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Division 4 — Residential Base Zones

§131.0422 Use Regulations Table for Residential Zones

San Diego Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Diego

The uses allowed in the residential zones are shown in Table 131-04B.

Legend for Table 131-04B

Symbol In Table
131-04B		 Description Of Symbol
P Use or use category is permitted. Regulations pertaining to a
specific use may be referenced.
L Use is permitted with limitations, which may include location
limitations or the requirement for a use or_development permit_.
Regulations are located in Chapter 14, Article 1 (Separately
Regulated Use Regulations).
N Neighborhood Use Permit Required. Regulations are located
in Chapter 14, Article 1 (Separately Regulated Use
Regulations).
C Conditional Use Permit Required. Regulations are located in
Chapter 14, Article 1 (Separately Regulated Use Regulations).
- Use or use category is not permitted.

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 7

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Table 131-04B Use Regulations Table for Residential Zones

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Open Space
Active Recreation P P P
Passive Recreation P P P
Natural Resources Preservation P P P
Park Maintenance Facilities - - -
Agriculture
Agricultural Processing - - -
Aquaculture Facilities - - -
Dairies - - -
Horticulture Nurseries &
Greenhouses		 - - -
Raising & Harvesting of Crops - - -
Raising, Maintaining & Keeping of
Animals		 - - -
Separately Regulated Agriculture Uses
Agricultural Equipment Repair Shops - - -
Commercial Stables - - -
Community Gardens L L L
Equestrian Show & Exhibition
Facilities		 - - -
Open Air Markets for the Sale of
Agriculture-Related Products &
Flowers		 - - -
Residential

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 8

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Mobilehome Parks P(1) P(1) -
Multiple Dwelling Units - - -
Rooming House[See Section
131.0112(a)(3)(A)]		 - - -
Shopkeeper Units - - -
Single Dwelling Units P(6) P(6) P(6)
Separately Regulated Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Units L L L
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
C		 C C
Employee Housing:
6 or Fewer Employees L L L
12 or Fewer Employees - - -
Greater than 12 Employees - - -
Fraternities and Sororities - - -
Garage, Yard, & Estate Sales L L L
Guest Quarters L L -
Home Occupations L L L
Interim Ground_Floor Residential_ - - -
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units L L L
Live/Work Quarters - - -
Low Barrier Navigation Center - - -
Movable Tiny Houses L L L
Permanent Supportive Housing - - -
Residential Care Facilities:
6 or Fewer Persons P P P

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 9

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
7 or More Persons C C C
Student Housing - - -
Transitional Housing:
6 or Fewer Persons P P P
7 or More Persons C C C
Watchkeeper Quarters - - -
Institutional
Separately Regulated Institutional Uses
Airports - - -
Battery Energy Storage Facilities
Small Scale (≤ 0.25 acre) L L L
Medium Scale (0.25 acre < 1 acre) C C C
Large Scale (>1 acre) C C C
Botanical Gardens & Arboretums C C C
Cemeteries, Mausoleums, Crematories - - -
Correctional Placement Centers - - -
Educational Facilities:
Kindergarten through Grade 12 C C C
Colleges / Universities C C C
Vocational / Trade School - - -
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations L L L

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 10

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Energy Generation & Distribution
Facilities		 - - -
Exhibit Halls & Convention Facilities - - -
_Flood_Control Facilities L L L
_Historical Buildings_Used for Purposes
NotOtherwiseAllowed		 C C C
Homeless Facilities:
Congregate Meal Facilities - - -
Emergency Shelters - - -
Homeless Day Centers - - -
Hospitals - - -
Intermediate Care Facilities & Nursing
Facilities		 C C C
Interpretive Centers - - -
Museums C C C
Major Transmission, Relay, or
Communications Switching Stations		 - - -
_Placemaking_on Private Property L L L
Outdoor Dining on Private Property - - -
Satellite_Antennas_ L L L
Social Service Institutions - - -
Solar Energy Systems L L L
Wireless Communication Facilities See Section 141.0420
Retail Sales
Building Supplies & Equipment - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 11

