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San Francisco Overview
San Francisco Charter
San Francisco Administrative Code
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CHAPTER 2A: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
CHAPTER 2B: ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARDS (TAX APPEAL BOARDS)
CHAPTER 3: BUDGET PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 4: CITY BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEHICLES
CHAPTER 5: COMMITTEES
CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 7: DISASTER COUNCIL
CHAPTER 8: DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND PUBLICATIONS
CHAPTER 9A: FARMERS' MARKET
CHAPTER 9B: FLEA MARKET
CHAPTER 10: FINANCE, TAXATION, AND OTHER FISCAL MATTERS
CHAPTER 10A: [REQUEST FOR SHERIFF’S SERVICES]*
CHAPTER 10B: SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
CHAPTER 10C: REIMBURSEMENT FOR TOWING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES
CHAPTER 10E: PLANNING MONITORING
CHAPTER 10F: 1660 MISSION STREET SURCHARGE
CHAPTER 10G: BOARD OF APPEALS SURCHARGE FOR PERMITS AND FEES
CHAPTER 10H: RECOVERY OF COSTS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CHAPTER 11: FRANCHISES
CHAPTER 12: HOUSING AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 12A: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
CHAPTER 12D: MINORITY/WOMEN/LOCAL BUSINESS UTILIZATION
CHAPTER 12E: BAN ON CITY USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 12F: IMPLEMENTING THE MACBRIDE PRINCIPLES - NORTHERN IRELAND
CHAPTER 12G: PROHIBITION ON USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY RECIPIENTS OF CITY CONTRACTS, GRANTS, AND LOANS
CHAPTER 12H: IMMIGRATION STATUS
CHAPTER 12I: CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
CHAPTER 12J: CITY BUSINESS WITH BURMA PROHIBITED
CHAPTER 12L: PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MEETINGS OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
CHAPTER 12M: PROTECTION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION*
CHAPTER 12N: LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND QUESTIONING YOUTH: YOUTH SERVICES SENSITIVITY TRAINING
CHAPTER 12S: WORKING FAMILIES CREDIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 12Y: SAN FRANCISCO SLAVERY DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 13: JAILS AND PRISONERS
CHAPTER 14A: DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 14B: LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN CONTRACTING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 14C: [EXPIRED]
CHAPTER 15: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
CHAPTER 16: OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
CHAPTER 17: PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES
CHAPTER 18: PAYROLL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 19. PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 19A: PUBLIC HEALTH
CHAPTER 19B: ACQUISITION OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 20: SOCIAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 21: ACQUISITION OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21A: HEALTH-RELATED COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21B: COMMODITIES AND SERVICES RELATING TO PROJECTS ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
CHAPTER 21D: FOOD PURCHASES AT HOSPITALS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND JAILS OPERATED BY THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 21E: GOODS OR SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS
CHAPTER 21F: SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
CHAPTER 21G: GRANTS
CHAPTER 21H: PROCUREMENT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
CHAPTER 22: RADIO COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22A: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22B: TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22C: PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
CHAPTER 22D: OPEN DATA POLICY
CHAPTER 22E: CITY-OWNED FIBER-OPTIC FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22G: OFFICE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22H: DESIGNATION UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)
CHAPTER 22I: OFFICE OF CYBER SECURITY AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
CHAPTER 22J: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
CHAPTER 23: REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
CHAPTER 23A: SURPLUS PUBLIC LANDS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CHAPTER 24A: ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
CHAPTER 24B: RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
CHAPTER 25: STREET LIGHTING
CHAPTER 26. [RESERVED]
CHAPTER 27: HEALTHY NAIL SALON RECOGNITION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 28: ADMINISTRATIVE DEBARMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 29: FINDINGS OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FEASIBILITY
CHAPTER 29A: APPROVAL OF POWER PLANT; PLANNING CODE SEC. 303(q) CRITERIA
CHAPTER 29B: CHILD CARE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CITY AND CITY-FUNDED PROJECTS
CHAPTER 30: CENTRALIZATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 31: CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCEDURES AND FEES
CHAPTER 32: RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 33: COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
CHAPTER 33A: LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)*
CHAPTER 34: NOTIFICATION TO ASSESSOR CONCERNING ZONING RECLASSIFICATIONS OF PROPERTY, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES
CHAPTER 35: RESIDENTIAL, HOTEL, AND PDR COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER 36: COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS AREA PLANS AND PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 37: RESIDENTIAL RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 37A: RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION FEE
CHAPTER 37B: MIDTOWN PARK APARTMENTS
CHAPTER 37C: EVICTION PROTECTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL TENANTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
CHAPTER 38: COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS; ACCESS IMPROVEMENT OBLIGATIONS AND NOTICE TO SMALL BUSINESS TENANTS REGARDING DISABILITY ACCESS
CHAPTER 39: [RIGHT TO RETURN TO REVITALIZED PUBLIC HOUSING]
CHAPTER 40: HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 41: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41A: RESIDENTIAL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41B: COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ACT
CHAPTER 41C: TIME-SHARE CONVERSION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41D: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL VISITOR POLICIES
CHAPTER 41E. RESIDENTIAL HOTEL MAIL RECEPTACLE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41F: TOURIST HOTEL CONVERSION*
CHAPTER 41G: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL COVID-19 PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER 42: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 43: MUNICIPAL FINANCE LAW
CHAPTER 44: ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE PLANNING COUNCIL
CHAPTER 45: JURY FEES
CHAPTER 47: PREFERENCE IN CITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 48: RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
CHAPTER 49: SECURITY DEPOSITS FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY
CHAPTER 49A: RESIDENTIAL TENANT COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 49B: RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNITS: LOCK REPLACEMENTS BY LANDLORD WHEN TENANTS VACATE
CHAPTER 50: NONPROFIT PERFORMING ARTS LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 51: VOLUNTARY ARTS CONTRIBUTIONS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 52: SAN FRANCISCO CARBON MITIGATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 53: URBAN AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 53A: URBAN AGRICULTURE INCENTIVE ZONES ACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 54: SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
CHAPTER 56: DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
CHAPTER 57: FILM COMMISSION
CHAPTER 58: RIGHT TO COUNSEL IN CIVIL MATTERS
CHAPTER 58A: RIGHT TO CIVIL COUNSEL FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CHAPTER 59: HEALTHY FOOD RETAILER ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 59A: FOOD SECURITY AND EQUITY REPORTS
CHAPTER 60: ASSISTED HOUSING PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 61: WATERFRONT LAND USE
CHAPTER 62: DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
CHAPTER 63: WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 64: CITY EMPLOYEE AND CITY CONTRACTOR SAFETY AND HEALTH
CHAPTER 65: RENT REDUCTION AND RELOCATION PLAN FOR TENANTS INCONVENIENCED BY SEISMIC WORK PERFORMED PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 14 AND 15 OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BUILDING CODE
CHAPTER 65A: COMPENSATION, OR SUBSTITUTE HOUSING SERVICE, FOR TENANTS AFFECTED BY TEMPORARY SEVERANCE OF SPECIFIED HOUSING SERVICES DURING MANDATORY SEISMIC WORK REQUIRED BY BUILDING CODE CHAPTER 34B
CHAPTER 66: SEISMIC SAFETY RETROFIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 67: THE SAN FRANCISCO SUNSHINE ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 67A: CELL PHONES, PAGERS AND SIMILAR SOUND-PRODUCING ELECTRICAL DEVICES
CHAPTER 67B: PARENTAL LEAVE AND TELECONFERENCING
CHAPTER 68: CULTURAL EQUITY ENDOWMENT FUND
CHAPTER 69: SAN FRANCISCO HEALTH AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 70: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 71: MILLS ACT CONTRACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 72: RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR LEAD HAZARD REMEDIATION
