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Division 5 — Commercial Base Zones

§131.0522 Use Regulations Table for Commercial Zones

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

The uses allowed in the commercial zones are shown in Table 131-05B.

Legend for Table 131-05B

Symbol in Table 131-05B 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 5 10

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Table 131-05B

Use Regulations Table for Commercial 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
Open Space
Active Recreation - - - - - - - -
Passive Recreation - - - - - - - -
Natural Resources Preservation - - - - - - - -
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 EquipmentRepairShops - P P - - - - -
CommercialStables - - - - - - L -
Community Gardens L L L L L L L L
Equestrian Show & Exhibition Facilities - - - - - - C -
Open Air Markets for the Sale of
Agriculture-relatedProducts &Flowers		 - - - - - - - -
Residential
Mobilehome Parks - - - - - - - -
_Multiple Dwelling Units _ P(2) P(2) - P(2) - P(2) P(2) -
Rooming House[See Section
131.0112(a)(3)(A)]		 P(2) P - P - P P(2) -
Shopkeeper Units P(2) P(2) - P(2) - P(2) P(2) -
Single Dwelling Units - - - - - - - -
Separately Regulated Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Units L L - L - L L -
Continuing Care Retirement Communities L L - L L L L -
EmployeeHousing:
6 or Fewer Employees - - - - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
12 or Fewer Employees - - - - - - - -
Greater than 12 Employees - - - - - - - -
Fraternities and Sororities L(2) L - L - - L(2) -
Garage,Yard, &Estate Sales - - - - - - - -
Guest Quarters - - - - - - - -
Home Occupations L L - L - L L -
InterimGround Floor Residential N(18) N(18) - N(18) - N(18) N(18) -
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units - - - - - - - -
Live/WorkQuarters L L L L - L L18 -
LowBarrierNavigationCenter L L - L - L L -
Movable Tiny Houses - - - - - - - -
Permanent Supportive Housing L L L L L L L L
ResidentialCareFacilities:
6 or Fewer Persons P(2) P - P - P P(2) -
7 or More Persons L(2) L(2) L L L L L(2) -
StudentHousing L(2) L - L - - L(2) -
Transitional Housing:
6 or Fewer Persons P(2) P - P ~~-~~P P P(2) -
7 or More Persons L(2) L - L L L L(2) -
WatchkeeperQuarters - - L - - - - -
Institutional
Separately Regulated Institutional Uses
Airports - C C C C - C(10) -
BatteryEnergy StorageFacilities
SmallScale (≤ 0.25 acre) - L L L L L L(22) L
MediumScale (0.25 acre< 1acre) - C C C C C C(22) -
Large Scale (>1acre) - C C C C C C(22) -
BotanicalGardens &Arboretums - P P C C - P -
Cemeteries,Mausoleums, Crematories - C C C C - C(10) -
Correctional Placement Centers - C C C C - C(10) -
Educational Facilities:
Kindergarten through Grade 12 C(10) L L C C C C(10) -
Colleges / Universities - C C C C C C(10) -
Vocational/Trade School - P P P P C - -
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations L L L L L L L L
Ch. Art. Div.
13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
Energy Generation&Distribution Facilities C(10) P C P P C P(10) -
ExhibitHalls & Convention Facilities - P P C C - P -
Flood Control Facilities L L L L L L L -
_Historical Buildings_Used for Purposes Not
OtherwiseAllowed		 C(10) C C C C C C(10) -
HomelessFacilities:
CongregateMeal Facilities C C - C C C C -
Emergency Shelters C C - C C C C -
HomelessDay Centers C C - C C C C -
Hospitals - P P C C C P(10) -
Intermediate Care Facilities & Nursing
Facilities		 - P P C C C P(10) -
Interpretive Centers - - - - - - - -
Museums - P P C C C P -
Major Transmission, Relay, or
Communications Switching Stations		 - C C C C C C(10) -
_Placemaking _on Private Property L L L L L L L L
Outdoor Diningon Private Property L(1) L L L L L L -
Satellite_Antennas_ L L L L L L L L
Social Service Institutions - C C C C C C(10) -
Solar Energy Systems L L L L L L L L
Wireless Communications Facilities See Section 141.0420
RetailSales
Building Supplies & Equipment P(1,11) P(11) P(11) - - - - -
Food, Beverages and Groceries P(1,11) P(11) P(11) P(11) P(11) P(11,19) P(11) -
Consumer Goods, Furniture, Appliances,
Equipment		 P(1,11) P(11) P(11) P(3,11) P(3,11) P(3,11,
19)		 P(13) -
Pets & Pet Supplies P(1,11) P(11) P(11) - - - - -
Sundries, Pharmaceutical, & Convenience
Sales		 P(1,11) P(11) P(11) P(11) P(11) P(11,19) P(11) -
Wearing Apparel & Accessories P(1,11) P(11) P(11) - - P(11,19) P(11) -
Separately Regulated RetailSales Uses

