San Diego Municipal Code Div. 1 Gaslamp Quarter Planned District

(“General Rules” added 3-27-2007 by O-19588 N.S.) (Retitled from “General Rules” to “Gaslamp Quarter Planned District” on 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

The purpose of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Ordinance is to establish design and development criteria to ensure that the development and redevelopment of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District (District) and Gaslamp Quarter Historical District implement the goals of the Downtown Community Plan.

The distinctive historical character of the District will be retained and enhanced by
established procedures and regulations that are deemed necessary to:

(a) protect improvements which represent elements of the District’s cultural,
social, economic, and architectural history;

(b) safeguard the District’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage as embodied
and reflected in such improvements;

(c) foster civic pride in the beauty and character of the District and in the
accomplishments of the District’s past;

(d) enhance the visual character of the District by encouraging new design and
construction that complement the existing historical resources; and

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(e) protect and enhance the District’s aesthetic and historical attractions to
residents, tourists, visitors and others, thereby serving as a stimulus and a
support to business and industry.
(“Purpose and Intent” added 3-27-2007 by O-19588 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)
(Amended 8-12-2010 by O-19984 N.S.; effective 9-11-2010.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

(a) General Boundaries

The regulations of this Article shall apply in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District which is within the boundaries of the Downtown Community Plan
area in the City of San Diego, California, as shown in Figure A.

(b) Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District Overlay

Several blocks in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District fall within the
boundaries of the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, established by the
City Council on October 13, 1987, by Resolution No. R-269475, and shown
in Figure A. The Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District Master Plan,
approved on August 15, 1995, by the Redevelopment Agency by Resolution
No. 2544, and on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Agency as
Document No. 02238, establishes design guidelines for the Asian Pacific
Thematic Historic District. All new construction modifications to contributing
resources within the boundaries of the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic
District shall be reviewed for consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards and the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District Master Plan in
conjunction with the provisions of this Article and the Gaslamp Quarter
Planned District Design Guidelines. A copy of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District Design Guidelines is on file in the office of the City Clerk as
Document No. RR-306002. A list of contributing resources to the Asian
Pacific Thematic Historic District can be found in Appendix A of the
Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines.
(“Boundaries” added 3-27-2007 by O-19588 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)
(Amended 8-12-2010 by O-19984 N.S.; effective 9-11-2010.)

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

The City Manager is responsible for the planning and zoning functions of the City of San Diego within the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District. The City Manager, or his or her designee, shall administer the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Ordinance as set forth in this Article and ensure compliance with the regulations and procedures of this Article, the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines, the Downtown Community Plan, the Centre City Streetscape Manual, and any other policies or guidelines adopted by the City of San Diego to implement the Downtown Community Plan. (“Administration” added 3-27-2007 by O-19588 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.) (Amended 8-12-2010 by O-19984 N.S.; effective 9-11-2010.) (Amended 5-15-2014 by O-20366 N.S.; effective 6-14-2014.) (Amended 6-21-2019 by O-21085 N.S.; effective 7-21-2019.) (Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Where not otherwise specified in this Article, the following regulations of the Land Development Code, including all Articles and Divisions within each Chapter unless otherwise stated, shall apply.

Chapter 11 Land Development Procedures

Chapter 12 Land Development Reviews

Chapter 13 Zones

Chapter 14 General Regulations

Chapter 15 Planned Districts, Article 1, Division 1

Where there is a conflict between the applicable regulations of the Land
Development Code and this Article, the regulations of this Article shall
govern.

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

(a) Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines

(1) The Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines supplement
the regulations set forth in this Article and include review procedures,
standards, and guidelines for development within the Gaslamp Quarter
Planned District. Where there is a conflict between the Gaslamp
Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines and this Article, the
regulations of this Article shall govern.

