Development Regulations Table for Residential Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0431
in effectThe following development regulations apply in the residential zones as shown in
Tables 131-04D, 131-04E, 131-04F, and 131-04G.
(a)
RS Zones
Table 131-04D
Development Regulations for RS Zones
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for
Development Regulations of
Residential Zones]
Zone Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RS-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Max permitted density (DU per lot)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Min lot area (sf)
40,000 20,000
15,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 5,000
Min lot dimensions
Lot width (ft)
100
80
75
65
60
60
50
Street frontage (ft)
[See Section 131.0442(a)]
100
80
75
65
60
60
50
Lot width (corner) (ft)
110
85
80
70
65
65
55
Lot depth (ft)
100
100
100
100
100
95
95
Setback requirements
Min Front setback (ft)
25
(1) 25
(1)
20
(1)
20
(1)
20
(1)
15
(1)
15
(1)
Min Side setback (ft)
10(2)
8(2)
7(2)
6(2)
5(2)
5(2)
4(2)
Min Street side setback (ft)
10(2)
8(2)
7(2)
6(2)
6(2)
6(2)
5(2)
Min Rear setback (ft)
25
(3)
25
(3)
20
(3)
20
(3)
20
(3)
15
(3)
13
(3)
Setback requirements for resubdivided
corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)]
applies applies applies applies applies applies applies
Max structure height (ft)
24/30
(4) 24/30
(4) 24/30
(4) 24/30
(4) 24/30
(4) 24/30
(4) 24/30
(4)
34
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for
Development Regulations
of Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd
>>
RS-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Lot coverage for sloping lots
[See Section 131.0445(a)]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Max floor area ratio
0.45
varies
(5) varies
(5) varies (5) varies
(5) varies (5) varies
(5)
Max paving/ hardscape
[See Section 131.0447]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Accessory uses and structures
[See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307]
applies applies applies applies applies applies applies
Garage regulations
[See Section 131.0449(a)]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Building spacing
[See Section 131.0450]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Max third story dimensions
[See Section 131.0460]
--
applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Architectural projections and
encroachments
[See Section 131.0461(a)]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Supplemental requirements
[See Section 131.0464(a)]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Refuse and Recyclable Material
Storage [See Section 142.0805]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273]
applies applies applies applies applies applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations
[See Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
35
Development
Regulations
[See Section 131.0430
for Development
Regulations of
Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RS-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
4th >>
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Max permitted density (DU per lot)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Min lot area (sf)
40,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
5,000
Min lot dimensions
Lot width (ft)
100
80
75
65
60
60
50
street frontage (ft) [See Section
131.0442(a)]
100
80
75
65
60
60
50
Lot width (corner) (ft)
110
85
80
70
65
65
55
Lot depth (ft)
100
100
100
100
100
95
95
Setback requirements
Min Front setback (ft)
25(1)
25(1)
25(1)
20(1)
15(1)
15(1)
15(1)
Min Side setback (ft)
10
8
7
6
5
5
4
Min Street side setback (ft)
20
15
15
10
10
10
10
Min Rear setback (ft)
10
(6)
10
(6)
10
(6)
10
(6)
10
(6)
10
(6)
10
(6)
Setback requirements for resubdivided
corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Max structure height (ft)
35
35
35
35
35
35
35
Lot coverage for sloping lots
[See Section 131.0445(a)]
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Max floor area ratio
[See Section 131.0446(b)]
0.45
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60
Max paving/ hardscape
[See Section 131.0447]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Accessory uses and structures
[See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307 ]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Garage regulations [See Section
131.0449(a)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Building spacing [See Section 131.0450]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Max third story dimensions
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Architectural projections and
encroachments [See Section 131.0461(a)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Supplemental requirements
[See Section 131.0464(a)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Bedroom regulation(8)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage
[See Section 142.0805]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See
Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
36
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
Footnotes for Table 131-04D
1
For lots where at least one-half of the front 50 feet of the lot depth has a minimum slope gradient of
25 percent, the setback closest to the street frontage may be reduced to a minimum 6 feet.
2
See Section 131.0443(a)(4).
