Municipal code
San Francisco Planning Code
The enacted municipal code of San Francisco, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-09-23
- Contents
- 1,259 sections
- Jurisdiction
- San Francisco
Contents
▸Article 1 — GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
▸Article 1.2 — DIMENSIONS, AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES
Overview- SEC. 121. MINIMUM LOT WIDTH AND AREA.
- SEC. 124. BASIC FLOOR AREA RATIO.
- SEC. 128. TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS IN C-3 DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 132. FRONT SETBACK AREAS IN RTO, RH, AND RM DISTRICTS AND FOR REQUIRED SETBACKS FOR PROJE…
- SEC. 134. REAR YARDS IN R, RC, RTO, NC, M, CMUO, MUG, MUO, MUR, RED, RED-MX, SPD, UMU, AND WMU…
- SEC. 135. USABLE OPEN SPACE FOR DWELLING UNITS AND GROUP HOUSING, R, NC, MIXED USE, C, AND M D…
- SEC. 136. OBSTRUCTIONS OVER STREETS AND ALLEYS AND IN REQUIRED SETBACKS, YARDS, AND USABLE OPE…
- SEC. 138. PRIVATELY-OWNED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE (POPOS) REQUIREMENTS.
- SEC. 140. ALL DWELLING UNITS IN ALL USE DISTRICTS TO FACE ON AN OPEN AREA.
- SEC. 144. STREET FRONTAGES IN RH, RTO, AND RM DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 145. FRONTAGES, OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AREAS, WALKUP FACILITIES, AND GROUND FLOOR USES AND STAN…
▸Article 1.5 — TRANSPORTATION, OFF-STREET PARKING, AND LOADING
Overview- SEC. 151.1. SCHEDULE OF PERMITTED ACCESSORY OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES.
- SEC. 152. SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED OFF-STREET FREIGHT LOADING SPACES IN DISTRICTS OTHER THAN C-3 A…
- SEC. 155. GENERAL STANDARDS AS TO LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF OFF-STREET PARKING, FREIGHT LOAD…
- SEC. 157.1. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 169. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
▸Article 1.7 — COMPLIANCE
Overview- SEC. 175. APPROVAL OF PERMITS OR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS.
- SEC. 176. ENFORCEMENT AGAINST VIOLATIONS.
- SEC. 179. USES LOCATED IN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 183. NONCONFORMING USES: DISCONTINUANCE AND ABANDONMENT.
- SEC. 186. EXEMPTION OF LIMITED COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL NONCONFORMING USES IN RH, RM, RTO-1, …
- SEC. 187. AUDIT PROPERTIES; AMNESTY PROGRAM.
- SEC. 188. NONCOMPLYING STRUCTURES: ENLARGEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, AND RECONSTRUCTION.
▸Article 2 — USE DISTRICTS
Overview- SEC. 202. PERMITTED BY THIS CODE.
- SEC. 204. ACCESSORY USES, GENERAL.
- SEC. 205. TEMPORARY USES, GENERAL.
- SEC. 206. THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND EDUCATOR HOUSING PROGRAMS.
- SEC. 207. DWELLING UNIT DENSITY LIMITS.
