Published zoning research
Municipal zoning overview
San Francisco has a complex, highly codified zoning system administered through the Planning Code, zoning maps, the Planning Department, the Zoning Administrator, the Planning Commission, and related appeal bodies. The available sources confirm that zoning controls are organized through district-specific control tables and address-based map review through the Property Information Map (PIM). The research also shows that many projects require Planning approval before building permit submittal, with more complex projects routed through intake, neighborhood notice, and public hearings.
Last researched May 2026
Zoning Districts in San Francisco, CA
RH (Residential, House) Districts
Residential house districts are intended for residential neighborhoods and are governed by district-specific controls under Planning Code Section 209.1.
Allowed uses: Residential uses allowed as specified in RH district controls, Accessory dwelling units where residential use is permitted citywide under the ADU program
Recent Zoning Changes
The source set indicates that San Francisco's Planning Code is current through 2026 S-95 and that the City has updated its planning approval process. The ADU program materials also reference multiple ordinance amendments through 2024, showing continued recent legislative activity affecting residential infill and unit creation.
ADU, Rental & Special Use Rules in San Francisco, CA
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
San Francisco's ADU program is available citywide in all zoning districts that permit residential use.
- Program available citywide to all zoning districts that permit residential use
- As of January 2020, California laws govern ADUs statewide and allow ADUs to be added to single-family and multi-family buildings
- Recognized ADU types include converted, attached, detached, and junior ADUs
- A junior ADU converts up to 500 square feet of space in a single-family structure
- A junior ADU requires owner-occupancy in either the remaining portion of the single-family home or the newly created JADU if the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main residence
San Francisco, CA Zoning FAQ
Are ADUs allowed in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco's ADU program is available citywide in all zoning districts that permit residential use.
What zoning districts are in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco, CA includes districts such as RH (Residential, House) Districts.
Have there been recent zoning changes in San Francisco, CA?
The source set indicates that San Francisco's Planning Code is current through 2026 S-95 and that the City has updated its planning approval process. The ADU program materials also reference multiple ordinance amendments through 2024, showing continued recent legislative activity affecting residential infill and unit c…
Common questions about San Francisco, CA zoning
Zoning Guides
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- Zoning Due Diligence Checklist→
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- Zoning Red Flags Investors Miss→
- What Is a Nonconforming Use?→
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Full investor analysis
Deal-fit, approval path & risk flags for San Francisco, CA
Get the complete report with feasibility by project type, approval complexity, constraint flags, and policy direction — generated from San Francisco, CA's own zoning code and board records. First town report is free.
Get the full San Francisco, CA report free →Sources
- SEC. 209.1. RH (RESIDENTIAL, HOUSE) DISTRICTS. — Confirmed the existence of RH residential house districts in the current San Francisco Planning Code.
- SEC. 202.1. ZONING CONTROL TABLES. — Confirmed that San Francisco regulates uses through zoning control tables in the current code.
- AGENDA — Confirmed current Board of Supervisors meeting structure and the existence of the Land Use and Transportation Committee relevant to zoning legislation.
- SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING COMMISSION Notice of Hearing & Agenda — Provided evidence of Planning Commission hearing activity and reference to an updated zoning map proposal and upcoming zoning amendments.
- Get a building permit with In-House Review | SF.gov — Provided the building permit workflow, pre-application review triggers, and multi-agency review requirements including stormwater, water reuse, and fire flow.
- Accessory Dwelling Units | SF Planning — Primary source for San Francisco ADU rules, ADU types, citywide applicability, JADU occupancy note, and short-term rental ineligibility.
- Hearing Procedures - Planning Commission (CPC) | SF Planning — Explained Planning Commission hearing procedures, hearing frequency, and vote requirements.
- VARIANCE FROM THE PLANNING CODE — Primary source for variance criteria, hearing notice, monthly hearing timing, and appeal timing.
- Permits | SF Planning — Provided current Permit Center procedures, intake versus over-the-counter routing, and the updated planning approval framework.
- Zoning | SF Planning — Confirmed use of the Property Information Map, zoning verification letters, letters of determination, and zoning administration context.
This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with San Francisco, CA officials before making decisions.