San Jose · Zoning · A
San Jose A zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's A zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 50 ft and the minimum lot size is 20 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 (note 1))
- Minimum front setback: 50 ft (from abutting streets and highways)
- Minimum lot size: 20 acres (40 acres for lots wholly within the Coyote Valley Agriculture Overlay (note 2))
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.80
A (Agricultural) 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 A
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 (note 1) § 20.20.200 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (Note 1)”, column “A”: 35 or established in Chapter 20.85 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 50 ft Applies: from abutting streets and highways § 20.20.200 · code textTable row “From abutting streets and highways”, column “A”: 50 |
| Minimum lot size | 20 acres Applies: 40 acres for lots wholly within the Coyote Valley Agriculture Overlay (note 2) § 20.20.200 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area (Note 2)”, column “A”: 20 acres |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.80 § 20.20.200 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio”, column “A”: .80 |
Uses in A
Uses the code's use tables allow in A, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Needs a conditional 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 A:
- Minimum lot size: 40 acres — Lots located wholly within the Coyote Valley Agriculture Overlay § 20.20.200
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage, density limit for A 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 A zone?
35 ft (unless a different maximum is set under Chapter 20.85, which then governs (note 1)) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.20.200.
What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's A zone?
50 ft (from abutting streets and highways) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.20.200.
What is the minimum lot size in San Jose's A zone?
20 acres (40 acres for lots wholly within the Coyote Valley Agriculture Overlay (note 2)) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.20.200.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in San Jose's A zone?
0.80 — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.20.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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