San Francisco Planning Code § 741 San Bruno Avenue

The San Bruno Avenue Neighborhood Commercial District is located along San Bruno Avenue between Hale and Olmstead Streets. The District is a small-scale linear shopping street which provides convenience goods and services to the surrounding neighborhood as well as limited comparison shopping goods for a wider market.

The San Bruno Avenue District controls provide for mixed-use buildings which approximate or slightly exceed the standard development pattern. Rear yard requirements above the ground story and at residential levels preserve open space corridors of interior blocks.

Most new commercial development is permitted at the ground and second stories. Neighborhood-serving businesses are strongly encouraged. The second story may be used by some retail stores, personal services, and medical, business, and professional offices. Parking and hotels are monitored at all stories. Limits on late-night activity, drive-up facilities, and other automobile uses protect the livability within and around the district, and promote continuous retail frontage.

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

Table 741. SAN BRUNO AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE

		San Bruno Avenue 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
Rear Yard	§§ 130, 134, 134(a)(e), 136	Required at the Second Story and at each succeeding level or Story of the building, and at the First Story if it contains a Dwelling Unit: 25% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet
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, Canopy or Marquee	§ 136.1	P
Signs	§§ 262, 602-604, 607, 607.1, 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	100 square feet if private, or 133 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 800 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 275 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

Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards
Floor Area Ratio	§§ 102, 123, 124 , 207.9	2.5 to 1. For Office Uses minimum intensities may apply pursuant to § 207.9.

Use Size	§§ 102, 121.2	P up to 4,000 square feet; C 4,001 square feet and above
Off-Street Parking Requirements	§§ 145.1, 150, 151.1 , 153 - 156, 161, 166, 204.5	No car parking. 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,	None required if Gross Floor Area is less than 10,000
	161, 204.5	square feet. Exceptions permitted per §§ 155 and 161.
Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility	§ 102	NP
Formula Retail	§§ 102, 303.1	C

		San Bruno Avenue NCD
Hours of Operation	§ 102	P 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.; C 2 a.m. - 6 a.m.
Maritime Use	§ 102	NP
Open Air Sales	§§ 102, 703(b)	See § 703(b)
Outdoor Activity Area	§§ 102, 145.2 , 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 Buildings, Uses listed below as NP are C and Uses listed below as C are P, except Cannabis Retail, Hotel, and certain Industrial Uses, as specified 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	NP NP NP
Automotive Repair	§ 102	C NP NP
Automotive Service Station	§§ 102, 202.2(b)	C NP NP
Electric Vehicle Charging Location	§§ 102 , 202.2(b), 202.13	C(4)1 C(4) C(4)
Fleet Charging	§ 102	C C C
Gas Station	§§ 102, 187.1, 202.2(b)	C NP NP
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
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	NP	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, 202.2(d)	NP	NP	NP
Institutional Use Category
Institutional Uses*	§ 102	P	C	C
Child Care Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Community Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Hospital	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Medical Cannabis Dispensary	§§ 102, 202.2(e)	DR	DR	NP
Public Facilities	§ 102	P	P	P
Residential Care Facility	§ 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	P	P	NP
Adult Business	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Adult Sex Venue	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Animal Hospital	§ 102	P	P	NP
Bar	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	NP	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	NP	NP
Liquor Store	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Massage Establishment	§§ 102, 204, 303(n), 703	P	C(3)	NP(3)
Massage, Foot/Chair	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Mortuary	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Motel	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	NP	NP	NP
Reproductive Health Clinic	§§ 102, 202.5	P	P	P
Restaurant	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	P	NP
Restaurant, Limited	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	P	NP
Services, Financial	§ 102	P	C	NP
Services, Fringe Financial	§ 102	P(1)	NP	NP
Services, Limited Financial	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Services, Retail Professional	§ 102	P	P	P
Storage, Self	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment	§ 102	C	NP	NP
Trade Shop	§ 102	P	C	NP
Non-Retail Sales and Service*	§ 102	NP	NP	NP

Design Professional	§ 102	P	P	NP
Service, Non-Retail Professional	§ 102	C	P	NP
Trade Office	§ 102	P	P	NP
Utility and Infrastructure Use Category
Utility and Infrastructure*	§ 102	C(2)	C(2)	C(2)
Power Plant	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Public Utilities Yard	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
* Not listed below

(1) 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). (2) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility. (3) P if accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service. (4)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. 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. 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. 741 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 (3) added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Zoning Control Table and Note (3) amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (4)1 added; Ord. 190-22 , Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; 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; 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. CODIFICATION NOTE

Note “(4)” is referenced as “(3)” in Ord. 190-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(3)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 233-21.