CHAPTER 74: RENT ESCROW ACCOUNT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 77: BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION APPEALS
CHAPTER 78: DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION PERMIT TRACKING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 79: PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 79A: ADDITIONAL PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 80: ANTI-BLIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 80A: ORDERS TO VACATE DUE TO HAZARDOUS HOUSING CONDITIONS
CHAPTER 82: LOCAL HIRING POLICY FOR CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 83: FIRST SOURCE HIRING PROGRAM
CHAPTER 84: SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTIAL RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FROM FEDERAL RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAMS BY THE FEDERAL QUALITY HOUSING AND WORK RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1998 (QHWRA)
CHAPTER 85: THE HOUSING INNOVATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 86: CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FIRST COMMISSION
CHAPTER 87: FAIR HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 88: PERFORMANCE AND REVIEW ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 89: DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
CHAPTER 90: ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
CHAPTER 90A: PROMOTING AND SUSTAINING MUSIC AND CULTURE
CHAPTER 91: LANGUAGE ACCESS
CHAPTER 92: REAL ESTATE LOAN COUNSELING AND EDUCATION
CHAPTER 93: PREGNANCY INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 93A: SAN FRANCISCO REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS POLICY
CHAPTER 94: THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA PROGRAM
CHAPTER 94A: THE SAN FRANCISCO SHARED SPACES PROGRAM
CHAPTER 94B: ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
CHAPTER 94D: GREATER DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT MASTER PERMITTING FOR ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 95: IDENTIFICATION CARDS
CHAPTER 96: COORDINATION BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY
CHAPTER 96A: LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 96B: POLICY MAKING MARIJUANA OFFENSES THE LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY
CHAPTER 96C: POLICE INTERROGATION OF YOUTH - JEFF ADACHI YOUTH RIGHTS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 96D: PRESENTATION OF YOUTH CASES
CHAPTER 96E [DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DATA REPORTING]*
CHAPTER 96F: COMMUNITY POLICING PLANS
CHAPTER 96G: LIMITS ON POLICE DEPARTMENT USE AND STORAGE OF DNA PROFILES
CHAPTER 96H: LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT POLICIES
CHAPTER 96I: POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 96J: PROTECTING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
CHAPTER 97: HEALTHCARE IMPACT REPORTS
CHAPTER 98: THE BETTER STREETS POLICY
CHAPTER 99: PUBLIC POWER IN NEW CITY DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER 100: PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE IMPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
CHAPTER 101: RESTRICTING THE PURCHASE, SALE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES BY OR FOR THE CITY
CHAPTER 102: OUR CHILDREN, OUR FAMILIES COUNCIL
CHAPTER 103: NON-COOPERATION WITH IDENTITY-BASED REGISTRY ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 104: COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA
CHAPTER 105: CIGARETTE LITTER ABATEMENT FEE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 106: CITY NAVIGATION CENTERS
CHAPTER 107: CULTURAL DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 107A: AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107B: CASTRO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER (LGBTQ) CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107C: AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107D: SUNSET CHINESE CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 109: PRIORITIZING 100% AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CHAPTER 110: FORGIVABLE LOAN FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
CHAPTER 111: HOUSING REPORTS FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
CHAPTER 115: AUTOMATED POINT OF SALE STATION REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 116: COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES AND PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT
CHAPTER 117: COOPERATIVE LIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
CHAPTER 118: PLACE FOR ALL PROGRAM
CHAPTER 119: SAFE PARKING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 120: ADMINISTRATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDS
CHAPTER 121: CLOSURE OF JUVENILE HALL
CHAPTER 122: CLOSURE OF COUNTY JAIL 4
CHAPTER 123: LIBRARY LAUREATE PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 123A: LIBRARY READ TO RECOVERY PROGRAM
APPENDIX: Table of Initiative Ordinances and Policy Declarations
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code
BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
ARTICLE 1: PERMIT PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 2: LICENSE FEES
ARTICLE 3: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 4: [RESERVED]
ARTICLE 5: ELECTRICAL MUSICAL DEVICES
ARTICLE 6: COMMON ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 7: TAX ON TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS
ARTICLE 8: SUGARY DRINKS DISTRIBUTOR TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9: TAX ON OCCUPANCY OF PARKING SPACE IN PARKING STATIONS
ARTICLE 10: UTILITY USERS TAX
ARTICLE 10B: ACCESS LINE TAX
ARTICLE 11: STADIUM OPERATOR ADMISSION TAX
ARTICLE 12: BUSINESS REGISTRATION
ARTICLE 12-A: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12-A-1: GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 12-B: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12B-1: NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION AND GRAFFITI CLEAN-UP FUND TAX OPTION
ARTICLE 12-C: REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
ARTICLE 12-D: UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
ARTICLE 13: CONNECTIONS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TERMINAL ALARM PANEL
ARTICLE 14: TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
ARTICLE 15: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 15A: PUBLIC REALM LANDSCAPING, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS ("GREEN BENEFIT DISTRICTS")
ARTICLE 16: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 17: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 20: FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 21: EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COMMERCIAL RENTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 22: PARKING STATIONS; REVENUE CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 23: VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE EXPENDITURE PLAN
ARTICLE 28: HOMELESSNESS GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29: VACANCY TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29A: EMPTY HOMES TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 30: CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
ARTICLE 32: TRAFFIC CONGESTION MITIGATION TAX
ARTICLE 33: OVERPAID EXECUTIVE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
ARTICLE 36: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 37: FAIR WAGES FOR EDUCATORS PARCEL TAX ORDINANCE
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code
San Francisco Environment Code
ENVIRONMENT CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ENVIRONMENT CODE
CHAPTER 1: PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE POLICY STATEMENT
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 3: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 4: HEALTHY AIR AND CLEAN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 5: RESOURCE CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 7: MUNICIPAL GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS*
CHAPTER 8: TROPICAL HARDWOOD AND VIRGIN REDWOOD BAN
CHAPTER 9: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TARGETS AND DEPARTMENTAL ACTION PLANS
CHAPTER 10: TRANSPORTATION OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS
CHAPTER 11: CELL PHONE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 12: URBAN FORESTRY COUNCIL
CHAPTER 13: ARSENIC-TREATED WOOD
CHAPTER 14: CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS RECOVERY ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 15: GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 16: FOOD SERVICE AND PACKAGING WASTE REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 17: PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 18: SOLAR ENERGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 19: MANDATORY RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
CHAPTER 20: EXISTING BUILDINGS ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER 21: CLEAN ENERGY FULL DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 22: SAFE DRUG DISPOSAL
CHAPTER 23: DRINK TAP ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: BOTTLED DRINKING WATER
CHAPTER 25: CLEAN CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS
CHAPTER 26: BETTER ROOF REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 27: ANTIBIOTIC USE IN FOOD ANIMALS
CHAPTER 28: FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICALS IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND JUVENILE PRODUCTS
CHAPTER 29: ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS IMPLEMENTATION*