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Food, Beverages and Groceries - - -
Consumer Goods, Furniture,
Appliances, Equipment		 - - -
Pets & Pet Supplies - - -
Sundries, Pharmaceuticals, &
Convenience Sales		 - - -
Wearing Apparel & Accessories - - -
Separately Regulated Retail Sales Uses
Agriculture Related Supplies & Equipment
-		 - -
Alcoholic Beverage Outlets - - -
Cannabis Outlets - - -
Farmers’ Markets
Weekly Farmers’ Markets - - -
Daily Farmers’ Market Stands - - -
Plant Nurseries - - -
Retail Farms - - -
Retail Tasting Stores - - -
Swap Meets & Other Large Outdoor Retail
Facilities
-		 - -
Commercial Services
Building Services - - -
Business Support - - -
Eating & Drinking Establishments - - -
Financial Institutions - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 12

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Funeral & Mortuary Services - - -
Instructional Studios - - -
Maintenance & Repair - - -
Off-Site Services - - -
Personal Services - - -
Radio & Television Studios - - -
Tasting Rooms - - -
Visitor Accommodations - - -
Separately Regulated Commercial Services Uses
Adult Day Care Facility L L L
Adult Entertainment Establishments:
Adult Book Store - - -
Adult Cabaret - - -
Adult Drive-In Theater - - -
Adult Mini-Motion Picture Theater - - -
Adult Model Studio - - -
Adult Motel - - -
Adult Motion Picture Theater - - -
Adult Peep Show Theater - - -
Adult Theater - - -
Body Painting Studio - - -
Massage Establishment - - -
Ch. Art. Div.
13 1 4 13

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Sexual Encounter Establishment - - -
Assembly and Entertainment Uses,
Including Places of Religious Assembly		 - - -
Boarding Kennels / Pet Day Care - - -
Camping Parks - - -
Child Care Facilities:
Child Care Centers C C C
Large Family Child Care Homes L L L
Small Family Child Care Homes L L L
Eating and Drinking Establishments with a
Drive-in or Drive-through Component
-		 - -
Fairgrounds - - -
Golf Courses, Driving Ranges, and Pitch &
Putt Courses
C		 C C
Helicopter Landing Facilities - - -
Massage Establishments, Specialized
Practice		 - - -
Mobile Food Trucks - - -
Nightclubs & Bars over 5,000 square feet
in size		 - - -
Parking Facilities as a_Primary Use_:
Permanent Parking Facilities - - -
Temporary Parking Facilities - - -
Private Clubs, Lodges and Fraternal
Organizations		 - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 14

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Privately Operated, Outdoor Recreation
Facilities Over 40,000 Square Feet in
Size~~(43~~)		 - - -
Pushcarts on Private Property - - -
Recycling Facilities:
Large Collection Facility - - -
Small Collection Facility - - -
Large Construction & Demolition
Debris Recycling Facility		 - - -
Small Construction & Demolition
Debris Recycling Facility		 - - -
Drop-off Facility - - -
Green Materials Composting Facility - - -
Mixed Organic Composting Facility - - -
Large Processing Facility Accepting at
Least 98% of Total Annual Weight of
Recyclables from Commercial &
Industrial Traffic		 - - -
Large Processing Facility Accepting All
Types of Traffic
-		 - -
Small Processing Facility Accepting at
Least 98% of Total Annual Weight of
Recyclables From Commercial &
Industrial Traffic		 - - -
Small Processing Facility Accepting All
Types of Traffic
-		 - -
Reverse Vending Machines - - -
Tire Processing Facility - - -
Sidewalk Cafes, Streetaries, and Active
Sidewalks		 - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 15