(2) The Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines may be
amended in either one of the following ways:

(A) Minor amendments shall be approved by the City Manager and
shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk as errata sheets to
Document No. RR-306002. Minor amendments shall include
changes that do not qualify as a major amendment; or

(B) Major amendments shall be reviewed by the Planning
Commission and the Historical Resources Board and approved
by the City Council. Major amendments shall include any
changes that modify general design regulations for new
buildings or designated historical resources.
(“Applicable Regulations” added 3-27-2007 by O-19588 N.S.; effective 4-26-2007.)
(Amended 8-12-2010 by O-19984 N.S.; effective 9-11-2010.)
(Amended 5-15-2014 by O-20366 N.S.; effective 6-14-2014.)
(Amended 6-21-2019 by O-21085 N.S.; effective 7-21-2019.)
(Amended 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

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

(a) Approvals

(1) In accordance with the process set forth in this Article, the City
Manager’s or their designee’s approval is required prior to the
commencement of any of the following activities:

(A) New construction of any structure;

(B) Grading;

(C) Demolition of any structure;

(D) Additions to any existing structures;

(E) Alterations or remodeling of the exterior of any existing
structures;

(F) Installation of any awning;

(G) Installation of any sign;

(H) Painting the exterior of any structures;

(I) Installation of any sidewalk café;

(J) Installation of any exterior utilities visible from or within the
public right of-way; or

(K) Installation of any exterior mechanical equipment or ductwork.

(2) The City Manager’s or their designee’s approval, in accordance with
Process One, is required for minor alterations to a historical resource
consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and in
accordance with Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 2 of the Land
Development Code, this Article, and the Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District Design Guidelines. For purposes of this section, “Minor
alterations” means activities that:

(A) Enhance, restore, maintain, repair or allow adaptive reuse of a
historical resource;

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

(B) Do not adversely affect the special character or special
historical, architectural, archeological, or cultural value of the
historical resource; and

(C) Will conform to the standards embodied in the designation of
the historical district.

(b) Permits

(1) Conditional Use Permit

(A) A Conditional Use Permit, in accordance with Process Three,
is required for the following uses:

(i) Establishments providing live music, entertainment or dancing, as provided in Section 157.0111(c)(2) and (4);

(ii) Establishments engaged in the sale of alcoholic
beverages for consumption off the premises; and

(iii) Ground floor uses over 10,000 square feet.

(B) Conditional Use Permits shall be reviewed and considered
pursuant to this Article and consistent with applicable
provisions of Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 3 of the Land
Development Code and Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Land
Development Code.

(2) Site Development Permit

(A) A Site Development Permit, in accordance with Process Four,
is required for substantial alterations, as defined in
Section 143.0250 of the Land Development Code, to a
historical resource.

(B) Site Development Permits for substantial alterations shall be
reviewed and considered pursuant to this Article and
Chapter 14, Article 3, Divisions 2 and 3 of the Land
Development Code and consistent with applicable provisions
of Chapter 12, Article 6, Division 5 of the Land Development
Code.
(“Gaslamp Quarter Approvals and Permits” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.;
effective 10-5-2024.)

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

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

If any designated or contributing historical resource is damaged by earthquake, fire, or act of God and is determined unsafe by the Building Official, the record owner may apply for a development permit to demolish the historical resource. The permit shall be referred to the Historical Resources Board pursuant to Chapters 11, 12, and 14 of the Land Development Code. Alternatively, the record owner may apply for a permit to restore or reconstruct the historical resource in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and the Land Development Code. In the case of an emergency, the City Manager, in consultation with the Building Official and the staff of the Historical Resources Board, may authorize without a public hearing, the minimum amount of work necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, pursuant to Section 143.0214 of the Land Development Code. (“Removal of Damaged Historical Resources” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

The Gaslamp Quarter is unique in that it marks the earliest development in downtown San Diego. The area retains much of the original architecture of its early history as a collection of late 19th and early 20th century structures. The District is valued for its historical significance not only at the local level by the City of San Diego and also on a national level by the United States Department of the Interior.

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

The architecture of the area is characterized by structures erected during a 57 year period from 1873 to 1930. The structures are typically 2 to 4 stories high and are constructed of common brick with continuous facades at the property line. Ground- floors are frequently 20 feet high with cornices separating them from the upper floors. Corbeling is very often found at the terminal cornice, particularly in the case of brick buildings. The front sides of the structures are often designed with closely set bays framed with segmental, stilted, or flat arches that are 10 to 12 feet apart. The openings are deep-set and the entrances are typically inset. Heavy ornate cornices and spandrels, carefully detailed parapets, and bay windows are also typical design elements of the structures. (“Character of the Area” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

The City Council has adopted the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines which contain architectural and design guidelines to be used in evaluating the appropriateness of any development for which a permit is applied under this Article. Nothing in this Article shall preclude the use of any affordable housing density bonus programs identified in Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 7 of the Land Development Code so long as the development maintains consistency with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for historical resources.

