Building setbacks in unincorporated San Diego County are determined by the Zoning Ordinance based on zoning designation. Front, side, and rear setbacks vary by zone. Residential zones typically require 25-60 ft front, 10-35 ft side, and 25-60 ft rear setbacks depending on lot size and zone.
The County Zoning Ordinance establishes minimum building setbacks for each zoning designation. Setback requirements vary significantly by zone: rural residential zones (RR, SR) generally have larger setbacks than village residential zones (VR). Front setbacks typically range from 25 to 60 feet. Interior side setbacks range from 10 to 35 feet. Rear setbacks typically match front setbacks. Corner lots have different requirements for street-facing sides. Accessory structures may have reduced setbacks. ADUs have specific setback provisions under state law (4-foot side and rear). Variances for setback reductions require demonstrated hardship and approval from the County. Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest point of the building.
Building within required setbacks without a variance may result in stop-work orders, required demolition, and fines. Unpermitted encroachments must be resolved before property sale.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle setback rules.
See how Bostonia's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.