South San Francisco · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in South San Francisco?
In South San Francisco, an emergency shelter is allowed in 5 base zones (BTP-M, BTP-H, MIM, MIH and PQP) and not allowed in 5 (South San Francisco use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: BTP-M, BTP-H, MIM, MIH and PQP
- Not allowed: CC, BPO, S, PR and OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the South San Francisco Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an emergency shelter can go
South San Francisco's code calls this use “Emergency Shelter”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| BTP-M | Allowed | § 20.100.002 |
| BTP-H | Allowed | § 20.100.002 |
| MIM | Allowed | § 20.100.002 |
| MIH | Allowed | § 20.100.002 |
| PQP | Allowed | § 20.110.002 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Not listed in residential, downtown residential or downtown/Caltrain tables (use classifications not in the table are prohibited). 'Low Barrier Navigation Center' and 'Permanent Supportive Housing' are separate rows, not used. Combined headers: 'RH-37.5 and RH-50' is one column (given as two zones); 'BTP-M & GMP' and 'BTP-H & OPSP' are two-district columns (GMP and OPSP are not given as separate cells). PD districts follow their PD Plan (S6).
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Not covered here: PD (Planned Development) districts: S6 sends uses to each PD Plan; Specific Plan districts (S10 is only the Specific Plan chapter); Chapter 20.040 definitions and Chapter 20.350 standards (group residential, community assembly size, day care) are not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in South San Francisco
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the CC zone in South San Francisco?
No. South San Francisco's use table does not allow it in CC (§ 20.100.002).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the BTP-M zone in South San Francisco?
Yes. South San Francisco's use table lists it as allowed in BTP-M (§ 20.100.002).
General information, not legal advice.
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