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Title 20 — ZONING

Part 2 — USE REGULATIONS

San Jose Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · San Jose

20.20.100 - Allowed uses and permit requirements.

A.

"Permitted" land uses are indicated by a "P" on Table 20-30.

B.

"Conditional" uses are indicated by a "C" on Table 20-30. These uses may be allowed in such designated districts, as an independent use, but only upon issuance of and in compliance with a conditional use permit as set forth in Chapter 20.100.

C.

"Special" uses are indicated by a "S" on Table 20-30. These uses may be allowed in such designated districts, as an independent use, but only upon issuance of and in compliance with a special use permit as set forth in Chapter 20.100.

D.

Land uses not permitted are indicated by a "-" on Table 20-30. Land uses not listed on Table 20-30 are not permitted.

E.

When the right column of Table 20-30 includes a reference to a section number or a footnote, the regulations cited in the section number or footnote applies to the use. In addition, all uses are subject to any other applicable provision of this title and any other title of the San José Municipal Code.

Table 20-30 Agricultural and Open Space Zoning District Use Regulations

Use Zoning District Applicable Section & Notes

OS A

Agriculture and Resource Uses

Animal breeding (except fish, frogs, rabbits, poultry, P P Note 1 and hogs)

Animal breeding (fish, frogs, rabbits, poultry, and C P Note 1 hogs)

Any use or improvement for the conservation of P P Note 1 water, reclamation, and erosion control

Botanical conservatories, nature garden, nature P - Note 1 study areas, and similar uses not within greenhouses or structures

Certified farmers' market S S Note 1

Certified Farmers' Market - Small P P Note 1; Part 3.5, Chapter 20.80

Dairies P P Note 1

Extraction of chemicals from water by natural C - Note 1 evaporation

Extraction of minerals from the ground, including C - Note 1 quarrying

Filling or removal of earth, including grading C - Note 1

Grazing P P Note 1

Livestock ranch, excluding hogs P P

Livestock ranch, hogs C C

Natural resource preservation/reservation P - Note 1

Pasture P P Note 1

Planting, cultivating, growing, harvesting, and C P Note 1 drying of crops

Tree farms and forestlands C S Note 1

Wholesale sale of any animals, articles, wares, C C Note 1 goods, merchandise, or commodities produced on- site in the conduct of any permitted or conditional use

Wildlife refuge P - Note 1

Education and Training

Child day care center located on an existing school P P Note 1 site or as an incident to an on-site church/religious assembly use involving no building additions or changes to the site

Educational, charitable, and philanthropic activities S S Note 1 that provide environmental and nature related services/education and are dedicated to the

protection and preservation of the environment and/or rural and landscape preservation

Entertainment and Recreation

Equestrian and riding club C C Note 1

Golf course C - Note 1 and Note 2

Marinas and other uses and facilities incidental to C - Note 1 water recreation

Shooting range C - Note 1

Trails and paths, including equestrian, pedestrian, P P Note 1 and bicycle

Residential Uses

Home occupations P P Part 9, Chapter 20.80

One-family dwelling C C Note 1 and Note 3; Section 20.30.110

Temporary farm labor camp necessary to the - C gathering of crops grown on the site

Transportation and Utilities

Community television antenna systems - C

Utility Facilities, excluding corporation yards, C C Note 1 storage or repair yards and warehouses

Wireless communication antenna C C Note 1 and Note 2; Sections 20.100.1300, 20.80.1915

Wireless communication antenna, slimline C S Note 1 and Note 4; Sections monopole 20.80.1900, 20.80.1915

Wireless communication antenna, building P P Note 1 and Note 4; Sections mounted 20.80.1910, 20.80.1915

Utilities, Electric Power Generation

Solar photovoltaic power system P P Section 20.100.610(C)(7)

Stand-by/backup facilities that do not exceed noise S S or air standards

Stand-by/backup facilities that do exceed noise or C C air standards

Notes:

The erection, enlargement, structural alteration, or use of any permanent building or structure for any permitted or conditional use in the OS open space district requires the issuance of a conditional use permit, with the exception of certain modifications of existing wireless facilities pursuant to Section 20.80.1915.

Clubhouses, pro shops, snack shops, restaurants, bars, and driving ranges may be operated in conjunction with, but not independent of, the golf course. "Miniature golf courses" are not allowed.

A one-family dwelling may be used for a residential care facility or residential service facility for six or fewer residents. No services may be provided to non-residents.

Certain modifications of existing wireless facilities may be permitted with an administrative permit in accordance with Section 20.80.1915 of Chapter 20.80.

(Ords. 26248, 26456, 27468, 28320, 29218, 29546, 30290.)

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