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Sports Arenas & Stadiums - - -
Theaters that are Outdoor or Over 5,000
SquareFeet inSize		 - - -
Urgent Care Facilities - - -
Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals - - -
Zoological Parks - - -
Offices
Business & Professional - - -
Government - - -
Medical, Dental, & Health Practitioner - - -
Regional & Corporate Headquarters - - -
Separately Regulated Office Uses
Real Estate Sales Offices & Model Homes
L		 L L
_Sex Offender_Treatment & Counseling - - -
Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales & Service
Commercial Vehicle Repair &
Maintenance		 - - -
Commercial Vehicle Sales & Rentals - - -
Personal Vehicle Repair & Maintenance - - -
Personal Vehicle Sales & Rentals - - -
Vehicle Equipment & Supplies Sales &
Rentals		 - - -
Separately Regulated Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales & Service Uses
Automobile Service Stations - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 16

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
Outdoor Storage & Display of New,
Unregistered Motor Vehicles as a_Primary_
Use		 - - -
Vehicle Storage Facilities as a_Primary_
Use		 - - -
Distribution and Storage
Equipment & Materials Storage Yards - - -
Moving & Storage Facilities - - -
Distribution Facilities - - -
Separately Regulated Distribution and Storage Uses
Junk Yards - - -
Temporary Construction Storage Yards
Located Off-site		 N N N
Industrial
Heavy Manufacturing - - -
Light Manufacturing - - -
Marine Industry - - -
Research & Development - - -
Testing Labs - - -
Trucking & Transportation Terminals - - -
Separately Regulated Industrial Uses
Artisan Food and Beverage Producer - - -
Cannabis Production Facilities - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Research Facility - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 17

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
Zones
1st & 2nd>>
3rd >>
4th >>
RS-		 RX- RT-

1-		 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 1 2 3 4 5
_Hazardous Waste_Treatment Facility - - -
Marine Related Uses Within the Coastal
OverlayZone		 - - -
Mining and Extractive Industries - - --
Newspaper Publishing Plants - - -
Processing & Packaging of Plant Products
& Animal By-products Grown Off-
premises		 - - -
Very Heavy Industrial Uses - - -
Wrecking & Dismantling of Motor
Vehicles		 - - -
Signs
AllowableSigns P P P
Separately Regulated_Signs_Uses
Community Entry_Signs_ L L L
Neighborhood Identification_Signs_ N N N
Comprehensive_Sign_Program - - -
Revolving_Projecting Signs_ - - -
_Signs_with Automatic Changing Copy - - -
Theater_Marquees_ - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 18

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator


Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Open Space
Active Recreation P P P P P
Passive Recreation P P P P P
Natural Resources Preservation P P P P P
Park Maintenance Facilities - - - - -
Agriculture
Agricultural Processing - - - - -
Aquaculture Facilities - - - - -
Dairies - - - - -
Horticulture Nurseries &
Greenhouses		 - - - - -
Raising & Harvesting of Crops - - - - -
Raising, Maintaining & Keeping of
Animals		 - - - - -
Separately Regulated Agriculture Uses
Agricultural Equipment Repair
Shops		 - - - - -
Commercial Stables - - - - -
Community Gardens L L L L L
Equestrian Show & Exhibition
Facilities		 - - - - -
Open Air Markets for the Sale of
Agriculture- Related Products &
Flowers		 - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 4 19

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator


Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Residential
Mobilehome Parks P(2) P(2) P(2) P(2) -
Multiple Dwelling Units P P P P P
Rooming House[See Section
131.0112(a)(3)(A)]		 P P P P P
Shopkeeper Units - - P P P
Single Dwelling Units P
(8)		 P
(8)		 P
(8)		 P
(8)		 P
(8)
Separately Regulated Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Units L L L L L
Continuing Care Retirement
Communities		 L L L L L
Employee Housing:
6 or Fewer Employees L L L L L
12 or Fewer Employees - - - - -
Greater than 12 Employees - - - - -
Fraternities and Sororities C(9) C(9) C(9) C(9) C(9)
Garage, Yard, & Estate Sales L L L L -
Guest Quarters L(6) - - - -
Home Occupations L L L L -
Interim Ground_Floor_ Residential - - - - -
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units - - - - -
Live/Work Quarters - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 20

