Chapter 20.150 — LINDENVILLE SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT

This chapter establishes the Lindenville Specific Plan district (and associated zoning districts) and provides for coordinated planning and design principles within this district.

• A. The Lindenville Specific Plan districts are established to implement the Lindenville Specific Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Lindenville Specific Plan is a comprehensive, long-term planning document for the Lindenville Specific Plan area. It includes land use districts and programs; design and development standards; open space standards, and guidelines; complete street standards; and infrastructure and utility enhancement; among other components.

• B. Consistent with the vision established in the General Plan, the Lindenville Specific Plan implements the goals and policies through the following cross-cutting strategies:

  1. Establish areas to create character, distinction, and visual interest within Lindenville.

  2. Create a vibrant and inclusive mixed use neighborhood where people can easily reach destinations within a short walk or bike ride.

  3. Promote a variety of housing types with distinct height and density standards to support a diverse range of families and households.

  4. Maintain and strengthen Lindenville as a diverse economic engine that supports economic prosperity for all.

  5. Design a multimodal, safe, and connected transportation network that advances sustainability and livability goals.

  6. Promote arts and cultural uses.

  7. Adapt to a changing climate by requiring resilient design and upgrades in areas impacted by storms and sea level rise.

  8. Create new publicly accessible open spaces that encourage active and passive recreation to accommodate the physical and social needs of all users.

  9. Protect residents and employees from air pollution, noise, and industrial pollutants present in the soil.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. The regulations contained in this chapter shall apply in the Lindenville Specific Plan district, in conjunction with the standards, guidelines, and plans contained in the Lindenville Specific Plan document.

• B. The standards, guidelines, and plans contained in this chapter and in the Lindenville Specific Plan document do not apply to areas within the Southline Campus Specific Plan District, see Chapter 20.290 ("Southline Campus Specific Plan District").

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA

ZONING

§ 20.150.002

§ 20.150.003

• C. Whenever this chapter or the Lindenville Specific Plan document does not provide specific standards and/or procedures for the review, approval, and/or administration of development projects within the Lindenville Specific Plan district or for appeals concerning approvals or administration of development projects, the provisions of the South San Francisco Municipal Code shall apply.

• D. In the event of inconsistencies or conflict between the Lindenville Specific Plan and this chapter or any other provision of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, the provisions of the Lindenville Specific Plan take precedence, control and govern in the Lindenville Specific Plan Area.

• E. The owner or occupant of land or buildings used for any purpose in the Lindenville Specific Plan district shall provide the facilities as required by and which conform with the regulations set forth in this chapter; provided, however, that buildings, structures, or uses lawfully constructed or established prior to the effective date of this chapter that do not comply with the provisions hereof shall be deemed legally nonconforming in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 20.320.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Zoning Districts. The Lindenville Specific Plan establishes the following zoning districts. See Chapter 20.135.020 ("Transect Zones") for standards for zones.

  1. T3 Makers Lindenville (T3ML). The T3ML form-based zoning district is a low- and medium-intensity mixed-use district that supports arts and makers, residential, and industrial uses along the South Linden Avenue corridor.

  2. T4 Lindenville (T4L). The T4L form-based zoning district establishes a mixed-use urban area. The district supports medium- to high-intensity mixed-use development.

  3. T5 Lindenville (T5L). The T5L form-based zoning district supports a comfortable and walkable high-intensity urban core.

• B. Overlay Zones. The Lindenville Specific Plan establishes the following overlay zones. See Chapter 20, Division IV ("Overlays and Plan Districts") for standards for zones.

  1. Height Incentive Overlay (HI). The Height Incentive Overlay District is intended to incentivize higher levels of green building performance, affordable housing, and the provision of additional open space in excess of the amount required under existing City and Specific Plan regulations and fees in exchange for increased building heights.

  2. Colma Creek Greenbelt Overlay (CCG). The Colma Creek Greenbelt Overlay District is intended to encourage transfer of development away from parcels fronting Colma Creek to implement the vision of the Colma Creek Greenbelt.

  3. Arts and Makers Overlay (A&M). The Arts and Makers Overlay District is intended to promote arts and cultural uses along South Linden Avenue through development incentives.

  4. Active Ground Floor Use Overlay (AGFU). The Active Ground Floor Use Overlay District requires active ground floor uses along portions of South Spruce Avenue.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CODE

§ 20.150.003

§ 20.150.005

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Conventional Zoning Districts. For conventional zoning districts in the Lindenville Specific Plan District, uses are regulated by Table 20.100.002: Use Regulations — Nonresidential Zoning Districts.

