Chapter 14 — General Regulations›Article 3 — Supplemental Development Regulations
San Diego Municipal Code Div. 2 Historical Resources Regulations
San Diego Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-18 · San Diego
Cite as: San Diego Municipal Code Division 2 · Text as of 2026-10-18
§143.0201 Purpose of Historical Resources Regulations¶
The purpose of these regulations is to protect, preserve and, where damaged, restore the historical resources of San Diego, which include historical buildings, historical structures or historical objects, important archaeological sites, historical districts, historical landscapes, and traditional cultural properties. These regulations are intended to assure that development occurs in a manner that protects the overall quality of historical resources. It is further the intent of these regulations to protect the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public, while employing regulations that are consistent with sound historical preservation principles and the rights of private property owners. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0210 When Historical Resources Regulations Apply¶
(a) This division applies to proposed development when the following historical resources are present on the site, whether or not a Neighborhood Development Permit or Site Development Permit is required;
(1) designated historical resources;
(2) historical buildings;
(3) historical districts;
(4) historical landscapes;
(5) historical objects;
(6) historical structures;
(7) important archaeological sites; and
(8) traditional cultural properties.
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(b) Where any portion of a premises contains historical resources, this division
shall apply to the entire premises.
(c) Table 143-02A shall be used to determine the appropriate regulations and the
required decision for various types of development proposals when historical
resources are located on the premises.
(d) A construction permit is required for any development on a premises that has
a historical resources on the site that will not adversely affect the historical
resource and is consistent with one or more of the exemption criteria in
accordance with Section 143.0220.
(e) A Neighborhood Development Permit or Site Development Permit is required
for the following types of development proposals that do not qualify for an
exemption in accordance with Section 143.0220:
(1) Neighborhood Development Permit in accordance with Process Two.
Single dwelling unit residential development on a single dwelling unit
lot of any size when a traditional cultural property or important
archaeological site is present.
(2) Site Development Permit in Accordance With Process Four.
(A) Single dwelling unit residential development on a single
dwelling unit lot of any size when a designated historical
resource or historical district is present.
(B) Multiple dwelling unit residential, commercial, or industrial development on any size lot, or any subdivision on any size lot, or any City public works construction project, other than any capital improvement program project, public project, or any project specific land use plan when a historical resource is present.
(C) Development that proposes to deviate from the development
regulations for historical resources as described in this
division, except for any capital improvement program project
or public project.
(3) Site Development Permit in Accordance With Process CIP/Public
Project-Two. Capital improvement program projects or public
projects that comply with the regulations of this division without
deviation.
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(4) Site Development Permit in Accordance With Process CIP/Public
Project-Five. Capital improvement program projects or public projects
that deviate from any of the regulations of this division.
(f) When a development proposal on a site containing a designated historical
resource, traditional cultural property, important archaeological site, or a
designated contributing resource to a historical district qualifies for an
exemption in accordance with Section 143.0220, and includes a historic
preservation development incentive in accordance with Section 143.0240, a
construction permit or Neighborhood Development Permit is required
depending upon the incentive requested, as detailed in Section 143.0240.
