February 20, 2026
The Chamber led a coalition letter of other local business groups in relation to the 2026 Land Development Code Update. The Chamber Board voted to support the Update while directing Chamber staff to continue to work on outstanding issues within the Update.
The 2026 Land Development Code Update is an annual update of zoning regulations in the City of San Diego. The annual Update contains clarifications to the existing code, items to bring City code into compliance with state law, and new land use policies. This year’s Update contains approximately 109 items for the entire City and approximately 31 additional items that only apply within Downtown.
The letter highlighted items within the Update that we support, items we oppose, and items we would like additional clarity on. Some of the key supported items include streamlining of wireless facilities, easing of barriers for outdoor cafes, and policies to enhance for-sale housing. Some items of concern include the removal of incentives for housing development and some arbitrary new zoning regulations.
The Chamber spoke at the City’s Planning Commission outlining our positions. Additionally, the Planning Commission and City staff agreed to remove several items we opposed, including an “angled transition plane” requirement for new housing and the full removal of development impact fee waivers for studio and one bedroom housing units under the City’s Complete Communities Housing Solutions program. Chamber staff will continue advocacy on the Update as it heads to the City’s Land Use and Housing Committee in March.
