Rooftop height exceptions.
San José Municipal Code § 20.85.040
in effectA. The Director of Planning, Planning Commission, or City Council may grant through issuance of a Development Permit certain exceptions to allow elevator shafts and stairwells to exceed the general zoning district height limitation for the zoning district in which the structure is located, but only up to seventeen (17) feet above the general zoning district height limitation and subject to design review, and including but not limited to accessible bathroom, roof canopies, mechanical equipment, screening and safety guardrail requirements, subject to the requirements below: 1. This allowance shall not apply to allow any structure(s), including all elevator shafts and stairwells, to exceed the height limitations applicable under the airspace requirements of the Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration, for uses located in an airport influence area. 2. The maximum roof area coverage by all structure(s) and equipment shall not exceed of thirty (30%) percent of the total roof area. 3. This allowance may apply to any mechanical equipment and appurtenances required for the operation and maintenance of the building, including devices for the collection of solar or alternative energy, and screening for those features. (Ord. 30396.)
Source: San José Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinancesFetched: 7/25/2026