(a) Building Height Regulations

Building heights in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District are measured from
the average grade of the adjoining public sidewalk grades, to the top of the
parapet of the highest habitable floor.

Uninhabited roof structures that conceal mechanical equipment or elevator or
stair overruns are exempt from this requirement when they are set back from
the front property line by at least 15 feet, are not visible from the public right-
of-way, and do not project above a 45-degree plane inclined inward from the
top of the parapet(s) of any street wall adjoining a public right-of-way; up to a
maximum height of 30 feet.

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(1) All structures must maintain a minimum height of 30 feet at the
property line.

(2) Building heights shall be a maximum of 75 feet.

(3) Building height may be increased to a maximum of 101 feet on parcels
20,000 square feet or more subject to the following:

(A) The site contains no contributing historical resource.

(B) The development shall not exceed an FAR of 6.0.

(C) Building elements greater than 75 feet in height shall be set
back a minimum of 50 feet from Fifth Avenue public
right-of-way.

(D) Additional stories comply with all applicable massing,
architectural style, material use, articulation, setbacks, and
fencing standards set forth in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District Design Guidelines.

(4) Building height may be increased to a maximum of 125 feet on parcels
30,000 square feet or more subject to the following:

(A) The maximum FAR shall not exceed 6.0;

(B) Building elements greater than 75 feet in height shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the Fifth Avenue public right-of-way.

(C) The site contains no contributing historic resource.

(D) On sites containing any contributing historic resource, the
development shall be approved in accordance with Process 5,
provided that the City Council finds the development offers
significant architectural, aesthetic, and community benefits to
the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District.

(b) Street Wall Requirements

Buildings shall provide a continuous street wall plane and strong street edge
definition at the property line.

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

(1) The street wall of all structures shall be continuous at the property line
except for storefront entry. Doors shall not project into the public
right-of-way by more than 12 inches.

(2) Street wall glazing shall be deeply recessed with detailed window
frames permitted to protrude beyond the front face of the building.
Cornices, bay windows, and ornamentation may project into the public
right-of-way at upper levels to a distance no greater than 4 feet.

(3) Ground floor treatment shall have a traditional storefront character and
pedestrian scale in the details.

(4) Façades located along Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues shall
incorporate at least one primary entrance from the public right-of-way
within that façade. A minimum of 60 percent of the street facing
building façades along Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues shall contain
storefronts allowing views of indoor space and direct access from the
street.

(c) Floor-to-Floor Heights

(1) The ground-floor height shall be no less than 12 feet and no greater
than 20 feet, measured from finish floor to finish floor.

(2) The exterior façades must respect the floor-to-floor heights typical of adjoining structures. A lesser floor height may be permitted to allow for mezzanines and design expression for other contemporary uses.

(d) Building Façade Design Criteria

(1) All buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District shall observe
the dominant historical building pattern which is characterized by a
delineation of a building base, middle, and top.

(2) The building base shall be defined by a projecting band and/or
articulated recess in a continuous horizontal direction across the
building façade.

(3) A kickplate or bulkhead shall be included, which shall be a minimum
of 12 inches and a maximum of 30 inches.

(4) Storefronts shall consist of large glass panels with bulkheads below.

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

(5) Storefront frames shall be set back from the building surface by
3 inches. Glass panels shall be set back from the storefront frame a
minimum of 1 inch.

(6) Above the ground-floor, the building shall contain the window
openings which coincide with the horizontal floor bands and may be
capped with a cornice.

(7) All windows above the ground-floor shall have a longer vertical
dimension than horizontal dimension and shall be punched into the
wall plane, with the window glass set back a minimum of 4 inches
from the outside plane.

(e) Architectural Fabric and Materials

(1) The use of plaster shall be limited to 20 percent of the base and
60 percent of the overall building facade.

(2) Reflective silver aluminum storefront window systems are not
permitted.

(3) Frameless storefront systems are not permitted.

(4) Permanent, temporary or retractable grates, grills or bars are not
permitted on windows, doors or alcoves.

(f) Additional Stories Requirements

Additional stories are not permitted for development on sites that contain a
contributing historical resource. Additional stories shall comply with the
following criteria:

(1) The additional stories are limited to a flat roofed volume containing a maximum height of 26 feet. The height of the additional stories will be measured from the top of the adjacent building roof to the top of the highest additional stories parapet.

(2) The minimum setback for additional stories is 15 feet from any
building façade adjoining a public right-of-way.

