The San Diego County Local Area Disclosures (LADs) are a key resource in every transaction. They help protect REALTORS®, buyers, and sellers by flagging local conditions that could affect property value or livability. The 2025 update introduces significant changes that every real estate professional should understand.
Here are the biggest revisions you’ll notice compared to the older version.
Expanded County-Wide Issues
The 2025 LADs go further in outlining risks and obligations across San Diego County. New topics include:
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Zoning changes and community plan amendments – Highlights how general plans, rezonings, and voter initiatives can reshape land use around a property.
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Insurance considerations – Warns about California’s shifting homeowner’s insurance market and the need for buyers to research availability and costs.
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Private septic systems – Clarifies risks, maintenance obligations, and inspection needs for rural properties not connected to sewer systems.
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Cell towers and coverage gaps – Adds disclosures on hidden or disguised towers and their potential impact.
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Explains how ADUs on a property or neighboring lots may affect density, views, and parking.
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Unpermitted work – Calls out the risks of additions or modifications made without permits.
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Quarry operations – Stronger language on noise, blasting, and environmental impacts from long-term quarry projects.
Stronger Environmental Disclosures
Beyond earthquakes and flooding, the 2025 version now addresses:
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Wildfire hazard zones and defensible space – Buyers must be aware of vegetation clearance requirements and the impact on insurance.
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Tourist activity and short-term rentals – Adds detail about how Airbnb, VRBO, and other rentals affect neighborhoods.
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De Anza Natural Project – A new disclosure on Mission Bay redevelopment balancing recreation with habitat restoration.
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Battery storage facilities – Notes expansion of SDG&E’s energy storage systems and safety concerns.
Regional Updates That Matter
The regional sections have been modernized with new details:
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Central San Diego – Adds the Rose Canyon Fault Zone and new “City of Villages” mobility and land-use initiatives.
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South County – Expands coverage of border-related environmental concerns and emphasizes cross-border pollution issues.
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North and Inland – Adds disclosure on outdoor lighting ordinances in dark-sky communities like Julian and Borrego Springs.
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Coastal areas – Expands detail on Coastal Commission oversight, sea-level rise, and Coronado’s unique mix of military activity, zoning restrictions, and tourism.
Why This Matters for REALTORS®
These changes make the 2025 LADs more comprehensive, more protective, and more relevant to today’s market realities. Using the updated disclosures:
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Shields REALTORS® from liability by giving clients stronger warnings.
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Helps buyers make fully informed decisions.
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Improves trust in transactions by setting clear expectations.
Bottom Line: The 2025 San Diego County LADs are not just an update—they’re a major improvement. REALTORS® should use the new version in every transaction and highlight these changes with clients to reinforce professionalism and compliance.