Overview of the State of California and Federal Environmental Review Process

Requirements that projects must follow to comply with federal, state and local regulations regarding environment review, environmental impact reports (EIR), appeals and mitigation monitoring.

Revised June 2007

How to Calculate Exterior Wall Demolition within the Coastal Overlay Zone

This Information Bulletin provides general information concerning San Diego Municipal Code Section 126.0704(a)(5) and the demolition or removal of 50% or more of the existing exterior walls of existing structures within the Coastal Overlay Zone. 

Revised April 2023

Movable Tiny House

A Movable Tiny House is a detached transportable accessory structure on a residential lot that provides living facilities for one or more persons, independent of the primary dwelling unit, which includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, and cooking.

Revised November 2020

Office to Residential Conversions

This Information Bulletin addresses the City of San Diego’s land use regulations that are applicable to converting existing office buildings to residential uses.

Revised April 2024

Multi-Dwelling Unit Developments and Urban Lot Splits

This Information Bulletin addresses the City of San Diego’s regulations to implement California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which permits multi-dwelling unit development and lot splits, under specified circumstances, on parcels zoned for single dwelling unit development and Planned District Zones that permit single dwelling unit development. It also provides guidance on requirements for obtaining a building permit to construct a dwelling unit using those provisions.

Revised May 2025

New Development on a Site with a Utilized Development Permit

Utilized Development Permit

Revised March 2020

Complete Communities Housing Solutions

Complete Communities Housing Solutions (CCHS) is an optional affordable housing incentive program allowing more dense housing projects near high-frequency transit. The regulations are intended to create a variety of housing options for everyone, with an emphasis on low- and moderate-income levels.

Revised March 2024

Senate Bill 684/1123 Tentative Maps

This Information Bulletin addresses the City of San Diego’s ministerial approval process and requirements to implement California Senate Bill 684 and California Senate Bill 1123, which streamline the process for certain tentative maps for 10 or fewer residential units on qualified lots under 5 acres. It also describes the application requirements for filing a tentative map using provisions that allow a Process One ministerial approval.

Revised July 2024

Affordable Student Housing

This Information Bulletin is a summary of the Affordable Student Housing Density Bonus regulations and does not include every requirement or restriction. To view all of the requirements and regulations please see San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14, Article 3, Division 7 .

Affordable Student Housing is an optional affordable housing incentive program allowing more dense housing targeting lower income students. Lower income students are students who have a household income and asset level that does not exceed the level for Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award recipients as set forth in Section 69432.7(k)(1) of the California Education Code.

Revised March 2024

Tentative Map Exemptions

This Information Bulletin describes the eligibility and application process for subdivisions that are exempt from the requirement to obtain a tentative map.

Revised October 2024