(3) At the maximum additional stories height of 26 feet, the volume shall
be set back 30 feet from any building façade adjoining a public right-
of-way.

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

(4) The volume shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any building
façade adjoining Fifth Avenue public right-of-way.

(5) The parapet of all street facing building facades shall be solid and a
minimum of 24 inches tall.

(6) Open grill fences and/or solid screen walls are allowed in the setback
zone provided the following conditions are met:

(A) Open grill fences (minimum 60 percent open) shall not exceed
a height of 5 feet.

(B) Solid screen walls shall not exceed a height of 4 feet.

(C) No fences or screen walls are permitted within 8 feet of any
building façade adjoining a public right-of-way.

(7) Any stair enclosures, mechanical equipment, or other equipment
located on the roof of the additional stories volume shall be set back a
minimum of 25 feet from any street-facing additional stories parapet,
which is parallel to a public right-of-way rather than an interior
property line.

(8) Mechanical equipment and enclosures must not occupy more than 30
percent of the additional stories roof area. The maximum height for
any mechanical equipment or enclosures atop the additional stories is
15 feet.

(9) All mechanical equipment shall be fully screened from all views
including from above, with solid walls or screens with a maximum of
50 percent transparency.

Refer to the Gaslamp Quarter Design Guidelines for specific guidelines and figures. (“General Design Regulations for New Buildings” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 12

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

(a) General Considerations

Contributing buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District are those that
have been individually designated or designated by the Historical Resources
Board as part of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District nomination to the
National Park Service. Typical alterations of contributing buildings range
from the repainting of façades or building elements to the construction of
additions to the buildings. The appendix of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned
District Design Guidelines provides a comprehensive list of the contributing
buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District. Refer to the San Diego
Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places
for newly listed historical buildings and resources in the Gaslamp Quarter
Planned District. Any proposed alterations to contributing resources shall
follow the appropriate Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment
of Historic Properties and Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating,
Restoring, and Reconstructing Historical Buildings.

(b) Code and Zoning Considerations

The California Historical Building Code (Chapter 8, Title 24, California Code
of Regulations) applies to reviews of qualified historical structures.
(“General Guidelines for Designated Historical Resources” added 7-22-2024 by
O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

No building or improvement or portion thereof shall be used except as permitted by this Division. Permitted ground-floor uses in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District are limited to active commercial uses such as restaurants and retail of consumer goods and services. No single user or business shall occupy more than 10,000 square feet on the ground-floor of a building except as provided in Section 157.0111(d).

The uses allowed in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District are shown in
Table 157-0110-A, below. The “Additional Regulations” column references
additional regulations applicable to certain uses, which are found in this Article or in
the Land Development Code.

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

(a) Prohibited Uses

The following uses shall be prohibited in the entire District as both primary
and accessory uses:

(1) Card rooms, defined as any establishment open to the public wherein
games of any kind are played with cards for any consideration;

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 18

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

(2) Correctional placement facilities as described in Section 141.0406;

(3) Drive-through businesses; and

(4) Mobile food trucks as described in Section 141.0612.

(b) Special Regulations for Ground-Floor Uses

Uses may not occupy more than 10,000 square feet on the ground-floor of any
building unless a Conditional Use Permit has been approved for such a use
pursuant to Section 157.0111(d).

Previously conforming ground-floor uses occupying more than 10,000 square feet may continue to exist on the ground-floor as a previously conforming use subject to Chapter 12, Article 7, Division 1 of the Land Development Code. The ground-floor use may expand into a basement or upper floor only if permitted in accordance with this Division.

(c) Specialized Uses in the Public Right-of-Way

Specialized uses in the public right-of-way which are consistent with the
1873-1930 era may be considered on all streets with the exception of
Broadway. Specialized uses to be considered include sidewalk cafes and
moveable encroachments such as flower stalls, newsstands, and shoe shine
stands. Prior to the use of the public right-of-way for a specialized use, an
encroachment permit shall be obtained in accordance with Chapter 12,
Article 9, Division 7 of the San Diego Municipal Code. A clear separation of
the encroachment area and the remainder of the sidewalk shall be provided.
Encroachments shall not be allowed to extend out into the public right-of-way
for more than half the width of the sidewalk from property line to curb.
(“Permitted Uses” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div.
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San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (10-2024)

(a) Alcoholic Beverage Sales for On-Site Consumption

(1) Restaurants which offer made-to-order food products during all
business hours shall not be required to obtain a Conditional Use
Permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption.

