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Chapter 15 — Planned Districts›Article 10 — La Jolla Shores Planned District

San Diego Municipal Code Div. 2 Permits and Procedures

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

(“Permits and Procedures” added 3-27-2007 by O-19587 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)

§1510.0201 Procedures for Permit Application and Review

(a) A La Jolla Shores Planned District Permit shall be issued pursuant to Land Development Code Chapter 14, Article 5 (Building Regulations) and Chapter 6, Article 2 (Public Rights-of-Way and Land Development), before the commencement of any work in the erection of any new building or structure, or remodeling, alteration, addition, or demolition of any existing building or structure within the La Jolla Shores Planned District or any building which is moved into the La Jolla Shores Planned District or any grading or landscaping. A La Jolla Shores Planned District Permit is not required for interior modifications, repairs or remodeling, nor any exterior repairs or alterations for which a permit is not now required.

(b) The applications shall include the following:

(1) The purpose for which the proposed building, structure or
improvement is intended to be used.

(2) Adequate plans and specifications indicating dwelling unit density, lot
area, lot coverage and off-street parking.

(3) Adequate plans and specifications for the building and improvements
showing the exterior appearance, color and texture of materials, and
architectural design of the exterior.

(4) Adequate plans and specifications for any outbuildings, party walls,
courtyards, fences, setbacks, landscaping, signs, lighting or traffic
safety.

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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (10-2024)

(5) Within the Coastal Zone, where any portion of a lot contains slopes of
25 percent or greater, the information required to accompany an
application for a Site Development Permit for environmentally
sensitive resources shall also be required to accompany an application
for a permit in accordance with the La Jolla Shores Planned District
Ordinance.

(6) Any other information deemed necessary by the Advisory Board and
the City Manager to judge compliance with the regulations contained
herein and other applicable laws and regulations.

(c) The City Engineer shall refer all applications made under
Section 1510.0201(a) to the City Manager.

(d) A La Jolla Shores Planned District Permit may be approved, conditionally approved, or denied by a Hearing Officer, in accordance with Process Three, after receiving written recommendations or comments from the Advisory Board. The decision of the Hearing Officer may be appealed to the Planning Commission in accordance with Land Development Code Section 112.0506. Applications for Planned Development Permits shall be processed in accordance with Land Development Code Chapter 11 (Land Development Procedures) and Chapter 12 (Land Development Reviews). Action by the Hearing Officer on applications, other than those for Planned Development Permits, shall follow a written decision by the Advisory Board and shall include a statement that the Hearing Officer finds that the development does or does not conform to the regulations contained herein. If the Hearing Officer determines that the proposed development does not conform to the regulations within the La Jolla Shores Planned District, the specific facts on which that determination is based shall be included in the Hearing Officer’s written decision.

(1) The City Manager may determine that a development is minor in
scope and may be decided in accordance with a Process One, without
receiving a recommendation or comments from the Advisory Board.
The City Manager may determine that the following types of
development are minor in scope:

(A) Applications for improvements, additions, or alterations that
increase the existing floor area by 10 percent or less; or

(B) Applications for improvements to patio covers, decks, fences,
retaining walls, uncovered swimming pools, unlighted tennis
courts, or single-family residences.

Ch. Art. Div. 15 10 2 2

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (10-2024)

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, the City Manager may refer
an application for such improvements to the Advisory Board for a
recommendation before taking action on the application. The City
Manager may approve the application if the City Manager determines
that the improvement conforms to the architectural criteria and design
standards adopted by the City Council.

(e) Within 60 days after the submission of a complete application to the City
Manager, the City Manager shall send the decision in writing to the applicant
and City Engineer, except when the applicant requests or agrees to an
extension of time.

(f) A La Jolla Shores Planned District Permit granted by the City as herein
provided, shall expire and become void 36 months after the "Date of Final
Action" on the permit if the permit is not utilized in the manner set forth in
Land Development Code Section 126.0108 and Section 126.0109.

(g) A Hearing Officer may grant an extension of time in accordance with the
provisions set forth in Land Development Code Section 126.0111. To initiate
a request for extension of time, the property owner or owners shall file a
written application with the City Manager. The extension of time may be
approved if there has been no material change of circumstances since the
permit was originally granted.
(“Procedures for Permit Application and Review” added 3-27-2007 by
O-19587 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)
(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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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

§1510.0202 Previously Conforming Uses and Structures

(a) The lawful use of land which existed at the time the La Jolla Shores Planned District regulations became effective under Ordinance O-11332 and which did not conform with said regulations may be continued except when specifically prohibited provided no enlargement or additions to such use is made.

(b) The lawful use of buildings existing at the time the La Jolla Shores Planned
District regulations became effective with which regulations such buildings
did not conform may be continued, provided any enlargement, addition or
alterations to such buildings will not increase the degree of nonconformity
and will conform in every respect with all the La Jolla Shores Planned District
regulations.

(c) Any discontinuance of a previously conforming use for a period of 12
continuous months shall be deemed to constitute abandonment of any
previously conforming rights existing at the time of the enactment of the La
Jolla Shores Planned District.

(d) Any change from a previously conforming use of land or buildings to a
conforming use shall constitute abandonment of such previously conforming
rights.

(e) Improvements, repairs and alterations which do not increase the degree of
nonconformity of a previously conforming building, structure or improvement
are permitted.

(f) If any previously conforming building be destroyed by fire, explosion, act of
God, or act of the public enemy to the extent of twice the assessed value,
according to the assessment thereof by the County Assessor for the fiscal year
during which such destruction occurs, then and without further action by the
City Council the said building and the land on which said building was
located or maintained shall from and after the date of such destruction be
subject to all the regulations of the La Jolla Shores Planned District
Ordinance. In the event it is determined by the Fire Chief of the City of San
Diego the destruction was incendiary in origin then the building may be
completely restored or rebuilt not exceeding the size of the original building.
(“Previously Conforming Uses and Structures” added 3-27-2007 by O-19587 N.S.;
effective 4-26-2007.)

Ch. Art. Div. 15 10 2 4

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (4-2024)

Article 10: La Jolla Shores Planned District

(“La Jolla Shores Planned District” added 3-27-2007 by O-19587 N.S.)

Exceptions & meaning →

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