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Low Barrier Navigation Center - - - - -
Movable Tiny Houses L L L L L
Permanent Supportive Housing L L L L L
Residential Care Facilities:
6 or Fewer Persons P P P P P
7 or More Persons L L L L L
Student Housing L(11) L(11) L(11) L(11) L(11)
Transitional Housing:
6 or Fewer Persons P P P P P
7 or More Persons L L L L L
Watchkeeper Quarters - - - - -
Institutional
Separately Regulated Institutional Uses
Airports - - - - -
Battery Energy Storage Facilities
Small Scale (≤ 0.25 acre) L L L L L
Medium Scale (0.25 acre < 1 acre) C C C C C
Large Scale (>1 acre) C C C C C
Botanical Gardens & Arboretums C C C C -
Cemeteries, Mausoleums, Crematories - - - - -
Correctional Placement Centers - - - - -
Educational Facilities:
Kindergarten through Grade 12 L L L L -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 21

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator


Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Colleges / Universities C C C C
Vocational / Trade School - - - - -
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations L L L L L
Energy Generation & Distribution
Facilities		 - - - C C
Exhibit Halls & Convention Facilities - - - - -
_Flood_Control Facilities L L L L -
_Historical Buildings_Used for Purposes
Not Otherwise Allowed		 C C C C C
Homeless Facilities:
Congregate Meal Facilities - - C C -
Emergency Shelters - - C C -
Homeless Day Centers - - C C -
Hospitals C C C C -
Intermediate Care Facilities & Nursing
Facilities		 L L L L L
Interpretive Centers - - - - -
Museums - - - - -
Major Transmission, Relay, or
Communications Switching Stations		 - - - - -
_Placemaking_on Private Property L L L L L
Outdoor Dining on Private Property - - - - -
Satellite_Antennas_ L L L L L
Social Service Institutions - - - - -
Solar Energy Systems L L L L L

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 4 22

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Wireless Communication Facilities See Section 141.0420
Retail Sales
Building Supplies & Equipment - - - - -
Food, Beverages and Groceries - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Consumer Goods, Furniture,
Appliances, Equipment		 - - - - -
Pets & Pet Supplies - - - - -
Sundries, Pharmaceuticals, &
Convenience Sales		 - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Wearing Apparel & Accessories - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Separately Regulated Retail Sales Uses
Agriculture Related Supplies &
Equipment		 - - - - -
Alcoholic Beverage Outlets - - - - -
Cannabis Outlets - - - - -
Farmers’ Markets
Weekly Farmers’Markets - - - - -
Daily Farmers’ Market Stands - - - - -
Plant Nurseries - - - - -
Retail Farms - - - - -
Retail Tasting Stores - - - - -
Swap Meets & Other Large Outdoor
Retail Facilities		 - - - - -
Commercial Services
Building Services - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 23

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Business Support - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Eating & Drinking Establishments - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Financial Institutions - - - - -
Funeral & Mortuary Services - - - - -
Instructional Studios P(5) P(5) P(5) P(5) P(5)
Maintenance & Repair - - - - -
Off-Site Services - - - - -
Personal Services - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Radio & Television Studios - - - - -
Tasting Rooms - - - - -
Visitor Accommodations - - - P(4,10) P(4,10)
Separately Regulated Commercial Services Uses
Adult Day Care Facility L L L L L
Adult Entertainment Establishments:
Adult Book Store - - - - -
Adult Cabaret - - - - -
Adult Drive-In Theater - - - - -
Adult Mini-Motion Picture Theater - - - - -
Adult Model Studio - - - - -
Adult_Motel_ - - - - -
Adult Motion Picture Theater - - - - -
Adult Peep Show Theater - - - - -
Adult Theater - - - - -
Body Painting Studio - - - - -
Massage Establishment - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 4 24

