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Senate Bill 9 Objective Design Standards

The City of San José, in partnership with its consultant team, is creating Objective Design Standards to apply to Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) development in single family zoning districts (R1). The standards are being created to reflect the City’s goals and policies, as well as conform with State law.  

The project will also investigate applying SB-9 type standards to allow residential infill projects on two-family zoned (R2) properties.   

To gain an understanding of what is important in balancing neighborhood character with development viability, this effort will incorporate input from the community and stakeholders to inform how the standards are developed.  For current information related to SB 9, please visit the City’s Planning webpage SB 9 Duplex Project or Subdivision.  

In December 2021, the City Council approved the SB 9 Ordinance and directed staff to:  

  • Explore potential parcels within the R-2 Two Family Zoning district to allow SB 9 implementation and ministerial approval process for by-right development. 

  • Update Zoning Code standards to implement the development of affordable housing and multiple-dwelling units within the R-2 Two-Family zoning district.  

  • Allow SB 9-type housing projects within the historic districts in the City of San José and those listed on the city’s Historic Inventory.  

  • Ensure implementation of SB 9 for specific R-2 zoned properties with a structure built before 1950 moves forward once a clear, discretionary historic review process is in place.  

Please refer to this page for continuous updates until project completion in Spring 2025.  

PROJECT PUBLIC OUTREACH TIMELINE

 Summer 2024  Summer 2024  Summer/Fall 2024 WINTER 2024   Spring 2025

Stakeholder Meetings

Listen to the needs of the community and consider what has been successful or unsuccessful in the past.

Community Meeting 1

Stay connected with the community, understand the current conditions, and identify aspects to preserve and modify.

Community Meeting 2

Get feedback on draft standards

Further Outreach & Refinement phase

Adoption

Code updates and public hearings
Current Stage    

Past Meetings 

Community Meeting #2 - Virtual
Date and Time: Monday, September 23, 2024 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Meeting Recording
Presentation

Community Meeting #1, Project Number PP24-009 - Virtual
Date and Time: Monday, August 26, 2024 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Meeting Recording
Presentation

Focus Group Meeting #2, SB 9 Objective Design Standards, Historic Review– Virtual
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Meeting Recording
Presentation

Focus Group Meeting #1, SB 9 Objective Design Standards, R-1, R-2, and Historic Districts – Virtual
Date and Time: Thursday, June 20, 2024 – 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Meeting Recording
Presentation

STAFF CONTACTS

Planning Division
Contact: Supervising Planner - Aparna Ankola, Aparna.Ankola@sanjoseca.gov 

Planning Division
Contact: Planner I - Rina Horie, Rina.Horie@sanjoseca.gov