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Article 2 — USE DISTRICTSSEC. 210. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION/REPAIR DISTRICTS.

SEC. 210.2. C-3 DISTRICTS: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL.

San Francisco Planning Code · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco, a center for City, regional, national, and international commerce, is composed of five separate districts, as follows:

C-3-O District: Downtown Office. This District, playing a leading national role in finance, corporate headquarters and service industries, and serving as an employment center for the region, consists primarily of high-quality office development. The intensity of building development is the greatest in the City, resulting in a notable skyline symbolizing the area's strength and vitality. The District is served by City and regional transit reaching its central portions and by automobile parking at peripheral locations. Intensity and compactness permit face-to-face business contacts to be made conveniently by travel on foot. Office development is supported by some related retail and service uses within the area, with inappropriate uses excluded in order to conserve the supply of land in the core and its expansion areas for further development of major office buildings.

C-3-O(SD) District: Downtown Office Special Development. This area south of Market Street and east of 3rd Street comprises the southern side of the core central business district, and is similar to and generally indistinguishable from the C-3-O District in terms of uses and character. The area is centered on the Transbay Transit Center. This District permits densities that exceed those in the C-3-O District and contains the tallest height limits in the City, reflecting its unparalleled public transportation access and geographically central position in the downtown.

C-3-R District: Downtown Retail. This District is a regional center for comparison shopper retailing and direct consumer services. It covers a compact area with a distinctive urban character, consists of uses with cumulative customer attraction and compatibility, and is easily traversed by foot. Like the adjacent Downtown Office District, this District is well-served by City and regional transit, with automobile parking best located at its periphery. Within the District, continuity of retail and consumer service uses is emphasized, with encouragement of pedestrian interest and amenities and minimization of conflicts between shoppers and motor vehicles. A further merging of this District with adjacent, related Districts is anticipated, partially through development of buildings which combine retailing with other functions.

C-3-G District: Downtown General Commercial. This District covers the western portions of downtown and is composed of a variety of uses: Retail, offices, hotels, entertainment, clubs and institutions, and high-density residential. Many of these uses have a Citywide or regional function, although the intensity of development is lower here than in the downtown core area. As in the case of other downtown districts, no off-street parking is required for individual commercial buildings. In the vicinity of Market Street, the configuration of this District reflects easy accessibility by rapid transit.

and high-density residential. Many of these uses have a Citywide or regional function, although the intensity of development is lower here than in the downtown core area. As in the case of other downtown districts, no off-street parking is required for individual commercial buildings. In the vicinity of Market Street, the configuration of this District reflects easy accessibility by rapid transit.

C-3-S District: Downtown Support. This District encompasses Yerba Buena Gardens, which includes San Francisco's Convention Center, hotels, museums and cultural facilities, housing, retail, and offices arranged around public gardens and plazas. The District continues to accommodate important supporting functions such as wholesaling, printing, building

services, and secondary office space. It also contains unique housing resources. The District is within walking distance of rapid transit on Market Street, and is served by transit lines on Third, Fourth, Mission and Folsom streets.

