R-M Zone in San Jose, CA
R-M zoning district rules in San Jose, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-M zone in San Jose, CA is a residential district (Residential Mixed Density). Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 10 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 65 feet (6 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 65%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
- Small apartment buildings
Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. R-M = Residential Mixed — high density; reduced setbacks for multifamily and mixed residential development.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 65 feet
- Max Stories
- 6
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. High-density mixed residential allows 6-story buildings in transit-rich areas.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 65%
San Jose Municipal Code Title 20. High-density mixed residential allows greatest coverage.
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