San Diego Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
San Diego Zoning Overview
San Diego's zoning is governed by the Land Development Code (LDC), which is part of the San Diego Municipal Code. The city uses a systematic zone classification system with residential (R), commercial (C), and industrial (I) base zones, each with numeric suffixes indicating density and dimensional standards.
Zoning Framework
The city's residential zones include RS (Residential-Single Unit) for single-family neighborhoods and RM (Residential-Multiple Unit) for multi-family areas. Each zone has specific lot size, height, setback, and FAR requirements. Over 50 community plans provide additional neighborhood-level land use guidance.
San Diego's development review is handled by the Development Services Department, which processes permits, conducts plan review, and performs inspections.
ADU Policies
San Diego actively promotes ADU construction as part of its housing strategy. The city has streamlined the ADU permit process in compliance with California state law, offering ministerial review within 60 days. Pre-approved ADU plans are available to further expedite the process and reduce design costs.
Coastal Considerations
A significant portion of San Diego lies within the California Coastal Zone. Properties in the coastal overlay zone may require additional permits under the city's Local Coastal Program and may be subject to California Coastal Commission review for certain types of development.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in San Diego
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
- Coastal Zone: Yes
- Wetlands: Vernal pools and wetlands in northern and coastal areas are subject to federal protection.
State — California
- Building Code: 2022 California Building Code (Title 24)
- Energy Code: 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)
- Seismic Zone: Seismic Design Category D
- Fire Zone: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in eastern hillside communities
- State ADU Override: Yes (Government Code Sections 65852.2, 65852.22 (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, AB 2221))
County — San Diego County
- Role: Manages unincorporated areas; city handles its own planning and permitting.
- San Diego County Planning & Development Services governs unincorporated communities.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Coastal Overlay Zone — Coastal areas subject to the Local Coastal Program and California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.
- Community Plan Areas — Over 50 community plan areas with tailored land use policies and design guidelines.
- Historical Resources — Designated historic districts and individually designated historical resources with additional review requirements.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Many master-planned communities in San Diego have HOAs with CC&Rs that may restrict ADUs and other modifications.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.60
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.45
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.75
ADU Rules in San Diego
- Max Size
- 1,200 sq ft
- Max Height
- 16 ft
- Rear Setback
- 4 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 60 days (ministerial review)
- Est. Permit Cost
- $2,500 - $12,000
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for San Diego are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check San Diego permit fees →