Lot Coverage in Residential Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0445
in effect(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%
[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 ]
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
65
Source: amlegal_browserURL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanfrancisco/latest/sfplanning/Fetched: 6/28/2026