City overview

San Diego, CA

Know before you sign a lease

Population 1.4M · San Diego County · Zoning code effective Mar 2026

Verified from San Diego Municipal Code (Mar 2026)

Zones

Business types

Mixed-use

Overlays

Residential zones

RE · Residential estateRS · Residential single-unitRX · Residential small lotRT · Residential townhouseRM · Residential multiple-unit

Commercial zones

CN · Commercial-neighborhoodCR · Commercial-regionalCO · Commercial-officeCV · Commercial-visitorCP · Commercial-parkingCC · Commercial-community

Industrial zones

IP · Industrial-parkIL · Industrial-lightIH · Industrial-heavyIS · Industrial-smallIBT · Industrial-business & technology

Mixed-use zones

RMX · Residential-mixedEMX · Employment-mixed

Planned districts & overlays

Downtown/Centre City PDOOld Town PDOGaslamp QuarterTransit Area OverlayTransit Priority AreaParking Impact OverlayCoastal Overlay50+ community plans

Click any zone to see allowed uses →

Cannabis snapshot

36-permit cap — 1,000 ft buffers, 10% tax

Retail (per district)

27/36

Limited

Production

null/40

Available

Delivery

OPEN

Available

36 Cannabis Outlet permits citywide (4 per council district). Only 27–28 currently operating despite 36-permit cap. 1,000 ft buffers from schools, parks, churches, libraries, childcare, playgrounds, other dispensaries — strictest in CA. CUP required. Tax: 10% local (increased May 2025). Hours: 6 AM–10 PM.

Retail: 10% gross receipts (eff. May 2025) · Production: 2% · + State: 15% excise + ~7.75% sales tax · CUP required · 4 outlets max per council district (9 districts) · Annual operating permit

CUP application + standard fees · Operating permit renewal annually

Data from municipal code and CA Dept. of Cannabis Control where applicable. Verify with city planning before proceeding.

Check your business

Find where your business is allowed in San Diego

🍽Can I open a restaurant?

🌿Can I open a dispensary?

💪Can I open a gym?

🏠Can I run a home business?

🍸Can I open a bar?

🏖Can I open near the beach?