San Jose · Zoning · CN
San Jose CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Jose's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 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: 50 ft (unless Chapter 20.85 or an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different maximum)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure)
- Minimum side setback: None required (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure)
CN 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 CN
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 | 50 ft Applies: unless Chapter 20.85 or an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different maximum § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet) (Note 1 and 3)”, column “CN”: 50, unless a different maximum is established in Chapter 20.85 , or as established in approved Urban Village Plan |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CN”: 10, or as established in approved Urban Village Plan |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Side, interior”, column “CN”: None, or as established in approved Urban Village Plan |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Rear, interior”, column “CN”: None, or as established in approved Urban Village Plan |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft Applies: unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure § 20.40.200 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (square feet or acreage)”, column “CN”: 6,000; or as established in approved Urban Village Plan |
Uses in CN
Uses the code's use tables allow in CN, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Needs a special use permit — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Bed and breakfast — Allowed — see note
- 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
- Kennel — Allowed — see note
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for CN 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 CN zone?
50 ft (unless Chapter 20.85 or an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different maximum) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum front setback in San Jose's CN zone?
10 ft (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum side setback in San Jose's CN zone?
None required (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Jose's CN zone?
None required (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
What is the minimum lot size in San Jose's CN zone?
6,000 sq ft (unless an approved Urban Village Plan sets a different figure) — San Jose Municipal Code § 20.40.200.
General information, not legal advice.
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