The purpose of the Downtown Residential Districts is to:
A. Promote
and maintain Downtown’s historic role as the City’s center
by developing a variety of residential types and densities consistent
with the policies of the General Plan and complementary to the goals
and policies of the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan District;
B. Improve
the quality and mix of retail uses in the Downtown districts to make
the area attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors;
C. Expand
housing choices in the Downtown districts while protecting and enhancing
the character and livability of the Downtown residential neighborhoods;
D. Promote
infill development, intensification, and reuse of currently underused
sites consistent with the General Plan;
E. Establish
design standards to ensure that the scale and design of new development
and alterations to existing structures maintains the Downtown districts’
traditional development pattern; and
F. Provide
sites for public and semi-public land uses such as parks, libraries,
and religious assembly uses that will serve City residents and will
complement surrounding residential development.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)
Table 20.080.002: Use Regulations – Downtown Residential
Zoning Districts, lists the uses permitted in the Downtown
residential zoning districts and the level of review required. In
cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Chief
Planner shall assign the land use or activity to a classification
that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and
subclassifications that are not included in this table or not found
to be substantially similar to the uses below are otherwise prohibited.
The table also notes all regulations that apply to various uses.
Table 20.080.002: Use Regulations – Downtown Residential
Zoning Districts
|
---|
Use Classification
|
DRL
|
DRM
|
DRH
|
Additional Regulations
|
---|
“P” = Permitted; “M” = Minor Use Permit;
“C” = Conditional Use Permit; “―” =
Use Not Allowed
|
---|
Residential Uses
|
Dwelling, Single-Unit
|
Detached
|
P
|
―1
|
―1
|
|
Semi-Attached
|
P
|
―1
|
―1
|
|
Attached
|
P
|
―1
|
―1
|
|
Dwelling, Multiple-Unit
|
Duplex
|
P
|
―
|
―
|
|
Multifamily
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Senior Citizen Residential
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Group Residential
|
―
|
M
|
M
|
See Chapter 20.350, Group Residential
|
Live-Work
|
M
|
M
|
M
|
See Chapter 20.350, Live-Work Units
|
Residential Care Facility
|
General
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
Subject to State licensing requirements
|
Limited
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Subject to State licensing requirements
|
Senior
|
C
|
C
|
M
|
Subject to State licensing requirements
|
Supportive Housing
|
Domestic Violence Shelter
|
P2
|
P2
|
P2
|
See Chapter 20.350, Domestic Violence Shelter
|
Low Barrier Navigation
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Permanent Supportive Housing
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Public and Semi-Public Uses
|
College and Trade School, Public or Private
|
―
|
―
|
M
|
|
Community Assembly
|
Small
|
M
|
M
|
P
|
See Chapter 20.350, Community Assembly, Small and Large
|
Large
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
Community Garden
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Cultural Institution
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Day Care Center
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
See Chapter 20.350, Day Care Centers
|
Elderly and Long-Term Care
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Government Offices
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Park and Recreation Facilities, Public
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Public Safety Facilities
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Schools, Public or Private
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Social Service Facilities
|
―
|
―
|
M
|
See Chapter 20.350, Social Service Facilities
|
Commercial Uses
|
Commercial Entertainment and Recreation
|
Indoor Sports and Recreation
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Lodging
|
Bed and Breakfast
|
M
|
M
|
M
|
See Chapter 20.350, Bed and Breakfast Lodging
|
Short-Term Vacation Rental
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
See Chapter 20.350, Short-Term Vacation Rentals
|
Offices
|
Business and Professional
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Medical and Dental
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Walk-In Clientele
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Personal Services
|
General Personal Services
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
See Chapter 20.350, Personal Services
|
Instructional Services
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
|
Tattoo or Body Modification Parlor
|
―
|
―
|
C
|
See Chapter 20.350, Tattoo or Body Modification Parlor
|
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
|
Communication Facilities
|
Antenna and Transmission Towers
|
See Chapter 20.370, Antennas and Wireless Communications Facilities and Chapter 20.375, Small Cell Wireless Communications Facilities
|
Utilities, Major
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Utilities, Minor
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Accessory Uses - See Chapter 20.350, Accessory Uses, for Additional Regulations
|
Accessory Dwelling Unit
|
See Chapter 20.350, Accessory Dwelling Units
|
Family Day Care Home
|
Small
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
See Chapter 20.350, Family Day Care Homes
|
Large
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Home Occupations
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
See Chapter 20.350, Home Occupations
|
Temporary Uses
|
Temporary Use
|
See Chapter 20.340, Temporary Uses
|
Notes:
|
---|
1.
|
Permitted if existing. New units are not permitted.
|
2.
|
Limited to facilities serving a maximum of 10 clients and may
not be located within 300 feet of any other domestic violence shelter.
|
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)
Table 20.080.003: Development Standards – Downtown
Residential Zoning Districts, establishes the development standards
for the Downtown residential zoning districts. The numbers in the
figure below are keyed to corresponding regulations in the table that
follows. Letters in parentheses after the standards in the table refer
to lettered provisions following the table.
