San Jose · Zoning · TEC
San Jose TEC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's TEC zone, generally buildings can be up to 120 ft tall, the front setback is 15 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: 120 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs (note 4))
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
TEC 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 TEC
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 | 120 ft Applies: unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs (note 4) § 20.50.200 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet)”, column “TEC”: 120, unless a different maximum is established in Chapter 20.85 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.50.200 · code textTable row “Building”, column “TEC”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater § 20.50.200 · code textTable row “Building and structures”, column “TEC”: 0 from property line, or 25 from residential district, whichever is greater |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater § 20.50.200 · code textTable row “Building and structures”, column “TEC”: 0 from property line, or 25 from residential district, whichever is greater |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 20.50.200 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (square feet)”, column “TEC”: 6,000 |
Uses in TEC
Uses the code's use tables allow in TEC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a special use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in TEC:
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — from residential district § 20.50.200
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — from residential district § 20.50.200
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for TEC 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 TEC zone?
120 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs (note 4)) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.50.200.
What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's TEC zone?
15 ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.50.200.
What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's TEC zone?
0 ft (measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.50.200.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's TEC zone?
0 ft (measured from the property line; 25 ft where next to a residential district, whichever is greater) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.50.200.
What is the minimum lot size in San Jose's TEC zone?
6,000 sq ft — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.50.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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