Zoom Meeting Link: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/95081768701

Zoom Meeting ID: 950 8176 8701

Meeting Purpose: To describe the following updates to the San José Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning Code) pursuant to recent State law mandates, Housing Element requirements, HCD directive, or City Council’s direction pertaining to Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) including Group Homes, Accessory Dwelling Units, Senate Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1123 (SB 683/1123) and Senate Bill 1418 (SB 1418). This update also incorporates reformatted Density Bonus and Ministerial Approval Sections, Entertainment Zone Boundary uses, Heat Pump allowances, Mixed Use Neighborhood standards, and Special Use Permit amendment requirements. Comments, concerns, and questions raised at this meeting will become part of the public record and will help inform the project’s design as it moves forward in the review process. There are continued opportunities throughout the approval process to publicly comment on the project.

Project Description:

File No. PP25-001 – Zoning Code Maintenance Update

The proposed Title 20 (Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Code) updates include:

1. SB 9. The proposed changes will update the SB 9 objective design standards. As part of City Council direction in 2024, the proposed changes will include revised standards for subdivision and new unit objective development standards for properties in R-1 Zoning district and further expanding two-unit development options to R-2 Residential Zoning Districts, and certain Historic Resource Inventory properties. For more information, please visit our webpage Senate Bill 9 Objective Design Standards.
2. ADU. The proposed changes will update Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations in accordance with current State law mandates and incorporate multi-family ADU allowances. This update does not propose any additional changes to ADU regulations except for incorporating current State law provisions related to AB 2533 and SB 1211.
3. Group Homes. The proposed changes amend and clarify provisions of Group Homes in accordance with the Housing and Community Development Group Home Technical Advisory.
4. Density Bonus. The proposed changes update Chapter 20.190 ‘Density Bonus’ by streamlining duplicative references to state laws which require frequent updating and removing outdated text in the chapter.
5. Ministerial Approvals. The proposed changes update Chapter 20.195 ‘Ministerial Approvals’ by streamlining the existing language to reflect compliance with State law related to ministerial approval provisions. This Chapter will also incorporate design standards in conformance with SB 684 and SB 1123 associated with new small lot subdivisions/developments.
6. SB 1418. The proposed changes update text references to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charging Stations in conformance with State law SB 1418 provisions.
7. Entertainment Zone Boundary. On June 10, 2025, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 31207 to establish and regulate entertainment zones pursuant to SB 969 to allow sale of certain alcoholic beverages by licensed establishments for consumption within designated Entertainment Zone Boundary. The proposed changes update the provisions in accordance with Ordinance No. 31207.
8. Heat Pumps. The proposed changes will incorporate text reference to include ‘heat pumps’ within the setback areas of Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Zoning Districts.
9. Mixed Use Neighborhood. The proposed changes clarify alternative setback regulations.
10. Special Use Permit Amendment. The proposed changes incorporate text for to allow Special Use Permit to be amended, where applicable. 

Please refer to updates related to the proposed project on this Planning webpage.

For questions, contact:

PROJECT MANAGER

Rina Horie: Rina.Horie@sanjoseca.gov | (408) 535-7956

SUPERVISING PLANNER

Aparna Ankola: Aparna.Ankola@sanjoseca.gov | (408) 535-7845