San Francisco Planning Code § 750 Nct-1

NCT-1 Districts are intended to serve as local neighborhood shopping districts, providing convenience retail goods and services for the immediately surrounding neighborhoods primarily during daytime hours. NCT-1 Districts are located near major transit services. They are small mixed-use clusters, generally surrounded by residential districts, with small-scale neighborhood-serving commercial uses on lower floors and housing above. Housing density is limited not by lot area, but by the regulations on the built envelope of buildings, including height, bulk, setbacks, and lot coverage, and standards for residential uses, including open space and exposure, and urban design guidelines. There are prohibitions on access (i.e. driveways, garage entries) to off-street parking and loading on critical stretches of commercial and transit street frontages to preserve and enhance the pedestrian-oriented character and transit function. Residential parking is not required and generally limited. Commercial establishments are discouraged from building excessive accessory off-street parking in order to preserve the pedestrian-oriented character of the district and prevent attracting auto traffic.

NCT-1 Districts are generally characterized by their location in residential neighborhoods. The commercial intensity of these districts varies. Many of these districts have the lowest intensity of commercial development in the City, generally consisting of small clusters with three or more commercial establishments, commonly grouped around a corner; and in some cases short linear commercial strips with low-scale, interspersed mixed-use (residential-commercial) development. Building controls for the NCT-1 District promote low-intensity development which is compatible with the existing scale and character of these neighborhood areas. Commercial development is limited to one story, with certain exceptions. Rear yard requirements at all levels preserve existing backyard space.

NCT-1 commercial use provisions encourage the full range of neighborhood-serving convenience retail sales and services at the First Story provided that the Use Size generally is limited to 3,000 square feet. However, commercial uses and features which could impact residential livability are prohibited, such as auto uses, general advertising signs, drive-up facilities, hotels, and late-night activity.

Table 750. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TRANSIT CLUSTER DISTRICT NCT-1

ZONING CONTROL TABLE

		NCT-1
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS
		NCT-1
Zoning Category	§ References	Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS
Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits.	§§ 102, 105, 106, 250– 252, 260, , 263.19, 261.1, 270, 270.3 , 271. See also Height and Bulk District Maps	Varies. See Height and Bulk Map Sheets HT11 and HT12 for more information. Height sculpting required on Alleys per § 261.1.

5 Foot Height Bonus for Active Ground Floor Uses	§ 263.20	P
Rear Yard	§§ 130, 134, 134(a)(e), 136	Required at Grade level and at each succeeding level or Story: 25% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet
Front Setback and Side Yard	§§ 130, 131, 132, 133	Generally not required; however, if the existing sidewalk does not meet the recommended width required by the Better Streets Plan, a front setback shall be provided so that, when combined with the existing sidewalk, the total distance from the curb to the building frontage meets or exceeds the required recommended width under the Better Streets Plan. This setback is required only up to 15 feet above street grade. See § 132(e).
Street Frontage and Public Realm
Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements	§ 138.1	Required
Street Frontage Requirements	§ 145.1	Required; controls apply to above-grade parking setbacks, parking and loading entrances, active uses, ground floor ceiling height, street-facing ground-level spaces, transparency and fenestration, and gates, railings, and grillwork. Exceptions permitted for historic buildings.
Ground Floor Commercial	§ 145.4	Required on certain streets, see § 145.4 for more information.
Vehicular Access Restrictions	§ 155(r)	Required on certain streets, see 155(r) for more information.
Miscellaneous
Lot Size (Per Development)	§ 102, 121.1	P(12)
Planned Unit Development	§ 304	C
Canopy or Marquee	§ 136.1	NP(2)
Awning	§ 136.1	P
Signs	§§ 262, 602- 604, 607, 607.1, 608, 609	As permitted by § 607.1
General Advertising Signs	§§ 262, 602, 604, 608, 609, 610, 611	NP
Design Guidelines and Standards	General Plan Commerce and Industry Element	Subject to the Urban Design Guidelines, Citywide Design Standards, and any other applicable design guidelines that have been approved by the Planning Commission.
Housing Choice-SF	§ 206.10	Form-based density, additional height, and other zoning modifications for eligible projects in the R-4 Height and Bulk District.

Zoning Category § References RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES	Controls
Zoning Category § References	Controls
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES

Development Standards
Usable Open Space [Per Dwelling Unit]	§§ 135, 136	100 square feet if private, or 133 square feet if common, or the amount of open space required in the nearest Residential District, whichever is less.
Off-Street Parking Requirements	§§ 145.1, 150, 151.1, 153 - 156, 166, 204.5	Car parking not required. P up to one space for each two Dwelling Units; C up to 0.75 spaces for each Dwelling Unit, subject to the criteria and procedures of Section 151.1(f); NP above 0.75 spaces per Dwelling Unit. Bike parking required per § 155.2. If car parking is provided, car share spaces are required when a project has 50 units or more per § 166.
Dwelling Unit Mix	§§ 207.6	Generally Required for creation of five or more Dwelling Units. No less than 40% of the total number of proposed Dwelling Units shall contain at least two bedrooms; or no less than 30% of the total number of proposed Dwelling Units shall contain at least three bedrooms.
Use Characteristics
Intermediate Length Occupancy	§§ 102; 202.10	P(9)
Single Room Occupancy	§ 102	P
Student Housing	§ 102	P
Residential Uses		Controls By Story
		1st 2nd 3rd+
Residential Uses	§ 102	P(1) P P
Accessory Dwelling Unit	§§ 102, 207.1, 207.2	P per Planning Code §§ 207.1 and 207.2.
Dwelling Units, Senior Housing, and Group Housing, Generally	§ 102, 202.2(f), 207, 208	Form-Based Density.
Minimum Dwelling Unit Densities, if Applicable	§ 207.9	Varies depending on project location, but generally ranges between 50 and 100 dwelling units per acre.
Maximum Dwelling Unit Size	§§ 207.10, 317	P up to 4,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area or an equivalent Floor Area Ratio for any individual Dwelling Unit of 1.2:1. C for Dwelling Units that exceed the greater of those thresholds.
Homeless Shelters	§§ 102, 208	Density limits regulated by the Administrative Code
Loss of Dwelling Units: Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units, including Residential Flats	§ 317	C
Division of Dwelling Units	§ 207.8	Division of existing Dwelling Units P per § 207.8

Zoning Category § References	Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Zoning Category § References	Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards

Floor Area Ratio §§ 102, 123, 124 , 207.9	1.8 to 1 2 For Office Uses minimum intensities may apply pursuant to § 207.9.
Use Size §§ 102, 121.2	P up to 3,000 square feet; C 3,001 square feet and above
Off-Street Parking Requirements §§ 145.1, 150, 151.1, 153 - 156, 166, 204.5	Car parking not required. Limits set forth in Section 151.1. Bike parking required per Section 155.2. Car share spaces required when a project has 25 or more parking spaces per § 166.
Off-Street Freight Loading §§ 150, 152, 153 - 155, 161, 204.5	None required if gross floor area is less than 10,000 square feet. Exceptions permitted per §§ 155 and 161.
Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility § 102	NP
Formula Retail §§ 102, 303.1	C
Hours of Operation § 102	P 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.; C 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Maritime Use § 102	NP
Open Air Sales §§ 102, 703(b)	See § 703(b)
Outdoor Activity Area §§ 102, 145.2, 202.2	P if located in front or it complies with Section 202.2(a) (7); C if located elsewhere.
Walk-up Facility § 102	P
	Controls by Story
	1st 2nd 3rd+
Uses in Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings § 202.11	In Historic Buildings, Uses listed below as NP are C and Uses listed below as C are P, except Cannabis Retail, Hotel, and certain Industrial Uses, as specified in § 202.11.
Agricultural Use Category
Agriculture, Industrial §§ 102, 202.2(c)	NP NP NP
Agriculture, Large Scale Urban §§ 102, 202.2(c)	C C C
Agriculture, Neighborhood §§ 102, 202.2(c)	P P P
Automotive Use Category
Automotive Uses* §§ 102, 187.1, 202.2(b)	NP NP NP
Electric Vehicle Charging Location §§ 102 , 202.2(b), 202.13	C(11)1 C(11) C(11)
Fleet Charging § 102	C C C
Parking Garage, Private § 102	C C C
Parking Garage, Public § 102	C NP NP
Parking Lot, Private §§ 102, 142, 156	C C C
Parking Lot, Public §§ 102, 142, 156	C NP NP
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses* §§ 102, 202.4	NP NP NP
Arts Activities § 102	P P P
Entertainment, General § 102	P P NP
Entertainment, Nighttime § 102	C NP NP
Movie Theater §§ 102, 202.4	C C C

Open Recreation Area	§ 102	C	C	C
Passive Outdoor Recreation	§ 102	C	C	C
Industrial Use Category
Industrial Uses	§§ 102, 202.2(d)	NP	NP	NP
Institutional Use Category
Institutional Uses*	§ 102	P	C	NP
Child Care Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Community Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Hospital	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Medical Cannabis Dispensary	§§ 102, 202.2(e)	NP	NP	NP
Public Facilities	§ 102	P	P	P
Residential Care Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Social Service or Philanthropic Facility	§ 102	P	P	P
Sales and Service Use Category
Retail Sales and Service Uses*	§§ 102, 202.2(a), 202.3	P(4)	NP	NP
Adult Business	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Adult Sex Venue	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Animal Hospital	§ 102	C	C	NP
Cannabis Retail	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	NP	NP	NP
Flexible Retail	§§ 102, 202.9	P	NP	NP
Gym	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Hotel	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Kennel	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Liquor Store	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Massage Establishment	§§ 102, 204, 303(n), 703	P	NP(10)	NP(10)
Massage, Foot/Chair	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Mortuary	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Motel	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	NP	NP	NP
Reproductive Health Clinic	§§ 102, 202.5	P	P	P
Restaurant	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	P	NP
Restaurant, Limited	§§ 102, 202.2(a)	P	P	NP
Services, Financial	§ 102	C	NP	NP
Services, Fringe Financial	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Services, Health	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Services, Instructional	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Services, Limited Financial	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Services, Personal	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Services, Retail Professional	§ 102	P	P	P
Storage, Self	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment	§ 102	C	NP	NP
Trade Shop	§ 102	P	NP	NP

