Important Proposed Changes to San José Zoning Code

Important proposed changes to the zoning code will be voted upon at the City Council’s August 18 meeting (full proposal in Memorandum; link below). The changes, if passed, would include:

  • Increase the density in the Residential Neighborhood land use designation from 8 DU/AC (Dwelling Units/Acre) to 32 DU/AC
  • Allow a maximum building height of 35 feet and 3 stories in Residential Neighborhood

These changes would be extremely significant and would change the nature of the neighborhood because it would allow four dwelling units on a 60’x100’ lot as opposed to the current zoning that allows only one dwelling unit.

Whether you would be opposed to the changes or would favor them, it is very important for you to attend the City Council Meeting and testify, if possible, because we understand it has a greater impact. No testimony has to exceed a single sentence.

If you cannot attend in person, you can submit your comments (see section below).

Our Rancho Santa Teresa Neighborhood Association (RSTNA) Community Action Chair has reviewed the proposed changes and developed a set of questions seeking greater clarity. You can see his questions and include some or all in your comments if you choose (see Zoning Change Questions).

Meeting on August 5

Attend information meeting with city staff and elected representatives

  • Date: August 5, 2026
  • Time: 5:30 pm
  • Location: Vineland Branch Library, 1450 Blossom Hill Road San José
  • Flyer: See below

Meeting on August 18

  • Date: August 18, 2026
  • Location: San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San José

Agenda with time and Staff Report will be posted at least 10 days before the hearing at the following link: https://sanjose.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=21676&GUID=ACCCCFF5-F14A-4E1A-8540-9065F45A8A

Resources

Families and Homes opposes the proposed changes: https://www.familieshomessj.org/

San José YIMBY favors more housing: https://sanjoseyimby.org/

The Bay Area News Service reported on housing advocates and neighborhood groups taking different positions: https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/san-jose-spotlight-battle-lines-drawn-in-san-22342046.php

Letters from the public commenting on the proposed changes can be found at this link: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/132736/639179131709570000

Memorandum from the Director of Planning, Building, and Code-Enforcement Department to the Planning Commission – Subject General Plan Four-year Review Policy Framework: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/132627/639179132404900000

Send Comments to City of San José

You can send comments to City of San José officials by preparing an email and sending it to individual officials or to all officials. Here are the email addresses:

Representatives:

To easily email everyone, use the following list:

matt.mahan@sanjoseca.gov, pam.foley@sanjoseca.gov, city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov, anthony.tordillos@sanjoseca.gov, bien.doan@sanjoseca.gov, david.cohen@sanjoseca.gov, domingo.candelas@sanjoseca.gov, george.casey@sanjoseca.gov, michael.mulcahy@sanjoseca.gov, pamela.campos@sanjoseca.gov, peter.ortiz@sanjoseca.gov, rosemary.kamei@sanjoseca.gov

Flyer

san jose town hall aug 2026