720
EXCELSIOR OUTER MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
San Francisco Planning Code · SF Planning Code § 720
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SEC. 720. EXCELSIOR OUTER MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. The Excelsior Outer Mission Street Neighborhood Commercial District is located along Mission Street between Alemany Boulevard and the San Francisco-San Mateo county line. Outer Mission Street is mixed use, combining street-fronting retail businesses on the ground floor and housing on upper floors. The range of comparison goods and services offered is varied and often includes specialty retail stores, restaurants, and neighborhood-serving offices. The area is transit-oriented and the commercial uses serve residents of the area as well as residents and visitors from adjacent and other neighborhoods. The Excelsior Outer Mission Street Neighborhood Commercial District is intended to provide convenience goods and services to the surrounding neighborhoods as well as limited comparison shopping goods for a wider market. Housing development in new buildings is encouraged above the second story. Existing residential units are protected by limitations on demolitions and upper-story conversions. Parking for residential and commercial uses is not required. Buildings range in height, with height limits generally allowing up to four stories. Lots vary in size, generally small- or medium-sized with some very large parcels.
Table 720. EXCELSIOR OUTER MISSION STREET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE Excelsior Outer Mission NCD Zoning Category § References Controls BUILDING STANDARDS Excelsior Outer Mission NCD Zoning Category § References Controls BUILDING STANDARDS Massing and Setbacks Height and Bulk Limits. §§ 102, 105, 106, 250–252, 260, 261.1, 270, 271. See also Height and Bulk District Maps Generally 40-X. See Height and Bulk Map Sheets HT11 and HT12 for more information. Height Sculpting on Alleys per § 261.1. 5 Foot Height Bonus for Active Ground Floor Uses § 263.20 P Rear Yard §§ 130, 134, 134(a) (e), 136 Required at the Second Story and at each succeeding level or Story of the building, and at the First Story if it contains a Dwelling Unit: 25% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet Front Setback and Side Yard §§ 130, 131, 132, Generally not required; however, if the existing sidewalk does not meet the recommended width required by the Better Streets Plan, a front setback shall be provided so that, when combined with the existing sidewalk, the total distance from the curb to the building frontage meets or exceeds the required recommended width under the Better Streets Plan. This setback is required only up to 15 feet above street grade. See § 132(e). Street Frontage and Public Realm Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements § 138.1 Required
Street Frontage Requirements § 145.1 Required; controls apply to above-grade parking setbacks, parking and loading entrances, active uses, ground floor ceiling height, street-facing ground-level spaces, transparency and fenestration, and gates, railings, and grillwork. Exceptions permitted for historic buildings. Ground Floor Commercial § 145.4 Not Required. Vehicular Access Restrictions § 155(r) See Section 155(r) Miscellaneous Lot Size (Per Development) § 102, 121.1 P up to 9,999 square feet; C 10,000 square feet and above Planned Unit Development § 304 C Awning, Canopy or Marquee § 136.1 P Signs §§ 262, 602- 604, 607, 607.1, 608, 609 As permitted by § 607.1 General Advertising Signs §§ 262, 602, 604, 608, 609, 610, 611 NP Design Guidelines and Standards General Plan Commerce and Industry Element Subject to the Urban Design Guidelines, Citywide Design Standards, and any other applicable design guidelines that have been approved by the Planning Commission.
