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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 5 — HOUSING›Chapter 5.12 — HOMELESS SHELTERS

San Jose Municipal Code Part 2 Definitions

San Jose Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · San Jose

Cite as: San Jose Municipal Code Part 2 · Text as of 2026-10-04

5.12.200 - Definitions.

The definitions set forth in this Part shall govern the application and interpretation of this Chapter. Words and phrases not defined in this Part 2 shall be interpreted so as to give this Chapter its most reasonable application.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.205 - Emergency housing.

"Emergency Housing" shall mean any housing or shelter provided during a declared shelter crisis in public facilities including Homeless Shelters to persons without the ability to obtain shelter.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.210 - Emergency housing appendices.

"Emergency Housing Appendices" means the building standards related to emergency housing and emergency housing facilities adopted in response to the shelter crisis and other emergencies in voluntary Appendix O to the 2019 California Building Code and voluntary Appendix X to the 2019 California Residential Code which are now found at Appendices P and AZ, respectively in the 2022 versions of these codes voluntary Appendix O to the 2019 California Building Code and voluntary Appendix X to the 2019 California Residential Code which are now found at Appendices P and AZ, respectively in the 2022 versions of these codes.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.215 - Emergency transportable housing.

"Emergency Transportable Housing" shall have the meaning provided in Emergency Housing Appendix P.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.220 - Enforcing agency.

"Enforcing Agency" means the City of San José.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.225 - Homeless shelter.

"Homeless Shelter" means a facility with overnight sleeping accommodations, the primary purpose of which is to provide temporary shelter for the homeless that is not in existence after the declared shelter crisis. A homeless shelter may include supportive and self- sufficiency development services. A "homeless shelter" shall also include a parking lot owned or leased by the City of San José or a JPA (as defined below), which lot is specifically identified as one allowed for safe parking, either overnight or 24/7, by homeless and unstably housed individuals.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.230 - JPA.

"JPA" means an agency or entity created pursuant to the Joint Exercise of Powers Act, California Government Code section 6500 et seq., which has the City of San José as a member.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.235 - Lease.

"Lease" means a ground lease, airspace lease, or other written agreement, including but not limited to a license or right of entry agreement that gives the City the right to develop or establish and operate a Homeless Shelter on the property of the party executing the agreement.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.240 - Mobile shelter community.

"Mobile Shelter Community" means a parking lot or similar area owned or leased by the City of San José or a JPA (as defined below), which area is specifically identified as one allowed for safe parking, either overnight or 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Mobile Shelters may allow RV's and Tents.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.245 - Recreational vehicle (RV).

"Recreational Vehicle" or "RV" means a motor vehicle (including, but not limited to, motor homes, travel trailers, truck campers, or camping trailers with or without motive power) that includes living quarters designed for, or modified to include, accommodation.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.250 - Shelter crisis.

"Shelter Crisis" means a crisis declared by the City pursuant to Government Code section 8698 et seq.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

5.12.255 - Tent.

"Tent" means a structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air or the contents that it protects.

(Ord. 30969.)

Exceptions & meaning →

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