§ 131.0431

The following development regulations apply in the residential zones as shown in Tables 131-04D, 131-04E, 131-04F, and 131-04G. (a) RS Zones Table 131-04D Development Regulations for RS Zones Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RS- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Max permitted density (DU per lot) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Min lot area (sf) 40,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 5,000 Min lot dimensions Lot width (ft) 100 80 75 65 60 60 50 Street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(a)] 100 80 75 65 60 60 50 Lot width (corner) (ft) 110 85 80 70 65 65 55 Lot depth (ft) 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 Setback requirements Min Front setback (ft) 25 (1) 25 (1) 20 (1) 20 (1) 20 (1) 15 (1) 15 (1) Min Side setback (ft) 10(2) 8(2) 7(2) 6(2) 5(2) 5(2) 4(2) Min Street side setback (ft) 10(2) 8(2) 7(2) 6(2) 6(2) 6(2) 5(2) Min Rear setback (ft) 25 (3) 25 (3) 20 (3) 20 (3) 20 (3) 15 (3) 13 (3) Setback requirements for resubdivided corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Max structure height (ft) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 24/30 (4) 34 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RS- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot coverage for sloping lots [See Section 131.0445(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Max floor area ratio 0.45 varies (5) varies (5) varies (5) varies (5) varies (5) varies (5) Max paving/ hardscape [See Section 131.0447] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Accessory uses and structures [See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Garage regulations [See Section 131.0449(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Building spacing [See Section 131.0450] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Max third story dimensions [See Section 131.0460] -- applies applies applies applies applies applies Architectural projections and encroachments [See Section 131.0461(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Supplemental requirements [See Section 131.0464(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 35 Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RS- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 4th >> 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Max permitted density (DU per lot) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Min lot area (sf) 40,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 5,000 Min lot dimensions Lot width (ft) 100 80 75 65 60 60 50 street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(a)] 100 80 75 65 60 60 50 Lot width (corner) (ft) 110 85 80 70 65 65 55 Lot depth (ft) 100 100 100 100 100 95 95 Setback requirements Min Front setback (ft) 25(1) 25(1) 25(1) 20(1) 15(1) 15(1) 15(1) Min Side setback (ft) 10 8 7 6 5 5 4 Min Street side setback (ft) 20 15 15 10 10 10 10 Min Rear setback (ft) 10 (6) 10 (6) 10 (6) 10 (6) 10 (6) 10 (6) 10 (6) Setback requirements for resubdivided corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Max structure height (ft) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Lot coverage for sloping lots [See Section 131.0445(a)] - - - - - - - Max floor area ratio [See Section 131.0446(b)] 0.45 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 Max paving/ hardscape [See Section 131.0447] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Accessory uses and structures [See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307 ] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Garage regulations [See Section 131.0449(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Building spacing [See Section 131.0450] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Max third story dimensions - - - - - - - Architectural projections and encroachments [See Section 131.0461(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Supplemental requirements [See Section 131.0464(a)] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Bedroom regulation(8) - - - - - - - Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies applies applies applies applies applies 36 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) Footnotes for Table 131-04D 1 For lots where at least one-half of the front 50 feet of the lot depth has a minimum slope gradient of 25 percent, the setback closest to the street frontage may be reduced to a minimum 6 feet. 2 See Section 131.0443(a)(4). 3 See Section 131.0443(a)(2). 4 See Section 131.0444(b). 5 See Section 131.0446(a). 6 See Section 131.0443(a)(3). (b) RX Zones Table 131-04E Development Regulations for RX Zones Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RX- 3rd >> 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 Maximum Permitted Density (DU per lot) 1 1 Min Lot Area (sf) [See Section 131.0441] 4,000 3,000 Min lot dimensions Lot width (ft) 35 35(1) street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(b)] 35 35(1) Lot width (corner) (ft) 35 35(1) Lot depth (ft) 50 50 Setback requirements Min Front setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(1)] 15 15 Min Side setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(2)] Detached Attached 3/0 0 3/0 0 Min Street Side Setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(2)] 3 3 Min Rear setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(3)] 10 10 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 37 Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RX- 3rd >> 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 Max structure height (ft) [See Section 131.0444(c)] 30 30 Max floor area ratio [See Section 131.0446(c)] 0.70 0.80 Accessory uses and structures [See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307] applies applies Garage regulations [See Section 131.0449(a)] applies applies Building spacing [See Section 131.0450] applies applies Architectural projections and encroachments [See Section 131.0461(a)] applies applies Requirements for attached units [See Section 131.0462] applies applies Roof design variation [See Section 131.0463] applies applies Supplemental regulations [See Section 131.0464(b)] applies applies Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies Footnote for Table 131-04E 1 If a lot abuts an alley, see Section 131.0442(c). 