• B. Form-Based Zoning Districts. For Form-Based Zoning Districts in the Lindenville Specific Plan, uses are regulated by Table 20.135.060(B)(1): Uses in the Transect Zoning Districts.

• C. Arts and Makers Uses. For parcels within the A&M Overlay in the Lindenville Specific Plan, uses are regulated by Table 20.200.003.

• D. Active Ground Floor Uses. For parcels within the AGFU Overlay in the Lindenville Specific Plan, uses are regulated by Table 20.210.003.

• E. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency. All development shall adhere to land use compatibility requirements established in Zoning Code Chapter 20.300.003 ("Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency"), related to consistency with the Comprehensive Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Environs of San Francisco International Airport (ALUCP).

  1. ALUCP Safety Zone Compatibility. Development projects in Safety Zones 2, 3, and 4 shall adhere to the land use restrictions as defined by the ALUCP.

  2. ALUCP Noise Interior Compatibility. Future developments exposed to conditionally acceptable and generally unacceptable aircraft noise levels, as defined by the ALUCP or the South San Francisco General Plan, whichever is more restrictive, shall complete a detailed noise analysis that includes the required noise reduction measures and noise insulation features included in the design to ensure compatibility with appropriate noise standards.

  3. ALUCP Noise Exterior Compatibility. Exterior noise requirements shall adhere to Zoning Code Chapter 20.300.003 ("Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency") and Noise Performance Standards in the City's General Plan, with the following exceptions:

     • a. For new multi-family residential projects and for the residential component of mixed-use development, use a standard of 60 dB CNEL in usable outdoor activity areas. Use noise attenuation techniques such as shielding by buildings and structures for common outdoor use areas. Outdoor uses shall be designed for passive recreational use.

     • b. For new parks and open spaces, use a standard of 60 dB CNEL. Parks and open spaces shall be designed for passive recreational use.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Density and Floor Area Ratio. Residential Density and Nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is regulated by Table 20.150.005: Density and Intensity.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA

ZONING

§ 20.150.005

§ 20.150.005

==> picture [400 x 561] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Table 20.150.005: Density and Intensity
Maximum
Minimum Maximum Nonresidential Total Floor Area
Residential Residential Base Floor Area Ratio Ratio (Residential
Density Density Nonresidential with Community and
District (DU/AC) (DU/AC)1 Floor Area Ratio Benefits2 Nonresidential)3
RM-22 15 or existing 22 NA NA NA
density,
whichever is
greater
RH-180 80 or existing 180 NA NA NA
density,
whichever is
greater
T3ML 20 60 0.5 minimum for NA 1.0 min; 2.5 max
nonresidential;
1.0 maximum
T4L 80 120 0.5 maximum NA 1.25 min; 3.5 max
for
nonresidential
uses
T5L 80 140 0.5 maximum NA 1.5 min; 3.75 max
for
nonresidential
uses
BPO NA NA 1 2.5 2.5
BTP-H NA NA 0.5 2.0 for Clean 2.0
Technology,
Office, and R&D
MIM NA NA 0.4 1.0 for all 1.0
permitted uses
except Office and
R&D
MIH NA NA 0.4 2.0 for all 2.0
permitted uses
except Office and
R&D
PQP NA NA NA NA NA
----- End of picture text -----

1 See Chapter 20.390 ("Bonus Residential Density") for additional density based on the California State Density Bonus program.

2 See Chapter 20.395 ("Community Benefits Program") for additional FAR based on the Community Benefits Program.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA § 20.150.005

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CODE

§ 20.150.005

• 3 Ground floor nonresidential uses may be exempt from the maximum FAR, see Section 20.040.009 ("Determining Floor Area Ratio"). Ground floor nonresidential uses would count towards the minimum FAR.

• B. Nonresidential Development. Floor area ratio (FAR) is used to regulate nonresidential developments and/or the nonresidential component of a mixed-use development.

  1. In Zoning Districts that allow residential uses, minimum residential density must be achieved before nonresidential uses are permitted.

  2. The Base Nonresidential FAR is used as the base FAR for office, R&D, and industrial development.

  3. Additional FAR may be awarded, up to the Maximum Floor Area Ratio with Community Benefits, for developments that meet the following requirements:

     • a. Provide community benefits as established in Zoning Code Chapter 20.395 ("Community Benefits Program").

     • b. Contribute the open space on site and in designated locations in the Parks and Open Space Framework Plan in the LSP as part of its community benefits contribution.

• C. Residential Development. Residential and mixed-use residential development is allowed in the RM-22, RH-180, T3ML, T4L, and T5L zoning districts.

1. All new residential development in the RM-22, RH-180, T3ML, T4L, and T5L zoning districts shall build to at least the minimum density or existing density, whichever is greater.

