Sports Arenas and Stadiums
San Diego Municipal Code § 141.0622
in effect§141.0622 Sports Arenas and Stadiums
Sports arenas and stadiums are structures for sporting, entertainment and assembly uses. Sports arenas and stadiums may be permitted with a Conditional Use Permit decided in accordance with Process Five in the zones indicated with a “C” in the Use Regulations Tables in Chapter 13, Article 1 (Base Zones) subject to the following regulations.
(a) Bulk and Scale
(1) The design of the structures shall incorporate a variety of architectural elements that help to diminish building bulk.
(2) The design of the structure shall incorporate architectural elements that help to transition building scale if the structures are located adjacent to development that is smaller in scale with less intensity as identified in the applicable land use plan.
(b) Access
(1) Pedestrian paths shall connect to public rights-of-way, transit stations, transit stops, plazas, or other public spaces.
(2) The development shall provide Transit and Active Transportation Infrastructure as outlined in Community Plan Mobility Elements listed in the Land Development Manual Appendix Q.
(c) Parking
(1) At grade and above grade parking structures shall be screened with landscaping, building wraps, or an architectural screen so they are not visible from the public rights-of-way, private drives, plazas, or other public spaces.
(2) Parking facilities may provide both on-site and off-site shared parking to minimize the number of on-site parking facilities.
(d) Storage, Service, and Loading Areas
(1) All storage, service, and loading areas shall be located on the site so that they are not visible, or shall be screened so that they are not visible, from adjacent development, public rights-of-way, private driveways, plazas, or other public spaces.
(e) Sports arenas and stadiums included as part of an adopted specific plan are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Conditional Use Permit if they comply with all the regulations in Section 141.0622(a) through (d).
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter14/Ch14Art01Division06.pdf#page=63Fetched: 10/28/2026