Building Site Approval

Building site approval is a procedure where an individual lot is comprehensively evaluated and conditioned for single-family residential development. It is normally required for new house construction and may be required for certain house additions.

Brochure

Basic sketch of the wooden foundation of a house

Building Site Approval Verification Form

If you would like to see if your property is an Approved Building Site, submit the form to our Building Site Approval email address.

Master Application Form

Slope less than 30% Checklist (B) [updated 2019 January 4]
Slope 30% or greater Checklist (BA) [updated 2019 January 4] requires additional information and requires a Pre-application meeting

Helpful Links for some checklist items

Additional Information and Materials that May be Required

(consult staff for accurate determination)

General Plan Conformance and Contiguity/ Annexation Form

Required if subject parcel is located within a city's urban service area and is deemed contiguous to city boundary (see instructions on form).

Average Slope Calculation

Required for new house if subject parcel is zoned HS, RHS or R1E. If slope of proposed developed area exceeds 30%, additional submittal and process requirements apply (checklist). Calculation must be shown on site plan and stamped and signed by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer. Check property zoning here.

Floor-Area Ratio Calculation

Required if subject parcel is zoned -n1 (Los Altos Area) or -n2 (Burbank neighborhood). Calculation must be shown on site plan and stamped and signed by a registered/licensed surveyor, engineer or architect. Check property zoning here.

Environmental Information Form

Required if subject parcel is zoned HS, RHS or R1E and slope of proposed developed area exceeds 30% Also required if parcel is located in the upper Guadalupe Creek watershed. An additional fee is required. Check property zoning here.
Additional information and environmental assessment forms, including "Use of Prior CEQA Document," and "Petition for CEQA Exemption".

Identification of Potential Historic Resources (Part I and Part II forms)

If the project includes demolition of structures 50 years or older, submit a completed and signed Identification of Properties for Potential Historic Significance forms, a copy of the Santa Clara County Residential Unit Property Record (available from the County Assessor’s Office, 5th Floor) for the subject property and photographs of each elevation of the subject structure and any related structures or associated features. Please note that the 50-year age reference is a discretionary guideline; there are circumstances where a property less than 50 years old may be potentially significant.

Geologic Report (2 copies, plus pdf)

Consult with County Geologist prior to filing application to determine whether a geologic report will be required. Submittal must include one wet-signed paper document and one electronic document in Adobe pdf format (on CD or DVD). An additional fee is required for geologic report review. See also geologic hazards page.

Septic System Plan

If a septic system is proposed, the site must be field-evaluated by a Department of Environmental Health (DEH) representative. One copy of the site plan should be stamped and signed by the DEH representative. See also DEH site.

Williamson Act Compatible Use Determination

Required if subject parcel is under a Williamson Act contract. It is strongly suggested that this determination be applied for and resolved prior to BSA application submittal. An additional fee is required.

Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan-Coverage Screening Form

If the subject property is located within the Habitat Plan Permit Area, submit a completed Coverage Screening Form. The Coverage Screening Form will assist in determining if the proposed project is classified as a “covered project” under the Plan. If the project is identified as a “covered project” per the Screening Form, submit the Fees and Conditions Worksheet with the application.

Fire Protection Information

Provide information about water source (name of water provider or on-site well).
Hydrants: Show type (wharf or standard) and location of closest available or proposed hydrant(s).
Private Access Road/Driveways: Show drivable width, vertical clearance, surface, load-bearing capacity, turning radii, percent grade, turnarounds, turnouts and bridges.