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
AgricultureRelated Supplies &Equipment - P P - - - - -
AlcoholicBeverage Outlets L(1) L L L L L L -
Cannabis Outlets - - C - C - - -
Farmers’ Markets
WeeklyFarmers’ Markets L(1) L L L L L L L
DailyFarmers’ Market Stands L(1) L L L L L L -
Plant Nurseries P(1) P P - - - - -
Retail Farms L(1) L L L L L - -
Retail Tasting Stores L(1) L L L L L L -
Swap Meets & Other Large Outdoor Retail
Facilities		 - C C - - - C(10) -
Commercial Services
Building Services - P P P(6) P(6) P(6) - -
**Business Support ** P(1) P P P(5) P(7) P(7) - -
Eating & Drinking Establishments P(1,4,16) P(16) P(16) P(5,16) P(5,16) P(5,16) P(16) -
Financial Institutions P(1) P P P P P - -
Funeral & Mortuary Services - P P - - - - -
Instructional Studios P(1) P P P P P P(12) -
Maintenance & Repair P(1) P P P(6) P(6) P(6) - -
Off-site Services - P P - - - - -
Personal Services P(1) P P - - P P -
Radio & Television Studios - P P - - P - -
Tasting Rooms - - - - - P - -
Visitor Accommodations P(21) P P - P P P -
Separately Regulated Commercial Services
Uses
Adult Day Care Facility L(1) L - L - L L -
AdultEntertainmentEstablishments:
AdultBookStore L(1) L L - - - - -
Adult Cabaret - L L - - - L -
AdultDrive-In Theater - L L - - - L -
AdultMini-Motion PictureTheater - L L - - - L -
AdultModelStudio L(1) L L - - - L -
Adult Motel - L L - - - L -
AdultMotion PictureTheater - L L - - - L -
Adult Peep Show Theater - L L - - - L -
Adult Theater - L L - - - L -

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
BodyPainting Studio L(1) L L - - - L -
MassageEstablishment L(1) L L - - - - -
Sexual Encounter Establishment L(1) L L - - - L -
Assembly and Entertainment Uses, Including
Places of ReligiousAssembly		 L(10) L L L L L L(10) -
BoardingKennels/PetDay Care L L L N N - N(10) -
CampingParks - C C C C - C -
Child Care Facilities:
Child Care Centers L(1) L - L L L L(10) -
Large Family Child Care Homes L(1) L - L L L L(10) -
Small Family Child CareHomes L(1) L - L L L L -
Eating and Drinking Establishments with a
Drive-inor Drive-throughComponent		 - C(1) - - - -
P		 P P - P - -
Fairgrounds - C C - - - C -
Golf Courses, Driving Ranges, and Pitch &
Putt Courses		 - C C C C - C -
Helicopter LandingFacilities - C C C C C C(10) -
MassageEstablishments, SpecializedPractice L(1) L L - - - L(14) -
MobileFoodTrucks L(1)(15) L(15) L(15) L(15) L(15) L(15) L(15) L(15)
Nightclubs & Bars Over 5,000 Square Feet
inSize		 - C C C C C C -
ParkingFacilities as a Primary Use:
PermanentParkingFacilities - P P C C - C P
TemporaryParkingFacilities - N N C C C C N
Private Clubs, Lodges and Fraternal
Organizations		 P(1)(10) P P P P P P(10) -
Privately Operated, Outdoor Recreation
Facilities over 40,000 SquareFeetinSize(9)		 - P P C C - C -
Pushcarts on Private Property L(1) L L L L L L -
RecyclingFacilities:
Large Collection Facility N(1) N N N N - N(10) -
SmallCollection Facility L(1) L L L L - L(10) -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
Large Construction & Demolition Debris
Recycling Facility		 - - - - - - - -
Small Construction & Demolition Debris
Recycling Facility		 - - - - - - - -
Drop-off Facility L(1) L L L L - L -
Green Materials CompostingFacility - - - - - - - -
Mixed Organic CompostingFacility - - - - - - - -
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 VendingMachines L(1) L L L L L L -
TireProcessingFacility - - - - - - - -
Sidewalk Cafes, Streetaries, and Active
Sidewalks		 L(1) L L L L L L -
SportsArenas & Stadiums - C C C C - C -
Theaters that are Outdoor or Over 5,000
SquareFeetinSize		 - C C C C - C -
Urgent CareFacilities L(20) N N N N N N(10) -
Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals L L L N N N - -
Zoological Parks - - - - - - - -
Offices
Business & Professional P(1)(7) P P P P P19 - -
Government P(1) P P P P P19 - -
Medical, Dental & Health Practitioner P(1) P P P P P19 P(10) -
Regional & Corporate Headquarters P(1) P P P P P19 - -
Separately Regulated Office Uses
Real Estate Sales Offices &Model Homes L(1) L - L L L L -
_Sex Offender_Treatment & Counseling L(1) L L L L L L(10) -
Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales &

