Performance Standards
San Diego Municipal Code § 156.0312
in effect§156.0312 Performance Standards
(a) General Standards
The following performance standards apply to all land use classifications including the use of existing structures, expansion of previously conforming land uses and proposed land uses.
(1) No use, activity, or process shall produce continuous noise, vibrations, or noxious odors that are perceptible without instruments by the average person at the property lines of a site or above the site.
(2) No use, activity, or process shall produce continual loading or unloading of heavy trucks at the site, exclusive of permitted industrial uses.
(3) All outdoor lighting shall be shielded or directed away so that direct light or glare does not adversely impact adjacent land uses or the public right-of-way.
(4) All storage and mechanical equipment shall be enclosed in a structure and completely screened from view.
(5) No use shall be operated in a manner that produces off-site impacts such as noise, litter, or disruptive conduct from its tenants or patrons.
(b) Building Reflectance
In order to maximize daylight on streets and open spaces and reduce heat-island build up, materials with high light reflectance shall be used, without producing glare. Above a height of 75 feet, exterior building finishes shall be predominantly lighter colors and materials.
(c) Wind Acceleration
Wind acceleration studies may be required as part of the development review process to evaluate potential adverse impacts of wind acceleration onto public rights-of-way, urban open space areas, and other public spaces. Vertical wall surfaces 100 feet and taller shall employ changes in the horizontal canopy or volumetric step to break wind shear before reaching the ground level.
(d) Ballpark Mixed-Use District
The following standards apply to all development in this district:
(1) Light, Glare and Shadow Impacts. All development proposals exceeding 75 feet in height shall include a light, glare and shadow study evaluating adverse impacts from development on the ballpark operations. No development will be allowed to produce light, glare, or shadows that will interfere with any sports activity occurring within the ballpark or enjoyment of such activities by members of the public observing from the viewing stands.
(2) Noise Impacts. All development proposals shall include an acoustical analysis specifying construction standards necessary to meet the noise abatement and control requirements of San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 5, Article 9.5. The analysis also shall include anticipated or actual noise impacts from PETCO Park.
(Amended 5-6-2010 by O-19947 N.S; effective 6-5-2010.)
[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-19947 N. S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment.]
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/MuniCodeChapter15/Ch15Art06Division03.pdf#page=69Fetched: 10/28/2026