Non-Retail Sales and Service*	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Design Professional	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Service, Non-Retail Professional	§ 102	C	P	NP
Trade Office	§ 102	P	NP	NP
Utility and Infrastructure Use Category
Utility and Infrastructure*	§ 102	C(6)	C(6)	C(6)
Power Plant	§ 102	NP	NP	NP
Public Utilities Yard	§ 102	NP	NP	NP

Not listed below
(1) C required for ground floor Residential Use when street frontage is listed in Section 145.4(b).
(2) Canopy is P if required as a wind mitigation feature.
(3) [Note deleted.]

(4) P if located more than ¼ mile from any NC District or Restricted Use Subdistrict with more restrictive controls; otherwise, same as more restrictive control.

(5) [Note deleted.]
(6) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility.
(7) [Note deleted.]
(8) [Note deleted.]
(9) NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units. C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units.
(10) P if accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service.
(11)1 P where existing use is any Automotive Use.

(12) C for 5,000 square feet and above if located within the Priority Equity Geographies Special Use District established under Section 249.97.

(Added by Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; amended by Ord. 189-17, File No. 170693, App. 9/15/2017, Eff. 10/15/2017; Ord. 229-17, File No. 171041, App. 12/6/2017, Eff. 1/5/2018; Ord. 202-18, File No. 180557, App. 8/10/2018, Eff. 9/10/2018; Ord. 277-18, File No. 180914, App. 11/20/2018, Eff. 12/21/2018; Ord. 285-18, File No. 180806, App. 12/7/2018, Eff. 1/7/2019; Ord. 303-18, File No. 180915, App. 12/21/2018, Eff. 1/21/2019; Ord. 116-19, File No. 181156, App. 6/28/2019, Eff. 7/29/2019; Ord. 182-19, File No. 190248, App. 8/9/2019, Eff. 9/9/2019; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020; Ord. 78-20, File No. 191075, App. 5/22/2020, Eff. 6/22/2020; Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020; 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. 75-22, File No. 220264, App. 5/13/2022, Eff. 6/13/2022; 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. 248-23, File No. 230446, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; Ord. 249-23, File No. 230701, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; Ord. 33-24, File No. 231144, App. 2/21/2024, Eff. 3/23/2024; Ord. 62-24, File No. 230310, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024; Ord. 173-25, File No. 250634, App. 9/5/2025, Eff. 10/6/2025; Ord. 245-25, File No. 250701, App. 12/12/2025, Eff. 1/12/2026, Oper. 1/12/2026; Ord. 1-26, File No. 250385, App. 1/8/2026, Eff. 2/8/2026; Ord. 37-26, File No. 250886, App. 3/11/2026, Eff. 4/11/2026) AMENDMENT HISTORY

Zoning Control Table amended; Note (2) deleted; Ord. 189-17, Eff. 10/15/2017. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 229-17, Eff. 1/5/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 202-18, Eff. 9/10/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord.

277-18, Eff. 12/21/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Notes (7) and (8) added; Ord. 285-18, Eff. 1/7/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (3) deleted; Ord. 303-18, Eff. 1/21/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 116-19, Eff. 7/29/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 182-19, Eff. 9/9/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (9) added; Ord. 78-20, Eff. 6/22/2020. Introductory material and Zoning Control Table amended; Notes (5) and (8) deleted; Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020. Zoning Control Table and Note (9) amended; Ord. 136-21, Eff. 9/4/2021. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (10) added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Zoning Control Table and Note (10) amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (11)1 added; Ord. 190-22 , Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 264-22 , Eff. 1/22/2023. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (12) added; Ord. 248-23 , Eff. 1/14/2024. Third introductory paragraph and Zoning Control Table amended; Note (7) deleted; Ord. 249-23 , Eff. 1/14/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 33-24 , Eff. 3/23/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 62-24 , Eff. 4/28/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 173-25; Eff. 10/6/2025. Undesignated introductory material, Zoning Control Table, and Note (1) amended; Note (2) added; Ord. 245-25 , Eff. 1/12/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 1-26 , Eff. 2/8/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 37-26 , Eff. 4/11/2026. CODIFICATION NOTES

Note “(11)” is referenced as “(10)” in Ord. 190-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(10)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 233-21. 2. So in Ord. 245-25.

San Francisco Planning Code § 750 Nct-1 – Neighborhood Commercial Transit Cluster District

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