Development Regulations Table for Residential Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0431
in effect§131.0431 Development Regulations Table for Residential Zones
The 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 >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RS-
1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1-
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) | (1) 25 | (1) 25 | (1) 20 | (1) 20 | (1) 20 | (1) 15 | (1) 15
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) | (3) 25 | (3) 25 | (3) 20 | (3) 20 | (3) 20 | (3) 15 | (3) 13
Setback requirements for resubdivided corner lots [See Section 113.0246(f)] | applies | applies | applies | applies | applies | applies | applies
Max structure height (ft) | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30 | (4) 24/30
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RS-
1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1-
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 | (5) varies | (5) varies | (5) varies | (5) varies | (5) varies | (5) varies
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
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RS-
1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1-
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) | (6) 10 | (6) 10 | (6) 10 | (6) 10 | (6) 10 | (6) 10 | (6) 10
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
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
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).
(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 >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RT-
1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1-
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
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RT-
1- | 1- | 1- | 1- | 1-
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
(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 >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RM-
1- | 1- | 1- | 2- | 2- | 2-
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) | 37) 40(18, | 37) 40(18, | 37) 40(18,
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
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RM-
1- | 1- | 1- | 2- | 2- | 2-
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
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RM
3- | 3- | 3- | 4- | 4- | 5
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 | - | - | - | - | - | -
Development Regulations [See Section 131.0430 for Development Regulations of Residential Zones] | Zone Designator | Zones
1st & 2nd >> 3rd >> 4th >> | RM
3- | 3- | 3- | 4- | 4- | 5
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).
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.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000) (Amended 6-19-2000 by O-18814 N.S.) (Amended 8-1-2007 by O-19650 N.S.; effective 8-31-2007.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19805 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19799 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 11-13-2008 by O-19801 N.S.; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.) (Amended 7-10-2015 by O-20512 N.S.; effective 8-9-2015.) (Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.) (Amended 8-4-2016 by O-20704 N.S.; effective 8-27-2016.)
[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 ]
(Amended 12-1-2016 by O-20755 N.S.; effective 12-18-2016.) (Amended 2-3-2017 by O-20789 N.S.; effective 3-5-2017.)
[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 ]
(Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20916 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.) (Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.) (Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.) (Amended 10-30-2020 by O-21254 N.S.; effective 11-29-2020.) (Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.) (Amended 1-27-2022 by O-21416 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.) (Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.) (Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.) (Amended 3-25-2025 by O-21934 N.S.; effective 4-24-2025.) [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 ]
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/MuniCodeChapter13/Ch13Art01Division04.pdf#page=33Fetched: 10/28/2026