Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
§113.0240 Calculating Lot Coverage
San Diego Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Diego
Lot coverage is calculated by dividing the square footage of the structure’s footprint, measured from the outer surface of the exterior walls or support structure by the square footage of the lot . Lot coverage is expressed as a percentage (for example, 60 percent). This is illustrated in Diagram 113-02X.
Diagram 113-02X
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Lot Coverage
Building footprint
2000 sq. ft.
50'
100'
Lot coverage = 2,000 sq.ft. = 40%
5,000 sq.ft.
(lot area)
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The following structures are not included in calculating lot coverage :
(a) Exterior balconies, entrances, canopies, rigid awnings , stoops, openly supported terraces, openly supported exterior stairways, and sun baffles or shades when these structures do not project more than 6 feet from the supporting structure and are constructed and maintained with 40 percent or more of the vertical surface permanently open;
(b) Roofed areas enclosed by three or fewer exterior walls of a building that provide shelter to exterior balconies, entrances, stoops, terraces, and stairways;
(c) Architectural projections ;
(d) Those portions of underground parking structures , first stories , and basements lying 3 feet or less above grade ; and
(e) Those portions of solar energy systems lying outside of the exterior surfaces of walls.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 11-13-2008 by O-19801 N.S.; effective 12-13-2008.)
Ch. Art. Div. 11 3 2 24
San Diego Municipal Code (10-2024)
Chapter 11: Land Development Procedures
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▸ Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
Overview- §113.0201 Purpose of Rules for Calculation and Measurement
- §113.0202 When Rules for Calculation and Measurement Apply
- §113.0213 Determining Building Envelope
- §113.0216 Determining Building Facade
- §113.0219 Determining Coastal Bluff Edge
- §113.0222 Calculating Maximum Permitted Density
- §113.0225 Measuring Distance Between Uses
- §113.0228 Determining Existing Grade
- §113.0234 Calculating Gross Floor Area
- §113.0237 Determining a Lot
- §113.0240 Calculating Lot Coverage
- §113.0243 Measuring Lot Depth and Lot Width
- §113.0246 Determining Property Lines
- §113.0249 Determining Setback Line
- §113.0252 Measuring Setbacks
- §113.0255 Calculating Sign Copy Area
- §113.0258 Calculating Sign Face
- §113.0261 Determining a Story
- §113.0264 Determining Street Wall
- §113.0267 Determining Street Wall Line
- §113.0270 Measuring Structure Height
- §113.0273 Measuring Visibility Area
- §113.0276 Determining Yards
- Chapter 12 — Land Development Reviews
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