San Jose · Zoning · CG
San Jose CG zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's CG zone, generally buildings can be up to 65 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 1 acre, with the conditions listed below (San Jose code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required
- Minimum rear setback: None required
- Minimum lot size: 1 acre (none if the lot is in a shopping center with shared access and parking)
CG is a zoning district in San Jose. Every value below was read from the San Jose Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in CG
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 65 ft Applies: unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet) (Note 1 and 3)”, column “CG”: 65, unless a different maximum is established in Chapter 20.85 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CG”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | None required § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Side, interior”, column “CG”: none |
| Minimum rear setback | None required § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Rear, interior”, column “CG”: none |
| Minimum lot size | 1 acre Applies: none if the lot is in a shopping center with shared access and parking § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (square feet or acreage)”, column “CG”: 1 acre (none if lot is located in a shopping center with shared access and shared parking among the lots) |
Uses in CG
Uses the code's use tables allow in CG, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Needs a special use permit — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Bed and breakfast — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Needs a special use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a special use permit — see note
- Growing crops — Allowed — see note
- Kennel — Allowed — see note
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CG:
- Minimum lot size: No minimum — the lot is in a shopping center with shared access and shared parking among the lots § 20.40.200
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for CG in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Jose Municipal Code.
Other San Jose zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Jose's CG zone?
65 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's CG zone?
15 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's CG zone?
None required — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's CG zone?
None required — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum lot size in San Jose's CG zone?
1 acre (none if the lot is in a shopping center with shared access and parking) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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