Height limits in San Jose, CA
Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way San Jose measures them.
Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with San Jose before you build.
Citywide
| ADU: Detached ADU height (minimum a city must allow) | 16 ft; 18 ft within 1/2 mile of major transit (+2 ft for matching roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building |
|---|---|
| ADU: Attached ADU height (minimum a city must allow) | 25 ft or the house's height limit, whichever is lower |
| Fence: Front yard (no permit) | Up to 3 ft |
| Fence: Side and rear yards (no permit) | Up to 7 ft |
Check your lot
Sources
- San Jose Building Division Bulletin 201, When Is a Building Permit Required? (10/10/2024). Checked 2026-10-19.
Accessory structures of 120 square feet or less and that will not be electrically wired... [fences] no higher than 7 feet along rear and side yards and no higher than 3 feet along front yard... Decks in Group R-3 occupancy that are not attached to a dwellin…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
- HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (March 2026). Checked 2026-10-19.
A setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an attached or detached ADU (Gov. Code, 66314(d)(7)).