Basement.
San José Municipal Code § 20.200.120
in effectA "basement" (or cellar) is that portion of a building below grade situate between grade and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that if said upper surface of the floor next above is more than six feet above grade, such portion shall be deemed to be a story of the building rather than a cellar or basement. (Ord. 26248.)
Source: San José Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/san_jose/codes/code_of_ordinancesFetched: 7/25/2026