209.1

SEC. 209.1. RH (RESIDENTIAL, HOUSE) DISTRICTS. (See Interpretations related to this Section.) These Districts are intended to recognize and enhance areas characterized by dwellings in the form of houses and small multi-family buildings, usually with one, two, or three units with separate entrances, and limited scale in terms of building width and height, and characterized by rear yards and a pattern of mid-block open spaces. Such areas tend to have similarity of building styles and predominantly contain large units suitable for family occupancy, considerable open space, and limited nonresidential uses. In all RH Districts, multi-family buildings with four or more units are permitted under various provisions of this Code. The RH Districts are composed of five separate classes of districts, as follows: RH-1(D) Districts: One-Family (Detached Dwellings). These Districts are characterized by lots of greater width and area than in other parts of the City, and by single-family houses with side yards. The structures are relatively large, but rarely exceed 35 feet in height. Ground level open space and landscaping at the front and rear are usually abundant. Much of the development has been in sizable tracts with similarities of building style and narrow streets following the contours of hills. RH-1 Districts: One-Family. These Districts have been occupied almost entirely by single-family houses on lots 25 feet in width, without side yards. Floor sizes and building styles vary, but tend to be uniform within tracts developed in distinct time periods. Though built on separate lots, the structures have the appearance of small-scale row housing, rarely exceeding 35 feet in height. Front setbacks are common, and ground level open space is generous. RH-1(S) Districts: One-Family with Minor Second Unit. These Districts are similar in character to RH-1 Districts, except that a small second dwelling unit has been installed in many structures, usually by conversion of a ground-story space formerly part of the main unit or devoted to storage. The second unit remains subordinate to the owner's unit, and may house one or two persons related to the owner or be rented to others. Despite these conversions, the structures retain the appearance of single-family dwellings. RH-2 Districts: Two-Family. These Districts have been historically developed with one-family and two-family houses, with the latter commonly consisting of two large flats, one occupied by the owner and the other available for rental. Structures are finely scaled and usually do not exceed 25 feet in width or 40 feet in height. Building styles are often more varied than in historically single-family areas, but certain streets and tracts are quite uniform. Considerable ground-level open space is available, and it frequently is private for each unit. The Districts may have easy access to shopping facilities and transit lines. In some cases, Group Housing and institutions are found in these areas, although nonresidential uses tend to be quite limited. RH-3 Districts: Three-Family. These Districts have many similarities to RH-2 Districts, but structures with three units are common in addition to one-family and two-family houses. The predominant form has historically been large flats rather than apartments, with lots 25 feet wide, a fine or moderate scale, and separate entrances for each unit. Building styles tend to be varied but complementary to one another. Outdoor space is available at ground level, and also on decks and balconies for individual units. Nonresidential uses are more common in these areas than in RH-2 Districts.

Table 209.1 ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR RH DISTRICTS Zoning Category § References RH-1(D) RH-1 RH-1(S) RH-2 RH-3 Zoning Category § References RH-1(D) RH-1 RH-1(S) RH-2 RH-3 BUILDING STANDARDS Massing and Setbacks Height and Bulk Limits §§ 102, 105, 106, 250-252, 253, 260, 261 , 261.1, 263.19, 270, 270.3, 271. See also Height and Bulk District Maps. No portion of a Dwelling may be taller than 35 feet. Structures with uses other than Dwellings may be constructed to the prescribed height limit, which is generally 40 feet. Per § 261 the height limit may be decreased or increased based on the slope of the lot. Varies, but generally 40 feet. Structures with uses other than Dwellings may be constructe d to the prescribed height limit. Per § 261 the height limit may be decreased based on the slope of the lot. Varies, but generally 40 feet. Height sculpting on Alleys per § 261.1. Front Setback §§ 130, 131, 132 Required. Based on the front setback of the adjacent property with the shortest front setback or if subject property has a Legislated Setback. When front setback is based on adjacent properties, in no case shall the required setback be greater than 10 feet. Rear Yard §§ 130, 134 30% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet. Side Yard §§ 130, 133 Required for Lots 28 feet and wider. Width of side setback depends on width of lot. Not Required Design Guidelines and Standards § 311 Subject to the Residential Design Guidelines and Citywide Design Standards and any other applicable design guidelines that have been approved by the Planning Commission. Street Frontage and Public Realm Front Setback Landscaping and Permeability Requirements § 132 Required. At least 50% of Front Setback shall be permeable so as to increase storm water infiltration and 20% of Front Setback shall be unpaved and devoted to plant material. Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements (Street Trees) § 138.1 Required.

Street Frontage Requirements § 144 § 144 applies generally. Additional requirements apply to Limited Commercial Uses, as specified in § 186. Street Frontage, Parking and Loading Access Restrictions § 155(r) As specified in § 155(r) Miscellaneous Planned Unit Development § 304 C C C C C Awning § 136.1 NP (1) NP (1) NP (1) NP (1) NP (1) Canopy or Marquee § 136.1 NP (2) NP NP1 (2) NP (2) NP (2) NP (2) Signs § 606 As permitted by § 606. Housing Choice-SF § 206.10 Form-based density, additional height, and other zoning modifications for eligible projects in the R-4 Height and Bulk District. RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Development Standards Usable Open Space [Per Dwelling Unit] §§ 135, 136 At least 300 square feet if private, and 400 square feet if common. At least 300 square feet if private, and 400 square feet if common. At least 300 square feet for the first unit and 100 for the minor second unit if private, and 400 square feet for the first unit and 133 square feet for the second unit if common. At least 125 square feet if private, and 166 square feet if common. At least 100 square feet if private, and 133 square feet if common. Parking Requirements §§ 151.1, 161 None required. Maximum permitted per § 151.1. Residential Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units, including Residential Flats § 317 C Use Characteristics Intermediate Length Occupancy §§102, 202.10 P(9) P(9) P(9) P(9) P(9) Single Room Occupancy § 102 P P P P P Student Housing § 102 P P P P P Residential Uses Dwelling Unit Density, General (6) (11) §§ 102, 207 P up to one unit per lot, or one unit per 3,000 square feet of lot area, with no more than three units per lot. P up to one unit per lot, or up to one unit per 3,000 square feet of lot area. P up to two units per lot, if the second unit is 600 sq. ft. or less, or up to one unit per 3,000 square feet of lot area, with no more than three units per lot. P up to two units per lot, or up to one unit per 1,500 square feet of lot area. P up to three units per lot, or up to one unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area. Minimum Dwelling Unit Densities, if Applicable § 207.9 Varies depending on project location, but generally ranges between 50 and 100 dwelling units per acre. Maximum Dwelling Unit Size §§ 207.10, 317 P up to 4,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area or an equivalent Floor Area Ratio for any individual Dwelling Unit of 1.2:1. C for Dwelling Units that exceed the greater of those thresholds. Senior Housing Density §§ 102, 202.2(f) , 207 P up to twice the number of dwelling units otherwise permitted as a principal use in the district and meeting all the requirements of § 202.2(f)(1). C up to twice the number of dwelling units otherwise permitted as a principal use in the district and meeting all requirements of § 202.2(f)(1) except for § 202.2(f)(1)(D)(iv), related to location. Group Housing Density § 208 NP (3) (10) NP (3) (10) NP (3) (10) P, up to one bedroom for every 415 square feet of lot area. P, up to one bedroom for every 275 square feet of lot area. Homeless Shelter §§ 102, 208 P P P P P NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Development Standards Floor Area Ratio §§ 102, 123, 124 1.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 1.8 to 1 Use Size §§ 102, 121.5 Division of large use sizes per § 121.5 Off-Street Parking §§ 150, 151.1, 161 None required. Maximum permitted per § 151.1. Limited Commercial Uses § 186 Continuing nonconforming uses are permitted, subject to the requirements of § 186. Limited Corner Commercial Uses § 231 P on a Corner Lot, with no part of the use extending more than 50 feet in depth from said corner; NP if the LCCU would require the Residential Conversion of a Residential Unit or Unauthorized Unit under Planning Code Section 317, unless the space proposed for conversion is occupied by a garage or storage space located in the Basement or First Story. Commercial Use Characteristics Drive-up Facility § 102 NP Formula Retail §§ 102, 303.1 NP Hours of Operation §§ 102, 186, 231 For Limited Corner Commercial Uses under § 231 and Limited Commercial Uses under § 186: P 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; NP 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Maritime Use § 102 NP Open Air Sales § 102 NP Outdoor Activity Area §§ 102, 145.2, 186, 202.2, P if located in front of building; NP if elsewhere. Walk-up Facility § 102 NP Non-Residential Uses Uses in Historic Buildings Historic Buildings §§ 202.11 ; 710 In Historic Buildings, any Use listed as NP below is C, if it is C or P on the ground floor in the NC-1 District, except for certain Uses and areas, as specified in § 202.11 (8) . Agricultural Use Category Agricultural Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(c) C C C C C Agriculture, Industrial §§ 102, 202.2(c) NP NP NP NP NP Agriculture, Neighborhood §§ 102, 202.2(c) P P P P P

Automotive Use Category Automotive Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Parking Garage, Private § 102 C C C C C Parking Lot, Private § 102 C C C C C Parking Lot, Public §§ 102, 142, 156 NP NP NP NP NP Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Open Recreation Area § 102 C C C C C Passive Outdoor Recreation § 102 P P P P P Industrial Use Category Industrial Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Institutional Use Category Institutional Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Child Care Facility § 102 P P P P P Community Facility § 102 C C C C C Hospital § 102 C C C C C Post-Secondary Ed. Institution § 102 C C C C C Public Facilities § 102 P P P P P Religious Institution § 102 C C C C C Residential Care Facility § 102 P P P P P School § 102 C C C C C Sales and Service Category Retail Sales and Service Uses* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Hotel § 102 NP NP NP C (4) C (4) Mortuary § 102 C (5) C (5) C (5) C (5) C (5) Non-Retail Sales and Service* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Utility and Infrastructure Use Category Utility and Infrastructure* § 102 NP NP NP NP NP Internet Service Exchange § 102 C C C C C Utility Installation § 102 C C C C C Wireless Telecommunications Services Facility § 102 C or P (7) C or P (7) C or P (7) C or P (7) C or P (7)

* Not listed below. (1) P if required as a wind mitigation feature. Additionally, P for Limited Commercial Uses and Limited Corner Commercial Uses per Section 136.1. (2) Canopy is P if required as a wind mitigation feature. (3) C pursuant to Sections 202.11 and 710. (4) C for five or fewer guest rooms or suites of rooms; NP for six or more guest rooms. (5) Must be located on a landmark site, and where the site is within a Height and Bulk District of 40 feet or less, and where a columbarium use has lawfully and continuously operated since the time of designation. (6) Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units may be permitted pursuant to Sections 207.1 and 207.2. (7) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility. (8) The controls for Historic Buildings modified by Section 202.11 do not apply in portions of the RH-2 and RH-3 Districts that are located both in the area bounded by Valencia, 13th, Harrison, and Cesar Chavez Streets and in the Calle 24 Special Use District, for the following Uses: Adult Business, Adult Sex Venue, Bar, Chair and Foot Massage, Cannabis Retail, Electric Vehicle Charging Location, Fleet Charging, Fringe Financial Service, Gym, Hotel, Laboratory, Life Science, Liquor Store, Massage Establishment, Nighttime Entertainment, Office, Private Community Facility, Restaurant, and Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment, and all Uses within the Industrial Use category other than Agricultural and Beverage Processing 1 and Light Manufacturing. (9) NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units; C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units. (10) Group Housing permitted at one room per 415 sq. ft. of lot area according to the provisions in Planning Code Section 207(c)(8). (11) P for up to four dwelling units per lot, excluding Corner Lots, and P for up to six dwelling units in Corner Lots, pursuant to Section 207(c)(8). (Added as Sec. 206.1 by Ord. 443-78, App. 10/6/78; redesignated and amended by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; amended by Ord. 161-15, File No. 150804, App. 9/18/2015, Eff. 10/18/2015; Ord. 162-15 , File No. 150805, App. 9/18/2015, Eff. 10/18/2015; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 33-16 , File No. 160115, App. 3/11/2016, Eff. 4/10/2016; Ord. 162-16 , File No. 160657, App. 8/4/2016, Eff. 9/3/2016; Ord. 166-16 , File No. 160477, App. 8/11/2016, Eff. 9/10/2016; Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; Ord. 189-17, File No. 170693, App. 9/15/2017, Eff. 10/15/2017; Ord. 229-17, File No. 171041, App. 12/6/2017, Eff. 1/5/2018; Ord. 168-18 , File No. 180191, App. 7/17/2018, Eff. 8/17/2018; Ord. 303-18, File No. 180915, App. 12/21/2018, Eff. 1/21/2019; Ord. 311-18, File No. 181028, App. 12/21/2018, Eff. 1/21/2019; Ord. 116-19, File No. 181156, App. 6/28/2019, Eff. 7/29/2019; Ord. 206-19, File No. 190048, App. 9/13/2019, Eff. 10/14/2019; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020; Ord. 78-20, File No. 191075, App. 5/22/2020, Eff. 6/22/2020; Ord. 136-21, File No. 210674, App. 8/4/2021, Eff. 9/4/2021; Ord. 149-21, File No. 210535, App. 9/29/2021, Eff. 10/30/2021; Ord. 210-22, File No. 210866, App. 10/28/2022, Eff. 11/28/2022; Ord. 248-23, File No. 230446, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; Ord. 249-23, File No. 230701, App. 12/14/2023, Eff. 1/14/2024; Ord. 33-24, File No. 231144, App. 2/21/2024, Eff. 3/23/2024; Ord. 62-24, File No. 230310, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024; Ord. 85-24, File No. 231221, App. 4/26/2024, Eff. 5/27/2024; Ord. 297-24, File No. 241055, App. 12/19/2024, Eff. 1/19/2025; Ord. 173-25, File No. 250634, App. 9/5/2025, Eff. 10/6/2025; Ord. 245-25, File No. 250701, App. 12/12/2025, Eff. 1/12/2026, Oper. 1/12/2026; Ord. 37-26, File No. 250886, App. 3/11/2026, Eff. 4/11/2026) (Former Sec. 209.1 added by Ord. 443-78, App. 10/6/78; amended by Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 130-10, File No. 090906, App. 6/24/2010; repealed by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015) AMENDMENT HISTORY Former Sec. 206.1 redesignated as Sec. 209.1; Table 209.1 added; Ord. 22-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Note (7) added; Ords. 161-15 and 162-15 , Eff. 10/18/2015. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 33-16 , Eff. 4/10/2016. Note (7) amended; Ord. 162-16 , Eff. 9/3/2016. Table 209.1 amended; second Note (7) added; Ord. 166-16 , Eff. 9/10/2016. Table 209.1 amended; Note (5) deleted; Note (6) and first Note (7) redesignated as Notes (5) and (6); Ord. 129-17, Eff. 7/30/2017. Table 209.1 amended; Note (2) deleted; Ord. 189-17, Eff. 10/15/2017. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 229-17, Eff. 1/5/2018. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 229-17, Eff. 1/5/2018. Table 209.1 and Notes (3) and (4) amended; Note (8) added; Ord. 168-18 , Eff. 8/17/2018. Note (6) amended; Ord. 116-19, Eff. 7/29/2019. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 206-19, Eff. 10/14/2019. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Table 209.1 amended; Note (9) added; Ord. 78-20, Eff. 6/22/2020. Note (9) amended; Ord. 136-21, Eff. 9/4/2021. Table 209.1 amended; Note (3) deleted; Ord. 149-21, Eff. 10/30/2021. Undesignated introductory paragraphs and Table 209.1 amended; Notes (10) and (11) added; Ord. 210-22, Eff. 11/28/2022. Table 209.1 and Note (10) amended; Ord. 248-23, Eff. 1/14/2024. Undesignated introductory paragraphs, Table 209.1, and Note (1) amended; Ord. 249-23, Eff. 1/14/2024. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 33-24, Eff. 3/23/2024. Note (6) amended; Ord. 62-24, Eff. 4/28/2024. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 85-24, Eff. 5/27/2024. Note (8) expired 8/17/2024. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 297-24, Eff. 1/19/2025. Table 209.1 amended; Ord. 173-25, Eff. 10/6/2025. Undesignated introductory paragraphs, Table 209.1, and Note (1) amended; Note (2) added; Ord. 245-25, Eff. 1/12/2026. Table 209.1 amended; Notes (3) and (8) added; Ord. 37-26, Eff. 4/11/2026.

CODIFICATION NOTE 1. So in Ord. 245-25. SEC. 209.2. RM (RESIDENTIAL, MIXED) DISTRICTS. (See Interpretations related to this Section.) These Districts are intended to recognize, protect, conserve and enhance areas characterized by a mixture of houses and apartment buildings, covering a range of densities and building forms according to the individual district designations. Despite the range of densities and building sizes, most structures are of a scale that respects the traditional lot patterns, open spaces and articulation of fa ç ades typical of San Francisco neighborhoods. These Districts provide unit sizes and types suitable for a variety of households, and contain supporting nonresidential uses. The RM Districts are composed of four separate classes of districts, as follows: RM-1 Districts: Low Density. These Districts contain a mixture of the dwelling types found in RH Districts, but in addition have a significant number of apartment buildings that broaden the range of unit sizes and the variety of structures. A pattern of 25-foot to 35-foot building widths is retained, however, and structures rarely exceed 40 feet in height. The overall density of units remains low, buildings are moderately scaled and segmented, and units or groups of units have separate entrances. Outdoor space tends to be available at ground and upper levels regardless of the age and form of structures. Shopping facilities and transit lines may be found within a short distance of these districts. Nonresidential uses are often present to provide for the needs of residents. RM-2 Districts: Moderate Density. These Districts are generally similar to RM-1 Districts, but the overall density of units is greater and the mixture of building types and unit sizes is more pronounced. Building widths and scales remain moderate, and considerable outdoor space is still available. The unit density permitted requires careful design of new structures in order to provide adequate amenities for the residents. Where nonresidential uses are present, they tend to offer services for wider areas than in RM-1 Districts. RM-3 Districts: Medium Density. These Districts have some smaller structures, but are predominantly devoted to apartment buildings of six, eight, 10 or more units. Most of these districts are close to downtown and have been developed in this manner for some time. The units vary in size, but tend to be smaller than in RM-1 and RM-2 Districts. Many buildings exceed 40 feet in height, and in some cases additional buildings over that height may be accommodated without disruption of the district character. Although lots and buildings wider than 25 or 35 feet are common, the scale often remains moderate through sensitive fa ç ade design and segmentation. Open spaces are smaller, but decks and balconies are used to advantage for many units. Supporting nonresidential uses are often found in these areas. RM-4 Districts: High Density. These Districts are devoted almost exclusively to apartment buildings of high density, usually with smaller units, close to downtown. Buildings over 40 feet in height are very common, and other tall buildings may be accommodated in some instances. Despite the intensity of development, distinct building styles and moderation of fa ç ades are still to be sought in new development, as are open areas for the residents. Group housing is especially common in these districts, as well as supporting nonresidential uses.

Table 209.2 ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR RM DISTRICTS Zoning Category § References RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 RM-4 Zoning Category § References RM-1 RM-2 RM-3 RM-4 BUILDING STANDARDS Massing and Setbacks Height and Bulk Limits §§ 102, 105, 106, 250-252, 253, 260 , 261.1, 263.19, 270, 270.3, 271 Varies. See Height and Bulk Map and referenced sections. Height sculpting on Alleys per § 261.1. Front Setback §§ 130, 131, 132 Based on the front setback of the adjacent property with the shortest front setback or if subject property has a Legislated Setback. When front setback is based on adjacent properties, in no case shall the required setback be greater than 10 feet. Rear Yard §§ 130, 134 30% of lot depth but in no case less than 15 feet. 25% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet. Side Yard §§ 130, 133 Not Required. Design Guidelines and Standards § 311 Subject to the Residential Design Guidelines and Citywide Design Standards and any other design guidelines that have been approved by the Planning Commission. Street Frontage and Public Realm Front Setback Landscaping and Permeability Requirements § 132 At least 50% of Front Setback shall be permeable so as to increase stormwater infiltration and 20% of Front Setback shall be unpaved and devoted to plant material. Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements (Street Trees) § 138.1 Required. Street Frontage Requirements § 144 § 144 applies generally. Additional requirements apply to Limited Commercial Uses, as specified in § 186. Moderation of Building Frontage § 144.1 Stepping of the front of the buildings required when lot width is greater than 35 feet. Street Frontage, Parking and Loading Access Restrictions § 155(r) As specified in § 155(r). Miscellaneous Planned Unit Development § 304 C C C C Awning § 136.1 NP (1) NP (1) NP (1) NP (1) Canopy or Marquee § 136.1 NP (2) NP (2) NP (2) NP (2) Signs § 606 As permitted by § 606. Housing Choice-SF § 206.10 Form-based density, additional height, and other zoning modifications for eligible projects in the R-4 Height and Bulk District. RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Development Standards Usable Open Space [Per Dwelling Unit] §§ 135, 136 At least 100 square feet if private, and 133 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common. At least 80 square feet if private, and 106 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common. At least 60 square feet if private and 80 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common. At least 36 square feet if private, and 48 square feet per Dwelling Unit if common. Parking Requirements §§ 151.1 , 155, 161 None required. Maximum permitted per § 151.1. Residential Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units, including Residential Flats § 317 C Use Characteristics Intermediate Length Occupancy §§102, 202.10 P(10) P(10) P(10) P(10) Single Room Occupancy § 102 P P P P Student Housing § 102 P P P P Residential Uses