Lot Coverage in Residential Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0445
in effect§131.0445 Lot Coverage in Residential Zones
(a) In the RS-1-1, RS-1-2, RS-1-3, RS-1-4, RS-1-5, RS-1-6, and RS-1-7 zones and in small lot subdivisions in accordance with Section 143.0365, the maximum permitted lot coverage is 50 percent on any premises where more than 50 percent of the premises contains steep hillsides.
(b) In the RT zones, garages of 525 square feet of floor area or less are not included in the calculation of lot coverage. Bay windows and turrets, when built at ground level, count as coverage. Roofed entryways (porches) and balconies with at least two elevations that are a minimum of 40 percent open do not count as coverage.
(c) In the RM-5-12 zone, maximum lot coverage is 50 percent for interior lots and 60 percent for corner lots, except that maximum lot coverage for any premises that has a building exceeding 4 stories or 48 feet in height shall be reduced in accordance with Table 131-04I.
Table 131-04I Lot Coverage in RM-5-12 Zone
Stories or Structure Height | Maximum Lot Coverage
1-4 stories or 48 feet | 50/60%
5 stories or 60 feet | 37%
6 stories or 72 feet | 32%
7 stories or 84 feet | 28%
8 stories or 96 feet | 25%
9 stories or 108 feet | 23%
More than 10 stories or 120 feet | 21%
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.)
(Amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20483 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)
(Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.)
(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/MuniCodeChapter13/Ch13Art01Division04.pdf#page=64Fetched: 10/28/2026