Table 20.080.003: Development Standards – Downtown Residential
Zoning Districts
|
---|
Standard
|
DRL
|
DRM
|
DRH
|
Key
|
---|
Minimum Density1
|
15 du/ac or existing density, whichever is greater
|
25 du/ac or existing density, whichever is greater
|
40 du/ac or existing density, whichever is greater
|
|
Maximum Density
|
22 du/ac (A)
|
37.5 du/ac (A)
|
50 du/ac (A)
|
|
Lot Size
|
Min. Lot Area
|
2,750 sf (B)
|
2,500 sf (B)
|
2,250 sf (B)
|
|
Min. Lot Area, Corner
|
3,250 sf (B)
|
3,000 sf (B)
|
2,750 sf (B)
|
|
Min. Lot Width
|
40 ft
|
36 ft
|
36 ft
|
①
|
Min. Lot Width, Corner
|
50 ft
|
50 ft
|
50 ft
|
②
|
Min. Lot Depth
|
60 ft
|
60 ft
|
60 ft
|
③
|
Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
|
0.70 or 2,000 sf, whichever is greater (B)
|
1.25
|
―
|
|
Max. Lot Coverage
|
80%
|
90%
|
90%
|
④
|
Building Height
|
Max. Main Building (ft/stories)
|
28 ft/2 stories (C)
|
35 ft/3 stories (C)(D)
|
50 ft/4 stories (C) (D)
|
|
Max. Accessory Building
|
12 ft if a floor slab is used; 15 ft if floor joist construction
is used
|
|
Setbacks
|
Front Setback, Street-Facing
|
Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F)
|
Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F)
|
Min. 15 ft; Min. 40 ft for above-ground parking (B) (F)
|
⑥
|
Front Setback, Lane-Facing
|
Min. 5 ft; Max. 20 ft
|
Min. 5 ft; Max. 20 ft
|
Min. 5 ft; Max. 20 ft
|
⑦
|
Min. Interior Side Setback
|
5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all
upper stories (G)
|
5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all
upper stories (G)
|
5 ft; 10 ft for a minimum 50% of side façade for all
upper stories (E) (G)
|
⑧
|
Min. Street Side Setback
|
10 ft
|
10 ft
|
10 ft
|
⑨
|
Min. Rear Setback
|
20 ft (B) (H)
|
20 ft (B) (E) (H)
|
10 ft for the first two stories; 15 ft thereafter (B) (E) (H)
|
⑩
|
Accessory Structures
|
See Section 20.300.002 (“Accessory Buildings and Structures”)
|
|
Landscaping and Open Space
|
Min. Usable Open Space (may be private,
common, or both)
|
100 sf/unit
|
100 sf/unit
|
100 sf/unit
|
|
Min. Dimension for Common Open Space
|
20 ft
|
20 ft
|
20 ft
|
⑪
|
Min. Dimension for Private Open Space
|
8 ft. when located on the ground level; 6 ft. when located above
the ground level
|
|
Min. Landscaping
|
20%
|
10%
|
10%
|
|
Notes:
|
1.
|
No net loss in the number of residential units during reconstruction
or renovation is allowed. Replacement provisions have the same requirements
as set forth in Government Code Section 65915, Subdivision (c)(3).
|
A. Density Bonuses. See Chapter
20.390 ("Bonus Residential Density") for additional density based on the California State Density Bonus program.
B. Hillside Lots. On lots with an average slope of 15 percent or greater, the minimum lot size and front and rear setbacks may be modified by the standards of Section
20.310.002 ("General Site and Building Design").
C. Heights.
1. Increased Height. Allowable height
may be increased to a maximum of 35 feet with the approval of a Minor
Use Permit subject to the following findings:
a. The height of the proposed structure does not exceed the average
height of structures on adjoining lots;
b. The proposed structure will not substantially interfere with solar
access or privacy available to residences to the side, rear, or directly
across the street;
c. The design includes architectural details, articulation, and other
features to minimize the visual impact of the additional bulk created
by the increased height; and
d. The height, bulk, and mass of the proposed structure is comparable
to that of the surrounding neighborhood.
2. Maximum Height. See Section
20.300.003 ("Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Consistency") for airspace protection evaluation requirements based on the San Francisco International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
D. Limitations on Third-Story Structures in the DRM. Third stories
in the DRM District are subject to the following standards:
1. Any third story must be either set back a minimum of 10 feet from
all interior lot lines or located inside a pitched roof with a slope
of at least 1:3.
Figure 20.080.003.D-1: Limitations on Third Stories
|
2. Dormers are permitted on third stories, provided that they do not
exceed 15 feet in width and do not occupy more than 20 percent of
the total roof area.
Figure 20.080.003.D-2: Dormers on Third Stories
|
E. Transitional Standards.
1. Where a development abuts a district with a lower maximum height,
transitional height standards apply. See Section 20.310.004(B)(5)
("Transitional Standards").
2. The building setback from the abutting district boundary shall be
10 feet for interior side yards and 15 feet for rear yards.