CHAPTER 30: RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 31: ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND CHARGING IN COMMERCIAL PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES*
CHAPTER 32: MANDATORY EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Fire Code
San Francisco Health Code
HEALTH CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE HEALTH CODE
ARTICLE 1: ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1A: ANIMAL SACRIFICE
ARTICLE 1B: PERFORMANCE OF WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT OR AMUSEMENT
ARTICLE 1C: SALE OF ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1D: ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 2: COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
ARTICLE 3: HOSPITALS
ARTICLE 4: DECEASED PERSONS
ARTICLE 5: PUBLIC HEALTH - GENERAL
ARTICLE 6: GARBAGE AND REFUSE
ARTICLE 7: LAUNDRIES
ARTICLE 8: FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 8A: CANNABIS CONSUMPTION PERMITS
ARTICLE 9: DAIRY AND MILK CODE
ARTICLE 10: MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 11: NUISANCES
ARTICLE 11A: BED BUG INFESTATION PREVENTION, TREATMENT, DISCLOSURE, AND REPORTING
ARTICLE 11B: HEALTHY BUILDINGS
ARTICLE 12: SANITATION - GENERAL
ARTICLE 12A: BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ARTICLE 12B: SOIL BORING AND WELL REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 12C: ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NON-POTABLE APPLICATIONS
ARTICLE 14: AMBULANCES AND ROUTINE MEDICAL TRANSPORT VEHICLES
ARTICLE 15: PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATING THE USE OF 'ECONOMIC POISONS'
ARTICLE 17: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY AT SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL
ARTICLE 18: PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS TO VIOLATORS
ARTICLE 19: SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL
ARTICLE 19A: REGULATING SMOKING IN EATING ESTABLISHMENTS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19B: REGULATING SMOKING IN SHARED OFFICE WORKPLACE [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19C: REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND IN HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19D: PROHIBITING CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES
ARTICLE 19E: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND CERTAIN SPORTS ARENAS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19F: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN ENCLOSED AREAS, CERTAIN UNENCLOSED AREAS, AND SPORTS STADIUMS
ARTICLE 19G: ENFORCEMENT OF SMOKING PROHIBITIONS
ARTICLE 19H: PERMITS FOR THE SALE OF TOBACCO
ARTICLE 19I: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN CITY PARK AND RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FARMERS' MARKETS
ARTICLE 19J: PROHIBITING PHARMACIES FROM SELLING TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19K: PROHIBITING SALES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY OR UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 19L: PROHIBITING SMOKING AT CERTAIN OUTDOOR EVENTS
ARTICLE 19M: DISCLOSURE TO PROSPECTIVE RESIDENTIAL TENANTS OF WHETHER A UNIT IS SMOKE FREE OR SMOKING OPTIONAL, AND INFORMING EXISTING RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHERE SMOKING IS OPTIONAL
ARTICLE 19N: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES - RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND USE
ARTICLE 19O: [SMOKELESS TOBACCO - USE PROHIBITED AT ATHLETIC VENUES]
ARTICLE 19P: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS AGED 18, 19, OR 20
ARTICLE 19Q: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19R: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES LACKING FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION PREMARKET APPROVAL
ARTICLE 19S: PROHIBITING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 20: ALKYL NITRITES
ARTICLE 21: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ARTICLE 21A: RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 22: HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 22A: ANALYZING SOILS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE
ARTICLE 22B: CONSTRUCTION DUST CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 23: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL WORKER SAFETY
ARTICLE 24: CHLOROFLUOROCARBON RECOVERY AND RECYCLING
ARTICLE 25: MEDICAL WASTE GENERATOR REGISTRATION, PERMITTING, INSPECTIONS AND FEES
ARTICLE 26: COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD POISONING INVESTIGATION, MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 27: HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEM AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 28: MEDICAL CANNABIS USER AND PRIMARY CAREGIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS
ARTICLE 29: LICENSING AND REGULATION OF MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS AND MASSAGE BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 30: REGULATION OF DIESEL BACKUP GENERATORS
ARTICLE 31: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 32: DISEASE PREVENTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
ARTICLE 34: HEALTHY PRODUCTS, HEALTHY CHILDREN ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 35: BIOLOGICAL AGENT DETECTORS
ARTICLE 36: CHILD COUGH AND COLD MEDICINE WARNING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 37: TRANS FAT FREE RESTAURANT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: ENHANCED VENTILATION REQUIRED FOR URBAN INFILL SENSITIVE USE DEVELOPMENTS
ARTICLE 39: COMMERCIAL DOG WALKING
ARTICLE 40: SAFE BODY ART
ARTICLE 41: MENTAL HEALTH
ARTICLE 42: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 43: SURPLUS MEDICATION REPOSITORY AND DISTRIBUTION
ARTICLE 45: CITY-OPERATED ADULT RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
ARTICLE 46:
ARTICLE 47: ADULT SEX VENUES
ARTICLE 48: REQUIRING RETAIL PHARMACIES TO STOCK OPIOID ANTAGONISTS AND BUPRENORPHINE
ARTICLE 49: SPECIMEN TEST COLLECTION SITES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Municipal Elections Code
San Francisco Labor and Employment Code
San Francisco Park Code
San Francisco Planning Code
PLANNING CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE PLANNING CODE
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 1.2: DIMENSIONS, AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES
ARTICLE 1.5: TRANSPORTATION, OFF-STREET PARKING, AND LOADING
ARTICLE 1.7: COMPLIANCE
ARTICLE 2: USE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 2.5: HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS
SEC. 250. HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED.
SEC. 251. HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS: PURPOSES.
SEC. 252. CLASSES OF HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS.
SEC. 252.1. SPECIAL HEIGHT LIMITS.
SEC. 253.4. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES EXCEEDING A HEIGHT OF 65 FEET IN THE MISSION STREET NCT DISTRICT.
SEC. 254. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES EXCEEDING A HEIGHT OF 35 FEET IN CHINATOWN MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 260. HEIGHT LIMITS: MEASUREMENT.
SEC. 261. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN RH DISTRICTS.
SEC. 261.1. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS FOR NARROW STREETS AND ALLEYS IN, R, RTO, NC, NCT, AND EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 261.2. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS FOR THE FOLSOM STREET NCT DISTRICT.
SEC. 261.3. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS FOR THE JAPANTOWN NC DISTRICT.
SEC. 262. ADDITIONAL HEIGHT LIMITS APPLICABLE TO SIGNS.
SEC. 263. HEIGHT LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS.
SEC. 263.30. SUNNYDALE HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT AND THE 40/65-X HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
SEC. 263.31. POTRERO HOPE SF SPECIAL USE DISTRICT AND THE 40/65-X HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
SEC. 263.32. SPECIAL HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS: PERMITTED BUILDING HEIGHTS IN THE CENTRAL SOMA SPECIAL USE DISTRICT.
SEC. 263.33. SPECIAL HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS: VASSAR AND HARRISON STREETS.
SEC. 263.34. SPECIAL HEIGHT AND SETBACK EXCEPTIONS: FOURTH AND HARRISON STREETS.
SEC. 263.35. BALBOA RESERVOIR SPECIAL USE DISTRICT AND THE 48/78-X HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS.
SEC. 263.36. STONESTOWN MIXED-USE HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
SEC. 270. BULK LIMITS: MEASUREMENT.
SEC. 270.1. SPECIAL BULK LIMITATIONS: HORIZONTAL MASS REDUCTIONS IN LARGE LOTS IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 270.2. SPECIAL BULK AND OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT: MID-BLOCK ALLEYS IN LARGE LOT DEVELOPMENT IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS MIXED USE DISTRICTS, SOUTH OF MARKET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TRANSIT DISTRICT, FOLSOM STREET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TRANSIT DISTRICT, REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, C-3 DISTRICT, AND DTR DISTRICT.
SEC. 271. BULK LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS, IN DISTRICTS OTHER THAN C-3.
SEC. 272. BULK LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS IN C-3 DISTRICTS.
SEC. 290. HEIGHT AND BULK LIMITS FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 291. MISSION ROCK HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
SEC. 295. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON STRUCTURES SHADOWING PROPERTY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION.