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV- CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
Service
Commercial Vehicle Repair &
Maintenance		 - P P - - - - -
**Commercial Vehicle Sales & Rentals ** - P P - - - - -
Personal Vehicle Repair& Maintenance - P P - - - - -
Personal Vehicle Sales & Rentals - P P - - - - -
Vehicle Equipment & Supplies Sales &
Rentals		 - P P - - - - -
Separately Regulated Vehicle & Vehicular
Equipment Sales & Service Uses
Automobile Service Stations - N N C C C C -
Outdoor Storage & Display of New,
Unregistered Motor Vehicles as a_Primary_
Use		 - C C - - - - -
Vehicle StorageFacilities as a Primary Use - - - - - - - -
Distribution and Storage
Equipment & Materials Storage Yards - - P - - - - -
Moving & Storage Facilities - - P - - - - -
Distribution Facilities - - P(8) - - - - -
Separately Regulated Distribution and
Storage Uses
Junk Yards - - - - - - - -
Temporary Construction Storage Yards
Located Off-site		 L(1) L L L L L L -
Industrial
Heavy Manufacturing - - - - - - - -
Light Manufacturing - - P(8) - - - - -
Marine Industry - - - - - - - -
Research & Development - P P P P P - -
TestingLabs - - P - P - - -
Trucking & Transportation Terminals - P P - - - - -
Separately Regulated Industrial Uses
Artisan Food andBeverageProducer N(1) - - - - L - -
Cannabis Production Facilities - - - - - - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Research Facility - - - - - - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Treatment Facility - - - - - - - -
MarineRelated Uses Withinthe Coastal - C C C L - C -

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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
1st & 2nd
>>
3rd >>
4th >>
CN-		 CR- CO- CV-
CP-
1- 1- 2- 1- 2- 3- 1- 1-
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1
OverlayZone
Mining andExtractiveIndustries - - - - - - - -
Newspaper PublishingPlants - C C C C - C(10) -
Processing & Packaging of Plant Products
& Animal By-products Grown Off-
premises		 - - - - - - - -
VeryHeavyIndustrialUses - - - - - - - -
Wrecking & Dismantling of Motor
Vehicles		 - - - - - - - -
Signs
**Allowable ****Signs** P P P P P P P P
Separately RegulatedSigns Uses
CommunityEntry Signs L L L L L L L L
NeighborhoodIdentification_Signs_ - - - - - - - -
Comprehensive _Sign _Program N N N N N N N N
Revolving Projecting Signs N N N N N N N N
Signs with Automatic Changing Copy N N N N N N N N
Theater_Marquees_ - N N - - - N -
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 >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Open Space
Active Recreation - - - - - - -
Passive Recreation - - - - - - -
Natural Resources Preservation - - - - - - -
Park Maintenance Facilities - - - - - - -
Agriculture
Agricultural Processing - - - - - - -
Aquaculture Facilities - - - - - - -
Dairies - - - - - - -
Horticulture Nurseries & Greenhouses - - - - - - -
Raising & Harvesting of Crops - - - - - - -

Ch. Art. Div.

