San Jose, CA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size (A district)
- 20 acres
- Coyote Valley overlay minimum
- 40 acres
- Setback from residential property
- 300 feet
- Max floor area ratio (A district)
- 0.80
- Governing chapter
- SJMC Ch. 20.20
Summary
San Jose reserves land for farming through a dedicated A Agricultural zoning district with a 20-acre minimum lot size, plus an OS Open Space district, under Municipal Code Chapter 20.20.
The purpose of the A Agricultural District is to provide for areas where agricultural uses are desirable. The regulations contained in this district are intended to provide for a wide range of agricultural uses as well as implementing the goals and policies of the general plan.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
San Jose's zoning code sets aside two open-land districts in Chapter 20.20: OS Open Space and A Agricultural. The A district exists to keep land available for genuine farming, crop planting, cultivating, growing, harvesting and drying, grazing, dairies, and livestock ranches (hogs need a conditional use permit) are permitted uses under the Table 20-30 use chart. Development is capped hard under Table 20-40 (§ 20.20.200): a 20-acre minimum lot, expanding to 40 acres inside the Coyote Valley Agriculture Overlay, 300-foot setbacks from residential property, a 35-foot height limit, and a 0.80 maximum floor area ratio in the A district.
Violations & Fines
Building or using land in the OS or A district outside the permitted, conditional, or special-use categories listed in § 20.20.100's Table 20-30 requires Planning Division approval first; unpermitted construction or use is a zoning violation subject to city code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum lot size for agricultural zoning in San Jose?
Can I build a house on A-zoned agricultural land in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California right to farm overview
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Agricultural Zoning Protection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle agricultural zoning protection.