   2. See Chapter 20.380 ("Inclusionary Housing Regulations") and Chapter 20.390 ("Bonus Residential Density") for inclusionary housing requirements and density bonus allowed.

• D. Height. Allowed maximum height is regulated by Figure 20.150.005 or the maximum height limits permissible under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and the ALUCP Critical Aeronautical Surfaces requirements. For avoidance of doubt, the lower of the two heights identified by the ALUCP and the FAA shall be the controlling maximum height.

  1. Height Incentive Overlay. The Lindenville Specific Plan establishes a Height Incentive Overlay. See Chapter 20.160 ("Height Incentive Overlay") for more details.

  2. Height Measurement. Building height measurement procedures are defined in Chapter 20.040.005 ("Measuring Height").

  3. ALUCP Consistency. For airspace protection evaluation requirements based on the San Francisco International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, see Section 20.300.003 ("Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency").

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA

ZONING

§ 20.150.005

§ 20.150.006

Figure 20.150.005 Maximum Building Height

==> picture [259 x 331] intentionally omitted <==

• E. Additional Standards and Requirements. Additional standards, requirements, and details for all development, Base and Bonus FAR for nonresidential development, and residential development are set forth in the Lindenville Specific Plan Sections 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). The Lindenville Specific Plan allows transfer of development rights to incentivize the Specific Plan priorities related to open space, bluegreen infrastructure, Colma Creek naturalization, affordable housing, and public facilities. Maximum Floor Area Ratio with Community Benefits may not be exceeded through the transfer of development rights from one parcel to another parcel within Lindenville. The details, requirements, and process for obtaining additional TDR square footage are set forth in the Lindenville Specific Plan Section 3.4.

  1. The Lindenville Specific Plan establishes four TDR programs.

     • a. Colma Creek Greenbelt;

     • b. Parks and open spaces;

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA § 20.150.006

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CODE

§ 20.150.008

  - c. Affordable housing; 

  - d. Public facilities. 

2. All the nonresidential floor area or residential units on a sending parcel may be transferred in its entirety, to a single receiving parcel, or in separate increments to several receiving parcels. Receiving parcels may receive floor area or units from multiple sending parcels. Individual receiving parcels may not exceed the Maximum Floor Area Ratio with Community Benefits as set forth in Table 20.150.005: Density and Intensity.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Conventional Residential Districts. For conventional residential zoning districts, see Chapter 20.070 ("Residential Zoning Districts") for development standards.

• B. Conventional Nonresidential Districts. For conventional nonresidential zoning districts, see Chapter 20.100 ("Nonresidential Districts") for development standards.

• C. Form-Based Zones. For form-based zoning districts, see Chapter 20.135 ("Form-Based Zoning Districts") for standards for zones.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Design Standards for Form-Based Zones. The Lindenville Specific Plan established design standards which regulate various aspects of building design for the T3ML, T4L, and T5L zones. The following details and requirements for the building design are set forth in the Lindenville Specific Plan:

  1. Building massing and façade composition;

  2. Unique building entry;

  3. Ground floor residential units;

  4. Transition to RL Zoning District;

  5. Transitions to MIM and MIH-zoned properties;

  6. Parking;

  7. Architectural details;

  8. Residential unit design;

  9. General development standards.

• B. Exemptions. Development projects in the T3ML, T4L, and T5L zones are exempt from Section 20.310.004 ("Multi-Family Residential and Mixed Use Design").

• C. Conflicts. If a general development standard conflicts with the Lindenville Specific Plan

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA

ZONING

§ 20.150.008

§ 20.150.010

district design and development standards, the standards in Lindenville Specific Plan prevail.

(Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Street Location. The street system within Lindenville Specific Plan shall be located, generally, as shown in Lindenvile Specific Plan Chapter 6: Mobility. Precise alignments shall be established during the process for review and filing of maps in conformance with the standards established in this chapter, and otherwise as established in the Subdivision Ordinance (Title 19 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code)

• B. Street Standards. The streets within the Lindenville Specific Plan shall conform to the design standards set forth in the Specific Plan, and, as applicable, Chapter 19.20 ("Street Design") of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.

• C. Utilities. All new streets shall be designed and constructed per City standards to include storm, sewer, water, and dry utilities.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

• A. Infrastructure and Utilities Location. The location and extent of proposed infrastructure and utility improvements in the Lindenville Specific Plan will be as generally described and depicted in the Specific Plan, Chapter 7: Infrastructure.

• (Ord. 1649, 10/11/2023)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/SO5016 on 2026-05-11

City of South San Francisco, CA