Open Space Regulations for Residential Uses
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0715
in effectThe 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.
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Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
(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: amlegal_browserURL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanfrancisco/latest/sfplanning/Fetched: 6/28/2026