South San Francisco Municipal Code Ch. 20.070 Residential Zoning Districts

The purpose of the residential zoning districts is to:

A. Accommodate a range of housing types consistent with the City's General Plan;

B. Preserve, protect, and enhance the character of the City's different residential neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for the City's residents;

C. Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and open space for each dwelling;

D. Ensure that all future development and alterations to existing structures are compatible with surrounding homes and appropriate to the physical characteristics of the site and the area where the project is proposed; and

E. Provide sites for public and semi-public land uses such as parks, libraries, and religious assembly uses to serve residents and complement surrounding residential development.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

Table 20.070.002: Use Regulations – Residential Zoning Districts, lists the uses permitted in the residential zoning districts and the level of review required. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Chief Planner shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications that are not included in this table or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below are otherwise prohibited. The table also notes all regulations that apply to various uses.

Table 20.070.002: Use Regulations – Residential Zoning Districts

Notes:

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

Table 20.070.003: Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts, establishes the development standards for the residential zoning districts. The numbers in the figure below are keyed to corresponding regulations in the table. Letters in parentheses after the standards in the table refer to lettered provisions following the table.

Table 20.070.003: Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts

Notes:

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

B. Hillside Lots. On lots with an average slope of 15 percent or greater, the minimum lot size and front and rear setbacks may be modified by the standards of Section 20.310.002 ("General Site and Building Design").

C. Required Daylight Planes in the RL Districts. No portion of a structure may extend above a daylight plane that is measured from a point 20 feet above average existing grade of the front or street side setback line and extending upward at a 45-degree angle.

D. Height.

1. Increased Height. Allowable height may be increased to a maximum of 35 feet with the approval of a Minor Use Permit subject to the following findings:

a. The height of the proposed structure does not exceed the average height of structures on adjoining lots;

b. The proposed structure will not substantially interfere with solar access or privacy available to residences to the side, rear, or directly across the street;

c. The design includes architectural details, articulation, and other features to minimize the visual impact of the additional bulk created by the increased height; and

d. The height, bulk, and mass of the proposed structure is comparable to that of the surrounding neighborhood.

2. Maximum Height. See Section 20.300.003 ("Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency") for airspace protection evaluation requirements based on the San Francisco International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

E. Transitional Standards.

1. Where a development abuts a district with a lower maximum height, transitional height standards apply. See Section 20.310.004(B)(5) ('Transitional Standards").

2. The building setback from a district with a lower maximum height shall be 10 feet for interior side yards and 15 feet for rear yards.

3. A landscaped planting area, a minimum of five feet in width, shall be provided in the RH District wherever the RH District abuts a district with a lower maximum height. Trees shall be planted in this area at a minimum interval of 15 feet.

F. Limitations on Third-Story Structures in the RM District. Third stories in the RM District are subject to the following standards

1. Any third story must be either set back a minimum of 10 feet from all interior lot lines or located inside a pitched roof with a slope of at least 1:3.

2. Dormers are permitted on third stories, provided that they do not exceed 15 feet in width and do not occupy more than 20 percent of the total roof area.

G. Attached Single-Unit Dwellings. Required setbacks apply only to the ends of rows of attached single-unit dwellings.

H. Reduced Side Setbacks.

1. When the existing side yard setback is less than five feet, setbacks may be extended on the ground level only and by no more than 50 percent of the existing wall length. In all instances, side yard setbacks shall be no closer than three feet to the side property line.

2. Side Yard Setback for Substandard Lots. The side yard on any lot with an average width of 50 feet or less shall be a minimum of 10 percent of the lot width, but in no case less than three feet.

I. Reduced Rear Setbacks. When the existing rear yard setback is less than 20 feet, setbacks may be extended on the ground level only and by no more than 50 percent of the existing wall length. In all instances, rear yard setbacks shall be no closer than 16 feet to the rear property line.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

A. Site and Building Design Standards. All development is subject to the standards of Chapter 20.310 ("Site and Building Design Standards") as appropriate.

B. Maximum Paving in Street-Facing Yards. No more than 50 percent of the entire front yard or the required street side yard may be covered with a paved impervious or pervious surface.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)