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Table 143-02A
Applicability of Historical Resources Regulations
| TypeofDevelopmentProposal | HistoricalResourcesPotentiallyImpactedby Project | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Development Proposal | Type of Development Proposal | Designated Historical Resources or Historical Districts | Traditional Cultural Properties | Important Archaeological Sites |
| 1. Any project exempt from obtaining a development permit in accordance with Section 143.0220 | R | 143.0251 | 143.0251 | 143.0252 |
| 1. Any project exempt from obtaining a development permit in accordance with Section 143.0220 | P | Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
| 2._Development_on_single dwelling units_on any size_lot_that is exempt from obtaining a development permit in accordance with Section 143.0220, but includes a historic preservation_development_incentive in accordance with Section 143.0240 | R | 143.0240; 143.0251 | 143.0240; 143.0251 | 143.0240; 143.0251 |
| 2._Development_on_single dwelling units_on any size_lot_that is exempt from obtaining a development permit in accordance with Section 143.0220, but includes a historic preservation_development_incentive in accordance with Section 143.0240 | P | Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
| 3.Development_on_multiple dwelling units, non- residential_development_,_ subdivisions_ and public works construction projects on any size lot, other than_capital improvement program_ projects_or public projects_, that are exempt from obtaining a_development permit_in accordance with Section 143.0220, but includes a historic preservation_development_ incentive in accordance with Section 143.0240 | R | 143.0240; 143.0251 | 143.0240; 143.0251 | 143.0240; 143.0251 |
| 3.Development_on_multiple dwelling units, non- residential_development_,_ subdivisions_ and public works construction projects on any size lot, other than_capital improvement program_ projects_or public projects_, that are exempt from obtaining a_development permit_in accordance with Section 143.0220, but includes a historic preservation_development_ incentive in accordance with Section 143.0240 | P | Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
Construction Permit/ |
| 4._ Single dwelling units_ on any size_lot_ | R | 143.0251 | 143.0252 | 143.0253 |
| 4._ Single dwelling units_ on any size_lot_ | P | SDP/ |
NDP/ |
NDP/ |
| 5._ Multiple dwelling unit_, non-residential development, subdivisions_and public works construction projects on any size_lot,other than capital improvement program projects or public projects | R | 143.0251 | 143.0252 | 143.0253 |
| 5._ Multiple dwelling unit_, non-residential development, subdivisions_and public works construction projects on any size_lot,other than capital improvement program projects or public projects | P | SDP/ |
SDP/ |
SDP/ |
| 6. Project-Specific_Land Use Plans_ | R | 143.0251 | 143.0252 | 143.0253 |
| 6. Project-Specific_Land Use Plans_ | P | SDP/ |
SDP/ |
SDP/ |
| R | 143.0251 | 143.0252 | 143.0253 | |
| P | SDP/ |
SDP/ |
SDP/ |
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| 8 Capitalimprovementprogramprojectsor . publicprojectsthatcomplywiththe regulationsofthisdivisionwithout deviation | R | 1430251 . | 1430252 . | 1430253 . |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8._ Capital improvement program projects_ or _public projects_that comply with the regulations of this division without deviation | P | SDP/ Process CIP/ |
SDP/ Process CIP/ |
SDP/ Process CIP/ |
| 9._Capital improvement program projects_or _public projects_that deviate from any of the regulations in this division | R | 143.0251 | 143.0252 | 143.0253 |
| 9._Capital improvement program projects_or _public projects_that deviate from any of the regulations in this division | P | SDP/ Process CIP/ |
SDP/ Process CIP/ |
SDP/ Process CIP/ |
Footnotes for Table 143-02A
1 The Process level is determined by the historic preservation development incentive requested in accordance with
Section 143.0240.¶
Legend toTable143 -02A
| R | Development regulation sections (in addition to Section 143.0250) applicable to the historical resources present. |
|---|---|
| P | Type of Permit/ |
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.) (Amended 11-13-08 by O-19805 N.S; effective 12-13-2008.) (Amended 10-22-2013 by O-20309 N.S.; effective 12-12-2013.) (Amended 3-22-2018 by O-20920 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.) (Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
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§143.0211 Duty to Submit Required Documentation and to Obtain Permit¶
The property owner or applicant shall submit required documentation and obtain a construction permit, a Neighborhood Development Permit, a Site Development Permit as required pursuant to this division before any development activity occurs on a premises that contains historical resources. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0212 Need for Site-Specific Survey and Determination of Location of Historical¶
Resources
(a) The City Manager shall determine the need for a site-specific survey for the
purposes of obtaining a construction permit or development permit for
development proposed for any parcel containing a structure that is 45 or more
years old and not located within any area identified as exempt in the
Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual or for any
parcel identified as sensitive on the Historical Resource Sensitivity Maps. The
following development shall be exempt from the requirements of Section
143.0212:
(1) Interior development and any modifications or repairs that are limited
in scope to an electrical or plumbing/mechanical permit where the
development would not include a change to the exterior of existing
structures;
(2) In kind roof repair and replacement;
(3) In kind foundation repair and replacement, except for structures with a
decorative block or cobblestone foundation; and
(4) Construction or demolition of a swimming pool in a rear yard, except
on a property that requires a survey in accordance with Section
143.0212(b).