Table 210.2
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-3 DISTRICTS

Zoning Category § References C-3-O C-3-O(SD) C-3-R C-3-G C-3-S
Table 210.2
**ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR**C-3 DISTRICTS
Zoning Category § References C-3-O C-3-O(SD) C-3-R C-3-G C-3-S
BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS BUILDING STANDARDS
Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits §§ 102, 105, 106, 250-252,
260, 261, 270, 271
Varies. See also Height and Bulk District Maps. Varies. See also Height and Bulk District Maps. Varies. See also Height and Bulk District Maps. Varies. See also Height and Bulk District Maps. Varies. See also Height and Bulk District Maps.
Setbacks and Streetwall Articulation § 132.1 Various upper floor setback requirements based on building location, height and street width. Building setbacks may be required facing
streets of 80' or less in width and on Market Street.
Various upper floor setback requirements based on building location, height and street width. Building setbacks may be required facing
streets of 80' or less in width and on Market Street.
Various upper floor setback requirements based on building location, height and street width. Building setbacks may be required facing
streets of 80' or less in width and on Market Street.
Various upper floor setback requirements based on building location, height and street width. Building setbacks may be required facing
streets of 80' or less in width and on Market Street.
Various upper floor setback requirements based on building location, height and street width. Building setbacks may be required facing
streets of 80' or less in width and on Market Street.
Basic Floor Area Ratio §§ 102, 123, 124 9.0 to 1 6.0 to 1 6.0 to 1 6.0 to 1 5.0 to 1
Front, Rear, and Side Setbacks §§ 130, 132, 133, 134 See Residential Standards below. See Residential Standards below. See Residential Standards below. See Residential Standards below. See Residential Standards below.
Sun Access Planes § 146 Buildings located on certain streets are required to provide sun access planes per § 146. Buildings located on certain streets are required to provide sun access planes per § 146. Buildings located on certain streets are required to provide sun access planes per § 146. Buildings located on certain streets are required to provide sun access planes per § 146. Buildings located on certain streets are required to provide sun access planes per § 146.
Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm Street Frontage and Public Realm
Privately Owned Public Open Space § 138 Required with the constructing of a new building or an addition of gross floor area equal to 20% or more of an existing building. Ratio of
POPOS is 1:50 feet for all districts except C-3-R which is 1:100.
Required with the constructing of a new building or an addition of gross floor area equal to 20% or more of an existing building. Ratio of
POPOS is 1:50 feet for all districts except C-3-R which is 1:100.
Required with the constructing of a new building or an addition of gross floor area equal to 20% or more of an existing building. Ratio of
POPOS is 1:50 feet for all districts except C-3-R which is 1:100.
Required with the constructing of a new building or an addition of gross floor area equal to 20% or more of an existing building. Ratio of
POPOS is 1:50 feet for all districts except C-3-R which is 1:100.
Required with the constructing of a new building or an addition of gross floor area equal to 20% or more of an existing building. Ratio of
POPOS is 1:50 feet for all districts except C-3-R which is 1:100.
Downtown Streetscape Plan § 138.1 Required. Sidewalk paving, as set for in the Downtown Streetscape Plan is required with any new construction; or the addition of floor area
equal to 20% or more of an existing building.
Required. Sidewalk paving, as set for in the Downtown Streetscape Plan is required with any new construction; or the addition of floor area
equal to 20% or more of an existing building.
Required. Sidewalk paving, as set for in the Downtown Streetscape Plan is required with any new construction; or the addition of floor area
equal to 20% or more of an existing building.
Required. Sidewalk paving, as set for in the Downtown Streetscape Plan is required with any new construction; or the addition of floor area
equal to 20% or more of an existing building.
Required. Sidewalk paving, as set for in the Downtown Streetscape Plan is required with any new construction; or the addition of floor area
equal to 20% or more of an existing building.
Street Frontage Requirements § 145.1 Required as specified in § 145.1. Required as specified in § 145.1. Required as specified in § 145.1. Required as specified in § 145.1. Required as specified in § 145.1.

