South San Francisco · Zoning · DRM
South San Francisco DRM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's DRM zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,500 sf (South San Francisco code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (10 ft for at least 50 percent of the side facade on all upper stories.)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2,500 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.25
- Maximum density: 37.5 du/ac
DRM (Downtown Residential Medium) 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 DRM
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 | 35 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRM”: 35 ft/3 stories (C)(D) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft/stories)”, column “DRM”: 35 ft/3 stories (C)(D) |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Front Setback, Street-Facing”, column “DRM”: Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: 10 ft for at least 50 percent of the side facade on all upper stories. § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “DRM”: 5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all upper stories (G) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “DRM”: 20 ft (B) (E) (H) |
| Minimum lot size | 2,500 sf § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “DRM”: 2,500 sf (B) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “DRM”: 90% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.25 § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “DRM”: 1.25 |
| Maximum density | 37.5 du/ac § 20.080.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “DRM”: 37.5 du/ac (A) |
Uses in DRM
Uses the code's use tables allow in DRM, 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 DRM:
- 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
Other South San Francisco zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South San Francisco's DRM zone?
35 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the maximum number of stories in South San Francisco's DRM zone?
3 stories — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum front setback in South San Francisco's DRM zone?
15 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's DRM zone?
5 ft (10 ft for at least 50 percent of the side facade on all upper stories) — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's DRM zone?
20 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.080.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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