If you want to be a development detective but find yourself turned around by the terminology in various city releases + news reports, never fear.

Here are some definitions of common terms paired with ongoing projects and examples you might recognize in the great 408.

Mixed-use

Projects that provide more than one purpose in the community, like a building with apartments on top and retail shops on the bottom. Expect to see combinations of housing, retail, parking, commercial, and industrial components.

Think: Google's upcoming Downtown West Transit Village will have plenty of mixed-use spaces.

Rezoning

Changing an area of land from the city’s designated use. Examples of rezoning requests might be developers looking to build a high-rise in a neighborhood with a certain building height restriction, or opening a business in a residential area.

Pro-tip: Follow this interactive map that outlines local properties being rezoned in accordance with Senate Bill 1333.

Special-use permit

Granted to provide relief from regulations when land is being used in a manner not normally compatible with the zoning. Only granted when intended site use is deemed appropriate and compatible with the surrounding area.

Pro-tip: Consider this form when differentiating planning and special use permits.

This map shows the different uses each parcel of land will be utilized for. | Screenshot via City of San José website

Enterprise zones

Areas of the city where building a site earns you incentives, including a break on real estate taxes and money back from costs of relocating, machinery + equipment, and construction permits. The goal is to promote economic development, so only certain commercial and industrial users qualify.

Think: The 18-square mile Enterprise zone in San Jose includes downtown, along with its retail, commercial, and tech business headquarters.

Single-family home

A freestanding building that shares no walls with other homes or structures. Single family is a type of zoning district in the city.

Think: Much of Willow Glen and Berryessa is zoned as R-1 Single-Family Residence District.

Multifamily home

One building that contains multiple housing units. Multifamily is a type of zoning district in the city.

Example: The label R-2 and R-M indicate multifamily residential districts on this map.

Principal use

The primary activity or function of a site. A site’s principal use must be aligned with the zoning ordinances of the land it’s on.

Example: Living in a home within a residential zone is an allowable principal use.

Accessory use

An activity or function of a site labeled subordinate or incidental.

Example: In Silicon Valley's tough housing market, many local residents and city officials are turning to Accessory Dwelling Units as part of a solution.