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Article 7 — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS

San Francisco Planning Code § 737 Bayview Neighborhood Commercial District

San Francisco Planning Code · 2026-08 edition · updated 2026-09-23 · San Francisco

Cite as: San Francisco Planning Code § 737 · Text as of 2026-09-23

The Bayview Neighborhood Commercial District is located along Third Street between Yosemite and Jerrold Avenues. It is a linear district located along a heavily trafficked thoroughfare which also serves as a major transit route. In addition to

providing convenience goods and services to the surrounding neighborhood, the District offers a wide variety of comparison and specialty goods and services to a population greater than the immediate neighborhood.

The building standards permit moderately large commercial uses and buildings. Rear yards are protected at residential levels.

A diversified commercial environment is encouraged for the District, and a wide variety of uses are permitted with special emphasis on neighborhood-serving businesses. Financial service uses generally are permitted with certain limitations at the first and second stories. Other retail businesses, personal services, and offices are permitted at all stories of new buildings. Limited storage and administrative service activities are permitted with some restrictions.

Housing development in new buildings is encouraged above the second story. Existing residential units are protected by limitations on demolitions and upper-story conversions. Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted within the District pursuant to Sections 207.1 and 207.2 of this Code.

Table 737. BAYVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING

CONTROL TABLE Bayview NCD
Zoning Category § References Controls

Table 737. BAYVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING

CONTROL TABLE Bayview NCD
Zoning Category § References Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS
Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits §§ 102, 105, 106, 250–252,
260, 261.1, 270, 271. See
also Height and Bulk
District Maps
Varies, but generally 40-X. See Height and
Bulk Map Sheet HT10 for more
information. Height sculpting required on
Alleys per § 261.1.
5 Foot Height Bonus for Active Ground Floor Uses § 263.20 P in some districts
Rear Yard §§ 130, 134, 134(a)(e), 136 Required at the lowest Story containing a
Dwelling Unit, and at each succeeding level
or Story of the Building: 25% of lot depth,
but in no case less than 15 feet. (6) 1
Front Setback and Side Yard §§ 130, 131, 132, 133 Generally not required; however, if the
existing sidewalk does not meet the
recommended width required by the Better
Streets Plan, a front setback shall be
provided so that, when combined with the
existing sidewalk, the total distance from
the curb to the building frontage meets or
exceeds the required recommended width
under the Better Streets Plan. This setback
is required only up to 15 feet above street
grade. See § 132(e).
Street Frontage and Public Realm
Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements § 138.1 Required
Street Frontage Requirements § 145.1 Required; controls apply to above-grade
parking setbacks, parking and loading
entrances, active uses, ground floor ceiling
height, street-facing ground-level spaces,
transparency and fenestration, and gates,
railings, and grillwork. Exceptions
permitted for historic buildings.
Ground Floor Commercial § 145.4 Required on some streets, see § 145.4 for
specific districts.