ARTICLE 3: ZONING PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 3.5: FEES
ARTICLE 4: DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF IN-LIEU FEES
ARTICLE 6: SIGNS
ARTICLE 7: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 8: MIXED USE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 9: MISSION BAY DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 10: PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL AND AESTHETIC LANDMARKS
ARTICLE 11: PRESERVATION OF BUILDINGS AND DISTRICTS OF ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND AESTHETIC IMPORTANCE IN THE C-3 DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 12: [RESERVED]
PLANNING CODE - INTERPRETATIONS
ZONING MAPS
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Zoning Maps
San Francisco Police Code
POLICE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 1: PUBLIC NUISANCES
ARTICLE 1.1: REGULATING THE USE OF VEHICLES FOR HUMAN HABITATION
ARTICLE 1.2 DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE 1.3: TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON RENTAL INCREASES RENT ROLLBACK BASED UPON APRIL 15, 1979, RENTAL RATES AND REFUNDING ANY RENT INCREASES
ARTICLE 1.5: DISPLAY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY CONSERVATION DECALS
ARTICLE 2: DISORDERLY CONDUCT
ARTICLE 3: GAMES OF CHANCE
ARTICLE 4: PARADES
ARTICLE 4.5: FUNERAL PROCESSION ESCORTS
ARTICLE 5: OFFENSIVE POWDERS
ARTICLE 6: FRAUD AND DECEIT
ARTICLE 7: ANIMALS AND BIRDS
ARTICLE 7.1: HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES
ARTICLE 8: MINORS
ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS CONDUCT REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 9.5: PROHIBITING OF PROFESSIONAL STRIKEBREAKERS
ARTICLE 9.6: REGULATIONS FOR SOLICITATION FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES
ARTICLE 10: REGULATIONS FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 10.1: REGULATING EXPOSURE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS OR DRAWINGS ON NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 10.2: REGULATION OF COMPUTER RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 11: REGULATIONS FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 11.1: COMMERCIAL DISPLAY OF DEAD HUMAN BODIES
ARTICLE 11.2: REGULATIONS FOR ADULT THEATERS AND ADULT BOOKSTORES PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 12: REGULATIONS FOR AUTOMOBILES
ARTICLE 13: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS FOR PROFESSIONS AND TRADES
ARTICLE 13.1: JUNK DEALERS - PERMIT AND REGULATION
ARTICLE 13.2 BICYCLE MESSENGER BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.3: CAR RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.4: REDUCING RENTAL-CAR BURGLARIES
ARTICLE 14: LICENSES FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 15: LICENSES FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 15.1: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 15.2: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS FOR EXTENDED-HOURS PREMISES
ARTICLE 15.3: PROHIBITING NUDE PERFORMERS, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES
ARTICLE 15.4: ENCOUNTER STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.5: NUDE MODELS IN PUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.6: ESCORT SERVICES
ARTICLE 15.7: EVENT PROMOTERS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATION OF CANNABIS
ARTICLE 17: MISCELLANEOUS LICENSE REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 17.1: REGULATIONS FOR FORTUNETELLING; PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 18: SAN FRANCISCO POLICE PISTOL RANGE
ARTICLE 19: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
ARTICLE 20: REPRODUCING AND FURNISHING REPORTS
ARTICLE 21: BAN ON PUBLIC USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 22: CITATIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH CODE AND POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 23: REGULATIONS FOR PORT AREA*
ARTICLE 24: REGULATING STREET ARTISTS*
ARTICLE 25: REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE PROTECTION AND SECURITY SERVICES*
ARTICLE 26: REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC BATH HOUSES
ARTICLE 27: REGULATIONS FOR MORTGAGE MODIFICATION CONSULTANTS
ARTICLE 28: REGULATIONS FOR PAWNBROKERS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 29: REGULATION OF NOISE
ARTICLE 30: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR DRIVERS
ARTICLE 30.1: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR FIRMS
ARTICLE 31: REGULATIONS FOR TEMPORARY HELIPORTS AND PERMIT PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 32: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING BINGO GAMES
ARTICLE 32A: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING POKER GAMES
ARTICLE 33: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, ANCESTRY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PLACE OF BIRTH, SEX, AGE, RELIGION, CREED, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, WEIGHT, OR HEIGHT
ARTICLE 33B: PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE NOT DISTINCTLY PRIVATE
ARTICLE 33K: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33L: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33M: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 34: REGULATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS - PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 35: FIREARM STRICT LIABILITY ACT
ARTICLE 36: PROHIBITING THE CARRYING OF A FIREARM WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG, OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WHILE UPON PUBLIC PREMISES SELLING OR SERVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ARTICLE 36A: [SALE, MANUFACTURE, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION; POSSESSION OF HANDGUNS]
ARTICLE 36B: STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 36C: PROHIBITION OF FIREARMS AT PUBLIC GATHERINGS
ARTICLE 36D: GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
ARTICLE 37: POLICE EMERGENCY ALARM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 39: PEDICABS
ARTICLE 41: PROHIBITING THE SALE OR POSSESSION OF REPLICA HYPODERMIC NEEDLES OR SYRINGES
ARTICLE 42: SALE AND DISPLAY OF AEROSOL PAINT CONTAINERS AND MARKER PENS
ARTICLE 42A: COLOR TIRES
ARTICLE 42B: MERCURY THERMOMETERS
ARTICLE 42D: SALE AND DISPLAY OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROFLUORIC ACID
ARTICLE 43: ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 44: CLOSED CAPTIONS ACTIVATION REQUIREMENT ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 45: FIREARMS AND WEAPONS VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 46: PROHIBITING SELF-SERVICE MERCHANDISING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS EXCEPT IN PLACES TO WHICH MINORS HAVE NO ACCESS
ARTICLE 47: PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
ARTICLE 48: LASER POINTERS
ARTICLE 49: PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS AND RELATED INFORMATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING DECISIONS
ARTICLE 50: CRIMINAL HISTORY IN ADMISSION TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
ARTICLE 51: STORMWATER FLOOD RISK DISCLOSURE
ARTICLE 52: OCCUPANT'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE A COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER
ARTICLE 53: REGULATION OF THIRD-PARTY FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
ARTICLE 55: ACCEPTANCE OF CASH BY BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 56: VEHICLE SIDESHOWS
ARTICLE 57: SUPERMARKET CLOSURE ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 58: TENDERLOIN RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT PILOT PROGRAM
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Port Code
San Francisco Public Works Code
PUBLIC WORKS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CODE
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 2: PUBLIC CONTRACT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 2.1: PERMIT FEES AND OCCUPANCY ASSESSMENTS
ARTICLE 2.3: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 2.4: EXCAVATION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
ARTICLE 3: REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO WORKING CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 4: SEWERS
ARTICLE 4.1: INDUSTRIAL WASTE
ARTICLE 4.2. SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 4.3: SEWERS
ARTICLE 5: STREET FLOWER MARKETS
ARTICLE 5.1: ANTI-LITTER RECEPTACLES
ARTICLE 5.2: TABLES AND CHAIRS IN PUBLIC SIDEWALK OR ROADWAY AREAS
ARTICLE 5.3: DISPLAY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OR NONFOOD MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 5.4: REGULATION OF NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 5.5: DISTRIBUTION OF FREE SAMPLE MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
ARTICLE 5.6: POSTING OF SIGNS ON CITY-OWNED LAMP POSTS OR UTILITY POLES
ARTICLE 5.7: HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION ON PRIVATE PREMISES; DISPLAY OF BANNERS
ARTICLE 5.8: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE FOOD FACILITIES CONCERNING PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
ARTICLE 5.9: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR VENDORS
ARTICLE 6: STREET IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 6.1: IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 7: MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 9: UNACCEPTED STREETS
ARTICLE 11: SPUR TRACKS
ARTICLE 13: ENGINEERING INSPECTION
ARTICLE 14: UNDERGROUND PIPES, WIRES AND CONDUITS
ARTICLE 15: MISCELLANEOUS
ARTICLE 16: URBAN FORESTRY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 16.1: TREE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
ARTICLE 17: CONTROL OF DUMPS DISPOSING OF MATERIALS FROM CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
ARTICLE 18: UTILITY FACILITIES
ARTICLE 19: PUBLIC TELEPHONE BOOTHS ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 20: PROHIBITED BICYCLE ACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS
ARTICLE 21: RESTRICTION OF USE OF POTABLE WATER FOR SOIL COMPACTION AND DUST CONTROL ACTIVITIES
ARTICLE 22: RECLAIMED WATER USE
ARTICLE 23: GRAFFITI REMOVAL AND ABATEMENT
ARTICLE 24: SHOPPING CARTS
ARTICLE 25: PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 26*: ILLEGAL DUMPING
ARTICLE 27: SURFACE-MOUNTED FACILITIES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Subdivision Code
San Francisco Transportation Code
Comprehensive Ordinance List
San Francisco Building Inspection Commission (BIC) Codes
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SEC. 263.35. BALBOA RESERVOIR SPECIAL USE DISTRICT AND THE 48/78-X HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS.
