San Jose · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in San Jose?
In San Jose, a live-work unit is needs a special use permit in 8 (CP, CN, CG, UV, MUC and 3 more, 3 with a condition) and not allowed in 4 (San Jose use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: CP, CN, CG, UV, MUC, MUN, UR and TR
- Not allowed: CO, PQP, UVC and MS-C
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Jose Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a live-work unit can go
San Jose's code calls this use “Live/work uses”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| CP | Needs a special use permit — see note Note 6: Mixed use residential/commercial development may be approved only on parcels designated on the land use/transportation diagram of the General Plan with a designation that allows residential use or through a General Plan or Urban Village Policy that allows mixed use development on a non-residential parcel. | USES ALLOWED |
| CN | Needs a special use permit — see note Note 6: Mixed use residential/commercial development may be approved only on parcels designated on the land use/transportation diagram of the General Plan with a designation that allows residential use or through a General Plan or Urban Village Policy that allows mixed use development on a non-residential parcel. | USES ALLOWED |
| CG | Needs a special use permit — see note Note 6: Mixed use residential/commercial development may be approved only on parcels designated on the land use/transportation diagram of the General Plan with a designation that allows residential use or through a General Plan or Urban Village Policy that allows mixed use development on a non-residential parcel. | USES ALLOWED |
| UV | Needs a special use permit | USES ALLOWED |
| MUC | Needs a special use permit | USES ALLOWED |
| MUN | Needs a special use permit | USES ALLOWED |
| UR | Needs a special use permit | USES ALLOWED |
| TR | Needs a special use permit | USES ALLOWED |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 20.80.740 (S3, S5); Section 20.70.120 Live/work units (Downtown); text of 20.70.120 is in S6.
- Not covered here: Planned Development (PD) and other zones outside the seven supplied chapters; MS-G cells where the three frontage columns differ. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Jose
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the CP zone in San Jose?
Only with a special use permit. San Jose's use table lists it that way in CP (USES ALLOWED). The code adds a condition: “Mixed use residential/commercial development may be approved only on parcels designated on the land use/transportation diagram of the General Plan with a designation that allows residential use or through a General…”
Can I have a live-work unit in the CO zone in San Jose?
No. San Jose's use table does not allow it in CO (USES ALLOWED).
General information, not legal advice.
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