Planning Department
The Policy and Ordinance Development (POD) team processes single-issue updates and amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC) on an as-needed basis. Single-issue updates may be processed separate from a comprehensive LDC update for a variety of reasons, including time sensitivity and/or complexity. Information regarding past single-issue LDC updates can be found below.
2020 Housing Legislation Code Update
This package of amendments addressed California State housing law requirements, including a number of bills passed at the end of 2019. These included changes to State density bonus, housing for the homeless, and accessory dwelling unit laws, along with other miscellaneous housing laws. The 2020 Housing Legislation Code Package amended the Land Development Code to implement and comply with State law, and included additional local amendments tailored to San Diego's specific housing needs. This item was approved on 10/27/2020 and signed by the Mayor on 10/30/2020. The effective date of this ordinance outside of the Coastal Overlay Zone is November 29, 2020. The ordinance will be in effect inside the Coastal Zone once certified by the California Coastal Commission, which is not anticipated to occur until the last quarter of 2021.
Cannabis Advertising Billboards
The amendments to the Municipal Code regulating the advertising of cannabis on billboards in order to help prevent the illegal consumption and purchase of cannabis or cannabis products by youth as well as have the ability to enforce regulations at the local level. This item was approved on 1/28/2020 and signed by the Mayor on 1/30/2020. The effective date of this ordinance is July 28, 2020.
NOTE: On September 12, 2019, these regulations became effective only in areas outside of the Coastal Zone.
The amendments added new mixed-use base zones and accompanying regulations to the Land Development Code.
Final Certification: July 10, 2019
The amendments clarified that when an appeal of a permit approval is withdrawn, a public hearing on the appeal is no longer required.
Live-Work Quarters Regulations
Final Certification: June 13, 2019
The amendments expanded the Live-Work Quarters use to two additional zones (CO-1 and CV-1); reduced the minimum floor area from 750 square feet to 500 square feet; increased the residential floor area ratio from 33 percent to 49 percent; no longer limited the use to artists or artisans; allowed commercial uses, offices, and the presence of employees provided they are overseen by the resident; and clarified that no additional parking is required.
Final Certification: February 14, 2020
The amendments established clear regulations for “placemaking,” a planning concept that refers to creating spaces that serve the needs of neighborhoods by enhancing streetscapes and allowing creative uses of public right-of-way or private property; particularly of land that is unused or underused, in order to create more vibrant and livable communities.
Affordable Housing Regulations
Final Certification: August 8, 2018
The amendments implemented AB 2501, AB 2556, AB 2442 and AB 1934 and provided additional affordable housing incentives.
Affordable Housing/In-Fill Projects and Sustainable Development
Final Certification: February 8, 2018
O-20856: Affordable Housing/In-Fill Projects and Sustainable Development Amendments
The amendments revised the City's Expedite Program to incorporate new City initiatives, goals and strategies, which included increased and improved (1) housing affordability; (2) development in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods; (3) development near public transit; (4) sustainable development; (5) reduced permit and review process timelines; and (6) consistency with the Climate Action Plan.
Companion Unit/Junior Unit Regulations
Final Certification: February 8, 2018
The amendments implemented SB 1069, AB 2299 and AB 2406.
Marijuana Production Facilities
Final Certification: February 8, 2018
The amendments allowed for the commercial cultivation, distribution and storage, production and testing of medical and recreational marijuana and marijuana products in accordance with Proposition 64.
Testing and Marijuana Production Facilities
Final Certification: February 8, 2018
O-20859: Testing and Marijuana Production Facilities Amendments
The amendments allowed for the issuance of conditional use permits for the commercial cultivation, distribution and storage, production of medical and recreational marijuana and marijuana products, and to allow testing labs for medical and recreational marijuana products by-right in accordance with Proposition 64.
Final Certification: October 12, 2017
The amendments updated the medical marijuana consumer cooperative land use regulations in accordance with Proposition 215 to apply to the retain or all marijuana.
Affordable Density Bonus Regulations
Final Certification: March 8, 2017
The amendments further incentivized the construction of affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Regulations by (1) increasing the maximum density bonus available; (2) increasing the maximum number of incentives; (3) reducing the decision process level when a Planned District Ordinance permit is required; (4) reducing the parking ratio in high transit frequency areas, consistent with AB 744; and (5) allowing the affordable units to be located off-site, subject to certain criteria.