San Jose · Zoning · CO
San Jose CO zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's CO zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (San Jose code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (15 ft where adjacent to the side property line of an R-1 district)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
CO 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 CO
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 | 35 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 “CO”: 35, unless a different maximum is established in Chapter 20.85 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: 15 ft where adjacent to the side property line of an R-1 district § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CO”: 10, or 15 where adjacent to side property line of R-1 district |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Side, interior”, column “CO”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Rear, interior”, column “CO”: 25 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (square feet or acreage)”, column “CO”: 6,000 |
Uses in CO
Uses the code's use tables allow in CO, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- 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
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CO:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — where adjacent to side property line of R-1 district § 20.40.200
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for CO 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 CO zone?
35 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 CO zone?
10 ft (15 ft where adjacent to the side property line of an R-1 district) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's CO zone?
5 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's CO zone?
25 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum lot size in San Jose's CO zone?
6,000 sq ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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