Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 20 — ZONING›Chapter 20.70 — DOWNTOWN ZONING REGULATIONS
San Jose Municipal Code Part 3 Development Regulations
San Jose Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · San Jose
Cite as: San Jose Municipal Code Part 3 · Text as of 2026-10-04
20.70.200 - Height, DC districts.¶
A. Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, properties located in the downtown zoning districts shall only be subject to the height limitations necessary for the safe operation of San José International Airport.
B. No building or structure, together with any equipment or objects attached to such building or structure, shall be permitted of a height that exceeds the elevation restrictions prescribed under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77 (14 C.F.R. Part 77), as amended, unless the proposed height is specifically reviewed in an aeronautical study prepared by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with such federal regulations and the study concludes that the proposed building or structure does not constitute an obstruction or hazard to air operations.
(Ords. 26248, 27091.)
20.70.210 - Setback requirements, DC districts.¶
Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, properties located in the DC districts shall not be subject to any minimum setback requirements.
(Ords. 26248, 27091.)
20.70.220 - Development regulations - DC-NT1 district.¶
All development regulations in the DC-NT1 district shall conform to the development regulations set forth below in Table 20-150.
Table 20-150
| Location | Height Limit* | Setback* | Special Conditions* | Supplemental Standards* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balbach (south side, between Almaden Avenue and Almaden Boulevard) | 10 feet | 50-foot setback required for portions of buildings above 70 feet | ||
| Almaden Avenue (west side between Balbach and Reed Streets) | 35 feet or 2 - 1/2 stories | |||
| Almaden Boulevard (east side between Almaden Blvd. and Almaden Avenue between Balbach Street and I-280) | 70 feet (to a maximum depth of 100 feet) | Planning Commission may allow heights up to 100 feet to a maximum depth of 100 feet from Almaden Blvd and at a minimum distance of 50 feet from Balbach, if design guidelines are met | Portions of buildings higher than 70 feet shall be: 1. Limited to 100 feet in length and a diagonal no greater than 125 feet. Shorter side to be generally parallel to Almaden Blvd. 2. Set back one foot from common property lines for each two feet in excess of 70 feet | |
| Market Street (west side, Balbach to Pierce) | 60 feet | Front and side setbacks not permitted | Setbacks allowed for recessed entries | |
| Market Street (west side, Pierce to Hwy. 280) | 120 feet | Minimum 10 feet to residential property line | Height may not exceed a slope of 3:2, as measured from ground level at the adjacent residentially zoned property line | |
| * Where no standard is specified, the development standards of the DC District shall prevail |
(Ord. 27091.)
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