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San Jose · Zoning · R-1-RR

San Jose R-1-RR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In San Jose's R-1-RR zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2.5 stories) tall, the front setback is 50 ft and the minimum lot size is 5 acres, 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: 50 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 20 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 30 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 5 acres

R-1-RR 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-RR

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 text
Table row “Maximum height (feet) (Notes 1, 2 and 4)”, column “R-1-RR”: 35
Maximum number of stories
2.5 stories
§ 20.30.200 · code text
Table row “Maximum number of stories (Note 3)”, column “R-1-RR”: 2.5
Minimum front setback
50 ft
§ 20.30.200 · code text
Table row “Front”, column “R-1-RR”: 50
Minimum side setback
20 ft
§ 20.30.200 · code text
Table row “Side, interior (Note 6)”, column “R-1-RR”: 20
Minimum rear setback
30 ft
§ 20.30.200 · code text
Table row “Rear, interior”, column “R-1-RR”: 30
Minimum lot size
5 acres
§ 20.30.200 · code text
Table row “Minimum lot area (square feet or acreage)”, column “R-1-RR”: 5 acres

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-1-RR 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Jose's R-1-RR 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-RR zone?

2.5 stories — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.

What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's R-1-RR zone?

50 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.

What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's R-1-RR zone?

20 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's R-1-RR zone?

30 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.30.200.

General information, not legal advice.

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