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New construction · San Diego

Can I tear down and rebuild my house in San Diego?

Tear-down and rebuild is allowed in San Diego on most legally conforming parcels, but the path depends on the parcel's zoning, lot conformance, and any historic / hillside / coastal overlays. Steep slopes >25% are 'sensitive' per ESL — encroachment is heavily restricted, often determining buildable area.

What changes the answer in San Diego.

San Diego uses base zones plus community-plan overlays; coastal, hillside, and Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) overlays widely applied. Coastal Development Permit required in Coastal Overlay Zone; ESL triggers biology, geology, and steep-slope review. Historic Resources Board review for designated districts.

  • Steep slopes >25% are 'sensitive' per ESL — encroachment is heavily restricted, often determining buildable area.
  • Coastal Development Permit required in Coastal Overlay Zone; ESL triggers biology, geology, and steep-slope review. Historic Resources Board review for designated districts.
  • ESL steep-slope rules (>25%) restrict canyon and bluff development citywide.
  • Coastal Overlay Zone covers La Jolla, Point Loma, Pacific/Mission Beach, and other coastal communities; CDP required.
  • Eastern and back-country portions of the city in VHFHSZ; Chapter 7A applies. WUI fuel-mod requirements coordinated with SDFD.

Source-backed note

Demolition + new construction are reviewed by City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) alongside any required planning / coastal / hillside review.

Local authority: City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)

Get a San Diego-specific answer for your parcel.

Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.

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