   In the Balboa Reservoir Special Use District and the 48-X and 78-X Height and Bulk Districts, heights are more specifically prescribed for each Block, as defined in Section 249.90, pursuant to Figure 249.90-2.
(Added by Ord. 140-20, File No. 200422, App. 8/28/2020, Eff. 9/28/2020, Oper. 9/28/2020)
SEC. 263.36. STONESTOWN MIXED-USE HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
   (a)   Boundaries of the Stonestown Mixed-Use Height and Bulk District. The boundaries of the Stonestown Mixed-Use Height and Bulk District are set forth in Sectional Map HT13 of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco and include all areas that are the subject of the Stonestown Special Use District set forth in Planning Code Section 249.9, as shown on Special Use District Map SU13.
   (b)   Purpose. The purpose of the Stonestown Mixed-Use Height and Bulk District is to enable development of the Stonestown Special Use District as a high-density, mixed-use, sustainable community consistent with the Purposes set forth in Planning Code Section 249.9 and the Stonestown Design Standards and Guidelines (DSG) referenced therein.
   (c)   Controls.
      (1)   In the Stonestown Mixed-Use Height and Bulk District, height and bulk and definitions applicable thereto are governed by Planning Code Section 249.9 (the Stonestown Special Use District) and the DSG referenced therein.
      (2)   Amendments to the height and bulk controls in this Stonestown Mixed-Use Height and Bulk District shall be as provided in Section 249.9.
(Added by Ord. 204-24, File No. 240409, App. 8/1/2024, Eff. 9/1/2024, Oper. 9/1/2024)
SEC. 270. BULK LIMITS: MEASUREMENT.
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
   (a)   The limits upon the bulk of buildings and structures shall be as stated in this Section 270 and in Sections 271 and 272. The terms Diagonal Dimension, Height, Length, and Plan Dimensions shall be as defined in this Code. In each height and bulk district, the maximum plan dimensions shall be as specified in the following table, at all horizontal cross-sections above the height indicated.
 
TABLE 270
BULK LIMITS
 
District Symbol
on Zoning Map
Height Above Which Maximum Dimensions Apply (in feet)
Maximum Plan Dimensions (in feet)
Length
Diagonal Dimension
TABLE 270
BULK LIMITS
 
District Symbol
on Zoning Map
Height Above Which Maximum Dimensions Apply (in feet)
Maximum Plan Dimensions (in feet)
Length
Diagonal Dimension
A
40
110
125
B
50
110
125
C
80
110
125
D
40
110
140
E
65
110
140
F
80
110
140
G
80
170
200
H
100
170
200
I
150
170
200
J
40
250
300
K
60
250
300
L
80
250
300
M
100
250
300
N
40
50
100
R
This table not applicable. But see Section 270(e).
R-2
This table not applicable. But see Section 270(f).
V
110
140
V
* At setback height established pursuant to Section 253.2.
OS
See Section 290.
S
This table not applicable. But see Section 270(d).
S-2
This table not applicable. But see Section 270(d).
T
At setback height established pursuant to Section 132.2, but no higher than 80 feet.
110
125
X
This table not applicable. But see Section 260(a)(3).
TB
This table not applicable. But see Section 263.18.
CP
This table not applicable. But see Section 263.24.
HP
This table not applicable. But see Section 263.25.
PM
This table not applicable. But see Section 249.64 Parkmerced Special Use District.
TI
This table not applicable. But see Section 263.26.
EP
This table not applicable. But see Section 263.27.
CS
This table not applicable. But see Section 270(h).
IB
This table not applicable. But see Section 249.84 India Basin Special Use District.
PY
This table not applicable. But see Section 249.98 Potrero Yard Special Use District.
 
   (b)   These limits shall not apply to the buildings, structures and equipment listed in Section 260(b)(2) (K), (L), (M) and (N) of this Code, subject to the limitations expressed therein.
   (c)   Maximum plan lengths and diagonal dimensions do not apply to cornices or other decorative projections.
   (d)   The bulk limits contained in this subsection shall apply in S and S-2 Bulk Districts as designated on Sectional Map Nos. 1H, 2H and 7H of the Zoning Map.
      (1)   Base. The base is the lowest portion of the building extending vertically to a streetwall height up to 1.25 times the width of the widest abutting street or 50 feet, whichever is more. There are no length or diagonal dimension limitations applicable to the base. The building base shall be delineated from the lower and upper tower and related to abutting buildings by a setback, cornice line or equivalent projection or other appropriate means. In the C-3-O(SD) District additional requirements for building base and streetwall articulation and setbacks are described in Section 132.1.
      (2)   Lower Tower. 
         (A)   Dimensions. Bulk controls for the lower tower apply to that portion of the building height above the base as shown on Chart B. For buildings of less than 160 feet in height, the lower tower controls are the only bulk controls above the base of the building. The bulk controls for the lower tower are a maximum length of 160 feet, a maximum floor size of 20,000 square feet, and a maximum diagonal dimension of 190 feet.
 
         (B)   Additional Bulk for Elevators. Solely in order to accommodate additional elevators required by tall buildings the lower portion (up to the height shown on Chart B) of the lower tower of a building 500 feet tall or taller may be enlarged up to a maximum length of 190 feet, a maximum diagonal dimension of 230 feet and a maximum floor size of up to 25,000 square feet without a corresponding reduction in upper floor size.
      (3)   Upper Tower. 
         (A)   Dimensions. Upper tower bulk controls apply to buildings taller than 160 feet. They apply to the upper tower portion of a building up to the height shown on Chart B, which height excludes the vertical attachment and other features exempted by Section 260 and excludes the extended upper tower height exceptions provided for in Section 263.7 of this Code. The bulk controls for the upper tower are: a maximum length of 130 feet; a maximum average floor size of 12,000 square feet; a maximum floor size for any floor of 17,000 square feet; and a maximum average diagonal measure of 160 feet. In determining the average floor size of the upper tower, areas with a cross-sectional area of less than 4,000 square feet may not be counted and sculptured architectural forms that contain large volumes of space but no usable floors shall be included in average floor size calculation by computing the cross section at 12.5-foot intervals.
         (B)   Volume Reduction. When the average floor size of the lower tower exceeds 5,000 square feet, the volume of the upper tower shall be reduced to a percentage of the volume that would occur if the average floor size of the lower tower were extended to the proposed building height. The percentage varies with the bulk of the lower tower and with whether or not a height extension is employed pursuant to Section 263.7 and is shown on Chart C. In achieving the required volume reduction, a setback or change in profile at a specific elevation is not required.
         (C)   Extensions. Extension of the upper tower above the otherwise allowable height limits may be permitted as provided in Section 263.9.
         (D)   Termination of the Tower. The top of the tower shall be massed in a manner that will create a visually distinctive roof or other termination of the building facade. Modifications to a proposed project may be required, in the manner provided in Section 309, to achieve this purpose.
      (4)   Buildings Taller than 650 Feet in the S-2 Bulk District. For buildings taller than 650 feet in height in the S-2 Bulk District, the following controls shall apply in lieu of the controls of subsections (1)-(3):
         (A)   Lower Tower. There are no bulk controls for the lower tower except as required by Section 132.1. The lower tower for such buildings shall be defined as the bottom two-thirds of the building from sidewalk grade to roof of the uppermost occupied floor.
