South San Francisco · Zoning · DRH
South San Francisco DRH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's DRH zone, buildings can be up to 50 ft (4 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,250 sf (South San Francisco code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft (First two stories; 15 ft above that (see below))
- Minimum lot size: 2,250 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum density: 50 du/ac
DRH (Downtown Residential High) is a zoning district in South San Francisco. Every value below was read from the South San Francisco 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 DRH
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 | 50 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRH”: 50 ft/4 stories (C) (D) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRH”: 50 ft/4 stories (C) (D) |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Front Setback, Street-Facing”, column “DRH”: Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “DRH”: 5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all upper stories (E) (G) |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft Applies: First two stories; 15 ft above that (see below) § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “DRH”: 10 ft for the first two stories; 15 ft thereafter (B) (E) (H) |
| Minimum lot size | 2,250 sf § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “DRH”: 2,250 sf (B) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “DRH”: 90% |
| Maximum density | 50 du/ac § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “DRH”: 50 du/ac (A) |
Uses in DRH
Uses the code's use tables allow in DRH, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Needs a minor use permit
- Child care center — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in DRH:
- Minimum front setback: 40 ft — for above-ground parking § 20.080.003
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — for a minimum 50% of side façade for all upper stories § 20.080.003
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — thereafter, after the first two stories § 20.080.003
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for DRH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the South San Francisco Municipal Code.
Other South San Francisco zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South San Francisco's DRH zone?
50 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the maximum number of stories in South San Francisco's DRH zone?
4 stories — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum front setback in South San Francisco's DRH zone?
15 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's DRH zone?
5 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's DRH zone?
10 ft (first two stories; 15 ft above that (see below)) — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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