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator


Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Sexual Encounter Establishment - - - - -
Assembly and Entertainment Uses,
IncludingPlaces of ReligiousAssembly		 L L L L L
Boarding Kennels/ Pet Day Care - - - - -
Camping Parks - - - - -
Child Care Facilities:
Child Care Centers L L L L L
Large Family Child Care Homes L L L L L
Small Family Child Care Homes L L L L L
Eating and Drinking Establishments
with a Drive-in or Drive-through
Component		 - - - - -
Fairgrounds - - - - -
Golf Courses, Driving Ranges, and
Pitch & Putt Courses		 C C C C -
Helicopter Landing Facilities - - - - -
Massage Establishments, Specialized
Practice		 - - - - -
Mobile Food Trucks - L(7) L(7) L(7) L(7)
Nightclubs & Bars over 5,000 square
feet in size		 - - - - -
Parking Facilities as a_Primary Use:_
Permanent Parking Facilities - - - - -
Temporary Parking Facilities - - - - -
Private Clubs, Lodges and Fraternal
Organizations		 - - - - P

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 25

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Privately Operated, Outdoor Recreation
Facilities over 40,000 square feet in
size(4)		 - - - - -
Pushcarts on Private Property - - - - -
Recycling Facilities:
Large Collection Facility - - - - -
Small Collection Facility - - - - -
Large Construction & Demolition
Debris_Recycling Facility_		 - - - - -
Small Construction & Demolition
Debris_Recycling Facility_		 - - - - -
Drop-off Facility - - - - -
Green Materials Composting
Facility		 - - - - -
Mixed Organic Composting Facility - - - - -
Large Processing Facility Accepting
at Least 98% of Total Annual
Weight of Recyclables from
Commercial & Industrial Traffic		 - - - - -
Large Processing Facility Accepting
All Types of Traffic		 - - - - -
Small Processing Facility Accepting
at Least 98% of Total Annual
Weight of Recyclables From
Commercial & Industrial Traffic		 - - - - -
Small Processing Facility Accepting
All Types of Traffic		 - - - - -
Reverse Vending Machines - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 26

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Tire Processing Facility - - - - -
Sidewalk Cafes, Streetaries, and Active
Sidewalks		 - - - - -
Sports Arenas & Stadiums - - - - -
Theaters That Are Outdoor or over
5,000 Square Feet in Size		 - - - - -
Urgent Care Facility - - - - -
Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals - - - - -
Zoological Parks - - - - -
Offices
Business & Professional - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Government - - - - -
Medical, Dental, & Health Practitioner - - P(5) P(5) P(5)
Regional & Corporate Headquarters - - - - -
Separately Regulated Office Uses
Real Estate Sales Offices & Model
Homes		 L L L L -
_Sex Offender_Treatment & Counseling - - L L -
Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales & Service
Commercial Vehicle Repair &
Maintenance		 - - - - -
Commercial Vehicle Sales & Rentals - - - - -
Personal Vehicle Repair &
Maintenance
Personal Vehicle Sales & Rentals		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-
Vehicle Equipment & Supplies Sales &
Rentals
-		 - - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 27

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Separately Regulated Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales & Service Uses
Automobile Service Stations - - - - -
Outdoor Storage & Display of New,
Unregistered Motor Vehicles as a
Primary Use		 - - - - -
Vehicle Storage Facilities as a_Primary_
Use		 - - - - -
Distribution and Storage
Equipment & Materials Storage Yards - - - - -
Moving & Storage Facilities - - - - -
Distribution Facilities - - - - -
Separately Regulated Distribution and Storage Uses
Junk Yards - - - - -
Temporary Construction Storage Yards
Located Off-site		 N N N N -
Industrial
Heavy Manufacturing - - - - -
Light Manufacturing - - - - -
Marine Industry - - - - -
Research & Development - - - - -
Testing Labs - - - - -
Trucking & Transportation Terminals - - - - -
Separately Regulated Industrial Uses
Artisan Food and Beverage Producer - - - - -
Cannabis Production Facilities - - - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Research Facility - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 4 28