3
See Section 131.0443(a)(2).
4
See Section 131.0444(b).
5
See Section 131.0446(a).
6
See Section 131.0443(a)(3).
(b)
RX Zones
Table 131-04E
Development Regulations for RX Zones
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for Development
Regulations of Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RX-
3rd >>
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
Maximum Permitted Density (DU per lot)
1
1
Min Lot Area (sf) [See Section 131.0441]
4,000
3,000
Min lot dimensions
Lot width (ft)
35
35(1)
street frontage (ft) [See Section 131.0442(b)]
35
35(1)
Lot width (corner) (ft)
35
35(1)
Lot depth (ft)
50
50
Setback requirements
Min Front setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(1)]
15
15
Min Side setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(2)]
Detached
Attached
3/0
0
3/0
0
Min Street Side Setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(2)]
3
3
Min Rear setback (ft) [See Section 131.0443(b)(3)]
10
10
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
37
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for Development
Regulations of Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RX-
3rd >>
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
Max structure height (ft) [See Section 131.0444(c)]
30
30
Max floor area ratio [See Section 131.0446(c)]
0.70
0.80
Accessory uses and structures
[See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307]
applies
applies
Garage regulations [See Section 131.0449(a)]
applies
applies
Building spacing [See Section 131.0450]
applies
applies
Architectural projections and encroachments
[See Section 131.0461(a)]
applies
applies
Requirements for attached units [See Section 131.0462]
applies
applies
Roof design variation [See Section 131.0463]
applies
applies
Supplemental regulations [See Section 131.0464(b)]
applies
applies
Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage [See Section 142.0805]
applies
applies
Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273]
applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See Chapter 14, Article 3,
Division 12]
applies
applies
Footnote for Table 131-04E
1 If a lot abuts an alley, see Section 131.0442(c).
38
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
(c)
RT Zones
Table 131-04F
Development Regulations for RT Zones
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for
Development Regulations of
Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RT-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
Maximum Permitted Density (DU per lot)
1
1
1
1
1
Min Lot Area (sf) [See Section 131.0441]
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,200
1,600
Min Lot Dimensions
Lot Width (ft)
25
25
25
25
18
Street Frontage (ft)
25
25
25
25
18
Lot Width (corner) (ft)
25
25
25
25
25
Lot Depth (ft)
100
100
90
80
80
Setback Requirements
Min Front Setback (ft)
[See Section 131.0443(c)(1)]
Max Front Setback (ft)
[See Section 131.0443(c)(1)]
5
15
5
15
5
15
5
15
5
10
Side Setback (ft)
[See Section 131.0443(c)(2)]
0
0
0
0
0
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
39
Development Regulations
[See Section 131.0430 for
Development Regulations of
Residential Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd >>
RT-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
1-
1-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
Min Street Side Setback (ft)
5
5
5
5
5
Min Rear Setback (ft)
3
3
3
3
3
Max Structure Height [See 131.0444(d)]
1 and 2 story buildings (ft)
slab floor
raised floor
21
25
21
25
21
25
21
25
21
25
3 story buildings (ft)
slab floor
raised floor
31
35
31
35
31
35
31
35
31
35
Max Lot Coverage (%)
[See Section 131.0445(b)]
60
65
70
75
75
Max Floor Area Ratio [See 131.0446(d)]
1 and 2 story buildings
0.85
0.95
1.00
1.10
1.20
3 story buildings
1.20
1.30
1.40
1.50
1.60
Accessory uses and structures
[See Sections 131.0448 and 141.0307]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Garage Regulations [See Section 131.0449(b)] applies applies applies
applies
applies
Parkway Requirement [See Section 131.0452]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Architectural Projections and Encroachments
[See Section 131.0461(b)]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Supplemental Requirements
[See Section 131.0464(c)]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Refuse and Recyclable Material Storage
