San Jose · Zoning · R-1-2
San Jose R-1-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's R-1-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2.5 stories) tall, the front setback is 30 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 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 (notes 2 and 4))
- Maximum number of stories: 2.5 stories
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft
R-1-2 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 R-1-2
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 (notes 2 and 4) § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet) (Notes 1, 2 and 4)”, column “R-1-2”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2.5 stories § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories (Note 3)”, column “R-1-2”: 2.5 |
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-1-2”: 30 |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Side, interior (Note 6)”, column “R-1-2”: 15 |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Rear, interior”, column “R-1-2”: 25 |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft § 20.30.200 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (square feet or acreage)”, column “R-1-2”: 20,000 |
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-1-2 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 R-1-2 zone?
35 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs (notes 2 and 4)) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.
What is the maximum number of stories in San Jose's R-1-2 zone?
2.5 stories — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.
What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's R-1-2 zone?
30 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.
What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's R-1-2 zone?
15 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's R-1-2 zone?
25 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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