobilehome Parks Act authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory construction and maintenance requirements.
    • Local agency approvals may be necessary for the project.

    minimum width for a new manufactured home: >= 8 body feet (The statutory definition also includes units at least 40 body feet in length.) · minimum erected floor area for a new manufactured home: >= 320 square feet

    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.

    • HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
    • HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
    • Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
    • Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
    • The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
    • Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
    • The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
    “The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
    • The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
    • The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
    “These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in unincorporated Santa Clara County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Santa Clara County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Santa Clara County, California

Is Santa Clara County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Santa Clara County scores 39/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Watch-outs: about 91,336 people within a 30-minute drive and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Santa Clara County, California?

Santa Clara County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Santa Clara County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Santa Clara County is prohibited: Use of RVs, campers, trailers, boats, and similar vehicles as housing while maintained on residential lots in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The vehicle must be registered to a person who lives on the property. Connection to electricity or plumbing is prohibited except when needed for limited maintenance. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Santa Clara County, California?

Land in Santa Clara County runs about $13,303 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Santa Clara County?

Santa Clara County gets about 23.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 34.6% of years. On water rights, Santa Clara County lies in the Santa Clara & Llagas Area Subbasins — High Priority — High-priority SGMA subbasins with adopted GSP; new wells subject to GSA/EO N-7-22 review..

How remote is Santa Clara County?

A representative private-land location has about 91,336 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,670,211 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Santa Clara compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →