South San Francisco · Zoning · GAC
South San Francisco GAC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South San Francisco's GAC zone, generally buildings can be up to 65 ft tall, the front setback is No setback allowed and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (South San Francisco code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft
- Minimum front setback: No setback allowed (Buildings stand at the required line for at least 65% of the street frontage)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 4.0
- Maximum density: 100 du/ac
GAC 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 GAC
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 | 65 ft § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Main Building (ft)”, column “GAC”: 65 ft (D) |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | No setback allowed Applies: Buildings stand at the required line for at least 65% of the street frontage § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Street Frontages”, column “GAC”: No setbacks allowed (E) (G) |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback”, column “GAC”: 0 ft (E) |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Rear Setback”, column “GAC”: 0 ft (E) |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sf § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “GAC”: 5,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage”, column “GAC”: 100% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 4.0 § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “GAC”: 4.0(A) |
| Maximum density | 100 du/ac § 20.090.003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “GAC”: 100 du/ac (B) |
Uses in GAC
Uses the code's use tables allow in GAC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Live-work unit — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories limit for GAC 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 GAC zone?
65 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum front setback in South San Francisco's GAC zone?
No setback allowed (buildings stand at the required line for at least 65% of the street frontage) — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum side setback in South San Francisco's GAC zone?
0 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum rear setback in South San Francisco's GAC zone?
0 ft — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
What is the minimum lot size in South San Francisco's GAC zone?
5,000 sf — South San Francisco Municipal Code § 20.090.003.
General information, not legal advice.
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