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(b) The Historical Resource Sensitivity Maps shall be maintained by City
Manager and shall be used to identify properties that have a likelihood of
containing archaeological sites based on records from the South Coastal
Information Center at San Diego State University and the San Diego Museum
of Man, and based on site-specific information on file with the City. If it is
demonstrated that archaeological sites exist on or immediately adjacent to any
property, whether identified for review or not, the City Manager shall require
a survey. If it is demonstrated that archaeological sites do not exist on any
property identified for review, the Historical Resource Sensitivity Maps shall
be updated to remove that property from the review requirements.
(c) The City Manager shall evaluate proposed development to determine the need
for a site-specific survey. The determination shall be made within 10 business
days of an application for a construction permit or within 30 calendar days of
an application for a development permit, as applicable. A site-specific survey
shall be required when the City Manager determines that a historical resource
may exist on the parcel, and if the development proposes a substantial
alteration according to Section 143.0250(a)(3). If the City Manager
determines that a site-specific survey is not required for a proposed
development within the time period specified above, then a permit in
accordance with Section 143.0210 shall not be required. If a site-specific
survey is prepared to the satisfaction of the City Manager for a proposed
development, additional site-specific surveys shall not be required pursuant to
Section 143.0212.
(d) If a site-specific survey is required, it shall be conducted consistent with the
Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual. Based on
the site-specific survey and the best information available, the City Manager
shall determine whether a historical resource exists, whether a potential
historical resource is eligible for designation as a designated historical
resource by the Historical Resources Board in accordance with Chapter 12,
Article 3, Division 2 of the Land Development Code, and the precise location
of the resource.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
(Amended 8-4-2011 by O-20081 N.S.; effective 10-6-2011.)
(Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)
(Amended 4-5-2016 by O-20634 N.S.; effective 5-5-2016.)
(Amended 3-7-2023 by O-21618 N.S.; effective 5-6-2023.)
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§143.0213 Procedures and Regulations for Project-Specific Land Use Plans¶
(a) The regulations in this division shall apply to project-specific land use plans, including specific plans, precise plans, privately initiated land use plan amendments, and Proposition A Land subarea plans, when historical resources are present. These regulations are applied in order to ensure an adequate analysis of the constraints and opportunities of the planning area relative to historical resources.
(b) This section provides two options for processing project-specific land use
plans which depend on the level of detail available pertaining to the proposed
development. Compliance with either Section 143.0213(b)(1) or Section
143.0213(b)(2) will be required based on whether or not a Site Development
Permit is processed concurrently with the project-specific land use plan.
(1) Where a Site Development Permit for historical resources is requested
concurrently with the processing of a project-specific land use plan,
the proposed development shall be subject to the following:
(A) The boundaries of the Site Development Permit shall be the
boundaries of the project-specific land use plan, including all
individual interior lots within the plan area;
(B) The development regulations applicable shall be determined in
accordance with Table 143-02A. Sufficient information must
be submitted for the entire plan area in order to evaluate
potential impacts to historical resources; and
(C) Subsequent individual development proposals within the plan
area will be reviewed in accordance with the substantial
conformance procedures. If the development is determined to
be in conformance with the approved project-specific land use
plan and any required mitigation is provided, no Site
Development Permit will be required for the individual
development. If the proposed development is not in
conformance with the approved project-specific land use plan,
an individual Site Development Permit will be required for the
development in addition to an amendment to the approved
project-specific land use plan; or
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(2) Where a Site Development Permit for historical resources is not requested concurrently with the processing of a project-specific land use plan, an analysis shall be provided in the project-specific land use plan that indicates how the subsequent development of the plan area will be consistent with the historical resources regulations. Project- specific land use plans and subsequent development permits reviewed in accordance with this option shall be subject to the following:
(A) The project-specific land use plan shall indicate how
individual subsequent developments within the plan area will
conform to the historical resources regulations and the
associated guidelines in the Land Development Manual;
(B) Subsequent to the approval of the project-specific land use
plan, a Neighborhood Development Permit or a Site
Development Permit shall be required for all proposed
individual developments within the plan area and shall be
reviewed in accordance with Table 143-02A. Additional
information pertaining to historical resources may be required
in order to conduct a detailed analysis of the specific
development proposal. Approval of the individual Site
Development Permits will require conformance with the
approved project-specific land use plan and any required
mitigation shall be provided.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
(Amended 4-8-2008 by O-19734 N.S; effective 5-8-2008.)
