Date:
November 18, 2026 29
To: Board of Supervisors
Title
Noticed Public Hearing:
Adopt Updates to Zoning Rules to Allow More Housing Options and Authorize the County to Reapply for State Prohousing Designation Program (Public Hearing to Adopt the Housing Unlocked Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Related CEQA Addendum and to Adopt the Resolution Authorizing Application to and Participation in the Prohousing Designation Program) (Districts: All)
End
Overview
The County of San Diego (County) is committed to advancing housing initiatives that produce diverse housing types, prevent displacement, promote equity and inclusion, streamline the permitting process, and strengthen engagement with the community. Today’s actions propose adoption of an ordinance amending the County’s Zoning Ordinance and adoption of a resolution authorizing the County to submit an application to renew its State of California Prohousing Designation. The ordinance amendment would update development standards that can unnecessarily constrain housing projects from achieving the residential capacity anticipated by the General Plan. The resolution and application to renew the County’s current Prohousing Designation would enable the County to continue receiving priority in grant funding opportunities.
The County’s General Plan establishes the allowable residential density (number of dwelling units per acre) for each property, while the Zoning Ordinance establishes detailed requirements governing how housing may be designed and constructed. In some cases, existing zoning requirements, including limitations on building types, stories, lot sizes, building separation setbacks, floor area ratio, and the location of open space, can unintentionally restrict design options or prevent projects from achieving the housing potential already envisioned by the General Plan.
Today’s Housing Unlocked Zoning Ordinance Amendment would better align these standards to make it easier for developers to ac...
Click here for full text