Building Setbacks & Zoning in San Diego County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in San Diego County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of San Diego County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Setbacks in unincorporated San Diego County are set by a Setback Designator (a capital letter) in each property's zoning, keyed to the Setback Schedule (Schedule C) at Section 4810 of the County Zoning Ordinance. Front, side, and rear yard minimums vary by designator and lot size, so the required setback depends on the parcel's zoning.

San Diego County Building Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Maximum building height in unincorporated San Diego County is set by a Height Designator under the Height Schedule (Schedule B) at Section 4610 of the County Zoning Ordinance. Designators range from 'A' (15 feet, 1 story) up to 'R' (over 60 feet, requiring a Major Use Permit). Common residential designators such as 'G' allow 35 feet and 2 stories.

San Diego County Structure Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated San Diego County is set by a Coverage Designator under the Coverage Regulations (Sections 4700-4799) of the County Zoning Ordinance. Coverage may be expressed as a decimal fraction of the lot or as a maximum square footage of building, whichever is more restrictive; a dash means coverage is not regulated except by required setbacks.