Table 210.2
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-3 DISTRICTS

Street Frontage, Required Ground Floor Commercial § 145.4 As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses." As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses." As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses." As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses." As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses."
Street Frontage, Parking and Loading Access
Restrictions
§ 155(r) As specified in § 155(r) certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular access in addition to general standards. In C-3
Districts curb cuts are restricted on Transit Preferential, Neighborhood Commercial Streets or official City bicycle routes or bicycle lanes.
As specified in § 155(r) certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular access in addition to general standards. In C-3
Districts curb cuts are restricted on Transit Preferential, Neighborhood Commercial Streets or official City bicycle routes or bicycle lanes.
As specified in § 155(r) certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular access in addition to general standards. In C-3
Districts curb cuts are restricted on Transit Preferential, Neighborhood Commercial Streets or official City bicycle routes or bicycle lanes.
As specified in § 155(r) certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular access in addition to general standards. In C-3
Districts curb cuts are restricted on Transit Preferential, Neighborhood Commercial Streets or official City bicycle routes or bicycle lanes.
As specified in § 155(r) certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular access in addition to general standards. In C-3
Districts curb cuts are restricted on Transit Preferential, Neighborhood Commercial Streets or official City bicycle routes or bicycle lanes.
Artworks and Recognition of Artists and Architects § 429 Art works and recognition of artists and architects are required for new buildings and for additions of floor area in excess of 25,000 square
feet to an existing building, per § 429.
Art works and recognition of artists and architects are required for new buildings and for additions of floor area in excess of 25,000 square
feet to an existing building, per § 429.
Art works and recognition of artists and architects are required for new buildings and for additions of floor area in excess of 25,000 square
feet to an existing building, per § 429.
Art works and recognition of artists and architects are required for new buildings and for additions of floor area in excess of 25,000 square
feet to an existing building, per § 429.
Art works and recognition of artists and architects are required for new buildings and for additions of floor area in excess of 25,000 square
feet to an existing building, per § 429.
Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous
Large Project Review § 309 As required by § 309. As required by § 309. As required by § 309. As required by § 309. As required by § 309.
Planned Unit Development § 304 NP NP NP NP NP
Awnings, Canopy or Marquee § 136 P P P P P
Signs § 607 As permitted by Section § 607. As permitted by Section § 607. As permitted by Section § 607. As permitted by Section § 607. As permitted by Section § 607.
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards
Usable Open Space for Dwelling Units and Group
Housing
§§ 135, 136 At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common; Group Housing requirement is per bedroom and 1/3 the
amount required for a Dwelling Unit. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5.
At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common; Group Housing requirement is per bedroom and 1/3 the
amount required for a Dwelling Unit. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5.
At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common; Group Housing requirement is per bedroom and 1/3 the
amount required for a Dwelling Unit. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5.
At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common; Group Housing requirement is per bedroom and 1/3 the
amount required for a Dwelling Unit. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5.
At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common; Group Housing requirement is per bedroom and 1/3 the
amount required for a Dwelling Unit. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5.

Table 210.2
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-3 DISTRICTS

Residential Parking Requirements §§ 150, 151.1, 161 None required. P up to one car for each two Dwelling Units; C up to three cars for each four Dwelling Units. NP above. None required. P up to one car for each two Dwelling Units; C up to three cars for each four Dwelling Units. NP above. None required. P up to one car for each two Dwelling Units; C up to three cars for each four Dwelling Units. NP above. None required. P up to one car for each two Dwelling Units; C up to three cars for each four Dwelling Units. NP above. None required. P up to one car for each two Dwelling Units; C up to three cars for each four Dwelling Units. NP above.
Rear Yard Setback §§ 130, 134 Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that include only lobbies and circulation areas
and on levels in which all residential uses, including circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or
alley, up to 100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for those obstructions permitted in
yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c). Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area
Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that include only lobbies and circulation areas
and on levels in which all residential uses, including circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or
alley, up to 100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for those obstructions permitted in
yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c). Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area
Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that include only lobbies and circulation areas
and on levels in which all residential uses, including circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or
alley, up to 100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for those obstructions permitted in
yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c). Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area
Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that include only lobbies and circulation areas
and on levels in which all residential uses, including circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or
alley, up to 100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for those obstructions permitted in
yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c). Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area
Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that include only lobbies and circulation areas
and on levels in which all residential uses, including circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or
alley, up to 100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for those obstructions permitted in
yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c). Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area
of the new project shall be designed to adjoin that rear yard. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in
Section 210.5. Exceptions are permitted by § 309.
Residential Conversion, Demolition, or Merger § 317 C for Removal of one or more Residential Units or Unauthorized Units. C for Removal of one or more Residential Units or Unauthorized Units. C for Removal of one or more Residential Units or Unauthorized Units. C for Removal of one or more Residential Units or Unauthorized Units. C for Removal of one or more Residential Units or Unauthorized Units.
Use Characteristics Use Characteristics Use Characteristics Use Characteristics Use Characteristics Use Characteristics Use Characteristics
Intermediate Length Occupancy §§102, 202.10 P(8) P(8) P(8) P(8) P(8)
Single Room Occupancy § 102 P P P P P
Student Housing § 102 P P P P P
Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses Residential Uses
Residential Density, Dwelling Units (7) § 207 No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.

