Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in San Jose, CA (2026)
3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
San Jose's land-use framework combines Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan, the Diridon Station Area Plan, North San Jose Area Development Policy, and 70+ Urban Villages with focused growth areas around transit, layered over SJMC Title 20 zoning.
Specific Plans and Envision San Jose 2040
Some RestrictionsDensity 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...
Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
San Jose's transit-oriented development strategy concentrates housing and jobs around BART, Caltrain, light rail, and high-frequency bus through the Diridon Station Area Plan, 70+ Urban Villages, and reduced parking minimums in the Envision 2040 General Plan.
Transit-Oriented Development and Urban Villages
Some RestrictionsLooking 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 →