Vehicular Access Restrictions § 155(r) Restricted on some streets, see § 155(r) for
specific districts
Miscellaneous
Lot Size (Per Development) § 102, 121.1 P up to 9,999 square feet; C 10,000 square
feet and above
Planned Unit Development § 304 C
Awning §§ 102, 136 P
Canopy or Marquee §§ 102, 136 P
Signs §§ 262, 602-604, 607, 608,
609
As permitted by § 607.1
General Advertising Signs §§ 262, 602, 604, 608, 609,
610, 611
NP
Design Guidelines and Standards General Plan Commerce
and Industry Element
Subject to the Urban Design Guidelines,
Citywide Design Standards, and any other
applicable design guidelines that have been
approved by the Planning Commission.
Zoning Category
§ References
Controls
Zoning Category § References Controls
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards
Usable Open Space [Per Dwelling Unit] §§ 135, 136 80 square feet if private, or 100 square feet
if common, or the amount of open space
required in the nearest Residential District,
whichever is less.
Off-Street Parking Requirements §§ 145.1, 150, 151.1 , 153 -
156, 161, 166, 204.5
No car parking required. Maximum
permitted per § 151.1 . Bike parking
required per § 155.2. If car parking is
provided, car share spaces are required
when a project has 50 units or more per §
166.
Dwelling Unit Mix § 207.7 Generally required for creation of 10 or
more Dwelling Units. No less than 25% of
the total number of proposed Dwelling
Units shall contain at least two Bedrooms,
and no less than 10% of the total number of
proposed Dwelling Units shall contain at
least three Bedrooms.
Use Characteristics
Single Room Occupancy
§ 102
P
Student Housing
§ 102
P
Residential Uses Controls by Story
1st
2nd
3rd+
Residential Uses
§ 102
P
P
P
Accessory Dwelling Unit
§§ 102, 207.1, 207.2
P per Planning Code §§ 207.1 and 207.2.
Dwelling Unit Density, General
§§ 102, 207
1 unit per 600 square foot lot area, or the
density permitted in the nearest R District,
whichever is greater.
Minimum Dwelling Unit Densities, if Applicable
§ 207.9
Varies depending on project location, but
generally ranges between 50 and 100
dwelling units per acre.
Maximum Dwelling Unit Size
§§ 207.10, 317
P up to 4,000 square feet of Gross Floor
Area or an equivalent Floor Area Ratio for
any individual Dwelling Unit of 1.2:1. C for
Dwelling Units that exceed the greater of
those thresholds.
Group Housing Density
§ 208
1 bedroom per 210 square foot lot area, or
the density permitted in the nearest R
District, whichever is greater.
Homeless Shelter Density
§§ 102, 208
Density limits regulated by the
Administrative Code
Senior Housing Density
§§ 102, 202.2(f), 207
P up to twice the number of Dwelling Units
otherwise permitted as a Principal Use in
the district and meeting all the requirements
of § 202.2(f)(1). C up to twice the number
of Dwelling Units otherwise permitted as a
Principal Use in the district and meeting all
requirements of § 202.2(f)(1), except for §
202.2(f)(1)(D)(iv), related to location.
Loss of Dwelling Units: Conversion, Demolition, or Merger
of Dwelling Units, including Residential Flats
§ 317
C(1)
Zoning Category
§ References
Controls
Zoning Category
§ References
Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDSAND USES
Development Standards
Floor Area Ratio
§§ 102, 123, 124 , 207.9
3.6 to 13For Office Uses minimum
intensities may apply pursuant to § 207.9.
Use Size
§§ 102, 121.2
P up to 6,000 square feet; C 6,001 square
feet and above
Off-Street Parking Requirements §§ 145.1, 150, 151.1 , 153 -
156, 161, 166, 204.5
No car parking required. M
permitted per § 151.1 . Bik
required per Section 155.2.