Table 210.2
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-3 DISTRICTS

Senior Housing §§ 102, 202.2(f) No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
Residential Density, Group Housing § 208 No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
No density limit. Density is regulated by the permitted height and bulk, and required setbacks, exposure, and open space of each
development lot.
Homeless Shelter §§ 102, 208 P P P P P
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards Development Standards
Off-Street Parking §§ 150, 151.1, 161 None Required. Maximums set in Planning Code § 151.1 None Required. Maximums set in Planning Code § 151.1 None Required. Maximums set in Planning Code § 151.1 None Required. Maximums set in Planning Code § 151.1 None Required. Maximums set in Planning Code § 151.1
Use Size Limits §§ 121.6; 121.5 C required for single retail use over 90,000 gross square feet. Single Retail Uses in excess of 120,000 gross square feet that sell groceries;
contain more than 20,000 Stockkeeping Units (SKUs); and devote more than 5% of its total sales floor area to the sale of non-taxable
merchandise are NP. Division of large use sizes per § 121.5.
C required for single retail use over 90,000 gross square feet. Single Retail Uses in excess of 120,000 gross square feet that sell groceries;
contain more than 20,000 Stockkeeping Units (SKUs); and devote more than 5% of its total sales floor area to the sale of non-taxable
merchandise are NP. Division of large use sizes per § 121.5.
C required for single retail use over 90,000 gross square feet. Single Retail Uses in excess of 120,000 gross square feet that sell groceries;
contain more than 20,000 Stockkeeping Units (SKUs); and devote more than 5% of its total sales floor area to the sale of non-taxable
merchandise are NP. Division of large use sizes per § 121.5.
C required for single retail use over 90,000 gross square feet. Single Retail Uses in excess of 120,000 gross square feet that sell groceries;
contain more than 20,000 Stockkeeping Units (SKUs); and devote more than 5% of its total sales floor area to the sale of non-taxable
merchandise are NP. Division of large use sizes per § 121.5.
C required for single retail use over 90,000 gross square feet. Single Retail Uses in excess of 120,000 gross square feet that sell groceries;
contain more than 20,000 Stockkeeping Units (SKUs); and devote more than 5% of its total sales floor area to the sale of non-taxable
merchandise are NP. Division of large use sizes per § 121.5.
Ground Floor Ceiling Height § 145.1(c)(4) Required minimum floor-to-floor height of 14 feet, as measured from grade. Required minimum floor-to-floor height of 14 feet, as measured from grade. Required minimum floor-to-floor height of 14 feet, as measured from grade. Required minimum floor-to-floor height of 14 feet, as measured from grade. Required minimum floor-to-floor height of 14 feet, as measured from grade.
Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Formula Retail §§ 102, 303.1 P P P P P
Maritime Use § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Open Air Sales § 102 P P P P P
Outdoor Activity Area § 102 P P P P P
Walk-up Facility § 102 P P P P P
Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Use Category
Agricultural Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(c) P P P P P
Greenhouse §§ 102, 202.2(c) NP NP NP NP P
Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category Automotive Use Category
Automotive Repair § 102 NP NP NP NP P
Automotive Sale/Rental § 102 P (4) P (4) P (4) P (3) P (3)
Automotive Service Station §§ 102, 202.2(b) NP NP NP P P
Automotive Wash §§ 102, 202.2(b) NP NP NP C C
Electric Vehicle Charging Location §§ 102, 202.2(b), 202.13 C C C C C

