Private Exterior Open Space in the RM Zones
San Diego Municipal Code § 131.0455
in effect(a)
In the RM-1-1, RM-1-2, and RM-1-3 zones, at least 60 square feet of usable,
private, exterior open space abutting each dwelling unit shall be provided with
a minimum dimension of 6 feet in any direction. The open space may be
located in required yard areas, but shall be no closer than 9 feet to the front or
rear property lines, and no closer than 4 feet to the side property lines. See
Diagram 131-04R.
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Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
Diagram 131-04R
Private Exterior Open Space
Required setback
Building wall
60 sq ft min
exterior usable
open space
4' min (side yard)
9' min (front or
rear yard)
Max 50% of exterior
usable open space may
encroach into required
yard
6' X 6' Square shall
fit within total area of
exterior usable open space
Distance to
property line
Building
(b)
In the RM-2-4, RM-2-5, and RM-2-6 zones, at least 75 percent of the dwelling
units shall be provided with at least 60 square feet of usable, private, exterior
open space abutting the unit with a minimum dimension of 6 feet. The open
space may be located in required front and rear yards, but shall be no closer
than 9 feet to the front property line.
(c)
In the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, and RM-3-9 zones, at least 75 percent of the dwelling
units shall be provided with at least 60 square feet of usable, private, exterior
open space abutting the unit with a minimum dimension of 6 feet. The open
space may be located in the required front yard, but shall be no closer than 9
feet to the front property line.
(d)
In the RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-5-12 zones, at least 50 square feet of
usable, private, exterior open space abutting each dwelling unit shall be
provided with a minimum dimension of 4 feet.
(e)
In the RM-3-7, RM-3-8, RM-3-9, RM-4-10, RM-4-11, and RM-5-12 zones,
where private exterior open space is not provided at the quantity required in a
development pursuant to Section 131.0455(c)-(d), an equal amount of common
exterior open space in addition to the requirements of Section 131.0456, which
applies to premises with more than four dwelling units, shall be provided as
alternative compliance to Section 131.0455(c)-(d).
Chapter 13: Zones
(3-2026)
77
Source: amlegal_browserURL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sanfrancisco/latest/sfplanning/Fetched: 6/28/2026