South San Francisco · Land use · Live-work unit
Where is a live-work unit allowed in South San Francisco?
In South San Francisco, a live-work unit is allowed in 1 base zone (RH-180), needs a permit in 8 (DRL, DRM, DRH, DRC, LNC and 3 more) and not allowed in 5 (South San Francisco use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RH-180
- Needs a permit: DRL, DRM, DRH, DRC, LNC, GAC, DTC and ETC
- Not allowed: RL-2.2, RL-8, RM-22, RH-37.5 and RH-50
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the South San Francisco Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a live-work unit can go
South San Francisco's code calls this use “Live-Work”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RH-180 | Allowed | § 20.070.002 |
| DRL Downtown Residential Low | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.080.002 |
| DRM Downtown Residential Medium | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.080.002 |
| DRH Downtown Residential High | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.080.002 |
| DRC | Needs a minor use permit | § 20.090.002 |
| LNC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.090.002 |
| GAC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.090.002 |
| DTC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.090.002 |
| ETC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 20.090.002 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Chapter 20.350, Live-Work Units.
- Standards in Chapter 20.350 (Live-Work Units). Combined headers: 'RH-37.5 and RH-50' is one column (given as two zones); 'BTP-M & GMP' and 'BTP-H & OPSP' are two-district columns (GMP and OPSP are not given as separate cells). PD districts follow their PD Plan (S6).
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) districts: S6 sends uses to each PD Plan; Specific Plan districts (S10 is only the Specific Plan chapter); Chapter 20.040 definitions and Chapter 20.350 standards (group residential, community assembly size, day care) are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in South San Francisco
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a live-work unit in the DRL zone in South San Francisco?
Only with a minor use permit. South San Francisco's use table lists it that way in DRL (Downtown Residential Low) (§ 20.080.002).
Can I have a live-work unit in the RL-2.2 zone in South San Francisco?
No. South San Francisco's use table does not allow it in RL-2.2 (§ 20.070.002).
Can I have a live-work unit in the RH-180 zone in South San Francisco?
Yes. South San Francisco's use table lists it as allowed in RH-180 (§ 20.070.002).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a live-work unit at an address in South San Francisco
Ask GoCodebook what the zoning at a specific address allows and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question