Skip to content

Title 20 — ZONING

Part 4 — PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

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

20.20.300 - Performance standards.

A.

In the OS open space and A agricultural districts, no primary, secondary, incidental or conditional use or activity related thereto shall be conducted or permitted:

In a manner that causes or results in the harmful discharge of any waste materials into or upon the ground, into or within any sanitary or storm sewer system, into or within any water system or water, or into the atmosphere; or

In a manner that constitutes a menace to persons or property or in a manner that is dangerous, obnoxious, or offensive by reason of the creation of a fire, explosion, or other physical hazard, or by reason of air pollution, odor, smoke, noise, dust vibration, radiation, or fumes; or

In a manner that creates a public or private nuisance.

B.

Without limiting the generality of the preceding subsection, the following specific standards shall apply in the open space and agricultural zoning districts:

Air pollution. Total emissions from any use or combination of uses on a site shall not exceed the emissions and health risk thresholds as established by the director of planning.

Noise. The sound pressure level generated by any use or combination of uses on a property shall not exceed the decibel levels indicated in Table 20-45 at any property line, except upon issuance and in compliance with a special use permit as provided in Chapter 20.100.

Table 20-45 Additional Noise Standards

Maximum Noise Level in Decibels at Property Line

Open space or agricultural use adjacent to a 55 property used or zoned for residential purposes

Open space or agricultural use adjacent to a 60 property used or zoned for commercial purposes

Open space or agricultural use adjacent to a property used or zoned for industrial or use other 70 than commercial or residential purposes

Vibration. There shall be no activity on any site that causes ground vibration that is perceptible without instruments at the property line of the site.

(Ords. 26456, 29364.)

Exceptions & meaning →

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — San Jose Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.