Zoning Category § References Controls RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Zoning Category § References Controls RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Development Standards Usable Open Space [Per Dwelling Unit] §§ 135, 136 80 square feet if private, or 100 square feet if common, or the amount of open space required in the nearest Residential District, whichever is less. Off-Street Parking Requirements §§ 145.1, 150, 151.1, 153 - 156, 166, 204.5 Car parking not required. P up to one car for each unit; NP above. Bike parking required per § 155.2. If car parking is provided, car share spaces are required when a project has 50 units or more per § 166. Dwelling Unit Mix § 207.7 Generally required for creation of 10 or more Dwelling Units. No less than 25% of the total number of proposed Dwelling Units shall contain at least two Bedrooms, and no less than 10% of the total number of proposed Dwelling Units shall contain at least three Bedrooms. Use Characteristics Intermediate Length Occupancy §§ 102; 202.10 P(5) Single Room Occupancy § 102 P Student Housing § 102 P Residential Uses Controls By Story 1st 2nd 3rd+ Residential Uses § 102 P P P Accessory Dwelling Unit §§102, 207.1, 207.2 P per Planning Code §§ 207.1 and 207.2. Dwelling Unit Density, General §§ 102, 207 1 unit per 600 square foot 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. Group Housing § 208 1 bedroom per 210 square foot lot area Homeless Shelters §§ 102, 208 Density limits regulated by the Administrative Code Senior Housing §§ 102, 202.2(f), 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. Loss of Dwelling Units: Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units, including Residential Flats § 317 C
Zoning Category § References Controls NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Zoning Category § References Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES Development Standards Floor Area Ratio §§ 102, 123, 124 , 207.9 3.6 to 1. For Office Uses minimum intensities may apply pursuant to § 207.9. Use Size § 102, 121.2 P up to 6,000 square feet; C 6,001 square feet and above Off-Street Parking Requirements §§ 145.1, 150, 151.1, 153 - 156, 166, 204.5 Car parking not required. Limits set forth in Section 151.1. Bike parking required per Section 155.2. Car share spaces required when a project has 25 or more parking spaces per § 166. Off-Street Freight Loading §§ 150, 152, 153 - 155, 161, 204.5 None required if gross floor area is less than 10,000 square feet. Exceptions permitted per §§ 155 and 161. Commercial Use Characteristics Drive-up Facility § 102 NP Formula Retail §§ 102, 303.1 C Hours of Operation § 102 P 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.; C 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. Maritime Use § 102 NP Open Air Sales §§ 102, 703.2 See § 703.2 Outdoor Activity Area §§ 102, 145.2, 202.2 P if located in front or it complies with Section 202.2(a)(7); C if located elsewhere. Walk-up Facility § 102 P Controls by Story 1st 2nd 3rd+ Uses in Historic Buildings Historic Buildings § 202.11 In Historic Buildings, Uses listed below as NP are C and Uses listed below as C are P, except Cannabis Retail, Hotel, and certain Industrial Uses, as specified in § 202.11. Agricultural Use Category Agriculture, Industrial §§ 102, 202.2(c) NP NP NP Agriculture, Large Scale Urban §§ 102, 202.2(c) C C C Agriculture, Neighborhood §§ 102, 202.2(c) P P P Automotive Use Category Automotive Uses* §§ 102, 142, 156, 187.1, 202.2(b) C NP NP Automotive Repair § 102 C C NP Electric Vehicle Charging Location §§ 102, 202.2(b), 202.13 C(7)2 C(7) C(7) Fleet Charging § 102 C C C Service, Motor Vehicle Tow § 102 NP NP NP Service, Parcel Delivery § 102 NP NP NP Vehicle Storage Garage § 102 NP NP NP Vehicle Storage Lot § 102 NP NP NP Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses* § 102 C NP NP Arts Activities § 102 P P P Entertainment, General § 102 P P NP Entertainment, Nighttime § 102 P P NP Movie Theater § 102 P P P Open Recreation Area § 102 C C C Passive Outdoor Recreation § 102 P P P Industrial Use Category Industrial Uses §§ 102, 202.2(d) NP NP NP Institutional Use Category Institutional Uses* § 102 P P P Community Facility § 102 P P P Hospital § 102 C C C Job Training § 102 C P P Medical Cannabis Dispensary** §§ 102, 202.2(e) DR DR DR Private Community Facility § 102 C C C Public Facilities § 102 P P P Religious Institution § 102 C C C Social Service or Philanthropic Facility § 102 C P P Sales and Service Use Category Retail Sales and Service Uses* §§ 102, 202.2(a) , 202.5 P P P Adult Business § 102 C C NP Adult Sex Venue § 102 C C NP Animal Hospital § 102 P P NP Bar §§ 102, 202.2(a) P P NP Cannabis Retail §§ 102, 202.2(a) C C NP