13 1 5 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 Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Raising, Maintaining & Keeping of
Animals		 - - - - - - -
Separately Regulated Agriculture Uses
Agricultural EquipmentRepairShops P P - - - P P
CommercialStables - - - - - - -
Community Gardens L L L L L L L
EquestrianShow &Exhibition Facilities - - - - - - -
Open Air Markets for the Sale of Agriculture-
RelatedProducts &Flowers		 - - - - - - -
Residential
Mobilehome Parks - - - - - - -
Multiple Dwelling Units P(2) - P(2) P
(2)		 P
(2)		 P(2) P(2)
_Rooming_House [See Section
131.0112(a)(3)(A)]		 P - P P P P P
Shopkeeper Units P - P P P P P
Single Dwelling Units - - - - - - -
Separately Regulated Residential Uses
Accessory Dwelling Units L - L L L
L		 L
Continuing CareRetirement Communities L - L L L
L		 L
EmployeeHousing:
6 or Fewer Employees - - - - - - -
12 or Fewer Employees - - - - - - -
Greaterthan 12 Employees - - - - - - -
Fraternities and Sororities C - C C C C C
Garage, Yard, & Estate Sales - - - - - - -
Guest Quarters - - - - - - -
Home Occupations L - L L L
L		 L
Interim Ground_Floor Residential_ N(18) - N(18) N
(18)		 N
(18)		 N(18) N(18)
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units - - - - - - -
Live/Work Quarters L L L L L
L		 L
Low Barrier Navigation Center L - L L L L L
Movable Tiny Houses - - - - - - -
Permanent Supportive Housing L L L L L L L
Residential Care Facilities:
6 or Fewer Persons P - P P P
P		 P
7 or MorePersons L - L C C L L

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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 Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
StudentHousing L - L L L L L
Transitional Housing:
6 or Fewer Persons P - P P P P P
7 or More Persons L - L L L L L
WatchkeeperQuarters - L - - - - -
Institutional
Separately Regulated Institutional Uses
Airports C C C C C C C
BatteryEnergy StorageFacilities
Small Scale (≤ 0.25 acre) L L L L L L L
MediumScale (0.25 acre< 1acre) C C C C C C C
Large Scale (>1acre) C C C C C C C
BotanicalGardens &Arboretums C C C C C C C
Cemeteries, Mausoleums, Crematories C C C C C
C		 C
Correctional Placement Centers C C C C C C C
Educational Facilities:
Kindergarten through Grade 12 L L L L L
L		 L
Colleges / Universities C C - - - C C
Vocational / Trade School P P - - - P P
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations L L L L L
L		 L
Energy Generation&Distribution Facilities P C C C C C P
ExhibitHalls & Convention Facilities C C C C C C C
Flood Control Facilities L L L L L
L		 L
_Historical Buildings_Used for Purposes Not
OtherwiseAllowed		 C C C C C
C		 C
Homeless Facilities:
CongregateMeal Facilities C - C C C C C
Emergency Shelters L - L L L
L		 L
HomelessDay Centers C - C C C C C
Hospitals C C C C C C C
Intermediate Care Facilities & Nursing
Facilities		 L C L L L
L		 L
Interpretive Centers - - - - - - -
Museums C C P P P C C

