San Jose Zoning & Land Use Guide
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Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in San Jose
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
- Wetlands: Wetland areas along Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River corridors.
State — California
- Building Code: 2022 California Building Code (Title 24)
- Energy Code: 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)
- Seismic Zone: Seismic Design Category D
- Fire Zone: Wildland-Urban Interface areas in eastern foothills
- State ADU Override: Yes (Government Code Sections 65852.2, 65852.22 (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, AB 2221))
County — Santa Clara County
- Role: Manages unincorporated areas; city handles its own planning and permitting.
- Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development governs unincorporated areas.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Urban Village Plans — Designated growth areas with specific development standards promoting mixed-use, transit-oriented development.
- Historic Landmarks and Districts — Designated historic properties and districts requiring additional design review.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Many San Jose neighborhoods, particularly newer subdivisions, have HOAs with CC&Rs that may impose additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
| District Code | Name | Min Lot | Max Height | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | FAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1-8 | Single-Family Residence | 8,000 sq ft | 35 ft | 25 ft | 5 ft (one story) / 7 ft (two story) | 20 ft | 0.45 |
| R-2 | Two-Family Residence | 6,000 sq ft | 35 ft | 20 ft | 5 ft | 20 ft | 0.55 |
| R-M | Multiple Residence | 6,000 sq ft | 45 ft | 15 ft | 10 ft | 15 ft | 1.0 |
ADU Rules in San Jose
ADUs:Allowed
- Max Size
- 1,200 sq ft
- Max Height
- 16 ft
- Rear Setback
- 4 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 60 days (ministerial review)
- Est. Permit Cost
- $3,000 - $15,000
Official Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose permits ADUs on all residentially zoned lots under California state law and the San Jose Municipal Code. You can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet and a Junior ADU up to 500 square feet on a single-family lot.
How do I find the zoning for my property in San Jose?
Use the City of San Jose's online GIS mapping tool at csj.maps.arcgis.com or contact the Planning Division to look up zoning and applicable regulations for any property.
What are Urban Village areas in San Jose?
Urban Villages are designated growth areas where the city encourages higher-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented development. These areas have specific plans with tailored development standards that differ from standard zoning.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.