Division 8 — Variance Procedures
§126.0805 Findings for Variance Approval
San Diego Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Diego
The decision maker may approve or conditionally approve an application for a variance only if the decision maker makes the following findings :
- (a) There are special circumstances or conditions applying to the land or premises for which the variance is sought that are peculiar to the land or premises and do not apply generally to the land or premises in the neighborhood, and these conditions have not resulted from any act of the applicant after the adoption of the applicable zone regulations;
Ch. Art. Div. 12 6 8 1
San Diego Municipal Code (11-2005)
Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews
(b) The circumstances or conditions are such that the strict application of the regulations of the Land Development Code would deprive the applicant of reasonable use of the land or premises and the variance granted by the City is the minimum variance that will permit the reasonable use of the land or premises ;
(c) The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the regulations and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare; and
(d) The granting of the variance will not adversely affect the applicable land use plan . If the variance is being sought in conjunction with any proposed coastal development , the required finding shall specify that granting of the variance conforms with, and is adequate to carry out, the provisions of the certified land use plan .
(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
Ch. Art. Div. 12 6 8 2
San Diego Municipal Code
Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews
(8-2001)
Article 6: Development Permits
Division 9: Public Right-of-Way Use Permit Procedures (Added 2-27-2001 by O-18923 N.S.; effective 8-7-2001.) (Repealed 11-28-2005 by O-19444 N.S.; effective 2-9-2006.)
Ch. Art. Div. 12 6 9 1
San Diego Municipal Code
Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews
(3-2026)
Article 7: Previously Conforming Premises and Uses (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)
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- Division 12 — Residential Tenant Utility Fees
- Division 1 — In General
- Division 2 — Responsibilities of City Council
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- Division 6 — Limitations on Amount of Loan
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- Division 9 — Miscellaneous Provisions
- Division 19.7 — The Centre City Planned District
- Division 19.8 — The Centre City Planned District
- Division 2 — Land Development Authorities and Advisory Boards
- Division 2 — Fees and Deposits
- Division 3 — Notice
- Division 4 — Public Hearings
- Division 5 — Decision Process
- Division 1 — Definitions
- Division 2 — Rules for Calculation and Measurement
- Division 2 — Enforcement Authorities For the Land Development …
- Division 4 — Procedures For Abatement of Unsafe, Dangerous,
- Division 1 — Adoption And Amendment Procedures for Land Use Pl…
- Division 1 — Zoning and Rezoning Procedures
- Division 3 — Zoning Use Certificate Procedures
- Division 5 — Residential High Occupancy Permit
- Division 6 — Mobile Food Truck Permit
- Division 1 — General Subdivision Procedures
- Division 2 — Certificate of Compliance
- Division 4 — Tentative Maps (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.)
- Division 5 — Parcel Maps (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; eff…
- Division 6 — Final Maps
- Division 7 — Merger of Parcels (Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S…
- Division 8 — Reversion to Acreage
- Division 9 — Public Right-of-Way Vacations
- Division 10 — Easement Vacations
- Division 3 — Conditional Use Permit Procedures
- Division 4 — Neighborhood Development Permit Procedures (Added…
- Division 5 — Site Development Permit Procedures
- Division 6 — Planned Development Permit Procedures (Added 12-9…
- Division 1 — General Review Procedures for Previously Conformi…
- Division 2 — Review Procedures for Previously Conforming Signs
- Division 1 — General Procedures and Authorities for Implementa…
- Division 2 — Procedures for Determination of
- Division 3 — Procedures for Preparation and Review of Environm…
- Division 1 — General Construction Permit Authority and Procedu…
- Division 2 — Building Permit Procedures
- Division 3 — Electrical Permit Procedures (Added 12-9-1997 by …
- Division 4 — Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Procedures
- Division 6 — Grading Permit Procedures (Added 12-9-1997 by O-1…
- Division 7 — Public Right-of-Way Permits
- Division 9 — Fire Permit Procedures
- Division 4 — Residential Base Zones
- Division 5 — Commercial Base Zones
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- Division 7 — Mixed-Use Base Zones
- Division 2 — Airport Approach Overlay Zone
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- Division 6 — Sensitive Coastal Overlay Zone
- Division 7 — Mobilehome Park Overlay Zone (Added 12-9-1997 by …
- Division 8 — Parking Impact Overlay Zone
- Division 9 — Residential Tandem Parking Overlay Zone
- Division 10 — Transit Area Overlay Zone
- Division 11 — Urban Village Overlay Zone
- Division 12 — Mission Trails Design District
- Division 13 — Clairemont Height Limit Overlay Zone
- Division 15 — Airport Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone
- Division 16 — Community Enhancement Overlay Zone