Santa Clara County planning starts with unincorporated land

Here is the short answer. Santa Clara County Planning and Development serves unincorporated county land. That means land outside a city. If the property is inside a city, start with that city’s planning or building office.

The county gives you a good first check. Its property tool takes an address or an Assessor’s Parcel Number, called an APN. It can show who runs the parcel, its zoning, and its General Plan label. Check who runs it before you open a permit form.

If the tool confirms county land, stay with this department. It links to planning, building, grading, and fire permits. It also links to property records, code complaints, and inspections. Bring the address or APN and tell staff what you hope to do. The map gets you to the right door. It does not say that the work is allowed or approved.