- SEC. 209. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 210. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION/REPAI…
- SEC. 211. P (PUBLIC) DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 218. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 219. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 221. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 226. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 228. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 234. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 240. WATERFRONT SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 244. RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 249.1. FOLSOM AND MAIN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.2. THE VILLAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.3. OCEANVIEW LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.4. ALEXANDRIA THEATER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.5. NORTH OF MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
▸Article 6
Overview- SEC. 249.6. SOUTH OF MARKET HALL OF JUSTICE LEGAL SERVICES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.7. SAN FRANCISCO GATEWAY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.8. [ NON-PROFIT ARTS EDUCATION SPECIAL USE]. <sup>1</sup>
- SEC. 249.9. STONESTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.10. 600 TOWNSEND STREET WEST SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.11. 530 SANSOME MIXED-USE TOWER AND FIRE STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.12. 1500 MISSION STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.13. GEARY BOULEVARD/DIVISADERO STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.14. THIRD STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.15. MISSION AND 9TH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.16. OAKDALE AVENUE AND QUINT STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.17. THIRD STREET AND ARMSTRONG AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.18. NORTHEAST CHINA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.19. NEW ASIA SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.20. GEARY-MASONIC SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.21. CALIFORNIA STREET AND PRESIDIO AVENUE - COMMUNITY CENTER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.22. NON-CONTIGUOUS SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SITES SPECIAL USE DI…
- SEC. 249.23. FOURTH AND FREELON STREETS SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.24. HAIGHT STREET SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.25. JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.26. 2245 POST STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.27. ALABAMA AND 18TH STREETS AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.28. TRANSBAY C-3 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.30. THIRD STREET AND OAKDALE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE
- SEC. 249.31. JAPANTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.32. LAGUNA, HAIGHT, BUCHANAN AND HERMANN STREETS SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.33. VAN NESS & MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.34. TRINITY PLAZA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.35. FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.36. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 249.37. INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.38. SOMA YOUTH AND FAMILY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.39. WESTERN SOMA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.40. POTRERO CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.41. 901 BUSH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.42. INDIA BASIN INDUSTRIAL PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.43. THIRD STREET AND LE CONTE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.44. HUNTERS VIEW SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.45. VISITACION VALLEY/SCHLAGE LOCK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.46. VETERANS COMMON SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.47. 1500 PAGE STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.49. TELEGRAPH HILL – NORTH BEACH RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.50. CANDLESTICK POINT ACTIVITY NODE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.51. HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD PHASE 2 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.52. TREASURE ISLAND/YERBA BUENA ISLAND SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.53. PRESIDIO-SUTTER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.54. EXECUTIVE PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.55. LOMBARD AND SCOTT STREET AFFORDABLE GROUP HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.59. CALLE 24 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.60. MISSION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.61. 17TH AND RHODE ISLAND STREET GROCERY STORE SPECIAL USE SUBDISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.62. THIRD STREET ALCOHOL RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.63. CAYUGA/ALEMANY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.64. PARKMERCED SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.65. BAYSHORE BOULEVARD HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.66. CHINATOWN TRANSIT STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.67. ART & DESIGN EDUCATIONAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.68. CESAR CHAVEZ/VALENCIA STREETS MEDICAL USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.69. CHINESE HOSPITAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.70. [EXPIRED.]
- SEC. 249.71. YERBA BUENA CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.73. JEWISH HOME OF SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.74. FIFTH AND MISSION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.75. SUNNYDALE HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.76. POTRERO HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.77. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 249.78. CENTRAL SOMA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.79. PIER 70 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.80. MISSION ROCK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.81. 1629 MARKET STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.82. 430 29TH AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.84. INDIA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.85. 1550 EVANS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.86. 3333 CALIFORNIA STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.87. POTRERO POWER STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.88. BAYVIEW INDUSTRIAL TRIANGLE CANNABIS RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.89. 2000 MARIN STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.90. BALBOA RESERVOIR SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.91. 2500-2530 18TH STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.92. CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.93. GROUP HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.94. FAMILY AND SENIOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.95. 900 KEARNY STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.96. WAWONA STREET AND 45TH AVENUE CULTURAL CENTER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.97. PRIORITY EQUITY GEOGRAPHIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.98. POTRERO YARD SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.99. 30 VAN NESS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
▸Article 2.5 — HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS
Overview- SEC. 252. CLASSES OF HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 253.1. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 253.2. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 253.3. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 253.4. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES EXCEEDING A HEIGHT OF 65 FEET IN THE M…
- SEC. 261. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN RH DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 263. HEIGHT LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS.
- SEC. 270. BULK LIMITS: MEASUREMENT.
▸Article 3 — ZONING PROCEDURES
Overview- SEC. 303. CONDITIONAL USES.
- SEC. 304. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS.
- SEC. 305. VARIANCES.
- SEC. 306. APPLICATIONS AND HEARINGS.
- SEC. 308. APPEALS.
