Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in San Jose, CA (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
California Government Code §65915 grants developers up to 50–80 percent density bonuses, parking reductions, and three concessions for restricting units to lower-income or moderate-income tenants. San Jose implements the state law through SJMC Title 20 and Title 18.27 inclusionary housing.
State Density Bonus and San Jose Implementation
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Government Code § 65915
(B) (i) Except as otherwise provided in clause (ii), rents for the lower income density bonus units shall be set at an affordable rent, as defined in Section 50053 of the Health and Safety Code. (ii) For housing developments meeting the criteria of subparagraph (G) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), rents for all units in the development, including both base density and density bonus units, s...
Downtown Design Guide
Any project in San Jose's downtown zoning districts that needs a development permit must follow design guidelines the city council adopts for that area, including the citywide Downtown Design Guidelines and Standards approved April 23, 2019.
Downtown Design Guidelines Required in San Jose
Some RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 20.70.500
For any project in the downtown zoning districts that are subject to a development permit, that project shall be subject to design guidelines adopted by the city council for the applicable area.
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Santa Clara County →