required when a project has
parking spaces per § 166.
aximum
e parking
Car share spaces
25 or more
Off-Street Freight Loading §§ 150, 152, 153 - 155, 161,
204.5
None required if Gross Flo
than 10,000 square feet. Ex
or Area is less
ceptions
permitted per §§ 155 and 1 61.
Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility § 102 NP(2)
Formula Retail §§ 102, 303.1 C
Hours of Operation § 102 No limit
Maritime Use § 102 NP
Open Air Sales §§ 102, 703(b) See § 703(b)
Outdoor Activity Area §§ 102, 145.2(a), 202.2 P if located in front or it co
Section 202.2(a)(7); C if lo
mplies with
cated elsewhere.
Walk-up Facility § 102 P
NON-RESIDENTIAL USES Controls by S tory
1st
2nd
3rd+
Uses in Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings § 202.11 In Historic Buildings, Uses
NP are C and Uses listed be
except Cannabis Retail, Ho
Industrial Uses, as specifie
listed below as
low as C are P,
tel, and certain
d in § 202.11.
Agricultural Use Category
Agriculture, Industrial §§ 102, 202.2(c) NP
NP
NP
Agriculture, Large Scale Urban §§ 102, 202.2(c) C
C
C
Agriculture, Neighborhood §§ 102, 202.2(c) P
P
P
Automotive Use Category
Automotive Uses* §§ 102, 187.1, 202.2(b) C
NP
NP
Automotive Repair § 102 C
C
NP
Electric Vehicle Charging Location §§ 102 , 202.2(b), 202.13 C(6)2
C(6)
C(6)
Fleet Charging § 102 C
C
C
Parking Garage, Private § 102 C
C
C
Parking Garage, Public § 102 C
C
C
Parking Lot, Private §§ 102, 142, 156 C
C
C
Parking Lot, Public §§ 102, 142, 156 C
C
C
Service, Motor Vehicle Tow § 102 NP
NP
NP
Service, Parcel Delivery § 102 NP
NP
NP
Vehicle Storage Garage § 102 NP
NP
NP
Vehicle Storage Lot § 102 NP
NP
NP
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses* § 102 NP
NP
NP
Arts Activities § 102 P P P
Entertainment, General § 102 P P NP
Entertainment, Nighttime § 102 P P NP
Movie Theater §§ 102, 202.4 P P P
Open Recreation Area § 102 C C C
Passive Outdoor Recreation § 102 C C C
Industrial Use Category
Industrial Uses § 102 NP NP NP
Institutional Use Category
Institutional Uses* § 102 P P P
Community Facility § 102 P P P
Hospital § 102 C C C
Job Training § 102 P P P
Medical Cannabis Dispensary §§ 102, 202.2(e) DR DR NP
Public Facilities § 102 P P P
Social Service or Philanthropic Facility § 102 P P P
Sales and Service Use Category
Retail Sales and Service Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(a), 202.3 ,
202.5
P P P
Adult Business § 102 C C NP
Adult Sex Venue § 102 C C NP
Animal Hospital § 102 P P NP
Bar §§ 102, 202.2(a), 249.62 NP(7) NP(7) NP
Cannabis Retail §§ 102, 202.2(a) C C NP
Flexible Retail § 102 P NP NP
Hotel § 102 C C C
Kennel § 102 C C NP
Liquor Store §§ 102; 249.62 NP(7) NP(7) NP
Massage Establishment §§ 102, 204, 303(n), 703 P C(5) NP(5)
Massage, Foot/Chair § 102 P C NP
Mortuary § 102 C C C
Motel §§ 102, 202.2(a) NP NP NP
Restaurant §§ 102, 202.2(a) P(2) P(2) NP
Restaurant, Limited §§ 102, 202.2(a) P(2) P(2) NP
Retail Sales and Service, General § 102 P P P(2)
Services, Financial § 102 P P NP
Services, Fringe Financial § 102 P(3) NP(3) NP(3)
Services, Limited Financial § 102 P P NP
Services, Retail Professional § 102 P P P
Storage, Self § 102 C C C
Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment § 102 C NP NP
Trade Shop § 102 P C C
Non-Retail Sales and Service* § 102 NP NP NP
Design Professional § 102 P P P
Service, Non-Retail Professional § 102 C P C
Storage, Commercial § 102 C C C
Trade Office § 102 P P P
Utility and Infrastructure Use Category
Utility and Infrastructure* § 102 C(4) C(4) C(4)
Power Plant § 102 NP NP NP
Public Utilities Yard § 102 NP NP NP
  • Not listed below

