SEC. 836. SALI – SERVICE/ARTS/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT.
The Service/Arts/Light Industrial (SALI) District is largely comprised of low-scale buildings with production, distribution, and repair uses. The District is designed to protect and
facilitate the expansion of existing general commercial, manufacturing, home and business service, and light manufacturing activities, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding arts
activities. Nighttime Entertainment is permitted. Residential Uses, Offices, Hotels, and Adult Entertainment uses are not permitted, except that certain Affordable Housing Projects are
permitted within the district pursuant to Section 803.8 of this Code, and Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted.
Table 836
SALI – SERVICE/ARTS/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS
Table 836
SALI – SERVICE/ARTS/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ZONING CONTROL TABLE
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
BUILDING STANDARDS
Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits
§§ 261,
261.1,
263.21, 270,
270.1, 270.2,
Varies; see also Height and Bulk District
Maps. Height sculpting required on Alleys as
set forth in § 261.1. Except in the Western
SoMa SUD, non-habitable vertical projections
permitted as set forth in § 263.21. Horizontal
mass reduction required as set forth in §270.1.
Mid-block alleys required as set forth in
§270.2.
Rear Yards
§§ 130, 134,
Not required.
Front Setback and Side Yards
§§ 130, 132,
Front setbacks for residential uses are
governed by the Ground Floor Residential
Guidelines. Otherwise not required.
Street Frontage and Public Realm
Streetscape and Pedestrian
Improvements
§ 138.1
As required by §138.1.
Street Frontage Requirements
§ 145.1
As required by §145.1. Exceptions permitted
for historic buildings.
Active street-facing ground-floor uses
§ 145.4
None required.
Parking and Loading Access
Restrictions
§ 155(r)
As required by §155(r). No auto ingress/egress
permitted from corner lot frontage on Alleys,
as defined in the Western SoMa Community
Plan, containing RED or RED-MX Districts.
Usable Open Space for Non-Residential
Uses
§§ 135.3, 426
As required by §§135.3 and 426; amount varies
based on use; may also pay in-lieu fee.
Artworks and Recognition of Artists
and Architects
§ 429
Required for new buildings and building
additions of 25,000 square feet or more.
Miscellaneous
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..2
Large Project Review
§§ 329,
249.39
As required by § 329. Certain large projects in
the Western SoMa SUD are subject to
additional conditions.
Planned Unit Development
§ 304
NP
Awning, Canopy
§§ 136, 136.1
P
Marquee
§§ 136, 136.1
NP
Signs
§ 607.2
As permitted by Section § 607.2 . 1
General Advertising Signs
§§ 262, 602,
604, 608,
609, 610, 611
NP
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards
Usable Open Space
[Per Dwelling Unit or Group Housing
Room]
§§ 135, 136,
249.39
80 square feet if private, 54 square feet if
publicly accessible. (8)
Off-Street Parking Requirements
§§ 150-151.1,
153 - 156,
166, 167,
204.5
No car parking required. Maximum permitted
as set forth in § 151.1 . 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.
Off-Street Freight Loading, Residential
§§ 150, 152,
153 - 155,
204.5
None required if Occupied Floor Area is less
than 100,000 square feet.
Residential Conversion, Demolition, or
Merger of Dwelling Units, including
Residential Flats
§ 317
C
Dwelling Unit Mix
§ 207.6
At least 40% of all Dwelling Units must
contain two or more bedrooms or 30% of all
Dwelling Units must contain three or more
bedrooms.
Use Characteristics
Intermediate Length Occupancy
§§ 102,
202.10
NP
Single Room Occupancy
§ 102
NP(3)
Student Housing
§ 102
NP
Residential Uses
Dwelling Units
§ 102
NP(3)
Group Housing
§ 102
NP(3)
Homeless Shelters
§ 102
C(4)
Dwelling Unit and Group Housing
Density, General
§ 207
Form-Based Density.
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,
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.
Homeless Shelter Density
§§ 102, 208
Density limits regulated by the Administrative
Code.
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Zoning Category
§ References
Service/Arts/Light Industrial District Controls
NON-RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS AND USES
Development Standards
Basic Floor Area Ratio
§§ 102, 123,
Section 124 sets forth the Basic FAR, based on
height.
Off-Street Parking Requirements
§§ 150-151.1,
153 - 156,
166, 204.5
No car parking required. Maximum permitted
as set forth in § 151.1 . Bike parking required
per § 155.2. If car parking is provided, car
share spaces are required when a project has 25
units or more per § 166.
Off-Street Freight Loading, Non-
Residential
§§ 150, 152,
153 - 155,
204.5
None required if Occupied Floor Area is less
than 10,000 square feet.
Use Size Limits
§ 121.6
As indicated by end note (5) in this table,
certain uses are allowed up to a total of 25,000
gsf per lot, and NP above.