         (B)   Upper Tower. The average floor size of the upper tower shall not exceed 75 percent of the average floor size of the lower tower, and the average diagonal dimension shall not exceed 87 percent of the average diagonal dimension of the lower tower.
            (i)   In determining the average floor size and average diagonal of the upper tower, unoccupied architectural elements permitted according to Section 260(b)(1)(M), except for levels consisting of singular spires with a diagonal in cross-section of less than 18 feet, may be included in the calculations if the Planning Commission determines, according to the procedures of Section 309, that such unoccupied architectural elements produce a distinct visual tapering of the building as intended by the controls of subsection (B) and create an elegant profile for the upper tower from key public vantage points throughout the City and beyond. In calculating the floor size and diagonal of such architectural elements, a cross section floor proscribed by the most distant outside points of all elements shall be assumed at 12.5-foot intervals.
   (e)   Rincon Hill and South Beach. In Bulk District R (Rincon Hill and South Beach DTR Districts), bulk limitations are as follows:
      (1)   There are no bulk limits below the podium height as described in Section 263.19, except for the lot coverage limitations and setback requirements described in Sections 825 and 827.
      (2)   Tower Bulk and Spacing. All portions of structures above the podium height as described in Section 263.19 shall meet the following bulk limitations, as illustrated in Chart C.
         (A)   Buildings between the podium height limit and 240 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 90 feet and a diagonal dimension of 120 square feet.
         (B)   Buildings between 241 and 300 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 100 feet and a diagonal dimension of 125 feet, and may not exceed a maximum average floor area of 8,500 gross square feet.
         (C)   Buildings between 301 and 350 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 115 feet and a diagonal dimension of 145 feet. They may not exceed a maximum average floor area of 9,000 gross square feet.
         (D)   Buildings between 351 and 550 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 115 feet and a diagonal dimension of 145 feet. They may not exceed a maximum average floor area of 10,000 gross square feet.
         (E)   To allow variety in the articulation of towers, the floor plates of individual floors may exceed the maximums described above by as much as 5 percent, provided the maximum average floor plate is met.
         (F)   To encourage tower sculpting, the gross floor area of the top one-third of the tower shall be reduced by 10 percent from the maximum floor plates described in (A) - (D) above, unless the overall tower floor plate is reduced by an equal or greater volume.
         (G)   In order to provide adequate sunlight and air to streets and open spaces, a minimum distance of 115 feet must be preserved between all structures above 110 feet in height at all levels above 110 feet in height. Spacing shall be measured horizontally from the outside surface of the exterior wall of the subject building to the nearest point on the closest structure above 110 feet in height. Any project that is permitted pursuant to the exception described in Section 270(e)(3) shall not be considered for the purposes of measuring tower spacing pursuant to this Section.
         (H)   The procedures for granting special exceptions to bulk limits described in Section 271 shall not apply; exceptions may be granted pursuant to Sections 270(e)(3) and 270(e)(4).
         (I)   Additional setback, lot coverage, and design requirements for the DTR Districts are described in Sections 825, 827, 828 and 829.
      (3)   Exceptions to tower spacing and upper tower sculpting requirements in Rincon Hill DTR. An exception to the 115 feet tower spacing requirement and the upper tower sculpting requirement described in (e)(2)(F) and (G) above may be granted to a project only on Block 3747 on a lot formed by the merger of part or all of Lots 001E, 002 and 006, pursuant to the procedures described in 309.1 of this Code provided that projects meet the following criteria:
         (A)   Applications for environmental review and conditional use related to a building above 85 feet in height on the subject lot have been filed with the Department prior to March 1, 2003 and February 1, 2005, respectively;
         (B)   Given the 115 tower spacing requirement described in (G) above, the existence of an adjacent building greater than 85 feet in height precludes the development of a tower on the subject lot;
         (C)   The subject lot has a total area of no less than 35,000 square feet;
         (D)   The proposed project is primarily residential and has an area of no more than 528,000 gross square feet;
         (E)   The proposed project conforms to all other controls described or referenced in Section 827 and any other controls in this Code related to the Rincon Hill DTR District.
         (F)   For the purposes of subsection (D) above, the term "gross square feet" shall be the sum of the gross areas of all floors of a building or buildings above street grade measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center lines of walls separating two buildings, excluding area below street grade. Where columns are outside and separated from an exterior wall (curtain wall) which encloses the building space or are otherwise so arranged that the curtain wall is clearly separated from the structural members, the exterior face of the curtain wall shall be the line of measurement, and the area of the columns themselves at each floor shall also be counted.
      (4)   Allowance for limited reduction in spacing from existing towers in Rincon Hill DTR. To allow limited variation in tower placement from towers for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued prior to February 1, 2005, a reduction in tower spacing described in (e)(2)(G) above may be granted pursuant to the procedures described in 309.1 of this Code if all the following criteria are met:
         (A)   For every percent reduction from the maximum average floor area as described in (2) above, an equal percent reduction in tower separation may be granted subject to the following limits:
            (i)   Up to a height of one-and-one-half times the maximum permitted podium height, tower spacing described in (e)(2)(G) above may be reduced by not more than 15 percent;
            (ii)   up to a height of 180 feet, tower spacing described in (e)(2)(G) above may be reduced by not more than 10 percent; and
            (iii)   all floors above 180 feet achieve the full 115-foot minimum tower spacing requirement described in (e)(2)(G) above. A project may average the tower separation of all floors below 180 feet so long as the requirements of (ii) and (iii) herein are satisfied.
 
      (5)   Exceptions to Tower Bulk, Upper Tower Sculpting and Tower Spacing Requirements on Block 3764. Exceptions to the tower bulk, upper tower sculpting and tower spacing requirements described in Subsections (e)(2)(A), (F) and (G) above may be granted to a project only on Block 3764, Lot 063, pursuant to the procedures described in Section 309.1 of this Code, provided that the project meets all of the following criteria:
         (A)   Within 115 feet of Block 3764, Lot 063, there is a tower greater than 85 feet in height as part of a building that has received a First Construction Document;
         (B)   The project involves the construction of, or alteration to, a tower of no more than 250 feet in height;
         (C)   The subject lot has a total area of no more than 15,000 square feet;
         (D)   A minimum distance of 82 feet is preserved between any structures on the parcel and any other structure on or off the parcel above 110 feet in height at all levels above 110 feet in height. Spacing shall be measured horizontally from the outside surface of the exterior wall of structures, which shall include those features described in Planning Code Section 136(c)(2) and (3); and
         (E)   The project is primarily residential, contains no more than 250,000 gross square feet and provides on-site inclusionary affordable units equivalent to 15% of all units constructed on the site, which shall be subject to the requirements of the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program under Planning Code Section 415 et seq., and the City's Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program Monitoring and Procedures Manual, as amended from time to time.
   (f)   Van Ness & Market Residential Special Use District. In Bulk District R-2 (Van Ness & Market Residential Special Use District), bulk limitations are as follows:
      (1)   Tower Bulk and Spacing. In the R-2 bulk district there are no bulk limitations below the podium height, and structures above the podium height shall meet the bulk limitations described in subsection (e)(2)(A)-(E). To ensure tower sculpting, the gross floor area of the top one-third of the height of the tower shall be reduced by not less than 10 percent from the maximum floor plates described in subsections (e)(2)(A) – (E) above, and the average diagonal of the top one-third of the height of the tower shall be reduced by not less than 13% from the average diagonal of the tower, unless the overall tower volume is reduced by an equal or greater volume.
      (2)   Exceptions. In the R-2 bulk district, the Planning Commission may grant bulk exceptions through the procedures and findings of Section 309(a)(17) to increase the allowed bulk of buildings up to the limits described in subsections (A) – (D) below. The procedures for granting exceptions to bulk limits described in Section 272 shall not apply.
