Home Additions in Santa Clara, CA
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Second Stories Mean a Hearing in Santa Clara
Architectural Review by Planning is required for new homes and for remodels and additions, using Zoning Code Chapter 18.10 and the City’s Single-Family and Duplex Residential Design Guidelines. The Director decides most projects without a hearing, but a Development Review Hearing is required when a project creates a new or expanded second story, five or more bedrooms, five or more bathrooms, two or more bedrooms with direct exterior access, or removes more than half the exterior walls. Planning approval comes before the building permit application.
A single-story addition with four or fewer bedrooms and bathrooms can usually be approved by the Director. A second-story addition goes to a Development Review Hearing, with appeals to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Addition Work
Santa Clara Addition Rules
- Garage conversions: converting an attached garage into living space requires building a replacement garage or carport first (ADUs are exempt).
- Historic resources: major changes to properties on the Historic Resource Inventory need a Major Significant Property Alteration permit reviewed by the Historical and Landmarks Commission.
- Trees: heritage trees, trees of certain species such as native oaks, coast redwood, sycamore and cedars at 12 inches, and other large trees need a permit to remove.
- School fees: Santa Clara Unified collects fees through a Certification of Compliance; additions under 500 sq ft and ADUs are exempt.
- Flood zones: under 10% of the city is in a FEMA flood zone; projects there need elevation certificates.
All-electric (Ordinance 2056, since January 2023): all new buildings must be all-electric, and an addition counts as new construction if it removes more than 50% of the exterior walls or raises more than 50% of the wall plate height, in which case gas is removed and appliances converted. Replacing a gas appliance with another gas appliance is allowed.
Permit Path
City Hall, 1500 Warburton Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Permit Center (408) 615-2420 · Building (408) 615-2440 · Planning (408) 615-2450
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Planning unavailable Thursdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.); walk-ins and appointments. Applications go through the Permitting Online Portal (POP).
Inspections are booked in POP up to 10 business days ahead. After 8 a.m. on inspection day, POP shows a two-hour arrival window, and someone must be on site. Cancel by 2 p.m. the business day before.
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Santa Clara Home Additions FAQ
Does a second-story addition need a hearing in Santa Clara?
Yes. A new or expanded second story requires a Development Review Hearing.
Can I convert my attached garage to a family room?
Only after building a replacement garage or carport. ADU conversions are exempt.
Will my addition need to be all-electric?
If it removes more than half the exterior walls or raises more than half the wall plate height, yes.
Are school fees due?
For additions of 500 sq ft or more, to Santa Clara Unified.