Article 2 — USE DISTRICTS›SEC. 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 |
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| 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. |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — San Francisco Planning Code
- Article 1 — GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
- Article 1.2 — DIMENSIONS, AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES
- Article 1.5 — TRANSPORTATION, OFF-STREET PARKING, AND LOADING
- Article 1.7 — COMPLIANCE
-
▸ Article 2 — USE DISTRICTS
Overview- SEC. 202. PERMITTED BY THIS CODE.
- SEC. 204. ACCESSORY USES, GENERAL.
- SEC. 205. TEMPORARY USES, GENERAL.
- SEC. 207. DWELLING UNIT DENSITY LIMITS.
- SEC. 209. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTI…
-
▸ SEC. 210. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, A…
Overview- SEC. 210.1. C-2 DISTRICTS: COMMUNITY BUSINESS.
- SEC. 210.2. C-3 DISTRICTS: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL.
- SEC. 210.3. PDR DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 210.4. M DISTRICTS: INDUSTRIAL.
- SEC. 210.5. COMMERCIAL TO RESIDENTIAL ADAPTIVE REUSE PROGRAM.
- SEC. 210.6. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 210.7. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 210.8. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 210.9. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 210.10. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 210.11. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 211. P (PUBLIC) DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 218. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 219. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 221. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 226. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 234. [REDESIGNATED.]
- SEC. 244. RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER DISTRICTS.
- SEC. 249.1. FOLSOM AND MAIN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL SPECIAL USE…
- SEC. 249.2. THE VILLAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.3. OCEANVIEW LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.4. ALEXANDRIA THEATER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.5. NORTH OF MARKET RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.6. SOUTH OF MARKET HALL OF JUSTICE LEGAL SERVICES SPE…
- SEC. 249.8. [ NON-PROFIT ARTS EDUCATION SPECIAL USE]. [1]
- SEC. 249.9. STONESTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.10. 600 TOWNSEND STREET WEST SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.11. 530 SANSOME MIXED-USE TOWER AND FIRE STATION SPEC…
- SEC. 249.12. 1500 MISSION STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.13. GEARY BOULEVARD/DIVISADERO STREET SPECIAL USE DIS…
- SEC. 249.14. THIRD STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.15. MISSION AND 9TH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.16. OAKDALE AVENUE AND QUINT STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSIN…
- SEC. 249.17. THIRD STREET AND ARMSTRONG AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUS…
- SEC. 249.18. NORTHEAST CHINA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.19. NEW ASIA SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE DI…
- SEC. 249.20. GEARY-MASONIC SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.21. CALIFORNIA STREET AND PRESIDIO AVENUE - COMMUNITY…
- SEC. 249.22. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 249.23. FOURTH AND FREELON STREETS SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.24. HAIGHT STREET SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL U…
- SEC. 249.25. JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.26. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 249.27. ALABAMA AND 18TH STREETS AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECI…
- SEC. 249.28. TRANSBAY C-3 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.30. THIRD STREET AND OAKDALE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSIN…
- SEC. 249.31. JAPANTOWN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.32. LAGUNA, HAIGHT, BUCHANAN AND HERMANN STREETS SPEC…
- SEC. 249.34. TRINITY PLAZA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.35. FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.36. [REPEALED.]
- SEC. 249.37. INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.38. SOMA YOUTH AND FAMILY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.40. POTRERO CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.41. 901 BUSH STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.42. INDIA BASIN INDUSTRIAL PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.43. THIRD STREET AND LE CONTE AVENUE AFFORDABLE HOUSI…
- SEC. 249.44. HUNTERS VIEW SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.45. VISITACION VALLEY/SCHLAGE LOCK SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
- SEC. 249.46. VETERANS COMMON SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.47. 1500 PAGE STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL USE D…
- SEC. 249.49. TELEGRAPH HILL – NORTH BEACH RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL …
- SEC. 249.50. CANDLESTICK POINT ACTIVITY NODE SPECIAL USE DISTR…
- SEC. 249.51. HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD PHASE 2 SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
- SEC. 249.53. PRESIDIO-SUTTER SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.54. EXECUTIVE PARK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.55. LOMBARD AND SCOTT STREET AFFORDABLE GROUP HOUSING…
- SEC. 249.59. CALLE 24 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.60. MISSION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.61. 17TH AND RHODE ISLAND STREET GROCERY STORE SPECIA…
- SEC. 249.62. THIRD STREET ALCOHOL RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.63. CAYUGA/ALEMANY SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.64. PARKMERCED SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.65. BAYSHORE BOULEVARD HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL USE D…
- SEC. 249.66. CHINATOWN TRANSIT STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.67. ART & DESIGN EDUCATIONAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.68. CESAR CHAVEZ/VALENCIA STREETS MEDICAL USE SPECIAL…
- SEC. 249.69. CHINESE HOSPITAL SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.70. [EXPIRED.]
- SEC. 249.71. YERBA BUENA CENTER MIXED-USE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.73. JEWISH HOME OF SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.74. FIFTH AND MISSION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.75. SUNNYDALE HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.76. POTRERO HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.77. CORONA HEIGHTS LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE DISTRI…
- SEC. 249.78. CENTRAL SOMA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.79. PIER 70 SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.80. MISSION ROCK SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.81. 1629 MARKET STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.82. 430 29TH AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.84. INDIA BASIN SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.85. 1550 EVANS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.86. 3333 CALIFORNIA STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.87. POTRERO POWER STATION SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.89. 2000 MARIN STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.90. BALBOA RESERVOIR SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.91. 2500-2530 18TH STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIAL …
- SEC. 249.92. CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS LARGE RESIDENCE SPECIAL USE…
- SEC. 249.93. GROUP HOUSING SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.94. FAMILY AND SENIOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY SPECIAL USE…
- SEC. 249.95. 900 KEARNY STREET SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.96. WAWONA STREET AND 45TH AVENUE CULTURAL CENTER SPE…
- SEC. 249.97. PRIORITY EQUITY GEOGRAPHIES SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.98. POTRERO YARD SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- SEC. 249.99. 30 VAN NESS AVENUE SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
- Article 2.5 — HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS
- Article 3 — ZONING PROCEDURES
- Article 3.5 — FEES
- Article 4 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS T…
- Article 5 — [RESERVED] ARTICLE 6: SIGNS
- Article 7 — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
- Article 8 — MIXED USE DISTRICTS
- Article 9 — MISSION BAY DISTRICTS
- Part I — SCOPE, PURPOSE AND RELATIONSHIPS
- Part II — USES
- Part III — DENSITY
- Part IV — HEIGHT
- Part V — BUILDING FORM
- Part VI — OPEN AREAS
- Part VII — PARKING
- Part VIII — SIGNS
- Part X — OFFICE SPACE LIMITATION
- Part XI — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- Part XII — RULES FOR NONCONFORMING USES AND NONCOMPLYING STRUC…
- Part XIII — COMPLIANCE, PERMIT APPROVAL AND ENFORCEMENT
- Part XIV — FEES
- Part XV — DEFINITIONS
- Part XVI — SEVERABILITY