Zoning Page

San Diego Repeals Footnote 7, Restores RS-1-2 Zoning Regulations

  • When: 2025/03/04
  • Address: Encanto Neighborhoods and Southeastern San Diego, San Diego, CA
  • City: San Diego
  • State: CA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Definitions update
  • Asset Class: Detached Housing
  • Property Type: Single Family Residential

The City of San Diego has repealed Footnote 7 from the Development Regulations Table 131-04D, which had previously reduced the minimum lot size in RS-1-2 zones from 20,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet and applied RS-1-7 development regulations to subdivisions in Encanto and Southeastern San Diego. The repeal restores the RS-1-2 zoning designation, reinstating the original 20,000 square foot minimum lot size. This action follows concerns raised about the disproportionate application of Footnote 7, its impact on infrastructure, and its potential conflicts with state housing laws. The repeal ensures that development in these areas aligns with citywide zoning standards and upholds community planning efforts. The City Council also rescinded its previous action on January 28, 2025, which had introduced an ordinance related to this zoning change. Additionally, staff have been directed to return with an action item to remove the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Density Bonus Program, addressing concerns related to high-density development in single-family zones.

Why it Matters

This decision reinstates larger lot requirements in RS-1-2 zones, ensuring consistency with citywide zoning standards and preserving neighborhood character. It also eliminates the unintended upzoning effect that had allowed higher densities in Encanto and Southeastern San Diego, addressing community concerns about infrastructure strain and equitable zoning practices.

Source

Allowed Uses: Single-family residential development within RS-1-2 zones with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet, subject to the development regulations of the RS-1-2 zoning classification.

Density: Reinstates a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet per dwelling unit, consistent with RS-1-2 zoning.

Minimum Lot Size: 20,000 square feet

Previous Zoning: RS-1-7 (as applied by Footnote 7)