- SEC. 309. PERMIT REVIEW IN C-3 DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 313. PDR-1-B (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL BUFFER), PRE-APPLICATION MEETING.
- SEC. 314. REVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL, HOTEL, AND MOTEL PROJECTS.
- SEC. 315. STREAMLINED AUTHORIZATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND EDUCATOR HOUSING PROJECTS.
- SEC. 316.1. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.2. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.3. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.4. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.5. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.6. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 316.7. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 316.8. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 317. LOSS OF RESIDENTIAL AND UNAUTHORIZED UNITS THROUGH DEMOLITION, MERGER, AND CONVERSION.
- SEC. 318.2. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 318.3. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 319.3. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 319.4. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 319.5. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 321. OFFICE DEVELOPMENT: ANNUAL LIMIT.
- SEC. 324. FINDINGS.
- SEC. 326. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 327. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 330. PURPOSE AND COASTAL ZONE PERMIT AREA.
- SEC. 331. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 341. BETTER NEIGHBORHOODS AREA PLAN MONITORING PROGRAM.
- SEC. 342. HEALTH CARE SERVICES MASTER PLAN FINDINGS.
- Article 3.5 — FEES
▸Article 4 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF IN-…
Overview- SEC. 411. TRANSIT IMPACT DEVELOPMENT FEE.
- SEC. 412. DOWNTOWN PARK FEE.
- SEC. 413. JOBS-HOUSING LINKAGE PROGRAM; HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT PROJE…
- SEC. 414. CHILD-CARE REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFICE AND HOTEL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
- SEC. 415. HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND LIVE/WORK DEVELOPMENT
- SEC. 416. MARKET AND OCTAVIA AREA PLAN AND UPPER MARKET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AFFOR…
- SEC. 417. EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS AREA PLAN AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT.
- SEC. 418. RINCON HILL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND SOMA COMMUNITY STABILIZATION FUND.
- SEC. 419. HOUSING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE UMU ZONING DISTRICT…
- SEC. 420.1. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS SUPPORTING VISITACION VALLEY COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS FEE AND F…
- SEC. 420.2. DEFINITIONS.
- SEC. 420.4. IMPOSITION OF REQUIREMENTS.
- SEC. 420.5. LIEN PROCEEDINGS.
- SEC. 420.6. VISITACION VALLEY COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND.
- SEC. 421. MARKET AND OCTAVIA COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND.
- SEC. 422. BALBOA PARK COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND.
- SEC. 423. EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS IMPACT FEES AND PUBLIC BENEFITS FUND.
- SEC. 424. VAN NESS & MARKET AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FEE AND PROGRAM.
- SEC. 425. VAN NESS & MARKET COMMUNITY FACILITIES FEE AND FUND.
- SEC. 428. DIVISADERO STREET NCT AFFORDABLE HOUSING FEE AND REQUIREMENTS.
- SEC. 429. ARTWORKS, OPTIONS TO MEET PUBLIC ART FEE REQUIREMENT, RECOGNITION OF ARCHITECT AND A…
- SEC. 430. BICYCLE PARKING IN LIEU FEE.
- SEC. 432. CENTRAL SOMA COMMUNITY SERVICES FACILITIES FEE AND FUND.
- SEC. 433. CENTRAL SOMA INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT FEE AND FUND.
- SEC. 435. UNION SQUARE PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE FEE.
▸Article 7 — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
Overview- SEC. 701.1. PURPOSE OF ARTICLE 7.
- SEC. 701.2. REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
- SEC. 701.3. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 702. CLASSES OF NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 703. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS.
- SEC. 780. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 781. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL RESTRICTED USE SUBDISTRICTS.
- SEC. 790.36. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.58. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.64. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.84. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.86. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.90. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 790.100. [REPEALED.]
- Article 9 — MISSION BAY DISTRICTS
- Part I
- Part II
- Part III
- Part IV
- Part V
- Part VI
- Part VII
- Part VIII
- Part IX
- Part X
- Part XI
- Part XII
- Part XIII
- Part XIV
- Part XV