Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
§113.0252 Measuring Setbacks
San Diego Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Diego
(a) The distance of the setback is measured inward from and perpendicular to the nearest property line , as follows, except as otherwise indicated in Section 113.0246(e) and (f):
- (1) The front setback is measured perpendicular to the front property line ;
Ch. Art. Div. 11 3 2 30
San Diego Municipal Code (10-2024)
Chapter 11: Land Development Procedures
(2) The side setback is measured perpendicular to the side property line
(3) The street side setback is measured perpendicular to the street side property line ; and
(4) The rear setback is measured perpendicular to the rear property line .
(b) Those portions of underground parking structures , first stories , and basements that are above grade are subject to setback requirements. Structures located completely underground are exempt from the setback requirements except where the structure would conflict with the required landscape and irrigation, or as otherwise regulated by Section 113.0461.
(c) For the purpose of determining whether new development complies with the setback , the measurement shall be taken from the property line inward to the outer edge of the building frame. Where a zero setback is provided, the edge of finished material shall not extend beyond the property line .
(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
- Division 2 — Enforcement Authorities For the Land Development …
- Division 4 — Procedures For Abatement of Unsafe, Dangerous,
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- Division 5 — Residential High Occupancy Permit
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- Division 1 — General Subdivision Procedures
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- Division 2 — Airport Approach Overlay Zone
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- Division 8 — Parking Impact Overlay Zone
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- Division 12 — Mission Trails Design District
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