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§143.0214 Emergency Authorization When Historical Resources Are Present¶
Whenever development activity on a premises containing historical resources, or for any parcel identified as containing a historical resource in any community plan or in an historical resource inventory, or for any parcel identified as sensitive on the Historical Resource Sensitivity Maps is deemed necessary by order of the City Manager to protect the public health or safety, the City Manager may authorize, without a public hearing, the minimum amount of work necessary to protect the public health or safety, subject to the following:
(a) If the emergency work does not adversely affect the historical resources and
is consistent with one or more of the exemption criteria in accordance with
Section 143.0220, a subsequent Construction Permit is required in accordance
with this division.
(b) If the emergency work results in impacts to historical resources, a subsequent
Neighborhood Development Permit or Site Development Permit is required in
accordance with this division.
(c) The application for a Construction or Development Permit shall be submitted
within 60 days of completion of the emergency work.
(d) An emergency Coastal Development Permit may be required. If so, any
permanent coastal development allowed under the emergency permit must be
authorized through a follow-up Coastal Development Permit submitted within
60 days of the date of issuance of the emergency permit.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
§143.0220 Development Exempted from the Requirement to Obtain a Development Permit¶
for Historical Resources
The following development activities are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Neighborhood Development Permit or Site Development Permit. However, in all cases a construction permit is required.
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(a) Any development that proposes minor alterations or improvements consistent
with Section 143.0250(a), to a designated historical resource, or any
historical building or historical structure located within a historical district,
or any new construction within a historical district that will enhance, restore,
maintain, repair, or allow adaptive reuse of the resource and which will not
adversely affect the special character or special historical, architectural,
archaeological, or cultural value of the resource when all feasible measures to
protect and preserve the historical resource are included in the development
proposal consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
(b) Interior modifications or repairs or the ordinary maintenance or repair of any
exterior architectural feature in or on any historical building or historical
structure that does not adversely affect the special character or special
historical, architectural, or cultural value or designated interior elements of the
property consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
Exterior architectural features shall mean the architectural elements
embodying style, design, general arrangement and components of all of the
outside surfaces of an improvement or structure, including the type of
building materials and the type and style of all windows, doors, lights, signs,
and other fixtures appurtenant to the improvement or structure.
(c) Substantial alteration of a non-significant structure within a historic district
consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
However, new construction within a historic district is not exempt from the
requirement to obtain a Site Development Permit except in accordance with
Section 143.0220(a).
(d) Any development on a parcel that has an important archaeological site and
will not result in substantial alteration, demolition, destruction, removal,
relocation, or encroachment into such resources during or after construction,
subject to the following requirements.
(1) All feasible measures to protect and preserve the resource shall be included in the development.
(2) All documentation necessary to verify consistency with this subsection
shall be provided by the applicant consistent with the Historical
Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual.
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(3) The property owner shall sign an acknowledgment that no further
development can occur on the property unless the development is
reviewed and approved in accordance with this division.
e) Except in the case of a designated historical resource, the modification of an
existing structure or the replacement of a single dwelling unit with another
single dwelling unit, including modification or replacement of paved areas,
brush management for fire protection purposes, and any other landscaping
improvements, or alterations that do not alter the existing development area by
more than 10 percent.
(f) Development in the OF zone or the floodplain (formerly the FW and FPF
zones) of Mission Valley.
(g) Development in the Calle Cristobal Assessment District area that is outside
the coastal zone.
(h) Development in the Miramar Ranch North Community Plan area and the
70-acre high school project in Scripps Ranch.
