Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
§113.0249 Determining Setback Line
San Diego Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Diego
(a) The setback line is a line that runs parallel to the nearest property line at a distance inward from the property line equal to the setback . The area between the setback line and the parallel property line is the required yard . A continuous line connecting all setback lines defines the boundaries of the building envelope at ground level. See also Sections 113.0246 (Determining Property Lines) and 113.0252 (Measuring Setbacks).
(b) Setbacks established by the Land Development Code may be modified by ordinance, approved final subdivision , record of survey, or division plat. In these situations the setback line will be as described in the pertinent document
(c) Where it can be demonstrated that setback lines shown on a final map, survey or other planning document were plotted solely for information purposes to illustrate the setback dimensions that were in effect at the time the document was approved, the setback required by the underlying base zone in the Land Development Code shall apply.
(d) When a side setback is allowed to observe the minimum dimensions as described in Section 131.0431, all additions to the primary structure thereafter shall maintain that established side setback .
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
( Amended 11-28-2005 by O-19444 N.S.; effective 2-9-2006.) (Amended 11-13-2008 by O-19801 N.S.; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.)
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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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- Division 4 — Procedures For Abatement of Unsafe, Dangerous,
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- Division 4 — Residential Base Zones
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- Division 2 — Airport Approach Overlay Zone
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- Division 8 — Parking Impact Overlay Zone
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