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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 Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Major Transmission, Relay, or
Communications Switching Stations		 C C C C C
C		 C
Placemaking on PrivateProperty L L L L L
L		 L
Outdoor Dining on PrivateProperty L L L L L
L		 L
Satellite_Antennas_ L L L L L
L		 L
Social Service Institutions C C C C C C C
Solar Energy Systems L L L L L
L		 L
Wireless Communication Facilities See Section 141.0420
Retail Sales
Building Supplies & Equipment P(11) P(11) - - - P(11) P(11)
Food, Beverages and Groceries P(11) P(11) P(11) P
(11)		 P
(11)		 P(11) P(11)
Consumer Goods, Furniture, Appliances,
Equipment		 P(11) P(11) P(11) P
(11)		 P
(11)		 P(11) P(11)
Pets & Pet Supplies P(11) P(11) P(11) P
(11)		 P
(11)		 P(11) P(11)
Sundries, Pharmaceutical, & Convenience
Sales		 P(11) P(11) P(11) P
(11)		 P
(11)		 P(11) P(11)
Wearing Apparel & Accessories P(11) P(11) P(11) P
(11)		 P
(11)		 P(11) P(11)
Separately Regulated Retail Sales Uses
AgricultureRelated Supplies &Equipment - - - - - P P
AlcoholicBeverage Outlets L L L L L L L
Cannabis Outlets - C - - - - -
Farmers’ Markets
WeeklyFarmers’ Markets L L L L L L L
DailyFarmers’ Market Stands L L L L L L L
Plant Nurseries P P P P P P P
Retail Farms L L L L L L L
Retail Tasting Stores L L L L L L L
Swap Meets & Other Large Outdoor Retail
Facilities
-		 - - - - - C
Commercial Services
Building Services - - - - - P P
**Business Support ** P P P P P P P
Eating & Drinking Establishments P(16) P(16) P(16) P
(16)		 P
(16)		 P(16) P(16)
Financial Institutions P P P P P P P
Funeral & Mortuary Services P P P P P P P
Instructional Studios P P P P P P P
Ch. Art. Div. 21
13 1 5 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 Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Maintenance & Repair P P P P P P P
Off-site Services - - - - - P P
Personal Services P P P P P P P
Radio & Television Studios P P P P P P P
Tasting Rooms -(17) -(17) -(17) -
(17)		 -
(17)		 -(17) P(17)
Visitor Accommodations P(21) P(21) P(21) P
(21)		 P
(21)		 P(21) P(21)
Separately Regulated Commercial Services
Uses
Adult Day Care Facility L - L L L
L		 L
AdultEntertainmentEstablishments:
AdultBookStore L L L L L
L		 L
Adult Cabaret L L L L L
L		 L
AdultDrive-In Theater L L L L L
L		 L
AdultMini-Motion PictureTheater L L L L L
L		 L
Adult Model Studio L L L L L
L		 L
AdultMotel L L L L L
L		 L
AdultMotion PictureTheater L L L L L
L		 L
AdultPeep ShowTheater L L L L L
L		 L
AdultTheater L L L L L
L		 L
BodyPainting Studio L L L - - L L
Massage Establishment L L - L L
-		 L
Sexual Encounter Establishment L L L L L
L		 L
Assembly and Entertainment Uses, Including
Places of ReligiousAssembly		 L L L L L
L		 L
BoardingKennels/PetDay Care L L L C C L L
CampingParks C C C L L
C		 C
Child Care Facilities:
Child Care Centers L - L L L
L		 L
LargeFamily Child CareHomes L - L L L
L		 L
Small Family Child CareHomes L - L L L
L		 L
Eating and Drinking Establishments with a
Drive-inor Drive-throughComponent		 P P C C C
P		 P
Fairgrounds C C - - - C C
Golf Courses, Driving Ranges, and Pitch &
Putt Courses		 C C C C C
C		 C
Helicopter LandingFacilities C C C C C C C

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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 Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
MassageEstablishments, SpecializedPractice L L L L L
L		 L
Mobile Food Trucks L(15) L(15) L(15) L
(15)		 L
(15)		 L(15) L(15)
Nightclubs & Bars Over 5,000 Square Feet in
Size		 C C C C C
C		 C
ParkingFacilities as a Primary Use:
PermanentParkingFacilities P C P N N P P
TemporaryParkingFacilities N C N P P N N
Private Clubs, Lodges and Fraternal
Organizations		 P P P C C
P		 P
Privately Operated, Outdoor Recreation
Facilities Over 40,000 SquareFeetinSize(9)		 C C C L L
C		 C
Pushcarts on PrivateProperty L L L N N L L
RecyclingFacilities:
Large Collection Facility N N N L L
N		 N
SmallCollection Facility L L L - - L L
Large Construction & Demolition Debris
Recycling Facility
-		 - - - - - -
Small Construction & Demolition Debris
Recycling Facility		 - - - L L
-		 -
Drop-off Facility L L L - - L L
Green Materials CompostingFacility - - - - - - -
Mixed Organic CompostingFacility - - - - - - -
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		 - - - L L
C		 C
Small Processing Facility Accepting All
Types of Traffic		 - - - - - C C
Reverse Vending Machines L L L L L
L		 L
Tire Processing Facility - - - - - - -
Sidewalk Cafes, Streetaries, and Active
Sidewalks		 L L L L L
L		 L