(i) Development in the 178 acres of land known as Sorrento Hills that was the
subject of the land exchange approved by the voters as Proposition D on
November 4, 1986.
(j) Outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone, public works projects for which plans,
specifications, and funding have been approved by the City Council or the
City Manager before July 1, 1991.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
(Amended 6-18-2013 by O-20261 N.S.; effective 7-19-2013.)
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§143.0225 Limited Exceptions from the Historical Resources Regulations¶
The decision maker may grant an exception from the 25 percent encroachment limitation for important archaeological sites according to Section 143.0253 for brush management activities in Zone 2 provided that the following circumstances exist:
(a) The area cleared or thinned for such brush management is the minimum
necessary to comply with existing City fire codes;
(b) No grading occurs in these brush management areas;
(c) Native root stock is retained;
(d) No permanent irrigation is provided; and
(e) No non-native plants are introduced.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
§143.0240 Development Incentives for Preservation of Designated Historical Resources,¶
Historical Districts, Traditional Cultural Properties and Important Archaeological Sites
To facilitate on-site preservation of designated historical resources, historical
districts, traditional cultural properties, and important archaeological sites, and the
continued use or adaptive reuse of designated historical resources in a manner
consistent with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for the
Treatment of Historic Properties, the following historic preservation development
incentives may be granted, provided that the development qualifies for an exemption
under Section 143.0220:
(a) The historic gross floor area of a designated historical resource may be
excluded from the parking calculation for the premises with the approval of a
construction permit.
(b) On single dwelling unit sites that contain designated historical resources,
traditional cultural properties, important archaeological sites, or a designated
contributing resource to a historical district, the following historic
preservation development incentives are provided in accordance with the
approval processes indicated:
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(1) A deviation from one of the base zone development regulations,
excluding density and floor area ratio, may be granted with the
approval of a construction permit.
(2) A deviation from two or more of the base zone development
regulations, excluding density and floor area ratio, may be granted
with the approval of a Neighborhood Development Permit.
(3) For the purpose of this subsection, a deviation from one of the base
zone development regulations shall refer to the entire development
regulation category identified in bold in the development regulation
table of the applicable base zone. For example, a deviation from both
side and rear yard setback requirements would be a deviation from one
base zone development regulation (setback requirements).
(c) For multiple dwelling unit sites, non-residential development, subdivisions,
and public works construction projects on any size lot, other than capital
improvement program projects or public projects, that contain designated
historical resources, traditional cultural properties, important archaeological
sites, or a designated contributing resource to a historical district, the
following development incentives are provided in accordance with the
approval processes indicated:
(1) The historic gross floor area of a designated historical resource may
be excluded from the floor area ratio with the approval of a
construction permit.
(2) A deviation from one or more of the base zone development
regulations may be granted with the approval of a Neighborhood
Development Permit.
(3) For the purpose of this subsection, a deviation from one of the base
zone development regulations shall refer to the entire development
regulation category identified in bold in the development regulation
table of the applicable base zone. For example, a deviation from both
side and rear yard setback requirements would be a deviation from one
base zone development regulation (setback requirements).
(d) A deviation from allowed uses or the requirements of Overlay Zones,
environmentally sensitive lands regulations, historical resources regulations,
building regulations, or similar regulations shall not be permitted as part of a
historic preservation development incentive.
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(e) A historic preservation development incentive processed with a construction
permit may be denied if the City makes a written finding of denial based upon
substantial evidence of any of the following:
(1) The incentive is not required in order to avoid impacts to a traditional cultural property or important archaeological site, or to comply with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties;
(2) The incentive would have a specific adverse impact upon public health
and safety as defined in California Government Code Section 65589.5;
(3) The incentive would be contrary to state or federal law. Requested
incentives shall be analyzed in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act as set forth in Chapter 12, Article 8, and no
incentive shall be granted without such compliance; or
(4) Within the Coastal Overlay Zone, the incentive would be inconsistent
with the resource protection standards of the City’s Local Coastal
Program or the environmentally sensitive lands regulations, with the
exception of density.