38 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) (c) RT Zones Table 131-04F Development Regulations for RT Zones Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RT- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 Maximum Permitted Density (DU per lot) 1 1 1 1 1 Min Lot Area (sf) [See Section 131.0441] 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,200 1,600 Min Lot Dimensions Lot Width (ft) 25 25 25 25 18 Street Frontage (ft) 25 25 25 25 18 Lot Width (corner) (ft) 25 25 25 25 25 Lot Depth (ft) 100 100 90 80 80 Setback Requirements Min Front Setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(c)(1)] Max Front Setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(c)(1)] 5 15 5 15 5 15 5 15 5 10 Side Setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(c)(2)] 0 0 0 0 0 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 39 Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RT- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 1- 1- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 Min Street Side Setback (ft) 5 5 5 5 5 Min Rear Setback (ft) 3 3 3 3 3 Max Structure Height [See 131.0444(d)] 1 and 2 story buildings (ft) slab floor raised floor 21 25 21 25 21 25 21 25 21 25 3 story buildings (ft) slab floor raised floor 31 35 31 35 31 35 31 35 31 35 Max Lot Coverage (%) [See Section 131.0445(b)] 60 65 70 75 75 Max Floor Area Ratio [See 131.0446(d)] 1 and 2 story buildings 0.85 0.95 1.00 1.10 1.20 3 story buildings 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50 1.60 Accessory uses and structures [See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307] applies applies applies applies applies Garage Regulations [See Section 131.0449(b)] applies applies applies applies applies Parkway Requirement [See Section 131.0452] applies applies applies applies applies Architectural Projections and Encroachments [See Section 131.0461(b)] applies applies applies applies applies Supplemental Requirements [See Section 131.0464(c)] applies applies applies applies applies Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies applies applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies applies applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies applies applies applies 40 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) (d) RM Zones Table 131-04G Development Regulations for RM Zones Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RM- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 2- 2- 2- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 Maximum permitted density(1),(2) (sf per DU) 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,750 1,500 1,250 Min lot area (sf) 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 Min lot dimensions Lot width (ft) 50 50 50 50 50 50 Street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(a)] 50 50 50 50 50 50 Lot width (corner) (ft) 55 55 55 55 55 55 Lot depth (ft) 90 90 90 90 90 90 Setback requirements Min Front setback (ft) Std Front Setback (ft) 15(3) 20(3) 15(3) 20(3) 15(3) 20(3) 15(7) 20(7) 15(7) 20(7) 15(7) 20(7) Min Side setback (ft) Std Side Setback (ft) 5(4) 8(4) 5(4) 8(4) 5(4) 8(4) 5(8) - 5(8) - 5(8) - Min Street side setback(ft) 10(5) 10(5) 10(5) 10(9) 10(9) 10(9) Min Rear setback (ft) 15(6) 15(6) 15(6) 15(10) 15(10) 15(10) Setback requirements for resubdivided corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)] applies applies applies applies applies applies Max structure height (ft) 30(17) 30(17) 30(17) 40(18, 37) 40(18, 37) 40(18, 37) Max lot coverage - - - - - - Max floor area ratio 1 to 2 dwelling units 0.75 0.90 1.05 1.20(29) 1.35 1.50 3 to 7 dwelling units 1.0(39) 1.0 1.05 1.20(38) 1.35 1.50 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 41 Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RM- 3rd >> 1- 1- 1- 2- 2- 2- 4th >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 or more dwelling units 1.25(39) 1.25 1.25(39) 1.25(39) 1.35 1.50 Floor Area Ratio Bonus for Child Care [See Section 131.0446(e)] applies applies applies applies applies applies Accessory uses and structures [See Section 131.0448] applies applies applies applies applies applies Ground-floor Height [See Section 131.0451] - - - - - - Lot consolidation regulations [See Section 131.0453(a)] applies applies - - - - Private exterior open space applies(22) applies(22) applies(22) applies(23) applies(23) applies(23) Common open space [See Section 131.0456 applies applies applies applies applies applies Architectural projections and encroachments Permitted(15) Permitted(15) Permitted(15) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Supplemental requirements applies(26) applies(26) applies(26) applies(27) applies(27) applies(27) Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies applies applies applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies applies applies applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies applies applies applies applies 42 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RM 3rd >> 3- 3- 3- 4- 4- 5 4th >> 7 8 9 10 11 12 Maximum permitted density(1),(2) (sf per DU) 1,000 800 600 400 200 1,000(36) Min lot area (sf) 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 10,000 Min lot dimensions Lot width (ft) 70 70 70 100 100 100 Street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(a)] 70 70 70 100 100 100 Lot width (corner) (ft) 75 75 75 100 100 100 Lot depth (ft) 100 100 100 100 100 100 Setback requirements Min Front setback (ft) Std Front Setback (ft) 10(11) 20(11) 10(11) 20(11) 10(11) 20(11) varies(14) varies(14) 15(30) Min Side setback (ft) Std Side Setback (ft) 5(12) - 5(12) - 5(12) - varies(14) - varies(14) - 4(31) - Min Street side setback(ft) 10(13) 10(13) 10(13) varies(14) varies(14) 10(32) Min Rear setback (ft) 5 5 5 varies(14) varies(14) 15(33) Setback requirements for resubdivided corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)] applies applies applies applies applies - Max structure height (ft) 40(37) 50(37) 60(37) -(37) -(37) -(37) Max lot coverage - - - - - applies(34) Max floor area ratio 1.80 2.25 2.70 3.60 7.20 1.80(35) Floor Area Ratio Bonus for Child Care [See Section 131.0446(e)] applies applies applies applies applies applies Accessory uses and structures [See Section 131.0448 applies applies applies applies applies applies Ground-floor Height [See Section 131.0451] - applies applies applies applies applies Lot consolidation regulations - - - - - - Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 43 Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] Zone Designator Zones 1st & 2nd >> RM 3rd >> 3- 3- 3- 4- 4- 5 4th >> 7 8 9 10 11 12 Private exterior open space applies(24) applies(24) applies(24) applies(25) applies(25) applies(25) Common open space [See Section 131.0456] applies applies applies applies applies applies Architectural Projections and encroachments Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Supplemental requirements applies(28) applies(28) applies(28) - - - Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805] applies applies applies applies applies applies Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273] applies applies applies applies applies applies Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12] applies applies applies applies applies applies Footnotes for Table 131-04G 1 One dwelling unit per specified square foot of lot area as determined in accordance with Section 113.0222. 2 An exception to the maximum permitted density may be permitted in accordance with Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 7 (Affordable Housing Regulations). 3 See Section 131.0443(d)(1). 4 See Section 131.0443(d)(2). 5 See Section 131.0443(d)(3). 6 See Section 131.0443(d)(4). 7 See Section 131.0443(e)(1). 8 See Section 131.0443(e)(2). 9 See Section 131.0443(e)(3). 10 See Section 131.0443(e)(4). 44 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 11 See Section 131.0443(f)(1). 12 See Section 131.0443(f)(2). 13 See Section 131.0443(f)(3). 14 See Section 131.0443(g). 15 See Section 131.0461(a). 16 See Section 131.0461(c). 17 See Section 131.0444(e) 18 See Section 131.0444(f). 22 See Section 131.0455(a). 23 See Section 131.0455(b). 24 See Section 131.0455(c). 25 See Section 131.0455(d). 26 See Section 131.0464(d). 27 See Section 131.0464(e). 28 See Section 131.0464(f). 29 With the Peninsula and Ocean Beach community plan areas, the maximum floor area ratio is 0.70. 30 See Section 131.0443(h)(1). 31 See Section 131.0443(h)(2). 32 See Section 131.0443(h)(3). 33 See Section 131.0443(h)(4). 34 See Section 131.0445(c). 35 See Section 131.0446(f). 36 Within the La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Torrey Pines community plan areas, the maximum permitted density is one dwelling unit or two guest rooms for each 1,500 square feet of lot area. 37 Within the Coastal Height Limit Overlay Zone in the Peninsula Community Plan area, the base zone maximum structure height shall be 30 feet, which shall be determined in accordance with Section 113.0270(a)(4)(D). 38 With the Peninsula and Ocean Beach community plan areas, the maximum floor area ratio is 1.0. 39 For development within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or within a site that is designated as a historical resource consistent with Chapter 12, Article 3, Division 2 of the San Diego Municipal Code, the maximum floor area ratio shall not increase. Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) 45 [Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-20704 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-20704-SO.pdf ] [Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-20789 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-20789-SO.pdf ] [Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf ] 46 Chapter 13: Zones (3-2026) [Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21934 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment. Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21934-SO.pdf ] 131.0441 Minimum Lot Area in Residential Zones In the RX and RT zones, lots served by alley access may use a portion of the alley to meet the minimum lot area requirement. Up to one-half the width of the abutting alley, not to exceed 10 feet, may be applied toward the total lot area provided the alley area does not exceed 10 percent of the minimum lot area requirement.