New construction · San Diego
How does hillside zoning affect new construction in San Diego?
Hillside parcels in San Diego carry slope-based limits on FAR, retaining walls, grading export, and access. ESL steep-slope rules (>25%) restrict canyon and bluff development citywide.
What changes the answer in San Diego.
ESL steep-slope rules (>25%) restrict canyon and bluff development citywide. Grading >200 cy or any encroachment into steep slopes triggers grading permit and ESL review. Canyon and coastal-bluff access often narrow; staging plans common.
- ESL steep-slope rules (>25%) restrict canyon and bluff development citywide.
- Grading >200 cy or any encroachment into steep slopes triggers grading permit and ESL review.
- Canyon and coastal-bluff access often narrow; staging plans common.
- Bay Point Formation, terrace deposits, and ancient landslide complexes; geotech standard for hillside and bluff lots.
Source-backed note
City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) applies the local hillside ordinance at plan check; a geotechnical report and grading plan are typically required.
Local authority: City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
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