(f) If development is proposed for a site which has previously been granted and
has implemented a historic preservation development incentive, and the
proposed development is not exempt in accordance with Section 143.0220 due
to a substantial alteration, relocation, or demolition of the designated
historical resource, traditional cultural property, or important archaeological
site, the proposed development may not be approved unless:
(1) The proposed development includes the removal of the historic
preservation development incentive and the premises is brought into
compliance with the Land Development Code as it relates to the
development incentive; or
(2) The proposed development includes complete demolition and removal
of all buildings on the premises.
(“Development Incentives for Preservation of Designated Historical Resources,
Historical Districts, Traditional Cultural Properties and Important Archaeological
Sites” added 3-22-2018 by O-20920 N.S.; effective 4-21-2018.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
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§143.0250 General Development Regulations for Historical Resources¶
Development that does not qualify for an exemption pursuant to Section 143.0220 is subject to the following regulations and the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual.
(a) For purposes of this division, the terms “alteration,” minor alteration,” and
“substantial alteration” shall mean the following:
(1) Alteration means any change or modification, through public or
private action, of any historical resource or of any property located
within a historical district including changes to designated interior
architectural features; exterior changes to or modification of structural
details, architectural details, or visual characteristics such as doors,
windows, surface materials and texture, grading, or surface paving;
addition of new structures; cutting or removal of trees, landscaping, or
other historical features; disturbance of archaeological sites; and the
placement or removal of any exterior objects such as signs, plaques,
light fixtures, street furniture, walls, fences, steps, plantings, and
landscape accessories affecting the exterior visual qualities of the
property.
(2) Minor alteration means improvements that enhance, restore, maintain,
repair, or allow adaptive reuse of a historical resource that do not
adversely affect the special character or special historical,
architectural, archaeological, or cultural value of the resource and will
conform to standards embodied in the designation of a historical
district when applicable.
(3) Substantial alteration means demolition, destruction, relocation, new
construction or alteration activities that would impair the significance
of a historical resource.
(b) All areas with designated historical resources, traditional cultural properties
or important archaeological sites that remain undisturbed or are restored or
enhanced as a result of a development approval shall be preserved as a
condition of that approval.
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(c) Upon notification to a property owner of a pending Historical Resources Board hearing to consider designation of a historical resource, the property owner or any authorized agent shall not undertake any alteration, construction, grading, demolition, relocation, or removal of the property, and no permit to undertake such work shall be approved by the City Manager, for a time period of at least two scheduled Board meetings, but in no event more than 90 calendar days, unless an extension is requested by the owner. This section shall not apply to the construction, grading, alteration, demolition, relocation, or removal of any structure or other feature, where a permit for the performance of such work was issued before the date of notice of the public hearing. In addition, this section shall not apply where such permit has not expired or been canceled or revoked, provided that construction is started and diligently pursued to completion in accordance with the Land Development Code.
(d) Before the Historical Resources Board’s hearing on the designation of a
property, and upon application by the property owner, the City Manager may
approve a permit for minor alterations or reconstruction consistent with the
ordinary maintenance or repair of the property, to the extent that such work
does not adversely affect the special character or special historical,
architectural, archaeological, or cultural value of the property.
(e) Designated historical resources that are occupied shall be maintained in the
same manner as all other occupied structures in accordance with the Uniform
Building Code and State Historic Building Code and in a manner that
preserves their historical integrity.
(f) Designated historical resources that are unoccupied shall be maintained in a
manner that preserves their historical integrity.
(g) All proposed subdivisions that contain designated historical resources, traditional cultural properties or important archaeological sites shall provide a conceptual grading plan that indicates future limits of grading and future development potential of all lots. Future development of any newly created lot shall conform to this grading plan. In addition, no building lot shall be created that provides such a small development area that future reasonable development of that lot will require encroachment into an important archaeological site beyond 25 percent. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
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§143.0251 Development Regulations for Designated Historical Resources and Historical¶
Districts
In addition to the general development regulations in Section 143.0250, the following
regulations apply to designated historical resources and historical districts.
(a) It is unlawful to substantially alter, demolish, destruct, remove, or relocate
any designated historical resource or any historical building, historical
structure, historical object or historical landscape located within a historical
district except as provided in Section 143.0260.
