Santa Clara County · Zoning · RS
Santa Clara County RS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Clara County's RS zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 30 ft and the minimum lot size is 5 acres, with the conditions listed below (Santa Clara County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft
- Minimum side setback: 30 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 30 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5 acres (For lot creation)
RS 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 RS
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 § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Feet”, column “RS”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Stories”, column “RS”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RS”: 30 |
| Minimum side setback | 30 ft § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Side”, column “RS”: 30 |
| Minimum rear setback | 30 ft § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RS”: 30 |
| Minimum lot size | 5 acres Applies: For lot creation § 2.50.030 · code textTable row “For lot creation”, column “RS”: 5 acres |
Uses in RS
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Bed and breakfast — Needs an use permit and architecture and site approval
- Growing crops — Allowed
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS:
- Minimum lot size: 1 acre — For building site § 2.50.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RS 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 RS zone?
35 ft — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Clara County's RS zone?
2 stories — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Clara County's RS zone?
30 ft — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Clara County's RS zone?
30 ft — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Clara County's RS zone?
30 ft — Santa Clara County Municipal Code § 2.50.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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