Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in San Diego County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, 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.

Density Bonus Law

In unincorporated San Diego County, residential projects can earn a density bonus of up to 50% above base zoning density by reserving units for very-low, low, or moderate-income households under Zoning Ordinance §§ 6350-6399.

San Diego County Density Bonus Program

Some Restrictions

San Diego County Zoning Ordinance § 6355

6355 ELIGIBILITY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING/DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM AND PERMIT. a. Income and Age Requirements... 1. At least five percent of the total number of base units are reserved as affordable for very low income households. 2. At least ten percent of the total number of base units are reserved as affordable for lower income households.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