Calculating Lot Coverage
San Diego Municipal Code § 113.0240
in effect§113.0240 Calculating Lot Coverage
Lot coverage is calculated by dividing the square footage of the structure’s footprint, measured from the outer surface of the exterior walls or support structure by the square footage of the lot. Lot coverage is expressed as a percentage (for example, 60 percent). This is illustrated in Diagram 113-02X.
Diagram 113-02X
Lot Coverage
Building footprint 2000 sq. ft. 50'
100'
Lot coverage = 2,000 sq.ft. = 40% 5,000 sq.ft. (lot area)
The following structures are not included in calculating lot coverage:
(a) Exterior balconies, entrances, canopies, rigid awnings, stoops, openly supported terraces, openly supported exterior stairways, and sun baffles or shades when these structures do not project more than 6 feet from the supporting structure and are constructed and maintained with 40 percent or more of the vertical surface permanently open;
(b) Roofed areas enclosed by three or fewer exterior walls of a building that provide shelter to exterior balconies, entrances, stoops, terraces, and stairways;
(c) Architectural projections;
(d) Those portions of underground parking structures, first stories, and basements lying 3 feet or less above grade; and
(e) Those portions of solar energy systems lying outside of the exterior surfaces of walls.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 11-13-2008 by O-19801 N.S.; effective 12-13-2008.)
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/MuniCodeChapter11/Ch11Art03Division02.pdf#page=24Fetched: 10/28/2026