Open Space Regulations for Residential Uses
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0715
in effect§131.0715 Open Space Regulations for Residential Uses
The purpose and intent of these regulations is to provide a minimum amount of private and common outdoor area for residents.
(a) Private Exterior Open Space. Each development shall provide the following private exterior open space.
(1) A minimum area of 36 square feet and a minimum dimension of six feet in any direction of open space per dwelling unit is required.
(2) Private open space shall be provided on a balcony, patio, or roof terrace for at least 50 percent of all dwelling units.
(3) Balconies shall be proportionately distributed throughout the development in relationship to floor levels and sizes of the dwelling units.
(4) Where private exterior open space is not provided at the quantity required above, an equal amount of common exterior space in addition to the requirements of Section 131.0715(b) shall be provided.
(b) Common Space. Each development shall provide the following common space, either indoor or outdoor, at grade, podium level, or roof level.
(1) A minimum of 30 square feet is required for each dwelling unit, or 40 square feet when a dwelling unit is bordered by three building walls exceeding a height of 15 feet.
(2) The common space may contain active or passive areas and a combination of hardscape and landscape features.
(3) A minimum of 10 percent of the common outdoor open space shall be landscaped.
(4) All common open space on the premises, including recreational facilities, shall be accessible to all occupants and be physically connected to other common open space areas on the premises.
(5) Amenities, such as tables, benches, trees, shrubs, planter boxes, garden plots, pet areas, spas, pools, play areas, plazas, roof-top patios, picnic areas, and open recreational facilities may be counted as common space.
(c) Required private exterior open space or common space shall be surfaced with lawn, artificial turf, pavers, decking, or sport court paving use.
(“Open Space Regulations for Residential Uses” added 9-12-2019 by O-21118 N.S.; effective 10-12-2019.)
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/MuniCodeChapter13/Ch13Art01Division07.pdf#page=24Fetched: 10/28/2026