San Diego · Land use · Kennel
Where is a kennel (dog boarding) allowed in San Diego?
In San Diego, a kennel (dog boarding) is needs a permit in 32 (AR-1-1, AR-1-2, CN-1-1, CN-1-2, CN-1-3 and 27 more, 2 with a condition) and not allowed in 45 (San Diego use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: AR-1-1, AR-1-2, CN-1-1, CN-1-2, CN-1-3, CN-1-4, CN-1-5, CN-1-6 and 24 more
- Not allowed: OP-1-1, OP-2-1, OC-1-1, OR-1-1, OR-1-2, OF-1-1, AG-1-1, AG-1-2 and 37 more
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the San Diego Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a kennel (dog boarding) can go
San Diego's code calls this use “Boarding Kennels / Pet Day Care”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| AR-1-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0322 |
| AR-1-2 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0322 |
| CN-1-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CN-1-2 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CN-1-3 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CN-1-4 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CN-1-5 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CN-1-6 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CR-1-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CR-2-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0522 |
| CO-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0522 |
| CO-1-2 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0522 |
| CO-2-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0522 |
| CO-2-2 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0522 |
| CV-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit — see note Note 10: This use is not allowed within the Coastal Overlay Zone, except that assembly and entertainment uses may be incorporated as an accessory use to visitor accommodations. | § 131.0522 |
| CV-1-2 | Needs a neighborhood use permit — see note Note 10: This use is not allowed within the Coastal Overlay Zone, except that assembly and entertainment uses may be incorporated as an accessory use to visitor accommodations. | § 131.0522 |
| IP-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IP-2-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IP-3-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IL-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IL-2-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0622 |
| IL-3-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0622 |
| IH-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IH-2-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IS-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| IBT-1-1 | Needs a neighborhood use permit | § 131.0622 |
| RMX-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
| RMX-2 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
| RMX-3 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
| EMX-1 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
| EMX-2 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
| EMX-3 | Needs a limited use (permitted with limitations) | § 131.0707 |
Zones where it is not allowed
OP-1-1, OP-2-1, OC-1-1, OR-1-1, OR-1-2, OF-1-1, AG-1-1, AG-1-2, RS-1-1, RS-1-2, RS-1-3, RS-1-4, RS-1-5, RS-1-6, RS-1-7, RS-1-8, RS-1-9, RS-1-10, RS-1-11, RS-1-12, RS-1-13, RS-1-14, RX-1-1, RX-1-2, RT-1-1, RT-1-2, RT-1-3, RT-1-4, RT-1-5, RM-1-1, RM-1-2, RM-1-3, RM-2-4, RM-2-5, RM-2-6, RM-3-7, RM-3-8, RM-3-9, RM-4-10, RM-4-11, RM-5-12, CO-3-1, CO-3-2, CO-3-3, CP-1-1.
What else applies
- Veterinary Clinics & Animal Hospitals is a separate row (not used). Industrial row is named 'Boarding Kennels/Pet Day Care Facilities'.
- Not covered here: CC (Commercial-Community) zones: Table 131-05B columns merge into 7 symbol groups that cannot be tied to the CC-1..CC-5 header columns; Chapter 15 planned districts (CCPD, Gaslamp, La Jolla, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Cass Street, Central Urbanized): separate use tables; Zone names are not stated in the packet text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in San Diego
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the AR-1-1 zone in San Diego?
Only with a limited use (permitted with limitations). San Diego's use table lists it that way in AR-1-1 (§ 131.0322).
Can I have a kennel (dog boarding) in the OP-1-1 zone in San Diego?
No. San Diego's use table does not allow it in OP-1-1 (§ 131.0222).
General information, not legal advice.
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