Figure 20.080.003.E-2: Building Setback When Abutting
a District with a Lower Maximum Height
|
3. A landscaped planting area, a minimum of five feet in width, shall
be provided in the DRH District along the abutting district boundaries.
Trees shall be planted in this area at a minimum interval of 15 feet.
Figure 20.080.003.E-3: Landscaped Planting Area in the
DRH District When Abutting a District with a Lower Maximum Height
|
F. Exceptions for Parking Setback. Exceptions to the front setback
for above-ground parking may be granted with the approval of a Conditional
Use Permit when the following findings can be made:
1. The design incorporates habitable space built close to the public
sidewalk to the maximum extent feasible; and any parking within 40
feet of the street-facing property line is well screened with a wall,
hedge, trellis and landscaping.
2. The site is small and constrained such that underground parking or
surface parking located more than 40 feet from the street frontage
is not feasible.
G. Reduced Side Setbacks.
1. When the existing side yard setback is less than five feet, setbacks
may be extended on the ground level only and by no more than 50 percent
of the existing wall length. In all instances, side yard setbacks
shall be no closer than three feet to the side property line.
2. Side Yard Setback for Substandard Lots. The side yard on any lot with an average width of 50 feet or less
shall be a minimum of 10 percent of the lot width, but in no case
less than three feet.
Figure 20.080.003.G-1: Reduced Side Setbacks
|
H. Reduced Rear Setbacks.
1. When the existing rear yard setback is less than 20 feet, setbacks
may be extended on the ground level only and by no more than 50 percent
of the existing wall length. In all instances, rear yard setbacks
shall be no closer than 15 feet to the rear property line.
Figure 20.080.003.H-1: Reduced Rear Setbacks
|
2. On a through lot where the rear yard abuts a lane, the required rear
yard setback may be reduced to 15 feet for a residential structure
oriented toward the lane.
Figure 20.080.003.H-2: Reduced Rear Setback from a New
Property Line After Lot Subdivision
|
3. Existing structures may have a minimum four-foot rear setback from
a new property line after lot subdivision.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)
A. Site and Building Design Standards. All development is subject to the standards of Chapter
20.310 ("Site and Building Design Standards"), as appropriate.
B. Maximum Paving in Street-Facing Yards. No more than 50 percent
of the entire front yard or the required street side yard may be covered
with a paved impervious or pervious surface.
C. Building Security. In addition to the requirements of Chapter
15.48 ("Minimum Security Standards") of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, the following security requirements apply.
1. Security doors shall not encroach into the public right-of-way in
either an opened or closed position.
2. Lighting shall be provided at all entryways to the building and in
any alcoves or other features of the building to improve visual surveillance
of the building and its public areas.
3. Security grilles are subject to Design Review and shall not diminish
from the overall building aesthetic. Grilles shall be painted to match
the trim colors of the building. Heavy steel and accordion fold grilles
are prohibited.
4. Grilles, security doors, and other security devices designed for
nighttime security may not be visible to the public during business
hours or when they are in an open position.
5. Display window lighting must be provided in storefronts or under
the awnings.
D. Building Transparency and Openings.
1. Nonresidential façades within 20 feet of a front or street
side property line shall include windows, doors, or other openings
for at least 60 percent of the building wall area located between
2.5 and seven feet above the level of the sidewalk.
2. No wall may run in a continuous plane for more than 20 feet without
an opening.
Figure 20.080.004.D: Building Transparency and Openings
|
3. Openings fulfilling this requirement shall have transparent glazing
and provide views into work areas, sales areas, lobbies, or similar
active spaces, or into window displays that are at least three feet
deep.
4. Openings fulfilling this requirement shall not provide views into
parking or vehicle circulation areas.
5. This requirement may be reduced through a Conditional Use Permit
if the Planning Commission finds:
a. The proposed use has unique operational characteristics with which
the provision of the required windows and openings is incompatible,
such as in the case of a cinema, theater, or historic building; and
b. Street-facing building walls will exhibit architectural relief and
detail, murals, or will be screened with attractive landscaping, in
such a way as to create visual interest at the pedestrian level.
E. Parking Lot Access. Parking lot access shall be provided from
a side street or alley wherever possible.
F. Landscaped Setback of Parking. Parking areas must be separated
from on-site buildings by a minimum distance of six feet, which may
be occupied by landscaping or required walkways.
G. Public Open Space. New buildings on lots greater than 15,000
square feet shall include a plaza, widened sidewalk, or outdoor dining
area which provides public seating, and is accessible from the public
sidewalk.
1. Minimum Size. 600 square feet.
2. Minimum Dimensions. 15 feet.
3. Parking Lot Buffering. The required
public area shall be separated from any parking area with a landscaped
buffer a minimum 10 feet in width and screened with a decorative wall
or berm 2.5 to 3.5 feet high.
H. Truck Docks, Loading, and Service Areas. Truck docks, loading
areas, and service areas must be located at the rear or interior side
of buildings and be screened so as not to be visible from public streets.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)