Building Setbacks & Zoning in San Diego, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
San Diego's building setbacks are established by zone in the Land Development Code Chapter 13, Article 1, Division 4, with specific dimensions in Tables 131-04C through 131-04G. Side setbacks for RS zones must be the greater of the table dimension or 10% of lot width, with combined side setbacks of at least 20% of lot width. Side setbacks cannot be less than 4 feet, and street side setbacks cannot be less than 10 feet. Steep lots (25%+ slope in front 50 feet) may reduce front setback to 6 feet.
San Diego Property Setback Requirements
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Structure height limits in San Diego vary by zone and overlay zone per the Land Development Code Chapter 13. Residential RS zones typically allow 30 feet. The Coastal Height Limit Overlay Zone (§132.0505) limits structures to 30 feet between the ocean and I-5. Height is measured per the zone-specific development regulation tables (131-04C through 131-04G). ADUs up to 16 feet may be at the property line; taller structures require standard setbacks.
San Diego Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Lot coverage limits in San Diego are established by zone in the development regulation tables of the Land Development Code (Tables 131-04C through 131-04G). Coverage varies by zone from approximately 50-60% for single-family zones to higher percentages for multi-family zones. ADUs of 800 sq ft or smaller are exempt from lot coverage calculations. Guest quarters and non-habitable accessory structures are permitted in addition to ADUs.
San Diego Maximum Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in San Diego County →