Table 210.2
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-3 DISTRICTS

Fleet Charging § 102 C C C C C
Gas Station §§ 102, 187.1, 202.2(b) NP NP NP C C
Parking Garage, Private § 102 C C C C C
Parking Garage, Public § 102 C C C C C
Parking Lot, Private § 102, 142, 156 NP (9) NP (9) NP (9) NP (9) NP (9)
Parking Lot, Public § 102, 142, 156 NP (9) NP (9) NP (9) NP (9) NP (9)
Service, Motor Vehicle Tow § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Service, Parcel Delivery §§ 102 , 303(cc) C C C C C
Services, Ambulance § 102 NP NP NP C P
Vehicle Storage Garage § 102 NP NP NP C P
Vehicle Storage Lot § 102, 142 NP NP NP NP C
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses* § 102 P P P P P
Entertainment, Outdoor § 102 P P P P P
Livery Stable § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Open Recreation Area § 102 P P P P P
Sports Stadium § 102 NP NP NP NP C
Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category Industrial Use Category
Industrial Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Manufacturing, Light § 102 P P P P P
Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category Institutional Use Category
Institutional Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(e) P P P P P
Hospital § 102 C C C C C
Residential Care Facility § 102 P P P P P
Trade School § 102 P P P P P
Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category Sales and Service Category
Retail Sales and Service Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(a) P P P P P
Hotel § 102 C C C  (12) C C
Kennel § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Massage Establishment §§ 102, 204 P (10)1 P (10) P (10) P (10) P (10)
Mortuary § 102 NP NP NP C C
Motel §§ 102, 202.2(a) NP NP NP C C
Storage, Self § 102 NP NP C C P
Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment § 102 C C C C (11) C
Non-Retail Sales and Service* § 102 P (1) P (1) P (1) P (1) P (1)
Catering § 102 P P P P P
Design Professional § 102 P P P (1) P P
Laboratory § 102 P P P P P
Life Science § 102 P P P P P
Storage, Commercial § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Storage, Wholesale § 102 NP NP NP NP P
Wholesale Sales § 102 P P P P P
Utility and Infrastructure Use Category
Utility and Infrastructure* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP
Internet Service Exchange § 102 C C C C C
Public Transportation Facility § 102 C C C C C
Utility Installation § 102 C C C P P
Wireless Telecommunications Services Facility § 102 P (5) P (5) P (5) P (5) P (5)
  • Not listed below.

(1) C required on the ground floor after December 31, 2030.

(2) [Reserved.]

(3) C required if operated on an open lot.

(4) Required to be in an enclosed building, NP if operated on open lot.

(5) C required if taller than 25 feet above roof, grade, or height limit depending on site or if within 1000 feet of an R District and includes a parabolic antenna with a diameter in excess of 3 meters or a composite diameter of antennae in excess of 6 meters. See definition in Section 102 for more information.

(6) [Reserved.]

(7) Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units may be permitted pursuant to Sections 207.1 and 207.2.

(8) NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units; C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units. P for Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects pursuant to Section 210.5, regardless of building size.

(9) Pursuant to Section 156(f), temporary parking lots may be approved as Conditional Uses, except in the C-3-O(SD) District, pursuant to the provisions of Section 303 for a period not to exceed five years from the date of approval. No new parking lots may be approved in the C-3-O(SD) District, however Conditional Use approval for a two-year extension of existing parking lots in the C-3-O(SD) District may be approved pursuant to Section 156(f) provided that they meet the requirements of subsection 156(h).

(10) [1 ] C on the 2nd floor and above, except that a Massage Establishment located on the 2nd floor or above accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service is P.

(11) TOBACCO PARAPHERNALIA ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE NORTH OF MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT – A special definition of “Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishments” set forth in Section 102 applies to parcels in the North of Market Residential Special Use District (Sec. 249.5). Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishments are not permitted in the North of Market Residential Special Use District. Additionally, a legal non-conforming Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment in the North of Market Residential Special Use District is deemed abandoned after 180 days of non-use.

(12) A total of up to 51 Tourist Hotel rooms are Principally Permitted on Block 0287 Lot 020, subject to the provisions of Ordinance No. 44-25, in Board File No. 250069.

