San Francisco Planning Code § 739 Geary Boulevard

The Geary Boulevard Neighborhood Commercial District is located along Geary Boulevard between Masonic and 28th 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. Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted.

Table 739. GEARY BOULEVARD NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE

		Geary Boulevard NCD
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits	§§ 102, 105, 106, 250– 252, 260 , 263.19, 261.1, 270, 270.3 , 271. See also Height and Bulk District Maps	Varies. See Height and Bulk Map Sheets HT03-04 for more information. Height sculpting required on Alleys per § 261.1.
5 Foot Height Bonus for Active Ground Floor Uses	§ 263.20	P(1) 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)
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
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.
Housing Choice-SF	§ 206.10	Form-based density, additional height, and other zoning modifications for eligible projects in the R-4 Height and Bulk District.
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USE	S
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	Form-Based Density.
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	Form-Based Density.
Homeless Shelter Density	§§ 102, 208	Density limits regulated by the Administrative Code
Senior Housing Density	§§ 102, 202.2(f), 207	Form-Based Density.
Loss of Dwelling Units: Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units,	§ 317	C(2)
including Residential Flats
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND	USES
Development Standards
Floor Area Ratio	§§ 102, 123, 124, 207.9	3.6 to 1. For 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. Maximum permitted per § 151.1 . Bike parking required per Section 155.2. Car share spaces required when a project has 25 or more parking spaces per § 166.
Off-Street Freight Loading	§§ 150, 152, 153 - 155, 161, 204.5	None required if Gross Floor Area is less than 10,000 square feet. Exceptions permitted per §§ 155 and 161.
Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility	§ 102	NP
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 complies with Section 202.2(a)(7); C if located elsewhere.
Walk-up Facility	§ 102	P
NON-RESIDENTIAL USES		Controls by Story

		1st	2nd	3rd+
Uses in Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings	§ 202.11	In Historic Build listed below as C certain Industria	ings, Uses listed belo are P, except Cannabi l Uses, as specified in	w as NP are C and Uses s Retail, Hotel, and § 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(6)	NP	NP
Automotive Repair	§ 102	C	C	NP
Electric Vehicle Charging Location	§§ 102 , 202.2(b), 202.13	C(9)1	C(9)	C(9)
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 Ca	tegory
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)	P	P	NP
Cannabis Retail	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	C	C	NP
Flexible Retail	§§ 102, 202.9	P	NP	NP
Hotel	§ 102	C	C	C
Kennel	§ 102	C	C	NP
Liquor Store	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Massage Establishment	§§ 102, 204, 303(n), 703	P	C(8)	NP(8)
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	P	NP
Restaurant, Limited	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	P	NP
Retail Sales and Service, General	§ 102	P(3)	P(3)	P
Services, Financial	§ 102	P	P	NP
Services, Fringe Financial	§ 102	P(4)	NP	NP
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(5)	C(5)	C(5)
Power Plant	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Public Utilities Yard	§ 102	NP	NP	NP

Not listed below

(1) Additional 5 feet for NC-3 parcels zoned 40' or 50' with an Active Use on the ground floor within the following areas: Geary from Masonic Avenue to 28th Avenue, except for parcels on the north side of Geary Boulevard between Palm Avenue and Parker Avenue, see § 263.20.

(2) THIRD FLOOR RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION: Boundaries: Applicable to the Geary Boulevard 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.
(3) GEARY BOULEVARD FORMULA RETAIL PET SUPPLY STORE AND FORMULA RETAIL EATING AND DRINKING SUBDISTRICT: Applicable only for the portion of the Geary Boulevard NCD between 14th and 28th Avenues as mapped on Sectional Maps 3 SU and 4 SU. Formula Retail pet supply stores and Formula Retail Eating and Drinking uses are NP.
(4) FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT. Fringe Financial Services are NP within any FFSRUD and its one- quarter 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).
(5) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility.
(6) Outdoor handwashing, vacuuming, and detailing of automobiles are permitted as an Accessory Use at Automotive Service Stations in the District. Such use may occupy no more than 5 onsite parking spots. The addition of such limited outdoor handwashing, vacuuming, and detailing of automobiles is not subject to the location and operational restrictions in Section 202.2(b)(3) and shall not constitute an enlargement or intensification of the use.
(7) [Note deleted.]
(8) P if accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service.
(9)1 P where existing use is any Automotive Use.

(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. 248-23, File No. 230446, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; Ord. 249-23, File No. 230701, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; 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. 173-25, File No. 250634, App. 9/5/2025, Eff. 10/6/2025; Ord. 214-25, File No. 250716, App. 11/4/2025, Eff. 12/5/2025; 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)

(Former Sec. 739 added by Ord. 175-12 , File No. 120241, App. 8/7/2012, Eff. 9/6/2012 ; amended by Ord. 287-13 , File No. 130041, App. 12/26/2013, Eff. 1/25/2014; Ord. 227-14 , File No. 120796, App. 11/13/2014, Eff. 12/13/2014; 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. 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; Ord. 100-17, File No. 170466, App. 5/19/2017, Eff. 6/18/2017; Ord. 130-17, File No. 170204, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; repealed by Ord. 229-17, File No. 171041, App. 12/6/2017, Eff. 1/5/2018) 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 (8) added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Zoning Control Table and Note (8) amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (9)1 added; Ord. 190-22 , Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 264-22 , Eff. 1/22/2023. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 248-23 , Eff. 1/14/2024. Zoning Control Table and Note (3) amended; Notes (6) and (7) deleted; Ord. 249-23 , Eff. 1/14/2024. 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 amended; Ord. 173-25; Eff. 10/6/2025. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (6) added; Ord. 214-25 , Eff. 12/5/2025. Undesignated introductory material, Zoning Control Table, and Note (2) amended; Ord. 24525 , 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.

CODIFICATION NOTE

Note “(9)” is referenced as “(8)” in Ord. 190-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(8)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 233-21.