[See Section 142.0805]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Visibility Area [See Section 113.0273]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection Regulations [See
Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 12]
applies applies applies
applies
applies
40
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
(d)
RM Zones
Table 131-04G
Development Regulations for RM Zones
Development
Regulations
[See Section
131.0430 for
Development
Regulations of
Residential
Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd
>>
RM-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
2-
2-
2-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
6
Maximum permitted
density(1),(2) (sf per DU)
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,750
1,500
1,250
Min lot area (sf)
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
6,000
Min lot dimensions
Lot width (ft)
50
50
50
50
50
50
Street frontage (ft)
[See Section 131.0442(a)]
50
50
50
50
50
50
Lot width (corner) (ft)
55
55
55
55
55
55
Lot depth (ft)
90
90
90
90
90
90
Setback requirements
Min Front setback (ft)
Std Front Setback (ft)
15(3)
20(3)
15(3)
20(3)
15(3)
20(3)
15(7)
20(7)
15(7)
20(7)
15(7)
20(7)
Min Side setback (ft)
Std Side Setback (ft)
5(4)
8(4)
5(4)
8(4)
5(4)
8(4)
5(8)
-
5(8)
-
5(8)
-
Min Street side setback(ft)
10(5)
10(5)
10(5)
10(9)
10(9)
10(9)
Min Rear setback (ft)
15(6)
15(6)
15(6)
15(10)
15(10)
15(10)
Setback requirements for
resubdivided corner lots
[See Section 113.0246(f)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Max structure height (ft)
30(17)
30(17)
30(17)
40(18, 37)
40(18, 37)
40(18, 37)
Max lot coverage
-
-
-
-
-
-
Max floor area ratio
1 to 2 dwelling units
0.75
0.90
1.05
1.20(29)
1.35
1.50
3 to 7 dwelling units
1.0(39)
1.0
1.05
1.20(38)
1.35
1.50
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
41
Development
Regulations
[See Section
131.0430 for
Development
Regulations of
Residential
Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd
>>
RM-
3rd >>
1-
1-
1-
2-
2-
2-
4th >>
1
2
3
4
5
6
8 or more dwelling units
1.25(39)
1.25
1.25(39)
1.25(39)
1.35
1.50
Floor Area Ratio Bonus for
Child Care [See Section
131.0446(e)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Accessory uses and
structures
[See Section 131.0448]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Ground-floor Height
[See Section 131.0451]
-
-
-
-
-
-
Lot consolidation
regulations
[See Section 131.0453(a)]
applies
applies
-
-
-
-
Private exterior open
space
applies(22)
applies(22)
applies(22)
applies(23)
applies(23)
applies(23)
Common open space
[See Section 131.0456
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Architectural projections
and encroachments
Permitted(15) Permitted(15) Permitted(15) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16)
Supplemental
requirements
applies(26)
applies(26)
applies(26)
applies(27)
applies(27)
applies(27)
Refuse and Recyclable
Material Storage
[See Section 142.0805]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Visibility Area
[See Section 113.0273]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection
Regulations [See Chapter
14, Article 3, Division 12]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
42
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
Development
Regulations
[See Section
131.0430 for
Development
Regulations
of Residential
Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd
>>
RM
3rd >>
3-
3-
3-
4-
4-
5
4th >>
7
8
9
10
11
12
Maximum permitted
density(1),(2) (sf per DU)
1,000
800
600
400
200
1,000(36)
Min lot area (sf)
7,000
7,000
7,000
7,000
7,000
10,000
Min lot dimensions
Lot width (ft)
70
70
70
100
100
100
Street frontage (ft)
[See Section 131.0442(a)]
70
70
70
100
100
100
Lot width (corner) (ft)
75
75
75
100
100
100
Lot depth (ft)
100
100
100
100
100
100
Setback requirements
Min Front setback (ft)
Std Front Setback (ft)
10(11)
20(11)
10(11)
20(11)
10(11)
20(11)
varies(14)
varies(14)
15(30)
Min Side setback (ft)
Std Side Setback (ft)
5(12)
-
5(12)
-
5(12)
-
varies(14)
-
varies(14)
-
4(31)
-
Min Street side
setback(ft)
10(13)
10(13)
10(13)
varies(14)
varies(14)
10(32)
Min Rear setback (ft)
5
5
5
varies(14)
varies(14)
15(33)
Setback requirements
for resubdivided corner
lots
[See Section 113.0246(f)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
-
Max structure height (ft)
40(37)
50(37)
60(37)
-(37)
-(37)
-(37)
Max lot coverage
-
-
-
-
-
applies(34)
Max floor area ratio
1.80
2.25
2.70
3.60
7.20
1.80(35)
Floor Area Ratio Bonus
for Child Care [See