(Amended as Sec. 210.3 by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; Ord. 63-11, File No. 101053, App. 4/7/2011, Eff. 5/7/2011; Ord. 182-12, File No. 120665, App. 8/8/2012, Eff. 9/7/2012; redesignated and amended by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; amended by Ord. 162-15, File No. 150805, App. 9/18/2015, Eff. 10/18/2015; Ord. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 23-16, File No. 150494, App. 3/4/2016, Eff. 4/3/2016; Ord. 33-16, File No. 160115, App. 3/11/2016, Eff. 4/10/2016; Ord. 166-16, File No. 160477, App. 8/11/2016, Eff. 9/10/2016; Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; Ord. 189-17, File No. 170693, App. 9/15/2017, Eff. 10/15/2017; Ord. 277-18, File No. 180914, App. 11/20/2018, Eff. 12/21/2018; Ord. 23-19, File No. 180916, App. 2/15/2019, Eff. 3/18/2019; Ord. 116-19, File No. 181156, App. 6/28/2019, Eff. 7/29/2019; Ord. 78-20, File No. 191075, App. 5/22/2020, Eff. 6/22/2020; Ord. 136-21, File No. 210674, App. 8/4/2021, Eff. 9/4/2021; Ord. 233-21, File No. 210381, App. 12/22/2021, Eff. 1/22/2022; Ord. 37-22, File No. 211263, App. 3/14/2022, Eff. 4/14/2022; Ord. 190-22, File No. 220036, App. 9/16/2022, Eff. 10/17/2022; Ord. 264-22, File No. 220811, App. 12/22/2022, Eff. 1/22/2023; Ord. 122-23, File No. 230371, App. 7/5/2023, Eff. 8/5/2023; Ord. 159-23, File No. 230732, App. 7/28/2023, Eff. 8/28/2023; Ord. 47-24, File No. 231223, App. 3/15/2024, Eff. 4/15/2024; Ord. 54-24, File No. 240169, App. 3/22/2024, Eff. 4/22/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024; Ord. 62-24, File No. 230310, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024; Ord. 70-24, File No. 231225, App. 4/5/2024, Eff. 5/6/2024; Ord. 113-24, File No. 240193, App. 6/13/2024, Eff. 7/14/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024; Ord. 44-25, File No. 250069, App. 4/3/2025, Eff. 5/4/2025; Ord. 124-25, File No. 250542, App. 8/1/2025, Eff. 9/1/2025; Ord. 173-25, File No. 250634, App. 9/5/2025, Eff. 10/6/2025)

(Former Sec. 210.2 amended by Ord. 136-68, App. 5/29/68; redesignated as Sec. 210.1 and amended by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015)

AMENDMENT HISTORY

C-3-G, C-3-S Districts amended; Ord. 63-11, Eff. 5/7/2011. C-3-O(SD) District added; Ord. 182-12, Eff. 9/7/2012. Former Sec. 210.3 redesignated as Sec. 210.2; Table 210.2 added; Ord. 22-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Note (7) added; Ord. 162-15, Eff. 10/18/2015. Introductory material and Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 23-16, Eff. 4/3/2016. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 33-16, Eff. 4/10/2016. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 166-16, Eff. 9/10/2016. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 129-17, Eff. 7/30/2017. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 189-17, Eff. 10/15/2017. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 277-18, Eff. 12/21/2018. Introductory material and Table Notes (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) amended; Ord. 23-19,

Eff. 3/18/2019. Note (7) amended; Ord. 116-19, Eff. 7/29/2019. Table 210.2 amended; Note (8) added; Ord. 78-20, Eff. 6/22/2020. Table 210.2 and Note (8) amended; Note (9) added; Ord. 136-21, Eff. 9/4/2021. Table 210.2 amended; Note (10) [1]

added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Table 210.2 and Note (10) [1] amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 190-22, Eff. 10/17/2022. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 264-22, Eff. 1/22/2023. Table 210.2 and Note (8) amended; Notes (2) and (6) deleted; Ord. 122-23, Eff. 8/5/2023, and Ord. 159-23, Eff. 8/28/2023. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 47-24, Eff. 4/15/2024; and Ord. 54-24, Retro. 3/30/2024. Note (7) amended; Ord. 62-24, Eff. 4/28/2024. Table 210.2 amended;

Note (10) designated; Note (11) added; Ord. 70-24, Eff. 5/6/2024. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 113-24, Eff. 7/14/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024. Table 210.2 amended; Note (12) added; Ord. 44-25, Eff. 5/4/2025. Note (1) amended; Ord. 124-25, Eff. 9/1/2025. Table 210.2 amended; Ord. 173-25, Eff. 10/6/2025.

CODIFICATION NOTE

  1. Note “(10)” is referenced as “(9)” in Ord. 233-21 and Ord. 37-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(9)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 136-21. The note was officially designated as “(10)” by Ord. 70-24.