(b) Minor alteration of any designated historical resource, or any historical
building, historical structure, historical object or historical landscape located
within a historical district, or any new construction within a historical district
may be permitted if the minor alteration or new construction would not
adversely affect the special character or special historical, architectural,
archaeological, or cultural value of the resource consistent with the Secretary
of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
(c) Development affecting designated historical resources or historical districts
shall provide full mitigation for the impact to the resource, in accordance with
the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual, as a
condition of approval.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0252 Development Regulations for Traditional Cultural Properties¶
In addition to the general development regulations in Section 143.0250, development shall not be permitted on any traditional cultural property unless all feasible measures to protect and preserve the resource are required as a condition of development approval except as provided in Section 143.0260. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0253 Development Regulations for Important Archaeological Sites¶
In addition to the general development regulations in Section 143.0250, the following regulations apply to important archaeological sites.
(a) Important archaeological sites shall be preserved in their natural state, except
that development may be permitted as provided in this section or as provided
in Section 143.0260.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)
(1) Development may be permitted in areas containing important
archaeological sites if necessary to achieve a reasonable development
area, with up to 25 percent encroachment into any important
archaeological site allowed. This 25 percent encroachment includes
all grading, structures, public and private streets, brush management
except as provided in Section 143.0225, and any project-serving
utilities.
(2) An additional encroachment of up to 15 percent, for a total
encroachment of 40 percent, into important archaeological sites may
be permitted for essential public service projects that are sited,
designed, and constructed to minimize adverse impacts to important
archaeological sites, where it has been demonstrated that there is no
feasible, less environmentally damaging location or alternative.
Essential public service projects include publicly owned parks and
recreation facilities, fire and police stations, publicly owned libraries,
public schools, major streets and primary arterials, and public utility
systems.
(b) Any encroachment into important archaeological sites shall include measures
to mitigate for the partial loss of the resource as a condition of approval.
Mitigation shall include the following methods, consistent with the Historical
Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual:
(1) The preservation through avoidance of the remaining portion of the
important archaeological site; and
(2) The implementation of a research design and excavation program that
recovers the scientific value of the portion of the important
archaeological site that would be lost due to encroachment.
(c) The following types of development shall not be considered encroachment provided that no structures, other than portable structures are erected or maintained on the premises and that adequate measures to preserve and protect the important archaeological site, consistent with the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual, are included as conditions of approval:
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)
(1) Parks and playgrounds;
(2) Low-intensity, passive recreational uses such as trails, access paths,
and public viewpoints; and
(3) Parking lots.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0260 Deviations from the Historical Resources Regulations¶
(a) If a proposed development cannot to the maximum extent feasible comply with this division, a deviation may be considered in accordance with decision Process Four, or Process CIP-Five for capital improvement program projects or public projects.
(b) The minimum deviation to afford relief from the regulations of this division
and accommodate development may be granted only if the decision maker
makes the applicable findings in Section 126.0504.
(c) If a deviation for demolition or removal of a designated historical resource or
a contributing structure within a historical district is approved, a Building
Permit application must be deemed complete for the new development on the
same premises prior to issuance of a Demolition/Removal Permit.
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective
1-1-2000.)
(Amended 10-22-2013 by O-20309 N.S.; effective 12-12-2013.)
(Amended 1-8-2020 by O-21164 N.S.; effective 2-9-2020.)
(Amended 1-27-2022 by O-21416 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.)
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)
§143.0270 Administrative Guidelines¶
The City Manager is authorized to promulgate and publish Historical Resources Guidelines and other support documents to be located in the Land Development Manual, as necessary to implement this division. These administrative guidelines shall serve as baseline standards for processing Construction Permits, Neighborhood Development Permits, and Site Development Permits issued pursuant to this division. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
§143.0280 Violations and Remedies¶
The provisions of this division shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter 12, Article 1, Division 2 (Enforcement Authorities for the Land Development Code) and the Historical Resources Guidelines of the Land Development Manual. (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
Ch. Art. Div.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (3-2026)
Article 3: Supplemental Development Regulations
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