May 27, 2026

The Chamber led a coalition of business and housing organizations in successful advocacy on the 2026 City of San Diego Land Development Code Update. The Update is an annual package of code changes in the City that implements state law, corrects items in the municipal code, and makes land use and zoning policy reforms. This year’s Update contained approximately 135 items, including items affecting Downtown San Diego specifically.

Chamber staff studied the 135 items meticulously over many months and identified those most impactful to our membership.

Positive changes in the Update include the cutting of red tape for outdoor dining, faster approval processes for telecommunications infrastructure, more opportunities for for-sale housing, and added development incentives for Downtown commercial corridors.

There were also some negative changes that the Chamber and coalition partners were able to get removed, amended, or clarified. Our coalition worked with City staff to ensure that zoning changes did not negatively impact housing development opportunities or limit homes for San Diegans.

The LDC Update passed the San Diego City Council 7-0, and we look forward to its implementation.

Director of Public Affairs, Evan Strawn, speaking to Council