San Diego Zoning & Land Use Guide
Editor-verified· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in San Diego
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
- Coastal Zone: Yes
- Wetlands: Vernal pools and wetlands in northern and coastal areas are subject to federal protection.
State — California
- Building Code: 2022 California Building Code (Title 24)
- Energy Code: 2022 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)
- Seismic Zone: Seismic Design Category D
- Fire Zone: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in eastern hillside communities
- State ADU Override: Yes (Government Code Sections 65852.2, 65852.22 (AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, AB 2221))
County — San Diego County
- Role: Manages unincorporated areas; city handles its own planning and permitting.
- San Diego County Planning & Development Services governs unincorporated communities.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Coastal Overlay Zone — Coastal areas subject to the Local Coastal Program and California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.
- Community Plan Areas — Over 50 community plan areas with tailored land use policies and design guidelines.
- Historical Resources — Designated historic districts and individually designated historical resources with additional review requirements.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Many master-planned communities in San Diego have HOAs with CC&Rs that may restrict ADUs and other modifications.
Primary Zoning Districts
RS-1-7Residential - Single Unit
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.60
RS-1-14Residential - Single Unit (Large Lot)
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.45
RM-1-1Residential - Multiple Unit
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 13 ft
- FAR
- 0.75
ADU Rules in San Diego
ADUs:Allowed
- Max Size
- 1,200 sq ft
- Max Height
- 16 ft
- Rear Setback
- 4 ft
- Side Setback
- 4 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 60 days (ministerial review)
- Est. Permit Cost
- $2,500 - $12,000
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for San Diego are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check San Diego permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in San Diego?
Yes. San Diego permits ADUs on all residentially zoned lots under California state law and the San Diego Municipal Code. You can build a detached ADU up to 1,200 square feet and a Junior ADU (JADU) up to 500 square feet on a single-family lot.
How do I find the zoning for my property in San Diego?
Use the SANDAG/City of San Diego GIS portal at sdgis.sandag.org or visit the Development Services Department to look up zoning information for any property.
What zones allow multi-family housing in San Diego?
Multi-family housing is permitted in RM (Residential-Multiple Unit) zones such as RM-1-1, RM-2-5, and RM-3-7, as well as in many commercial and mixed-use zones throughout the city.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.