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Use Categories/
Subcategories
[See Section 131.0112 for
an explanation and
descriptions of the Use
Categories, Subcategories,
and Separately Regulated
Uses]		 Zone
Designator

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones

Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 RM-

1-		 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
_Hazardous Waste_Treatment Facility - - - - -
Marine Related Uses Within the Coastal
Overlay Zone		 - - - - -
Mining and Extractive Industries - - - - -
Newspaper Publishing Plants - - - - -
Processing & Packaging of Plant
Products & Animal By-products Grown
Off-premises		 - - - - -
Very Heavy Industrial Uses - - - - -
Wrecking & Dismantling of Motor
Vehicles		 - - - - -
Signs
AllowableSigns P P P P P
Separately RegulatedSigns Uses
Community Entry_Signs_ L L L L L
Neighborhood Identification_Signs_ N N N N N
Comprehensive Sign Program - - - - -
Revolving_Projecting Signs_ - - - - -
_Signs_with Automatic Changing Copy - - - - -
Theater_Marquees_ -

Footnotes for Table 131-04B

1 Development of a mobilehome park in any RS or RX zone is subject to Section 143.0302.

2 Development of a mobilehome park in the RM zones is subject to Section 143.0302.

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 29

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

  • 3

The 40,000 square feet includes all indoor and outdoor areas that are devoted to the recreational use; it does not include customer parking areas.

  • 4

    • Two guest rooms are permitted for visitor accommodations per the specified square footage of lot area required per dwelling unit (maximum permitted density ), as indicated on Table 131-04G.

  • 5 See Section 131.0423.

  • 6

A guest quarters or habitable accessory building is permitted in accordance with Section 141.0307 only as an accessory use to a single dwelling unit .

7

  • Mobile food trucks are permitted by right on the property of a school , university, hospital, religious facility, previously conforming commercial premises in a residential zone, or construction site. Mobile food trucks on any other premises are subject to the limited use regulations set forth in Section 141.0612.

8

  • Development of a small lot subdivision is permitted in accordance with Section 143.0365.

  • 9

  • Development of multiple dwelling units permitted in accordance with Sections 141.0305 and 141.0319.

10 Visitor accommodation lodging for uses other than a SRO hotel or SRO hotel room shall not be used for a stay of more than 30 consecutive days.

(Amended 8-10-2004 by O-19308 N.S.; effective 4-11-2007.) (Amended 1-29-2008 by O-19704 N.S.; effective 2-28-2008.) (Amended 4-23-2008 by O-19739 N.S.; effective 5-23-2008.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19799 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19803 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19804 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 7-6-2011 by O-20065 N.S.; effective 8-5-2011.) (Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.) (Amended 2-22-2012 by O-20141 N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) (Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.) (Amended 3-25-2014 by O-20356 N.S.; effective 4-24-2014.) (Amended 4-3-2014 by O-20357 N.S.; effective 10-15-2014.) (Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 and O-20483 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015) (Amended 7-10-2015 by O-20512 N.S.; effective 8-9-2015.) (Amended 8-7-2015 by O-20555 N.S.; effective 9-6-2015.) (Amended 10-15-2015 by O-20567 N.S.; effective 11-14-2015.) (Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.) (Amended 8-4-2016 by O-20704 N.S.; effective 8-27-2016.) (Amended 2-22-2017 by O-20793 N.S.; effective 4-12-2017.) (Amended 9-15-2017 by O-20857 N.S.; effective 10-15-2017.) (Amended 10-17-2017 by O-20859 N.S.; effective 11-16-2017.) (Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20917 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.) (Amended 5-22-2018 by O-20928 N.S.; effective 6-21-2018.)