(2) A Neighborhood Use Permit shall be required for the restaurants,
including brew pubs or micro-breweries, engaged in the sale of
alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption during business hours
when made-to-order food products are not available.

(b) Alcoholic Beverage Sales for Off-Site Consumption

(1) Stores greater than 10,000 square feet in floor area where the shelving
allocated to alcoholic beverages does not exceed 10 percent of the
total shelving within the store, shall not be required to obtain a
Conditional Use Permit.

(2) Establishments engaged in the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-site
consumption shall be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and
shall be an accessory use to the following primary uses:

(A) Delicatessens;

(B) Drug stores/convenience stores;

(C) Food and retail stores;

(D) Restaurants; or

(E) Micro breweries or brew pub.

(3) No wine or distilled spirits shall be sold in containers of less than
seven-hundred-fifty (750) milliliters.

(4) No malt beverage products shall be sold in less than six-pack
quantities per sale.

(5) Quarterly gross sales of alcoholic beverages shall not exceed
25 percent of the quarterly gross sales of the primary use.

(6) No alcoholic beverages shall be sold except between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. of each day of the week.

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

(7) After considering the facts presented in the application, a Hearing Officer may grant a Conditional Use Permit at the hearing if it is concluded that all of the applicable criteria set forth in this Division have been met. The Hearing Officer may grant exceptions to sections 157.0111(b)(5) and (6) above if notice of the proposed exception is included in the public notice of the hearing and if the Hearing Officer finds that the proposed use and operations are compatible with existing and planned surrounding land uses. In granting the Conditional Use Permit, the Hearing Officer may impose additional conditions as deemed necessary and desirable to protect the public health, safety, and welfare which address the following issues to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Division:

(A) Entertainment uses or activities or amusement devices on the
premises;

(B) Hours of operation for sales of alcoholic beverages;

(C) Security measures;

(D) Potential noise impacts to residential occupants; and

(E) Lighting, litter and nuisance abatement or any other special
requirements for the premises.

(c) Live entertainment

Live entertainment means live performances by musicians, singers, dancers,
disc jockeys, or similar entertainers, and may include dancing by customers of
an establishment. The provision of live entertainment shall comply with
Chapter 3, Article 3, Division 15 of this Code, as applicable, and shall be
subject to the following additional regulations and permits:

(1) Acoustic live entertainment

(A) Restaurants which offer made-to-order food products during all
business hours may offer performances by live acoustic
musicians, dancers, or similar performers as an accessory use
up to 11:00 p.m., if the entertainment is not audible outside of
the establishment.

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

(B) Any other establishment offering performances by live acoustic musicians, dancers, or similar performers shall obtain a Neighborhood Use Permit in accordance with Process Two. The performances shall not be audible outside the establishment.

(2) Non-acoustic live entertainment

(A) Any establishment offering performances within an enclosed
building by live non-acoustic musicians, disc jockeys, or
patron dancing, shall obtain a Conditional Use Permit in
accordance with Process Three.

(B) If located upon or adjacent to a premises containing residential
land uses the establishment shall provide a noise impact
analysis for consideration before approval of the Conditional
Use Permit. The noise impact analysis shall be prepared by a
qualified acoustical engineer and shall evaluate potential noise
and vibration impacts to the surrounding neighborhood.

(3) Hotels and motels offering live entertainment in an area completely
enclosed within the building and accessed solely through the lobby
area are not subject to Section 157.0111(c)(1) or (2), if the live
entertainment is not audible outside of the building.

(4) Live entertainment located outside of an enclosed building

Establishments offering live entertainment outside of an enclosed
building shall obtain a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with
Process Three. The establishment shall provide a noise impact analysis
for consideration before approval of the Conditional Use Permit. The
noise impact analysis shall be prepared by a qualified acoustical
engineer and shall evaluate noise and vibration impacts to the
surrounding neighborhood.

(5) Sound and amplification equipment associated with live entertainment
shall conform to the noise abatement and control regulations of
Chapter 5, Article 9.5 of this Code.