(1) THIRD FLOOR RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION: Boundaries: Applicable to the Bayview NCD

Controls: A Residential Use may be converted to an Institutional Use, other than a Medical Cannabis Dispensary, as a Conditional Use on the third story and above if in addition to the criteria set forth in § 317, the Commission finds that:

(a) The structure in which the Residential Use is to be converted has been found eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places;

(b) The proposed use is to be operated by a nonprofit public benefit corporation; and

  • (c) No legally residing residential tenants will be displaced.

  • (2) Drive-up facilities for Restaurants and Limited-Restaurants are C.

(3) FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT. Fringe Financial Services are NP within any FFSRUD and its onequarter mile buffer pursuant to Section 249.35. Outside any FFSRUD and its one-quarter mile buffer, Fringe Financial Services are P subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 249.35(c)(3).

  • (4) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility.

(5) P if accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service.

  • (6)2 P where existing use is any Automotive Use.

(7) THIRD STREET ALCOHOL RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT (Section 249.62). C for Bars with ABC License Type 42. Reestablishments under Section 249.62(a)(3)(B)(iv): P. Relocations under Section 249.62(a)(3)(B)(v): C; except P for Bars regardless of ABC License Type.

(Added by Ord. 7-20, File No. 191260, App. 1/31/2020, Eff. 3/2/2020; amended by Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020; Ord. 136-21, File No. 210674, App. 8/4/2021, Eff. 9/4/2021; Ord. 233-21, File No. 210381, App. 12/22/2021, Eff. 1/22/2022; Ord. 37-22, File No. 211263, App. 3/14/2022, Eff. 4/14/2022; Ord. 75-22, File No. 220264, App. 5/13/2022, Eff. 6/13/2022; Ord. 190-22, File No. 220036, App. 9/16/2022, Eff. 10/17/2022; Ord. 264-22, File No. 220811, App. 12/22/2022, Eff. 1/22/2023; Ord. 33-24, File No. 231144, App. 2/21/2024, Eff. 3/23/2024; Ord. 62-24, File No. 230310, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024; Ord. 21-25, File No. 240932, App. 3/7/2025, Eff. 4/7/2025; Ord. 173-25, File No. 250634, App. 9/5/2025, Eff. 10/6/2025; Ord. 245-25, File No. 250701, App. 12/12/2025, Eff. 1/12/2026, Oper. 1/12/2026; Ord. 1-26, File No. 250385, App. 1/8/2026, Eff. 2/8/2026; Ord. 37-26, File No. 250886, App. 3/11/2026, Eff. 4/11/2026; Ord. 130-26, File No. 260180, App. 7/23/2026, Eff. 8/23/2026)

(Former Sec. 737 added by Ord. 61-09, File No. 090181, App. 4/17/2009; amended by Ord. 66-11, File No. 101537, App. 4/20/2011, Eff. 5/20/2011; Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011; Ord. 75-12 , File No. 120084,

App. 4/23/2012, Eff. 5/23/2012; Ord. 56-13 , File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 287-13 , File No. 130041, App. 12/26/2013, Eff. 1/25/2014; Ord. 66-14 , File No. 140097, App. 5/14/2014, Eff. 6/13/2014; Ord. 235-14 , File No. 140844, App. 11/26/2014, Eff. 12/26/2014; Ord. 14-15 , File No. 141210, App. 2/13/2015, Eff. 3/15/2015; Ord. 20-15 , File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; redesignated and amended by Ord. 30-15 , File No. 140954, App. 3/26/2015, Eff. 4/25/2015; amended by Ord. 209-15 , File No. 150271, App. 12/16/2015, Eff. 1/15/2016; Ord. 33-16 , File No. 160115, App. 3/11/2016, Eff. 4/10/2016; Ord. 162-16 , File No. 160657, App. 8/4/2016, Eff. 9/3/2016; Ord. 166- 16 , File No. 160477, App. 8/11/2016, Eff. 9/10/2016; redesignated as Section 755 and amended by Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; amended by Ord. 130-17, File No. 170204, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017) AMENDMENT HISTORY

Introductory material and Zoning Control Table amended; Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 136-21, Eff. 9/4/2021. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (5) added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Zoning Control Table and Note (5) amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (6)2 added; Ord. 190-22 , Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 264-22 , Eff. 1/22/2023. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 33-24 , Eff. 3/23/2024. Undesignated introductory material and Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 62-24 , Eff. 4/28/2024. Zoning Control Table and Note (2) amended; Note (7) added; Ord. 21-25 , Eff. 4/7/2025. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 173-25; Eff. 10/6/2025.

Zoning Control Table and Note (1) amended; Ord. 245-25 , Eff. 1/12/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 1-26 , Eff. 2/8/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 37-26 , Eff. 4/11/2026. Zoning Control Table and Note (7) amended; Ord. 130-26 , Eff. 8/23/2026.

CODIFICATION NOTES
  1. So in Ord. 7-20.

  2. Note “(6)” is referenced as “(5)” in Ord. 190-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(5)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 233-21.

  3. So in Ord. 245-25.

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