South San Francisco · Zoning · DRC
South San Francisco DRC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's DRC zone, buildings can be up to 65 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sf (South San Francisco code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (10 ft when abutting a residential district)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5
- Maximum density: 125 du/ac
DRC is a zoning district in South San Francisco. Every value below was read from the South San Francisco Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in DRC
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 65 ft § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft)”, column “DRC”: 65 ft (D) |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: 10 ft when abutting a residential district § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “DRC”: 0 ft; 10 ft when abutting a residential district (E) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “DRC”: 20 ft (E) |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sf § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “DRC”: 5,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “DRC”: 90% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “DRC”: 0.5 (A) |
| Maximum density | 125 du/ac § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “DRC”: 125 du/ac (B) |
Uses in DRC
Uses the code's use tables allow in DRC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Live-work unit — Needs a minor use permit
- Child care center — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in DRC:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — when abutting a residential district § 20.090.003
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback limit for DRC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the South San Francisco Municipal Code.
Other South San Francisco zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South San Francisco's DRC zone?
65 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's DRC zone?
0 ft (10 ft when abutting a residential district) — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's DRC zone?
20 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum lot size in South San Francisco's DRC zone?
5,000 sf — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the maximum lot coverage in South San Francisco's DRC zone?
90% — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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