South San Francisco · Zoning · DRL
South San Francisco DRL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's DRL zone, buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,750 sf (South San Francisco code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2,750 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 80%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.70 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater
- Maximum density: 22 du/ac
DRL (Downtown Residential Low) 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 DRL
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 | 28 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRL”: 28 ft/2 stories (C) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRL”: 28 ft/2 stories (C) |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Front Setback, Street-Facing”, column “DRL”: Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “DRL”: 5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all upper stories (G) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “DRL”: 20 ft (B) (H) |
| Minimum lot size | 2,750 sf § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “DRL”: 2,750 sf (B) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 80% § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “DRL”: 80% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.70 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “DRL”: 0.70 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater (B) |
| Maximum density | 22 du/ac § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “DRL”: 22 du/ac (A) |
Uses in DRL
Uses the code's use tables allow in DRL, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- 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 DRL:
- Minimum front setback: 40 ft — for above-ground parking § 20.080.003
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — for a minimum 50% of side façade for all upper stories § 20.080.003
Other South San Francisco zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South San Francisco's DRL zone?
28 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the maximum number of stories in South San Francisco's DRL zone?
2 stories — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum front setback in South San Francisco's DRL zone?
15 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's DRL zone?
5 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's DRL zone?
20 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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