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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 Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
SportsArenas & Stadiums C C C C C C C
Theaters that are Outdoor or Over 5,000
SquareFeetinSize		 C C C C C
C		 C
Urgent CareFacilities L(20) L(20) L(20) N N L(20) L(20)
Veterinary Clinics &Animal Hospitals L L L L L
L		 L
Zoological Parks - - - - - - -
Offices
Business & Professional P P P P P P P
Government P P P P P P P
**Medical, Dental & Health Practitioner ** P P P P P P P
Regional & Corporate Headquarters P P P P P P P
Separately Regulated Office Uses
Real Estate Sales Offices &Model Homes L - L L L
L		 L
_Sex Offender_Treatment & Counseling L L L L L
L		 L
Vehicle & Vehicular Equipment Sales &
Service
Commercial Vehicle Repair &
Maintenance		 - - - - - P P
**Commercial Vehicle Sales & Rentals ** - - - - - P P
Personal Vehicle Repair & Maintenance P P - - - P P
Personal Vehicle Sales & Rentals P P - - - P P
Vehicle Equipment & Supplies Sales &
Rentals		 P P - - - P P
Separately Regulated Vehicle & Vehicular
Equipment Sales & Service Uses
Automobile Service Stations N N N N N N N
Outdoor Storage & Display of New,
Unregistered Motor Vehicles as a_Primary_
Use		 C C - - - C C
Vehicle Storage Facilities as a_Primary Use_ - - - - - - -
Distribution and Storage
Equipment & Materials Storage Yards - - - - - - -
Moving & Storage Facilities - - - - - P P
Distribution Facilities - - - - - - P(8)

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 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 Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones Zones
1st & 2nd >>
3rd >>
4th >>		 CC-
1- 2- 3- 4- 5-
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Separately Regulated Distribution and
Storage Uses
Junk Yards - - - - - - -
Temporary Construction Storage Yards
Located Off-site		 L L L L L
L		 L
**Industrial **
Heavy Manufacturing - - - - - - -
Light Manufacturing - - - - - - P(8)
Marine Industry - - - - - - -
Research & Development P P - - - P P
Testing Labs - P - - - - -
Trucking & Transportation Terminals - - - - - - -
Separately Regulated Industrial Uses
Artisan Food and Beverage Producer L L L L L
L		 L
Cannabis Production Facilities - - - - - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Research Facility - - - - - - -
_Hazardous Waste_Treatment Facility - - - - - - -
Marine Related Uses Within the Coastal
OverlayZone		 C C C C C
C		 C
Newspaper PublishingPlants C C C C C C P
Processing & Packaging of Plant Products
& Animal By-products Grown Off-
premises		 - - - - - - -
VeryHeavyIndustrialUses - - - - - - -
Wrecking & Dismantling of Motor
Vehicles		 - - - - - - -
Signs
**Allowable ****Signs** P P P P P P P
**Separately Regulated ****Signs Uses**
CommunityEntry Signs L L L L L
L		 L
NeighborhoodIdentification_Signs_ - - - - - - -
Comprehensive _Sign_Program N N N N N N N
Revolving Projecting Signs N N N N N N N
Signs with Automatic Changing Copy N N N N N N N
Theater_Marquees_ N N N N N N N

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 25

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

Footnotes for Table 131-05B

  • 1 Uses shall not begin operating before 6:00 a.m. or continue operating later than 12:00 midnight in Commercial-Neighborhood (CN) zones.

  • 2 See Section 131.0540.

  • 3 Only office furniture, appliances, and equipment establishments are permitted. The gross floor area occupied by these uses shall not exceed 2,500 square feet for each premises .

  • 4 Live entertainment after 12:00 midnight is not permitted in the Commercial-Neighborhood (CN) zones, unless approval of a deviation is granted with a Planned Development Permit in accordance with Section 126.0602(b)(1). All uses or activities shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building and front onto the primary street with no uses or commercial activities conducted outdoors in the rear yard adjacent to residentially-zoned properties.

  • 5 The sale of alcoholic beverages is not permitted as a primary use .

  • 6 The gross floor area occupied by these uses shall not exceed 2,500 square feet for each premises .

  • 7 Hiring halls are not permitted.