         (A)   Towers up to 350 feet in height may not exceed an average floor area of 10,000 gross square feet.
         (B)   Towers taller than 350 feet may not exceed an average floor area of 12,000 gross square feet, maximum plan length of 150 feet, and maximum diagonal dimension of 190 feet.
         (C)   Towers taller than 550 feet in height districts of 590 feet and greater may not exceed an average floor area of 18,500 gross square feet between a podium height of 140 feet and 170 feet. Building mass above 150 feet shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property line for a minimum of 90% of all street frontages.
         (D)   Exceptions to the tower sculpting requirements described in subsection (f)(1) above may be considered up to the limits as follows:
            (i)   For towers less than 400 feet in height, the provision may be fully waived.
            (ii)   For towers taller than 400 feet in height, at least one-quarter of the tower’s floors shall be reduced by not less than 10% from the maximum floor areas described in (2)(B) above.
            (iii)   For towers between 500 and 550 feet in height, the average diagonal of the upper one-third of the height of the tower shall be reduced by not less than 5% of maximum diagonal dimension described in subsection 270(e), above.
      (3)   In order to provide adequate sunlight and air to streets and open spaces, a minimum distance of 115 feet must be preserved between all structures above the applicable podium height for the subject development lot. Spacing shall be measured horizontally from the outside surface of the exterior wall of the subject building to the nearest point on the closest structure above 120 feet in height.
      (4)   Exceptions shall be permitted as described in section (2)(a)-(c) above. The procedures for granting special exceptions to bulk limits described in Section 272 shall not apply.
   (g)   1500 Mission Street Special Use District (Planning Code Section 249.12). In Bulk District R-3, bulk limitations are as follows:
      (1)   In height districts 130/240-R-3 and 130/400-R-3, there are no bulk limitations below 130 feet in height, and structures above 130 feet in height shall meet the following bulk limitations.
         (A)   Buildings between the podium height limit and 240 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 170 feet and a diagonal dimension of 225 feet.
         (B)   Buildings between 241 and 400 feet in height may not exceed a plan length of 156 feet and a diagonal dimension of 165 feet, and may not exceed a maximum average floor area of 13,100 gross square feet. To encourage tower sculpting, the gross floor area of the top one-third of the tower shall be reduced by 7% from the maximum floor plate of the tower above the podium height limit unless the overall tower floor plate is reduced by an equal or greater volume.
         (C)   To provide adequate sunlight and air to streets and open spaces, a minimum distance of 115 feet must be preserved between all structures above 130 feet in height at all levels above 130 feet in height. Spacing shall be measured horizontally from the outside surface of the exterior wall of the subject building to the nearest point on the closest structure above 130 feet in height.
      (2)   The procedures for granting special exceptions to bulk limits described in Section 272 shall not apply.
   (h)   Bulk Limits within the Central SoMa Special Use District. In the CS Bulk District and height and bulk districts that allow heights of 65 feet and above and that are within the Central South of Market Special Use District, the bulk limits contained in this subsection 270(h) shall apply.
      (1)   Definitions. For purposes of this subsection, the definitions of Section 102 and the following definitions apply unless otherwise specified in this Section:
         Apparent Mass Reduction. The percentage of the Skyplane that does not include the Projected Building Mass from the subject lot. For purposes of calculating Apparent Mass Reduction, any portion of the Projected Building Mass that projects above the Height limit shall be added to the projection within the Skyplane.
         Base Height. The lowest Height from which the Skyplane is measured.
         Lower Tower. The lower two-thirds of the Tower Portion of a Tower, rounded to the nearest floor.
         Major Street. 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, 5th Street, 6th Street, Mission Street, Howard Street, Folsom Street, Harrison Street, Bryant Street, Brannan Street, and Townsend Street.
         Mid-Block Passage. Any passage created pursuant to Section 270.2.
         Narrow Street. A right-of-way with a width of 40 feet or less and more than 60 feet from an intersection with a street wider than 40 feet.
         Projected Building Mass. The portion of the subject building that projects into the Skyplane as viewed from the most directly opposite property line. This volume includes all parts and features of a building, including but not limited to any feature listed in Section 260(b).
         Skyplane.
            (i)   A plane along each street-facing property line of the subject lot extending:
               (aa)   Vertically from the Base Height up to the Height limit for the subject lot; and
               (bb)   Horizontally for the length of the street-facing property line.
            (ii)   The figure below illustrates how a skyplane is to be measured:
         Tower. Any building taller than 160 feet in Height.
         Tower Portion. The portion of a Tower above 85 feet in Height.
         Upper Tower. The upper one-third of the Tower Portion of a Tower, rounded to the nearest floor.
      (2)   Apparent Mass Reduction. Projects in the CS Bulk District are subject to the Apparent Mass Reduction controls of Table 270(h), as well as the setback requirements of Section 132.4.
Table 270(h)
Apparent Mass Reduction***
Building Frontage
Side of the Street
Height District
Base Height*
Apparent Mass Reduction
Table 270(h)
Apparent Mass Reduction***
Building Frontage
Side of the Street
Height District
Base Height*
Apparent Mass Reduction
Major Street
Southeast and southwest
130 feet
85 feet
67%
Major Street
Southeast and southwest
160 feet
85 feet
80%
Major Street
Northeast and northwest
130 feet
85 feet
50%
Major Street
Northeast and northwest
160 feet
85 feet
70%
Major Street
All
Above 160 feet
85 feet
None for the Tower Portion, as defined in Section 132.4. 80% for the remainder of the building, using a Height limit of 160 feet for purposes of this calculation.
Narrow Street
Northeast and northwest
130 feet and 160 feet
35 feet
85%
Narrow Street
Northeast and northwest
65 feet
35 feet
50%
Narrow Street
Northeast and northwest
85 feet
35 feet
70%
Narrow Street
All
Above 160 feet
35 feet
None for the Tower Portion, as defined in Section 132.4. 85% for the remainder of the building, using a Height limit of 160 feet for purposes of this calculation.
Mid-Block Passage
All
All
None
The controls of Section 261.1(d)(3) shall apply. **
Perry Street
Northwest
All
None
The controls of Section 261.1(d)(1) shall apply. **
Stillman Street
Southeast
All
35 feet
Between 2nd and 3rd Streets: the controls of Section 261.1 shall apply.
Between 3rd and 4th Streets: the controls of Section 261.1 shall not apply, and for the first 60 feet from an intersection, 0% apparent mass reduction is required; elsewhere, 85% apparent mass reduction is required.
Other Street
All
All
Width of the abutting street
Same as the Apparent Mass Reduction for projects along Major Streets in the same height district and on the same side of the street.
* For projects that are required to provide PDR pursuant to Sections 202.8 and 249.78(c)(5), if such PDR is provided on the ground floor or above, add 3 vertical feet to the Base Height.
** For projects that are required to provide PDR pursuant to Sections 202.8 and 249.78 (c)(5), if such PDR is provided on the ground floor or above, add 3 vertical feet to the height where upper story setback is required pursuant to Section 261.1.
*** Any building that exceeds the height allowed by the applicable Height District shall comply with the apparent mass reduction requirement in this Table based on its actual height.
      (3)   Bulk Controls for Buildings Towers.
         (A)   Maximum Floor Area for the Tower Portion.
            (i)   For residential and hotel uses, the maximum Gross Floor Area of any floor is 12,000 gross square feet.
            (ii)   For all other uses, the maximum Gross Floor Area of any floor is 17,000 gross square feet and the average Gross Floor Area for all floors in the Tower Portion shall not exceed 15,000 gross square feet.
         (B)   Maximum Plan Dimensions for the Tower Portion.
            (i)   The maximum length shall be 150 feet.
            (ii)   The maximum diagonal shall be 190 feet.