Section 131.0446(e)]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Accessory uses and
structures
[See Section 131.0448
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Ground-floor Height
[See Section 131.0451]
-
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Lot consolidation
regulations
-
-
-
-
-
-
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
43
Development
Regulations
[See Section
131.0430 for
Development
Regulations
of Residential
Zones]
Zone
Designator
Zones
1st & 2nd
>>
RM
3rd >>
3-
3-
3-
4-
4-
5
4th >>
7
8
9
10
11
12
Private exterior open
space
applies(24)
applies(24)
applies(24)
applies(25)
applies(25)
applies(25)
Common open space
[See Section 131.0456]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Architectural
Projections and
encroachments
Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16) Permitted(16)
Supplemental
requirements
applies(28)
applies(28)
applies(28)
-
-
-
Refuse and Recyclable
Material Storage
[See Section 142.0805]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Visibility Area
[See Section 113.0273]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Dwelling Unit Protection
Regulations [See Chapter
14, Article 3, Division
12]
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
applies
Footnotes for Table 131-04G
1
One dwelling unit per specified square foot of lot area as determined in accordance with
Section 113.0222.
2
An exception to the maximum permitted density may be permitted in accordance with
Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 7 (Affordable Housing Regulations).
3
See Section 131.0443(d)(1).
4
See Section 131.0443(d)(2).
5
See Section 131.0443(d)(3).
6
See Section 131.0443(d)(4).
7
See Section 131.0443(e)(1).
8
See Section 131.0443(e)(2).
9
See Section 131.0443(e)(3).
10
See Section 131.0443(e)(4).
44
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
11
See Section 131.0443(f)(1).
12
See Section 131.0443(f)(2).
13
See Section 131.0443(f)(3).
14
See Section 131.0443(g).
15
See Section 131.0461(a).
16
See Section 131.0461(c).
17
See Section 131.0444(e)
18
See Section 131.0444(f).
22
See Section 131.0455(a).
23
See Section 131.0455(b).
24
See Section 131.0455(c).
25
See Section 131.0455(d).
26
See Section 131.0464(d).
27
See Section 131.0464(e).
28
See Section 131.0464(f).
29
With the Peninsula and Ocean Beach community plan areas, the maximum floor area ratio is
0.70.
30
See Section 131.0443(h)(1).
31
See Section 131.0443(h)(2).
32
See Section 131.0443(h)(3).
33
See Section 131.0443(h)(4).
34
See Section 131.0445(c).
35
See Section 131.0446(f).
36
Within the La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Torrey Pines community plan areas, the maximum
permitted density is one dwelling unit or two guest rooms for each 1,500 square feet of lot
area.
37
Within the Coastal Height Limit Overlay Zone in the Peninsula Community Plan area, the
base zone maximum structure height shall be 30 feet, which shall be determined in accordance
with Section 113.0270(a)(4)(D).
38
With the Peninsula and Ocean Beach community plan areas, the maximum floor area ratio is
1.0.
39 For development within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources
Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or within a site that is
designated as a historical resource consistent with Chapter 12, Article 3, Division 2 of the San
Diego Municipal Code, the maximum floor area ratio shall not increase.
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
45
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-20704 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-20704-SO.pdf ]
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-20789 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-20789-SO.pdf ]
[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 ]
46
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21934 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-21934-SO.pdf ]
131.0441
Minimum Lot Area in Residential Zones
In the RX and RT zones, lots served by alley access may use a portion of the alley to
meet the minimum lot area requirement. Up to one-half the width of the abutting
alley, not to exceed 10 feet, may be applied toward the total lot area provided the alley
area does not exceed 10 percent of the minimum lot area requirement.
Source: amlegal_browserURL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanfrancisco/latest/sfplanning/Fetched: 6/28/2026