Maximum Floor Area Ratio in Residential Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0446
in effect(a)
Floor Area Ratio for the RS-1-2, RS-1-3, RS-1-4, RS-1-5, RS-1-6, RS-1-7
Zones
(1)
The maximum permitted floor area ratio is based on the lot area in
accordance with Table 131-04J:
Table 131-04J
Maximum Floor Area Ratio in RS-1-2, RS-1-3, RS-1-4, RS-1-5, RS-1-6, RS-1-7 Zones
Lot Area
(square feet)
Floor Area Ratio
3,000 and less
0.70
3,001 - 4,000
0.65
4.001 - 5,000
0.60
5,001 - 6,000
0.59
6,001 - 7,000
0.58
7,001 - 8,000
0.57
8,001 - 9,000
0.56
9,001 - 10,000
0.55
10,001 - 11,000
0.54
11,001 - 12,000
0.53
12,001 - 13,000
0.52
13,001 - 14,000
0.51
14,001 - 15,000
0.50
15,001 - 16,000
0.49
16,001 - 17,000
0.48
17,001 - 18,000
0.47
18,001 - 19,000
0.46
19,001 and greater
0.45
66
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
(2)
For lots that exceed the minimum lot area required by the applicable
zone and where more than 50 percent of the lot area contains steep
hillsides, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be based on the
following:
(A)
The area of the site not containing steep hillsides or the
minimum lot area required by the applicable zone, whichever is
greater; plus
(B)
25 percent of the remaining lot area not included in (A), above.
(b)
In the RS-1-8, RS-1-9, RS-1-10, RS-1-11, RS-1-12, RS-1-13, and RS-1-14
zones, up to 400 square feet of garage area shall be excluded from the
calculation of gross floor area.
(c)
In the RX zone, the calculation of floor area ratio shall be based on the
minimum lot area of the zone, or the area of the lot with a gradient less than
10 percent, whichever is greater.
(d)
In the RT zones, up to 525 square feet of garage area may be excluded from the
calculation of gross floor area.
(e)
In the RM zones, on lots over 10,000 square feet, a floor area ratio bonus over
the otherwise maximum allowable gross floor area is permitted at the rate of
10 square feet of additional gross floor area for each 1 square foot of gross
floor area if a child care facility is added to the total area of the premises when
determining the floor area ratio for a development. The area designated for the
child care facility must maintain an ‘E’ occupancy permit for a minimum of
10 years from the time of construction permit issuance and must comply with
the requirements of Section 141.0606 (Child Care Facilities).
(f)
In the RM-5-12 zone, the maximum permitted floor area ratio for buildings
exceeding 4 stories or 48 feet of structure height shall be increased in
accordance with Table 131-04K.
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
67
Table 131-04K
Floor Area Ratio in the RM-5-12 Zone
Stories or Structure Height
Maximum Floor Area Ratio
1-4 stories or 48 feet
1.80
5 stories or 60 feet
1.85
6 stories or 72 feet
1.90
7 stories or 84 feet
1.95
8 stories or 96 feet
2.00
9 stories or 108 feet
2.05
More than 10 stories or 120 feet
2.10
[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 ]
Source: amlegal_browserURL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanfrancisco/latest/sfplanning/Fetched: 6/28/2026