(d) Ground-Floor Uses Over 10,000 Square Feet

The following findings must be made for approval of a Conditional Use
Permit for uses occupying more than 10,000 square feet on the ground floor:

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 22

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

(1) Uses shall not occupy more than 150 feet of continual lineal street frontage including around block corners;

(2) Additional pedestrian entrances shall be provided for street frontages
greater than 100 feet; and

(3) The proposed use and the design will create a lively pedestrian
experience consistent with the goals and policies adopted for the
Gaslamp Quarter Planned District.
(“Separately Regulated Uses” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective
10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

(a) There shall be no required minimum parking for any uses in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District. The maximum parking requirements as outlined in Table 157-0112-A shall apply.

(b) Bicycle Storage. Secured bicycle storage shall be provided at a ratio of one
area reasonably sized to accommodate one bicycle for every five dwelling
units. Bicycle storage areas shall be enclosed with access restricted to
authorized persons. Any common storage area to serve more than one
dwelling unit shall provide racks or fixtures on which to lock individual
bicycles.

(c) Provided Parking. If one or more off-street parking spaces are provided in a
development, then the following requirements apply:

(1) The off-street parking spaces shall consist only of unbundled parking.

(2) The number of accessible off-street parking spaces shall be provided
in accordance with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations
(California Building Standards Code).

(3) The number of off-street electric vehicle charging spaces shall be
provided in accordance with the California Green Building Standards
Code.

Ch. Art. Div.
15 7 1 23

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

(4) One motorcycle parking space shall be provided for every ten parking
spaces.

(5) Reasonable accommodations to the parking requirements shall be
granted if necessary, to afford disabled persons equal housing
opportunities under state and federal law, in accordance with
Section 131.0466.

(d) Maximum Parking. Off-street parking spaces in tandem or within a
mechanical automobile lift are not counted as additional off-street parking
space. A development may exceed the maximum off-street parking spaces
identified in Table 157-0112-A if all of the following apply:

(1) At least 20 percent of the total off-street parking spaces provided
include electric vehicle supply equipment for the ready installation of
charging stations;

(2) The development provides transportation amenities in accordance with
Section 142.0528(c) worth at least four points; and

(3) Any off-street parking spaces shall be within an underground parking garage.

TABLE 157-0112-A: OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

(“Off-Street Parking Requirements” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 24

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

The Gaslamp Quarter Design Guidelines set forth design standards for structure, content, lettering, location, size, number, illumination, color, projection and other characteristics for all signs in the Gaslamp Quarter. All signage shall be designed in compliance with the Gaslamp Quarter Design Guidelines. (“Signs” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Awnings and canopies were used historically in the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District. All new awnings and canopies shall be designed in compliance with the Gaslamp Quarter Design Planned District Guidelines. (“Awnings and Canopies” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Sidewalk cafes shall comply with Sections 141.0621 and 157.0111(c) of the Land Development Code and the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines. (“Sidewalk Cafes” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div.
15 7 1 25

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

Although automated digital devices, such as automatic teller machines (ATM’s), electronic ticketing, or video displays, are not considered to be compatible with the historical district, they are convenient and therefore allowed so long as they are located to minimize their visual impact. Such devices may be installed only adjacent to or on the exterior of a non-contributing building. (“Digital Services” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

All open spaces, streets, sidewalks, street furniture, street signs, lighting installations, and any incidental structures or monuments, shall conform with the intent of this Article, which is to complement the history and character of the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District in general accord with the period between 1873 to 1930 and shall be subject to the same regulations, conditions and standards established herein. (“Public Facilities, Structures and Area” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Cellular telephone antennas or satellite dishes are permitted on historical buildings or contributing structures, to the extent required by federal or state law. Cellular telephone antenna, satellite dishes, and associated screening enclosures on newly constructed buildings shall not be visible from the public right-of-way, unless required by federal or state law. (“Rooftop Antennae and Satellite Dishes” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 26

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

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

All signs, awnings, canopies, sidewalk cafés, ATM’s, rooftop antennae and satellite dishes, or similar elements which are previously conforming structures which do not conform to the provisions of this Article or the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines shall be required to be revised, altered, or removed in order to comply with this Article or the Gaslamp Quarter Planned District Design Guidelines no later than five years from September 11, 2010.

(“Previously Conforming Structures” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective
10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div.
15 7 1 27

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

Figure A

(“Figure A” added 7-22-2024 by O-21837 N.S.; effective 10-5-2024.)

[Editors Note: Amendments as adopted by O-21837 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-21837-SO.pdf ]

Ch. Art. Div. 15 7 1 28

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 15: Planned Districts (8-2014)