The purpose of the Zoning Ordinance shall be to serve public health, safety, and public welfare, general welfare, and provide the advantages resulting from the implementation of San Diego County's General Plan.
Code enforcement staff responds to public complaints. These complaints cover issues such as businesses being conducted from properties in the wrong zone, illegally occupied trailers, number & type of animals, structures in the setbacks and violations of the conditions of use permits.
ZONING ORDINANCE
Ordinance No. 5281 (New Series), adopted October 18, 1978, effective December 19, 1978. This Edition updated through Ordinance No. 76 (09/08).
Important Note: Zoning Ordinances are continually undergoing additions, deletions, and alterations. Up-to-date ordinance information is available at the Zoning Information Counter at the Department of Planning and Land Use. Any questions regarding possible changes in zoning ordinances should be directed to the Zoning Information Counter (858) 565-5981.
PURPOSE OF ZONING ENFORCEMENT
Zoning is intended to promote the public health, safety and welfare by controlling land use and development. A business may fit comfortably among other businesses, but be out of place in a single family neighborhood. Zoning also implements the General Plan.
Zoning generally deals with the uses allowed in an area, limits on building and location (height and setbacks), lot sizes, number and type of animals allowed and other similar regulations.
There are five basic groups or types of zones:
R zones (residential)
C zones (commercial)
M zones (industrial)
A zones (agricultural)
S zones (special purpose, including open space and parking zones)
Cities, such as Lemon Grove and San Diego, have their own regulations and should be contacted directly for any needed information.
TYPES OF PERMITS and PLANNING PROCESS
When obtaining permits, it is necessary to acquire input from the community, which requires:
Application maps and mail out materials.
Notification of neighbors and the Community Planning Group by mail and through newspaper classified advertising.
Many permits require public hearings before the County Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and/or the Zoning Administrator.
Processing permits can range from 30 days to more than one year, depending on the project's complexity.
ZONING ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