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 4 30

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

(Amended 8-9-2019 by O-21114 N.S. and O-21117 N.S.; effective 9-8-2019.) (Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21163 N.S. and O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.) (Amended 8-12-2020 by O-21223 N.S.; effective 10-8-2020.) (Amended 10-30-2020 by O-21254 N.S.; effective 11-29-2020.) (Amended 2-1-2021 by O-21288 N.S.; effective 3-3-2021.) (Amended 4-14-2021 by O-21305 N.S.; effective 5-29-2021.) (Amended 11-23-2021 by O-21391 N.S.; effective 1-6-2022.) (Amended 5-23-2022 by O-21458 N.S.; effective 6-22-2022.) (Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.) (Amended 1-16-2024 by O-21758 N.S.; effective 3-16-2024.) (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 ]

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▸ Contents — San Diego Zoning Code
San Diego Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 9
  2. Division 2 — House Numbers
  3. Division 3 — Advertising Displays Adjacent to Scenic Freeways,…
  4. Division 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  5. Division 2 — Financing Facilities
  6. Division 3 — Bonds
  7. Division 1 — Housing Code
  8. Division 2 — Mobilehome Parks and Special Occupancy Parks
  9. Division 3 — San Diego Housing Commission
  10. Division 4 — Interim School Facilities Financing Ordinance
  11. Division 6 — Housing Impact Fees On Commercial Development
  12. Division 7 — Residential Tenant Protections
  13. Division 8 — Prohibition of Discrimination Based on a Tenant’s…
  14. Division 9 — Notice of Tenant’s Right to Operate a Daycare Home
  15. Division 10 — Affordable Housing Preservation
  16. Division 11 — Prohibition of Anti-Competitive Automated Rent P…
  17. Division 12 — Residential Tenant Utility Fees
  18. Division 1 — In General
  19. Division 2 — Responsibilities of City Council
  20. Division 3 — Administration of Program
  21. Division 5 — Designation of Residential Rehabilitation Areas a…
  22. Division 6 — Limitations on Amount of Loan
  23. Division 7 — Terms of Conventional RAP Loans
  24. Division 9 — Miscellaneous Provisions
  25. Division 19.7 — The Centre City Planned District
  26. Division 19.8 — The Centre City Planned District
  27. Division 2 — Land Development Authorities and Advisory Boards
  28. Division 2 — Fees and Deposits
  29. Division 3 — Notice
  30. Division 4 — Public Hearings
  31. Division 5 — Decision Process
  32. Division 1 — Definitions
  33. Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
  34. Division 2 — Enforcement Authorities For the Land Development …
  35. Division 4 — Procedures For Abatement of Unsafe, Dangerous,
  36. Division 1 — Adoption And Amendment Procedures for Land Use Pl…
  37. Division 1 — Zoning and Rezoning Procedures
  38. Division 3 — Zoning Use Certificate Procedures
  39. Division 5 — Residential High Occupancy Permit
  40. Division 6 — Mobile Food Truck Permit
  41. Division 1 — General Subdivision Procedures
  42. Division 2 — Certificate of Compliance
  43. Division 4 — Tentative Maps (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.)
  44. Division 5 — Parcel Maps (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; eff…
  45. Division 6 — Final Maps
  46. Division 7 — Merger of Parcels (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S…
  47. Division 8 — Reversion to Acreage
  48. Division 9 — Public Right-of-Way Vacations
  49. Division 10 — Easement Vacations
  50. Division 3 — Conditional Use Permit Procedures
  51. Division 4 — Neighborhood Development Permit Procedures (Added…
  52. Division 5 — Site Development Permit Procedures