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Contents — San Francisco Planning Code
San Francisco Planning Code
  1. Article 1 — GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
  2. Article 1.2 — DIMENSIONS, AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES
  3. Article 1.5 — TRANSPORTATION, OFF-STREET PARKING, AND LOADING
  4. Article 1.7 — COMPLIANCE
  5. Article 2 — USE DISTRICTS
    Overview
    1. SEC. 202. PERMITTED BY THIS CODE.
    2. SEC. 204. ACCESSORY USES, GENERAL.
    3. SEC. 205. TEMPORARY USES, GENERAL.
    4. SEC. 207. DWELLING UNIT DENSITY LIMITS.
    5. SEC. 209. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTI…
    6. SEC. 210. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, A…
    7. SEC. 211. P (PUBLIC) DISTRICTS.
    8. SEC. 218. [REPEALED.]
    9. SEC. 219. [REPEALED.]
    10. SEC. 221. [REPEALED.]
    11. SEC. 226. [REPEALED.]
    12. SEC. 234. [REDESIGNATED.]
    13. SEC. 244. RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER DISTRICTS.
    14. SEC. 249.1. FOLSOM AND MAIN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL SPECIAL USE…
    15. SEC. 249.2. THE VILLAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    16. SEC. 249.3. OCEANVIEW LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    17. SEC. 249.4. ALEXANDRIA THEATER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    18. SEC. 249.5. NORTH OF MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    19. SEC. 249.6. SOUTH OF MARKET HALL OF JUSTICE LEGAL SERVICES SPE…
    20. SEC. 249.8. [ NON-PROFIT ARTS EDUCATION SPECIAL USE]. [1]
    21. SEC. 249.9. STONESTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    22. SEC. 249.10. 600 TOWNSEND STREET WEST SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    23. SEC. 249.11. 530 SANSOME MIXED-USE TOWER AND FIRE STATION SPEC…
    24. SEC. 249.12. 1500 MISSION STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    25. SEC. 249.13. GEARY BOULEVARD/DIVISADERO STREET SPECIAL USE DIS…
    26. SEC. 249.14. THIRD STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    27. SEC. 249.15. MISSION AND 9TH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    28. SEC. 249.16. OAKDALE AVENUE AND QUINT STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSIN…
    29. SEC. 249.17. THIRD STREET AND ARMSTRONG AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUS…
    30. SEC. 249.18. NORTHEAST CHINA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    31. SEC. 249.19. NEW ASIA SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DI…
    32. SEC. 249.20. GEARY-MASONIC SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    33. SEC. 249.21. CALIFORNIA STREET AND PRESIDIO AVENUE - COMMUNITY…
    34. SEC. 249.22. [REPEALED.]
    35. SEC. 249.23. FOURTH AND FREELON STREETS SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    36. SEC. 249.24. HAIGHT STREET SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL U…
    37. SEC. 249.25. JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    38. SEC. 249.26. [REPEALED.]
    39. SEC. 249.27. ALABAMA AND 18TH STREETS AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECI…
    40. SEC. 249.28. TRANSBAY C-3 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    41. SEC. 249.30. THIRD STREET AND OAKDALE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSIN…
    42. SEC. 249.31. JAPANTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    43. SEC. 249.32. LAGUNA, HAIGHT, BUCHANAN AND HERMANN STREETS SPEC…
    44. SEC. 249.34. TRINITY PLAZA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    45. SEC. 249.35. FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
    46. SEC. 249.36. [REPEALED.]
    47. SEC. 249.37. INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    48. SEC. 249.38. SOMA YOUTH AND FAMILY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    49. SEC. 249.40. POTRERO CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    50. SEC. 249.41. 901 BUSH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    51. SEC. 249.42. INDIA BASIN INDUSTRIAL PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    52. SEC. 249.43. THIRD STREET AND LE CONTE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSI…
    53. SEC. 249.44. HUNTERS VIEW SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    54. SEC. 249.45. VISITACION VALLEY/SCHLAGE LOCK SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
    55. SEC. 249.46. VETERANS COMMON SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    56. SEC. 249.47. 1500 PAGE STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE D…
    57. SEC. 249.49. TELEGRAPH HILL – NORTH BEACH RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL …
    58. SEC. 249.50. CANDLESTICK POINT ACTIVITY NODE SPECIAL USE DISTR…
    59. SEC. 249.51. HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD PHASE 2 SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
    60. SEC. 249.53. PRESIDIO-SUTTER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    61. SEC. 249.54. EXECUTIVE PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    62. SEC. 249.55. LOMBARD AND SCOTT STREET AFFORDABLE GROUP HOUSING…
    63. SEC. 249.59. CALLE 24 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    64. SEC. 249.60. MISSION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    65. SEC. 249.61. 17TH AND RHODE ISLAND STREET GROCERY STORE SPECIA…
    66. SEC. 249.62. THIRD STREET ALCOHOL RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
    67. SEC. 249.63. CAYUGA/ALEMANY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    68. SEC. 249.64. PARKMERCED SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    69. SEC. 249.65. BAYSHORE BOULEVARD HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL USE D…
    70. SEC. 249.66. CHINATOWN TRANSIT STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    71. SEC. 249.67. ART & DESIGN EDUCATIONAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    72. SEC. 249.68. CESAR CHAVEZ/VALENCIA STREETS MEDICAL USE SPECIAL…
    73. SEC. 249.69. CHINESE HOSPITAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    74. SEC. 249.70. [EXPIRED.]
    75. SEC. 249.71. YERBA BUENA CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    76. SEC. 249.73. JEWISH HOME OF SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    77. SEC. 249.74. FIFTH AND MISSION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    78. SEC. 249.75. SUNNYDALE HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    79. SEC. 249.76. POTRERO HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    80. SEC. 249.77. CORONA HEIGHTS LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
    81. SEC. 249.78. CENTRAL SOMA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    82. SEC. 249.79. PIER 70 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    83. SEC. 249.80. MISSION ROCK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    84. SEC. 249.81. 1629 MARKET STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    85. SEC. 249.82. 430 29TH AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    86. SEC. 249.84. INDIA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    87. SEC. 249.85. 1550 EVANS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    88. SEC. 249.86. 3333 CALIFORNIA STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    89. SEC. 249.87. POTRERO POWER STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    90. SEC. 249.89. 2000 MARIN STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    91. SEC. 249.90. BALBOA RESERVOIR SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    92. SEC. 249.91. 2500-2530 18TH STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL …
    93. SEC. 249.92. CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE…
    94. SEC. 249.93. GROUP HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    95. SEC. 249.94. FAMILY AND SENIOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SPECIAL USE…
    96. SEC. 249.95. 900 KEARNY STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    97. SEC. 249.96. WAWONA STREET AND 45TH AVENUE CULTURAL CENTER SPE…
    98. SEC. 249.97. PRIORITY EQUITY GEOGRAPHIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    99. SEC. 249.98. POTRERO YARD SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
    100. SEC. 249.99. 30 VAN NESS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
  6. Article 2.5 — HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS
  7. Article 3 — ZONING PROCEDURES
  8. Article 3.5 — FEES
  9. Article 4 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS T…
  10. Article 5 — [RESERVED] ARTICLE 6: SIGNS
  11. Article 7 — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
  12. Article 8 — MIXED USE DISTRICTS
  13. Article 9 — MISSION BAY DISTRICTS
  14. Part I — SCOPE, PURPOSE AND RELATIONSHIPS
  15. Part II — USES
  16. Part III — DENSITY
  17. Part IV — HEIGHT
  18. Part V — BUILDING FORM
  19. Part VI — OPEN AREAS
  20. Part VII — PARKING
  21. Part VIII — SIGNS
  22. Part X — OFFICE SPACE LIMITATION
  23. Part XI — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  24. Part XII — RULES FOR NONCONFORMING USES AND NONCOMPLYING STRUC…
  25. Part XIII — COMPLIANCE, PERMIT APPROVAL AND ENFORCEMENT
  26. Part XIV — FEES
  27. Part XV — DEFINITIONS
  28. Part XVI — SEVERABILITY

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