SAN DIEGO

• Coastal Height Limit: Since 1972, a 30-foot height restriction has been in place for areas west of Interstate 5 to protect coastal views.

  • Geographical and Seismic Factors: The city's location on the coast means dealing with complex soil conditions, including, in some areas like Mission Valley, a lack of bedrock, which makes constructing very tall, heavy buildings more expensive due to necessary seismic reinforcements.

  • Urban Planning and Character: Historically, there has been a preference for maintaining a lower-density, "sunny" feel rather than building a high-density, high-rise urban core like Los Angeles or San Francisco.

  • Economic Feasibility: High construction, labor, and material costs for seismic safety often make super-tall buildings less economically viable, which forces developers to get the most zoning waivers and tax incentives possible