03 · Land Use & Permitting
LAND-005: Setbacks, Retained Garage, and Proposed Storage Roof
Revision 0 · 2026-09-15 · Status: Draft
Key findings
- Retained garage (existing): The existing garage has a 3-foot side-yard setback under the current San Diego Municipal Code. This is the minimum for accessory structures on this lot.
- Proposed storage roof addition: New construction above the existing garage is subject to current code. The minimum side-yard setback for the proposed addition is 5 feet.
- Side strip roof (15-ft): The San Diego Development Services Department described a 15-foot side-strip roof as a conditional option requiring City interpretation. It is NOT an approved limit for this project. If pursued, this would require a formal DSD determination.
What’s confirmed
| Item | Finding |
|---|---|
| Base zone | RS-1-7 (single-family residential) |
| Lot area | ~6,200 sq ft (per owner; unverified by survey) |
| Accessory structure setback (existing) | 3 ft |
| Accessory structure setback (new) | 5 ft |
| Coastal overlay | Status to be verified |
| FAR / lot coverage | To be calculated after survey |
What needs verification
- Exact property boundaries and easements (requires survey)
- Coastal overlay applicability
- Height limits and how they’re measured from grade
- Whether the proposed upper storage level triggers any additional code requirements
- Building/fire classification for upstairs storage use
Permit path
The current understanding (per informal DSD guidance): structural work supporting PV and construction of a new accessory structure requires building review in addition to electrical requirements. A separate electrical permit is also required. The exact permit path depends on survey results and formal classification of the upper level.