San Bruno · Zoning · CBD
San Bruno CBD zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Bruno's CBD zone, generally buildings can be up to 55 feet (4 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 feet, with the conditions listed below (San Bruno code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 feet
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 feet (Measured from the edge of the curb; the sidewalk and setback together must total at least 10 feet.)
- Minimum side setback: None required
- Minimum rear setback: None required
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 (Parcels less than 20,000 sq. ft.)
CBD is a zoning district in San Bruno. Every value below was read from the San Bruno Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in CBD
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 55 feet § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height [2]”, column “Height (A)”: 55 feet |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Stories”, column “Height (A)”: 4 |
| Minimum front setback | 10 feet Applies: Measured from the edge of the curb; the sidewalk and setback together must total at least 10 feet. § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Front (B)”, column “Setbacks”: Minimum 10 feet [4] |
| Minimum side setback | None required § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “Setbacks”: None |
| Minimum rear setback | None required § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Rear (C)”, column “Setbacks”: None |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 Applies: Parcels less than 20,000 sq. ft. § 12.280.030 · code textTable row “Parcels less than 20,000 sq. ft.”, column “Maximum FAR”: 2.0 |
Uses in CBD
Uses the code's use tables allow in CBD, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CBD:
- Minimum rear setback: 10 feet — If adjacent to R-1 or R-2 District § 12.280.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): None — Parcels 20,000 sq. ft. or greater § 12.280.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, density limit for CBD in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Bruno Municipal Code.
Other San Bruno zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Bruno's CBD zone?
55 feet — San Bruno Municipal Code § 12.280.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in San Bruno's CBD zone?
4 stories — San Bruno Municipal Code § 12.280.030.
What is the minimum front setback in San Bruno's CBD zone?
10 feet (measured from the edge of the curb; the sidewalk and setback together must total at least 10 feet) — San Bruno Municipal Code § 12.280.030.
What is the minimum side setback in San Bruno's CBD zone?
None required — San Bruno Municipal Code § 12.280.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Bruno's CBD zone?
None required — San Bruno Municipal Code § 12.280.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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