Flexible Retail §§ 102, 202.9 P NP NP Grocery, General §§ 102, 202.3 P(1) P(1) P(1) Grocery, Specialty § 102 P(1) P(1) P(1) Hotel § 102 C C C Kennel § 102 C C NP Liquor Store § 102 NP(1) NP(1) NP(1) Massage Establishment §§ 102, 204, 303(n), P C(6) NP(6) Massage, Foot/Chair § 102 C C C Mortuary § 102 C C C Motel §§ 102, 202.2(a) NP NP NP Restaurant §§ 102, 202.2(a) P P P Restaurant, Limited §§ 102, 202.2(a) P P NP Services, Financial § 102 P P NP Services, Fringe Financial § 102 NP(2) NP(2) NP(2) Services, Limited Financial § 102 C C C Services, Personal § 102 P(4) P(4) P(4) Services, Retail Professional § 102 P P P Storage, Self § 102 C C C Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment § 102 C NP NP Non-Retail Sales and Service* § 102 NP NP NP Design Professional § 102 P P P Service, Non-Retail Professional § 102 C P C Storage, Commercial § 102 C C C Trade Office § 102 P P P Utility and Infrastructure Use Category Utility and Infrastructure* § 102 C(3) C(3) C(3) Power Plant § 102 NP NP NP Public Utilities Yard § 102 NP NP NP
* Not listed below Note deleted. (1) OFF-SALE LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS Controls: (a) New Liquor Store uses with Type 20 or Type 21 ABC licenses are not permitted in the district; provided, however, that any use within the District with an existing Type 20 or Type 21 ABC license may obtain a new license, if required by the ABC, after it has been closed temporarily for repair, renovation, remodeling, or reconstruction. (b) Liquor Store uses may relocate within the district with Conditional Use authorization. (c) General Grocery, Specialty Grocery, and Liquor Store uses with off-sale alcohol licenses shall observe the following good neighbor policies: (i) Liquor establishments shall provide outside lighting in a manner sufficient to illuminate street and sidewalk areas and adjacent parking, as appropriate to maintain security, without disturbing area residences; (ii) Advertisements in windows and clear doors are not permitted, and no more than 25% of the square footage of the windows and clear doors of liquor establishments shall bear signage of any sort, and all signage shall be placed and maintained in a manner that ensures that law enforcement personnel have a clear and unobstructed view of the interior of the premises, including the area in which the cash registers are maintained, from the exterior public sidewalk or entrance to the premises. (2) FRINGE FINANCIAL SERVICE RESTRICTED USE DISTRICT (FFSRUD) Boundaries: The FFSRUD and its 1/4 mile buffer includes, but is not limited to, properties within the Excelsior Outer Mission Street Neighborhood Commercial District. Controls: Fringe Financial Services are NP within any FFSRUD and its 1/4 mile buffer pursuant to Section 249.35. Outside any FFSRUD and its 1/4 mile buffer, Fringe Financial Services are P subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 249.35(c)(3). (3) C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility. (4) C for Personal Service Uses operating as a salon and/or providing cosmetic services. (5) NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units. C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units. (6) P if accessory to a Hotel, Personal Service or Health Service. (7)2 P where existing use is any Automotive Use.
(Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 445-87, App. 11/12/87; Ord. 412-88, App. 9/10/88; Ord. 87-00, File No. 991963, App. 5/19/2000; Ord. 260-00, File No. 001424, App. 11/17/2000; Ord. 275-05, File No. 051250, App. 11/30/2005; Ord. 289-06, File No. 050176, App. 11/20/2006; Ord. 269-07, File No. 070671, App. 11/26/2007; Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 244-08, File No. 080567, App. 10/30/2008; Ord. 245-08, File No. 080696; Ord. 51-09, File No. 081620, App. 4/2/2009; Ord. 66-11, File No. 101537, App. 4/20/2011, Eff. 5/20/2011; Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011; Ord. 75-12 , File No. 120084, App. 4/23/2012, Eff. 5/23/2012; Ord. 56-13 , File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 287-13 , File No. 130041, App. 12/26/2013, Eff. 1/25/2014; Ord. 235-14 , File No. 140844, App. 11/26/2014, Eff. 12/26/2014; Ord. 14-15 , File No. 141210, App. 2/13/2015, Eff. 3/15/2015; Ord. 20-15 , File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; redesignated and amended by Ord. 30-15 , File No. 140954, App. 3/26/2015, Eff. 4/25/2015; amended by 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; renamed and amended in full by Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; amended by Ord. 130-17, File No. 170204, 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. 199-18, File No. 180482, App. 8/10/2018, Eff. 9/10/2018; Ord. 202- 18, File No. 180557, App. 8/10/2018, Eff. 9/10/2018; Ord. 277-18, File No. 180914, App. 11/20/2018, Eff. 12/21/2018; Ord. 285-18, File No. 180806, App. 12/7/2018, Eff. 1/7/2019; Ord. 116-19, File No. 181156, App. 6/28/2019, Eff. 7/29/2019; Ord. 182-19, File No. 190248, App. 8/9/2019, Eff. 9/9/2019; 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; Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020; Ord. 136-21, File No. 210674, App. 8/4/2021, Eff. 9/4/2021; Ord. 233-21, File No. 210381, App. 12/22/2021, Eff. 1/22/2022; Ord. 37-22, File No. 211263, App. 3/14/2022, Eff. 4/14/2022; Ord. 75-22, File No. 220264, App. 5/13/2022, Eff. 6/13/2022; Ord. 190-22, File No. 220036, App. 9/16/2022, Eff. 10/17/2022; Ord. 264-22, File No. 220811, App. 12/22/2022, Eff. 1/22/2023; 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. 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. 1-26, File No. 250385, App. 1/8/2026, Eff. 2/8/2026; Ord. 37-26, File No. 250886, App. 3/11/2026, Eff. 4/11/2026) AMENDMENT HISTORY Zoning Control Table: 720.69C and 720.69D added; Ord. 66-11 , Eff. 5/20/2011. Zoning Control Table: 720.17 and 720.39a amended; Ord. 140-11, Eff. 8/4/2011. Zoning Control Table: 720.43 and 720.44 amended, former categories 720.42, 720.67, and 720.69A deleted; Ord. 75-12 , Eff. 5/23/2012. Zoning Control Table: 720.13, 720.13a, 720.13b, 720.13c, 720.54, and 720.69B amended; Specific Provisions: 720.54 added; Ord. 56-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Zoning Control Table: former categories 720.38, 720.39, and 720.39a redesignated as 720.36, 720.37, and 720.38 and amended; Ord. 287-13 , Eff. 1/25/2014. Zoning Control Table: 720.26 amended; Specific Provisions: 720.54 amended; Ord. 235-14 , Eff. 12/26/2014. Zoning Control Table: 720.92b added; Ord. 14-15 , Eff. 3/15/2015. Zoning Control Table: 720.14, 720.15, 720.16, and 720.17 amended; Ord. 20-15 , Eff. 3/22/2015. Section redesignated (formerly Sec. 720.1); Zoning Control Table: 720.54, 720.91, and 720.92 amended; Ord. 30-15 , Eff. 4/25/2015. Zoning Control Table: former categories 720.36, 720.37, and 720.38 deleted, 720.96, 720.97, and 720.98 added; Ord. 33-16 , Eff. 4/10/2016. Introductory material amended; Zoning Control Table: 720.91 amended; Specific Provisions: 720.91 added; Ord. 162-16 , Eff. 9/3/2016. Zoning Control Table: 720.33A added ; Ord. 166-16 , Eff. 9/10/2016. Section renamed and amended in full; new Zoning Control Table and notes added; Ord. 129- 17, Eff. 7/30/2017. Previous Zoning Control Table and Specific Provisions deleted; Ord. 130-17, Eff. 7/30/2017. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 189-17, Eff. 10/15/2017. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (1) deleted; Notes (2)-(4) redesignated as Notes (1)-(3); Ord. 229-17, Eff. 1/5/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (4) added; Ord. 199-18, Eff. 9/10/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 202-18, Eff. 9/10/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 277-18, Eff. 12/21/2018. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 285-18, Eff. 1/7/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 116-19, Eff. 7/29/2019. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 182-19, Eff. 9/9/2019. Zoning Control Table and Note (2) amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (5) added; Ord. 78-20, Eff. 6/22/2020. Zoning Control Table amended; Proposition H, 11/3/2020, Eff. 12/18/2020. Zoning Control Table and Notes (2) and (5) amended; Ord. 136-
21, Eff. 9/4/2021. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (6) added; Ord. 233-21, Eff. 1/22/2022. Zoning Control Table and Note (6) amended; Ord. 37-22, Eff. 4/14/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Note (7)2 added; Ord. 190-22 , Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 264-22 , Eff. 1/22/2023. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 249-23 , Eff. 1/14/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 33-24 , Eff. 3/23/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 62-24 , Eff. 4/28/2024. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 173-25; Eff. 10/6/2025. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 245-25 , Eff. 1/12/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 1-26 , Eff. 2/8/2026. Zoning Control Table amended; Ord. 37-26 , Eff. 4/11/2026. CODIFICATION NOTES 1. So in Ord. 63-20. 2. Note “(7)” is referenced as “(6)” in Ord. 190-22. The note was redesignated by the codifier because a note designated as “(6)” previously had been added to this section by Ord. 233-21. **Editor’s Note: Ordinance 186-17, effective October 15, 2017, requires that “No more than three MCDs shall be permitted at any given time within the boundaries of Supervisorial District 11.” SEC. 721. JAPANTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. The Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District extends between Geary Boulevard and Post Street from Fillmore Street to Laguna Street, the north side of Post Street from Webster Street to Laguna Street, and Buchanan Street from Post Street to midway between Sutter Street and Bush Street. The character of these streets is largely commercial, including large malls, although there are some residential units above the ground story. Buildings are typically two- to four-stories, although there are two taller hotels. Geary Boulevard, Fillmore Street, and Sutter Street are important public transit corridors. The commercial district provides convenience goods and services to the surrounding neighborhoods as well as shopping, cultural, and entertainment uses that attract visitors from near and far. The Japantown Neighborhood Commercial District controls are designed to encourage and promote development that enhances the walkable, commercial character of this area and to support its local and regional role. New commercial development is required on the ground floor and permitted above. Most neighborhood- and visitor-serving businesses are strongly encouraged, including eating, drinking, and retail uses, as long as they do not create a nuisance. Less active commercial uses are encouraged above the ground floor, along with housing and institutional uses.
Table 721. JAPANTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE Japantown NCD Zoning Category § References Controls BUILDING STANDARDS Massing and Setbacks Height and Bulk Limits. §§ 102, 105, 106, 250–252, 260, 261.1, 270, 271. See also Height and Bulk District Maps 50-X, and 65-A along Fillmore Street. See Height and Bulk Map Sheet HT02 for more information. Along Buchanan Street between Post and Sutter, an upper story setback of one foot for every foot above 35 feet in height from the front property line is required. Height Sculpting on Alleys per § 261.1. 5 Foot Height Bonus for Active Ground Floor Uses § 263.20 P Rear Yard §§ 130, 134, 134(a) (e), 136 Required at the lowest Story containing a Dwelling Unit, and at each succeeding level or Story of the Building: 25% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet. Front Setback and Side Yard §§ 130, 131, 132, Generally not required; however, if the existing sidewalk does not meet the recommended width required by the Better Streets Plan, a front setback shall be provided so that, when combined with the existing sidewalk, the total distance from the curb to the building frontage meets or exceeds the required recommended width under the Better Streets Plan. This setback is required only up to 15 feet above street grade. See § 132(e). Street Frontage and Public Realm Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements § 138.1 Required Street Frontage, Above Grade Parking Setback and Active Uses § 145.1 Required; controls apply to above-grade parking setbacks, parking and loading entrances, active uses, ground floor ceiling height, street-facing ground-level spaces, transparency and fenestration, and gates, railings, and grillwork. Exceptions permitted for historic buildings. Street Frontage, Ground Floor Commercial § 145.4 Required on Buchanan Street between Post Street and Sutter Street and Post Street between Fillmore Street and Laguna Street on the south side, between Webster Street and Laguna Street on the north side. Vehicular Access Restrictions § 155(r) Prohibited on the north side of Post Street from Webster Street to Laguna Street; the south side of Post Street from Fillmore Street to Webster Street; and Buchanan Street from Post Street to Sutter Street. Miscellaneous Planned Unit Development § 304 C Awning, Canopy, or Marquee § 136.1 P Signs §§ 262, 602- 604, 607.1, 608, 609 As permitted by § 607.1. All Business Signs, as defined in § 602 are also subject to the guidelines in the “Commission Guide for Formula Retail.”