San Diego Expands Transit Oriented Zoning From a Half-Mile to a Mile

A recent package of code changes by the city of San Diego will make it possible to build high-rise residential buildings and accessory dwelling units in larger areas around public transit.

2 minute read

February 23, 2023, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The city of San Diego recently approved an ordinance that will allow high-rise apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units in a larger portion of the city by expanding the boundaries of zoning for transit oriented development from a half-mile to a mile radius around transit stations. Specifically, the expanded zoning districts will allow high-rise apartment buildings and accessory dwelling units on more parcels in the city.

David Garrick last week broke the news of the ordinance’s approval for the San Diego Union-Tribune and Globe St. also picked up the news this week. Planetizen shared news of the ordinance in January, before it went up for approval by the San Diego City Council.

Garrick’s article provides more insight into the debate that preceded the 5-4 vote that approved the ordinance. Opponents on the City Council argued that one-mile is too far to walk, and the ordinance would create congestion due to the additional car trips created by new residential density. Proponents argues that the zoning change would create opportunities for more housing affordable at low- and middle-incomes.

As noted by Garrick, the zoning changes discussed here were included in a package of 84 total municipal code changes. “The other changes include outlawing storage facilities in prime industrial areas, expanding where tasting rooms are allowed and making downtown more family-friendly with new incentives for three-bedroom apartments and child care businesses,” and “Additional changes approved Tuesday as part of the annual code update include tougher rules for new projects vulnerable to sea-level rise and stronger wildfire prevention rules for climate-friendly energy storage facilities.”

Garrick’s article, linked below, suggests that the zoning change came about as a response to pressure from state housing regulators during the Regional Housing Needs Assessment process, which has been upending planning the state of California for the past year, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in The San Diego Union-Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Downtown Los Angeles skyline viewed from a distance with freeway and trees in foreground.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods

A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

April 3 - USC Dornsife

Aerial view of Claifornia aqueduct with green orchard on one side.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy

California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

April 3 - Turlock Journal

Close-up of older woman's hands resting on white modern heating radiator mounted on wall indoors.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program

The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.

April 3 - The New York Times