Height exceptions - Accessory buildings and structures.
San José Municipal Code § 20.30.530
in effectA. Notwithstanding Section 20.30.500 , in the R-1, R-2 and R-M residence districts, the maximum height of an accessory building or structure with a sloped roof may exceed twelve feet provided the height halfway up any slope of a pitched, gable or hip roof does not exceed twelve feet and no portion of the accessory building exceeds a maximum height of sixteen feet. B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the maximum height of a solar photovoltaic system mounted on an accessory building may exceed the maximum height allowed by Section 20.30.500 and Section 20.30.530 A if the solar photovoltaic system conforms to the following criteria: 1. The solar photovoltaic system is mounted on an accessory building in a manner that conforms to the height requirements of a roof on that structure; or 2. The solar photovoltaic system is mounted on an accessory building and no portion of the solar photovoltaic system extends more than five feet above the height of the existing roof and no portion of the solar photovoltaic system exceeds a maximum height of twenty-one feet. (Ords. 28320, 29821, 30696.)
Source: San José Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinancesFetched: 7/25/2026