  • 8 These activities shall be located solely within an enclosed building that does not exceed 7,500 square feet of gross floor area . Activities that would require a permit from the Hazardous Materials Management Division of the County of San Diego or from the San Diego Air Pollution Control District are not permitted.

  • 9 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.

  • 10 This use is not allowed within the Coastal Overlay Zone, except that assembly and entertainment uses may be incorporated as an accessory use to visitor accommodations.

  • 11 Development of a large retail establishment is subject to Section 143.0302.

  • 12 Within the Coastal Overlay Zone, instructional studios are not permitted on the ground floor in the CV-1-1 or CV-1-2 zone.

  • 13 Permitted in CV zones where the gross floor area occupied by an individual retail sales establishment would not exceed 2,500 square feet.

  • 14 Specialized practice massage establishments are permitted only as an accessory use in the CV-1-1 and CV-1-2 zones.

  • 15 This use is permitted as a limited use subject to a mobile food truck permit in accordance with Section 123.0603 and the limited use regulations in Section 141.0612.

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 26

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

  • 16 Eating and drinking establishments abutting residential development located in a residential zone may operate only between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight. All uses or activities shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed building and front onto the primary street with no uses or commercial activities conducted outdoors in the rear yard adjacent to residentially-zoned properties.

  • 17 Tasting rooms are only permitted as an accessory use to a beverage manufacturing plant.

  • 18 This use is not allowed within the Coastal Overlay Zone.

  • 19 See Section 131.0541.

  • 20 Within the beach impact area of the Parking Impact Overlay Zone, off-street parking spaces shall be provided at a ratio of no less than one off-street parking space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area .

  • 21 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.

  • 22 See Section 141.0422.

(Amended 6-12-2001 by O-18948 N.S.; effective 12-12-2001.) (Amended 3-1-2006 by O-19467 N.S.; effective 8-10-2006.) (Amended 8-10-2004 by O-19308 N.S.; effective 4-11-2007.) (Amended 6-15-2007 by O-19624 N.S.; effective 7-15-2007.) (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.) (Retitled to “Use Regulations Table for Commercial Zones” and 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 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 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 12-1-2016 by O-20752 N.S.; effective 12-31-2016.) (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.) (Amended 9-18-2018 by O-20985 N.S.; effective 10-18-18.) (Amended 10-10-2018 by O-20991 N.S.; effective 11-9-2018.)

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 27

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-20991 N.S. will not apply within the Coastal Overlay Zone until the California Coastal Commission certifies O-20991 N.S. 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-20991-SO.pdf]

(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 1-27-2022 by O-21416 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.) (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 ]

(Amended 9-17-2024 by O-21866 N.S.; effective 12-1-2024.) (Amended 12-18-2024 by O-21905 N.S.; effective 2-6-2025.)

Ch. Art. Div. 13 1 5 28

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(3-2026)

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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
  68. ▸ Division 5 — Commercial Base Zones
    Overview
    1. §131.0501 Purpose of Commercial Zones
    2. §131.0502 Purpose of the CN (Commercial--Neighborhood) Zones
    3. §131.0503 Purpose of the CR (Commercial--Regional) Zones
    4. §131.0504 Purpose of the CO (Commercial--Office) Zones
    5. §131.0505 Purpose of the CV (Commercial--Visitor) Zones
    6. §131.0506 Purpose of the CP (Commercial--Parking) Zone
    7. §131.0507 Purpose of the CC (Commercial--Community) Zones
    8. §131.0515 Where Commercial Zones Apply
    9. §131.0520 Use Regulations of Commercial Zones
    10. §131.0522 Use Regulations Table for Commercial Zones
    11. §131.0530 Development Regulations of Commercial Zones
    12. §131.0531 Development Regulations Tables for Commercial Zones
    13. §131.0540 Maximum Permitted Residential Density and Other Resi…
    14. §131.0541 Supplemental Commercial Regulations for CO Zones
    15. §131.0543 Setback Requirements for Commercial Zones
    16. §131.0546 Maximum Floor Area Ratio
    17. §131.0548 Ground-floor Height
    18. §131.0550 Pedestrian Paths
    19. §131.0552 Transparency
    20. §131.0554 Building Articulation
    21. §131.0555 Parking Restriction
    22. §131.0556 Parking Lot Orientation
  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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