Ground Floor Ceiling Height
§ 145.1(c)(4)
N/A
Commercial Use Characteristics
Drive-up Facility
§ 102
NP
Formula Retail
§§ 102, 303.1
C(6)
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
P(5)
Outdoor Activity Area
§ 102, 145.2
P if in front or it complies with Section
202.2(a)(7), C if elsewhere.
Walk-up Facility
§ 102
P
Non-Residential Uses
Uses in Historic Buildings
Historic Buildings
§ 202.11
In Historic Buildings, all Uses are P, except
Cannabis Retail, Hotel, and certain Industrial
Uses, as specified in § 202.11.
Agricultural Use Category
Agricultural Uses
§§ 102,
202.2(c)
P
Automotive Use Category
Automotive Uses*
§ 102
P
Ambulance Service
§ 102
C(6)
Automobile Sale or Rental
§ 102
P(5)
Electric Vehicle Charging Location †
§§ 102,
202.2(b),
202.13
P
Fleet Charging †
§ 102
C and must be within an enclosed building
Private Parking Garage
§ 102
C
Private Parking Lot
§ 102
NP
Public Parking Garage
§ 102
C
Public Parking Lot
§ 102
NP
Service, Parcel Delivery
§§ 102,
303(cc)
C
Vehicle Storage Garage
§ 102
C
Vehicle Storage Lot
§ 102
NP
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Use Category
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation
Uses*
§ 102
P
Movie Theater
§ 102
P up to three screens.
Outdoor Entertainment
§ 102
NP
Sports Stadium
§ 102
NP
Industrial Use Category
Industrial Uses
§ 102
NP
Light Manufacturing
§ 102
P
Institutional Use Category
Institutional Uses
§§ 102,
202.2(e)
P
Hospital
§ 102
NP
Medical Cannabis Dispensary
§§ 102,
202.2(e)
P(8)
Post-Secondary Educational Institution
§ 102
NP
Residential Care
§ 102
NP
School
§ 102
NP
Sales and Service Category
Retail Sales and Service Uses*
§§ 102,
202.2(a)
P(5)(8)
Adult Business
§ 102
NP
Animal Hospital
§ 102
P
Cat Boarding
§ 102
P
Hotel
§ 102
NP
Kennel
§ 102
P
Massage Establishment
§ 102
C
Mortuary
§ 102
P
Reproductive Health Clinic
§§ 102, 202.5
P
Self Storage
§ 102
NP
Trade Shop
§ 102
P
Non-Retail Sales and Service*
§ 102
P
Life Science
§ 102
NP
Office Uses
§ 102
NP(9)
Utility and Infrastructure Use Category
Utility and Infrastructure uses*
§ 102
P
Wireless Telecommunications Services
Facility
§ 102
C(1)
* Not listed below
(1) P if the facility is a Micro WTS Facility.
(2) [Note Deleted]
(3) NP, Except Affordable Housing Projects meeting the requirements of Section 803.8.
(4) Homeless Shelters permitted in SALI Districts.
(a) Principally-Permitted Homeless Shelters. During a declared shelter crisis, Homeless Shelters that
satisfy the provisions of California Government Code Section 8698.4(a) shall be P, principally permitted
and may be permanent.
(b) Conditionally-Permitted Homeless Shelters. Homeless Shelter uses are permitted only with
Conditional Use authorization and only if each such use (i) would operate for no more than four years, and
(ii) would be owned or leased by, operated by, or under the management or day-to-day control of the City
and County of San Francisco. If such a use is to be located within a building or structure, the building or
structure must be either (i) preexisting, having been completed and previously occupied by a use other
than a Homeless Shelter, or (ii) temporary. Other than qualifying Homeless Shelters constructed during a
declared shelter crisis, construction of a permanent structure or building to be used as a Homeless Shelter is
not permitted.
(5) P up to a total of 10,000 gsf per lot; C up to a total of 25,000 gsf per lot; NP above.
(6) C up to a total of 25,000 gsf per lot; NP above.
(7) C up to 10,000 gsf per lot; NP above.
(8) Within the Central SoMa SUD, see Planning Code Section 249.78 for specific controls.
(9) Office Uses related to the Hall of Justice are P in Special Use District, pursuant to § 803.9(c).
(Added as Sec. 846 by Ord. 42-13, File No. 130002, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; amended by Ord. 62-13, File No. 121162, App. 4/10/2013, Eff. 5/10/2013; Ord. 71-14, File No. 131205, App. 5/23/2014, Eff. 6/22/2014; 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. 188-15, File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; 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. 213-16, File No. 160960, App. 11/4/2016, Eff. 12/4/2016; Ord. 99-17, File No. 170206, App. 5/19/2017, Eff. 6/18/2017; 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. 202-18, File No. 180557, App. 8/10/2018, Eff. 9/10/2018; Ord. 224-18, File No. 180364, App. 10/5/2018, Eff. 11/5/2018; Ord. 275-18, File No. 180910, App. 11/20/2018, Eff.