  53. Division 6 — Planned Development Permit Procedures (Added 12-9…
  54. Division 8 — Variance Procedures
  55. Division 1 — General Review Procedures for Previously Conformi…
  56. Division 2 — Review Procedures for Previously Conforming Signs
  57. Division 1 — General Procedures and Authorities for Implementa…
  58. Division 2 — Procedures for Determination of
  59. Division 3 — Procedures for Preparation and Review of Environm…
  60. Division 1 — General Construction Permit Authority and Procedu…
  61. Division 2 — Building Permit Procedures
  62. Division 3 — Electrical Permit Procedures (Added 12-9-1997 by …
  63. Division 4 — Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Procedures
  64. Division 6 — Grading Permit Procedures (Added 12-9-1997 by O-1…
  65. Division 7 — Public Right-of-Way Permits
  66. Division 9 — Fire Permit Procedures
  67. ▸ Division 4 — Residential Base Zones
    Overview
    1. §131.0401 Purpose of Residential Zones
    2. §131.0403 Purpose of the RS (Residential--Single Unit) Zones
    3. §131.0404 Purpose of the RX (Residential--Small Lot) Zones
    4. §131.0405 Purpose of the RT (Residential--Townhouse) Zones
    5. §131.0406 Purpose of the RM (Residential--Multiple Unit) Zones
    6. §131.0415 Where Residential Zones Apply
    7. §131.0420 Use Regulations of Residential Zones
    8. §131.0422 Use Regulations Table for Residential Zones
    9. §131.0423 Commercial Use Regulations for Residential Zones
    10. §131.0430 Development Regulations of Residential Zones
    11. §131.0431 Development Regulations Table for Residential Zones
    12. 131.0441 Minimum Lot Area in Residential Zones
    13. §131.0442 Minimum Lot Dimensions in Residential Zones
    14. §131.0443 Setback Requirements in Residential Zones
    15. §131.0444 Angled Building Envelope Plane / Maximum Structure H…
    16. §131.0445 Lot Coverage in Residential Zones
    17. §131.0446 Maximum Floor Area Ratio in Residential Zones
    18. §131.0447 Maximum Paving and Hardscape in RS Zones
    19. §131.0448 Accessory Buildings in Residential Zones
    20. §131.0449 Garage Regulations in Residential Zones
    21. §131.0450 Building Spacing in Residential Zones
    22. §131.0451 Ground-floor Height
    23. §131.0452 Parkway Requirement in the RT Zones
    24. §131.0453 Lot Consolidation Regulations in the RM-1-1 and RM-1…
    25. §131.0455 Private Exterior Open Space in the RM Zones
    26. §131.0456 Common Open Space in the RM Zones
    27. §131.0460 Maximum Third Story Dimensions in the RS Zones
    28. §131.0461 Architectural Projections and Encroachments in Resid…
    29. §131.0462 Requirements for Attached Units in the RX Zones
    30. §131.0463 Roof Design Variation Requirements in the RX Zones
    31. §131.0464 Supplemental Requirements for Residential Zones-
    32. §131.0466 Deviations from Development Regulations for Reasonab…
  68. Division 5 — Commercial Base Zones
  69. Division 6 — Industrial Base Zones
  70. Division 7 — Mixed-Use Base Zones
  71. Division 2 — Airport Approach Overlay Zone
  72. Division 3 — Airport Environs Overlay Zone
  73. Division 6 — Sensitive Coastal Overlay Zone
  74. Division 7 — Mobilehome Park Overlay Zone (Added 12-9-1997 by …
  75. Division 8 — Parking Impact Overlay Zone
  76. Division 9 — Residential Tandem Parking Overlay Zone
  77. Division 10 — Transit Area Overlay Zone
  78. Division 11 — Urban Village Overlay Zone
  79. Division 12 — Mission Trails Design District
  80. Division 13 — Clairemont Height Limit Overlay Zone
  81. Division 15 — Airport Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone
  82. Division 16 — Community Enhancement Overlay Zone

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