§113.0222 Calculating Maximum Permitted Density — San Diego Zoning Code

(a) Multiple Dwelling Unit Development

For multiple dwelling unit development , the maximum number of units that may be permitted on any premises is determined by dividing the lot area of the premises by the number of square feet required for each dwelling unit (maximum permitted density ), as prescribed by the applicable base zone.

(1) If the quotient resulting from this calculation exceeds a whole number by 0.50 or more, the number of dwelling units shall be increased to the next whole number.
(2) The maximum number of dwelling units permitted on any premises that is located in more than one zone shall be the sum of the number of units permitted in each of the zones based on the area of the premises in each zone. The dwelling units may be located on the premises without regard to the zone boundaries.
(3) In determining the maximum permitted density , the rounding provisions of Section 113.0222(a)(1) may be used only once.

Example of calculation of density for multiple dwelling unit development :

Lot Area: 1.5 acres x 43,560 (sq. ft./ac.) = 65,340 sq. ft.

Maximum Permitted Density : 1 dwelling unit /2000 sq. ft.

Units Permitted = 65,340 ÷ 2,000 = 32.67 dwelling units

Since the quotient exceeds a whole number by more than 0.50, the maximum number of permitted dwelling units shall be rounded up to 33 dwelling units .

(b) Single Dwelling Unit Development

For single dwelling unit development , no more than one dwelling unit is permitted on a lot . The maximum number of permitted lots that can be created by subdivision is determined by dividing the total lot area of the site by the minimum lot area prescribed by the applicable base zone. The quotient from this calculation is rounded down to the next whole number.

Ch. Art. Div. 11 3 2 6

San Diego Municipal Code (10-2024)

Chapter 11: Land Development Procedures

Example of calculation of density for single dwelling unit development :

Lot Area: 15 acres x 43,560 (sq. ft./ac.) = 653,400 sq. ft. Minimum Lot Area Prescribed by Zone: 5,000 sq. ft.

Lots Permitted = 653,400 ÷ 5,000 = 130.68 lots

Round down to whole number for a total of 130 lots . A maximum of 130 dwelling units is permitted.

(c) For purposes of calculating density for a development proposing a density bonus pursuant to Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 7, where the maximum density of the base zone and the land use plan are inconsistent, the greatest number of dwelling units allowed under the base zone or land use plan shall prevail. Calculations resulting in any fractional number shall be increased to the next whole number.

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

(Retitled to “Calculating Maximum Permitted Density” and amended 7-28-2015 by O-20518 N.S.; effective 8-27-2015.)

(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21836 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21836 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies it as a Local Coastal Program Amendment.

Click the link to view the Strikeout Ordinance highlighting changes to prior language http://docs.sandiego.gov/municode_strikeout_ord/O-21836-SO.pdf

Ch. Art. Div. 11 3 2 7

San Diego Municipal Code (10-2024)

Chapter 11: Land Development Procedures