R-2 Zone in San Jose, CA
R-2 zoning district rules in San Jose, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-2 zone in San Jose, CA is a residential district (Two-Family Residential). Permits up to two dwelling units per lot (duplex). Allows slightly higher density than R-1 while maintaining low-density neighborhood character. This zone requires a 15 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 15 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 35 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 50%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
Permits up to two dwelling units per lot (duplex). Allows slightly higher density than R-1 while maintaining low-density neighborhood character.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. R-2 = Two Family Residential. Slightly reduced setbacks for duplex development.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 35 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. Two-family residential allows slightly taller buildings.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 50%
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. Two-family residential allows higher coverage for duplex buildings.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 2 covered spaces per single-family dwelling (garage required) in R-1 zones. Per San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. Multi-family: 1.5–2 spaces per unit in most R-3 and R-M zones. Reduced requirements near BART and VTA stations in Urban Village areas. Transit Proximity Overlay may eliminate minimums in some areas.
Source: San Jose Municipal Code Title 20; California Government Code Chapter 13 §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source