SEC. 210. DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND
PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION/REPAIR DISTRICTS.
The following statements of description and purpose outline the main functions of the C (Commercial), M (Industrial), and PDR (Production, Distribution, and Repair) Districts in the
Zoning Plan for San Francisco, supplementing the statements of purpose contained in Section 101 of this Code. The emphasis, in the case of these districts, is upon the allocation of
adequate areas in proper locations for the carrying on of business and industry to serve City, regional and national needs and provide San Francisco with a sound and growing economic
base.
(Amended by Ord. 136-68, App. 5/29/68; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 99-08, File No. 080339, App. 6/11/2008; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008)
SEC. 210.1. C-2 DISTRICTS: COMMUNITY BUSINESS.
These districts serve several functions. They provide convenience goods and services to Residential areas of the City, both in outlying sections and in closer-in, more densely built
communities. In addition, some C-2 Districts provide comparison shopping goods and services on a general or specialized basis to a Citywide or a regional market area, complementing the
main area for such types of trade in downtown San Francisco. The extent of these districts varies from smaller clusters of stores to larger concentrated areas, including both shopping centers
and strip developments along major thoroughfares, and in each case the character and intensity of commercial development are intended to be consistent with the character of other uses in
the adjacent areas. The emphasis in C-2 Districts is upon compatible retail uses, but the district also allows a wider variety of goods and services to suit the longer-term needs of customers
and a greater latitude is given for the provision of automobile-oriented uses.
Table 210.1
ZONING CONTROL TABLE FOR C-2 DISTRICTS
Zoning Category
§ References
C-2
Zoning Category
§ References
C-2
BUILDING STANDARDS
Massing and Setbacks
Height and Bulk Limits
§§ 102, 105, 106, 132.1, 250-252, 260 , 263.19,
270, 270.3, 271, 295
Varies. Additional Height Limits of § 261 apply. See Height and Bulk District Maps.
Floor Area Ratio
§§ 102, 123, 124 , 207.9
Basic FAR limit is 3.6 to 1. For a lot that is nearer to an RM-4 or RC-4 District than to any other
R District, the FAR is 4.8 to 1. For a lot that is nearer to a C-3 District than to any R District the
FAR is 10.0 to 1. FAR in the Waterfront and Washington-Broadway Special Use Districts is 5 to
1. For Office Uses minimum intensities may apply pursuant to § 207.9.
Front, Rear, and Side Setbacks
§§ 130, 132, 133, 134
See Residential Standards.
Street Frontage and Public Realm
Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements (Street Trees)
§ 138.1
Required.
Street Frontage Requirements
§ 145.1
Required as specified in § 145.1.
Required Ground Floor Commercial
§ 145.4
As specified in § 145.4, certain streets and districts are required to have "active commercial uses."
Parking and Loading Access Restrictions
§ 155(r)
As specified in § 155(r), certain streets and districts have additional restrictions on vehicular
access in addition to general standards.
Artworks and Recognition of Artists and Architects
§ 429
Required, except for those on Blocks 4991 (Executive Park) and 7295 (Stonestown Galleria Mall).
Miscellaneous
Uses in Enclosed Buildings
N/A
All permitted uses, and all storage, servicing, fabricating, processing or repair uses accessory
thereto, shall be conducted within enclosed buildings, with the exception of accessory off-street
parking and loading areas where permitted; accessory outdoor dining areas where permitted;
accessory recreation areas where permitted; and as indicated in the use chart below.
Large Project Review
N/A
N/A
Planned Unit Development
§ 304
C
Awning, Canopy or Marquee
§ 136.1
P
Signs
§ 607
As permitted by § 607.
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.
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 for Dwelling Units and Group Housing
§ 135
Same as for the R District establishing the dwelling unit density ratio for the property. Group
Housing requirement is 1/3 the amount required for a Dwelling Unit. Group Housing requirement
is per bedroom and 1/3 the amount required for a Dwelling Unit.2 See exceptions for Commercial
to Residential Adaptive Reuse projects in Section 210.5
Residential Parking Requirements
§ 151.1 , 155, 161
None required. Maximum permitted per § 151.1.
Rear Yard Setback
§§ 130, 134
Lot coverage is limited to 80% at all levels containing Residential Uses, except that on levels that
include only lobbies and circulation areas and on levels in which all residential uses, including
circulation areas, are within 40 horizontal feet from a property line fronting a street or alley, up to
100% lot coverage may occur. The unbuilt portion of the lot shall be open to the sky except for
those obstructions permitted in yards pursuant to subsections (1) through (23) of Section 136(c).
Where the adjacent properties have an existing rear yard, the unbuilt area of the new project shall
be designed to adjoin that rear yard. See exceptions for Commercial to Residential Adaptive
Reuse projects in Section 210.5. Rear yards shall be provided at the lowest story containing a
dwelling unit, and at each succeeding level or story of the building. 2
Residential Conversion, Demolition, or Merger of Dwelling Units, including
Residential Flats
§ 317
C
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(6)
Single Room Occupancy
§ 102
P
Student Housing
§ 102
P
Residential Uses