12/21/2018; Ord. 296-18, File No. 180184, App. 12/12/2018, Eff. 1/12/2019; Ord. 61-19, File No. 190047, App. 4/4/2019, Eff. 5/5/2019; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020; 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. 22-23, File No. 221104, App. 2/23/2023, Eff. 3/26/2023; redesignated and amended by Ord. 70-23, File No. 220340, App. 5/3/2023, Eff. 6/3/2023;
Ord. 47-24, File No. 231223, App. 3/15/2024, Eff. 4/15/2024; Ord. 54-24, File No. 240169, App. 3/22/2024, Eff. 4/22/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024; Ord. 62-24, File No. 230310, App. 3/28/2024, Eff. 4/28/2024; Ord. 113-24, File No. 240193, App.
6/13/2024, Eff. 7/14/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024; Ord. 297-24, File No. 241055, App. 12/19/2024, Eff. 1/19/2025; Ord. 64-25, File No. 241208, App. 5/9/2025, Eff. 6/9/2025; 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: 846.26 reference corrected; Ord. 62-13, Eff. 5/10/2013. Zoning Control Table: former category 846.88 deleted; Ord. 71-14, Eff. 6/22/2014. Zoning Control Table: 846.46 amended; Ord. 235-14, Eff. 12/26/2014. Zoning
Control Table: 844.23b added; Ord. 14-15, Eff. 3/15/2015. Introductory material amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Introductory material amended; Zoning Control Table: 846.24 amended; Specific Provisions: 846.24 added; Ord. 162-16,
Eff. 9/3/2016. Zoning Control Table: 846.92 amended; former category 846.93 deleted; 846.99 added; Ord. 166-16, Eff. 9/10/2016. Zoning Control Table, former category 844.23b renumbered as 846.23b and amended; Specific Provisions:
846.23b, 890.88(d) added; Ord. 213-16, Eff. 12/4/2016. Zoning Control Table: 846.10, 846.40, 846.41, and 846.71 amended; Ord. 99-17, Eff. 6/18/2017. Zoning Control Table: 846.35 amended; Ord. 189-17, Eff. 10/15/2017. Zoning Control
Table: 846.87 amended; Ord. 229-17, Eff. 1/5/2018. Zoning Control Table: 846.97b and 846.97c amended; Ord. 202-18, Eff. 9/10/2018. Introductory material amended; Zoning Control Table: 846.20, 846.21, and 846.22 amended; former
category 846.26 deleted; former categories 846.24 and 846.25 renumbered as 846.25 and 846.26; new category 846.24 added; Specific Provisions: 803.8, 846.24 added; former 846.24 renumbered as 846.25; Ord. 224-18, Eff. 11/5/2018.
Amendments made by Ord. 224-18 restated; Specific Provisions: 803.8, 846.24 amended; Ord. 275-18, Eff. 12/21/2018. Zoning Control Table: 846.09, 846.36, 846.65b, 846.96, and 846.98 amended; category 846.52 added; Ord. 296-18, Eff.
1/12/2019. Specific Provisions: 846.23b, 890.88(d) amended; Ord. 61-19, Eff. 5/5/2019. Introductory material amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Zoning Control Table: 846.53 added; Ord. 75-22, Eff. 6/13/2022. Zoning Control Table: 846.76
and 846.77 added; Ord. 190-22, Eff. 10/17/2022. Zoning Control Table: 846.56 amended; Note (1) added; Ord. 22-23, Eff. 3/26/2023. Section redesignated as Sec. 836; Zoning Control Table 846 and Specific Provisions deleted; Table 836 and
Notes * and (1)-(10) added; Ord. 70-23, Eff. 6/3/2023. Table 836 amended; Ord. 47-24, Eff. 4/15/2024; and Ord. 54-24, Retro. 3/30/2024. Introductory material amended; Ord. 62-24, Eff. 4/28/2024. Table 836 amended; Ord. 113-24, Eff.
7/14/2024, Retro. 3/30/2024. Table 836 and Note (10) amended; Note (2) deleted; Ord. 297-24, Eff. 1/19/2025. Introductory material and Table 836 amended; Note (10) deleted; Ord. 64-25, Eff. 6/9/2025. Introductory material and Table 836
amended; Ord. 245-25, Eff. 1/12/2026. Table 836 amended; Ord. 1-26, Eff. 2/8/2026. Table 836 and Note (9) amended; Ord. 37-26, Eff. 4/11/2026.
CODIFICATION NOTES
1. So in Ord. 70-23.
2. So in Ord. 245-25.
† Editor’s Note:
This Use, added to former Table 846 by Ord. 190-22, was inadvertently omitted from Table 836 as restructured and redesignated by Ord. 70-23. It has been restored at the direction of the Office of the City Attorney.