South San Francisco · Zoning · RL-8
South San Francisco RL-8 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's RL-8 zone, buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 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: 5,000 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater
- Maximum density: 8 du/ac
RL-8 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 RL-8
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 § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Max. Primary Building (ft/stories)”, column “RL-8”: 28 ft/2 stories (D) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Max. Primary Building (ft/stories)”, column “RL-8”: 28 ft/2 stories (D) |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Min. Front Setback”, column “RL-8”: 15 ft (B) (C) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “RL-8”: 5 ft (H); 4 ft for SB 9 units |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “RL-8”: 20 ft (I) |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sf § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “RL-8”: 5,000 sf (B) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “RL-8”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “RL-8”: 0.5 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater |
| Maximum density | 8 du/ac § 20.070.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “RL-8”: 8 du/ac (A) |
Uses in RL-8
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL-8, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- 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 RL-8:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — With approval of a Minor Use Permit and subject to the findings in § 20.070.003(D)(1) § 20.070.003
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft — for SB 9 units § 20.070.003
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sf — corner lot § 20.070.003
Other South San Francisco zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South San Francisco's RL-8 zone?
28 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.070.003.
What is the maximum number of stories in South San Francisco's RL-8 zone?
2 stories — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.070.003.
What is the minimum front setback in South San Francisco's RL-8 zone?
15 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.070.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's RL-8 zone?
5 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.070.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's RL-8 zone?
20 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.070.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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