Ordinances You Need to Know in San Jose, CA
Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to San Jose, CA.
Local jurisdiction: City of San José, California.
Home Occupation Client and Employee Limits
San José home occupations do not require a separate planning permit when they meet the City's criteria. Only occupants of the dwelling may be employees or unpaid volunteers, and no more than two clients may be present at one time between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Source: City of San José Planning Guide #013
Code section: San José Municipal Code home occupation criteria
Planning guide dated: January 24, 2023
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Home Business Vehicle Limit
San José allows a maximum of one business vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds to be kept, garaged or parked on the lot associated with the home occupation.
Source: City of San José Planning Guide #013
Code section: San José Municipal Code home occupation criteria
Planning guide dated: January 24, 2023
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Residential Property-Line Noise Standard
San José's zoning noise performance standards generally limit sound generated by a use adjacent to residential property to 55 decibels at the property line unless a Special Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit authorizes otherwise.
Source: City of San José Municipal Code Noise Standards
Code section: San José Municipal Code Title 20 noise performance standards
Official city document: Current zoning standard
NTL verified: August 31, 2026
Disclaimer & Due Diligence
NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.
Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.
Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.