            (iii)   For buildings with a Height of 250 feet or more, the average Gross Floor Area of the Upper Tower shall not exceed 85 percent of the average Gross Floor Area of the Lower Tower, and the average diagonal of the Upper Tower shall not exceed 92.5 percent of the average diagonal of the Lower Tower.
      (4)   Exceptions. Except as specifically described in this subsection (h) and in Section 329(e), no exceptions to the controls in the CS Bulk District shall be permitted. The procedures for granting special exceptions to bulk limits described in Section 272 shall not apply.
(Amended by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; Ord. 532-85, App. 12/4/85; Ord. 131-87, App. 4/24/87; Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; Ord. 217-05, File No. 050865, App. 8/19/2005; Ord. 94-06, File No. 050182, App. 5/19/2006; Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 208-10, File No. 208-10, App. 8/3/2010; Ord. 90-11, File No. 110301, App. 6/9/2011, Eff. 7/9/2011; Ord. 98-11, File No. 110229, App. 6/15/2011, Eff. 7/15/2011; Ord. 144-11 , File No. 110625, App. 7/18/2011, Eff. 8/17/2011; Ord. 182-12 , File No. 120665, App. 8/8/2012, Eff. 9/7/2012; Ord. 56-13 , File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 217-15 , File No. 151063, App. 12/16/2015, Eff. 1/15/2016; Ord. 101-17, File No. 170348, App. 5/24/2017, Eff. 6/23/2017; Ord. 296-18, File No. 180184, App. 12/12/2018, Eff. 1/12/2019; Ord. 206-19, File No. 190048, App. 9/13/2019, Eff. 10/14/2019; Ord. 126-20 , File No. 200559, App. 7/31/2020, Eff. 8/31/2020; Ord. 47-21, File No. 201175, App. 4/16/2021, Eff. 5/17/2021; Ord. 33-24, File No. 231144, App. 2/21/2024, Eff. 3/23/2024; Ord. 58-24, File No. 231256, App. 3/22/2024, Eff. 4/22/2024)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Table 270 row PM added; Ord. 90-11, Eff. 7/9/2011. Table 270 row TI added; Ord. 98-11 , Eff. 7/15/2011. Table 270 row EP added; Ord. 144-11 , Eff. 8/17/2011. Table 270 row S-2 added; divisions (d) and (d)(1) amended; new division (d)(4) added; Ord. 182-12 , Eff. 9/7/2012. Table 270 row PM amended; former divisions (e)(3)(i) through (vi) redesignated as (e)(3)(A) through (F); former divisions (e)(4)(i) through (iv) redesignated as (e)(4)(A) through (e)(4)(A)(iii); Chart C replaced; Ord. 56-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Divisions (e)(2)(I), (e)(3)(B), and (e)(3)(F) amended; Division (e)(5) added; Ord. 217-15 , Eff. 1/15/2016. Division (g) added; Ord. 101-17, Eff. 6/23/2017. Table 270 row CS added; divisions (h)-(h)(4) and Table 270(h) added; Ord. 296-18, Eff. 1/12/2019. Division (a) amended; Ord. 206-19, Eff. 10/14/2019. Divisions (f) and (f)(1) amended; former divisions (f)(2)-(3) redesignated as (f)(3)-(4) and amended; new divisions (f)(2)-(f)(2)(D)(iii) added; Ord. 126-20 , Eff. 8/31/2020. Division (h) amended; Table 270(h) amended; Ord. 47-21, Eff. 5/17/2021. Table 270 row IB added; Ord. 33-24, Eff. 3/23/2024. Division (a) amended; Table 270 row PY added; Ord. 58-24, Eff. 4/22/2024.
SEC. 270.1. SPECIAL BULK LIMITATIONS: HORIZONTAL MASS REDUCTIONS IN LARGE LOTS IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
   (a)   Purpose. There is a disproportionately high number of large lots in historically industrial and mixed-use areas, particularly in the South of Market, Showplace Square, Mission and Central Waterfront areas, which could be developed with long, monotonous and massive buildings. In recognition of this, special controls to allow for appropriate building articulation and mass reduction are provided in this Section.
   (b)   Applicability. This Section 270.1 applies to all buildings in the Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts that have street or alley frontage greater than 200 feet in length, and that receive their first site or building permit after the effective date of this Section 270.1.
   (c)   Controls. Buildings subject to this Section must incorporate one or more mass reduction breaks in the building that reduce the horizontal scale of the building into discrete sections not more than 200 feet in length. As illustrated in Figure 270.1A, such mass reduction breaks shall:
      (1)   be not less than 30 feet in width;
      (2)   be not less than 60 feet in depth from the street-facing building facade;
      (3)   extend up to the sky from a level not higher than 25 feet above grade or the third story, whichever is lower; and
      (4)   result in discrete building sections with a maximum plan length along the street frontage not greater than 200 feet.
      Bays, balconies or other obstructions permitted over streets and alleys in Section 136(c), shall not be considered for the calculation of the above dimensions.
Figure 270.1.A Required Horizontal Mass Reduction
 
   (d)   Modifications. The Planning Commission may modify or waive this requirement through the process set forth in Section 329. When considering any such application, the Commission shall consider the following criteria:
      (1)   no more than 50% of the required mass is reduced unless special circumstances are evident;
      (2)   the depth of any mass reduction breaks provided is not less than 15 feet from the front facade, unless special circumstances are evident;
      (3)   the proposed building envelope can be demonstrated to achieve a distinctly superior effect of reducing the apparent horizontal dimension of the building; and
      (4)   the proposed building achieves unique and superior architectural design.
(Added by Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; amended by Ord. 102-16 , File No. 160346, App. 6/24/2016, Eff. 7/24/2016)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (b) amended; Ord. 102-16 , Eff. 7/24/2016.
SEC. 270.2. SPECIAL BULK AND OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENT: MID-BLOCK ALLEYS IN LARGE LOT DEVELOPMENT IN THE EASTERN NEIGHBORHOODS MIXED USE DISTRICTS, SOUTH OF MARKET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TRANSIT DISTRICT, FOLSOM STREET NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL TRANSIT DISTRICT, REGIONAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, C-3 DISTRICT, AND DTR DISTRICT.
   (a)   Findings. The historically industrial parts of the City, including the South of Market, Showplace Square, Central Waterfront, and Mission, typically have very large blocks. In the South of Market, a typical block is 825 feet in length and 550 feet in width; in Showplace Square and the Central Waterfront blocks extend up to 800 feet in length and greater; and in the Mission many blocks are over 500 feet in length. In areas of the City historically developed as moderate and high-density residential and commercial environments, the block pattern is much smaller, with many alternate and redundant paths of travels, service alleys, and public mid-block pedestrian walkways and stairways: the typical North of Market block is 275 feet in width and not more than 412.5 feet in length, often with minor alleys bisecting these blocks further into smaller increments.
      Large blocks inhibit pedestrian movement and convenience by significantly lengthening walking distances between points, thereby reducing the ability and likelihood of people to walk between destinations, including reducing access to and likelihood of using transit. Academic studies have shown that the likelihood of people to walk for trips of all purposes, including walking to transit stops, declines substantially above distances as low as 1/5th of a mile, and that the propensity to walk is very elastic for distances of one mile or less and heavily dependent on distance and route barriers (Berman, Journal of American Planning Literature, May 1996). People are generally willing to walk not more than 1/3-mile to access rail transit, and less to access bus transit. In the Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use, South of Market Mixed Use, C-M, and DTR Districts, and South-of-Market portion of the C-3 Districts, longer walking distances due to large blocks generally lengthen walking distances by up to 1,000 feet or more for even the shortest trips, a major factor in reduced use of transit in these areas. In areas with large blocks, walking distances between destinations can be between 50% and 300% longer than for areas with smaller blocks and more route choices (Hess, Places, Summer 1997). In the South of Market area, for example, the distance between destinations for walking trips can be as much as 2.5 times longer than a trip between destinations similarly situated apart north of Market Street. Given equivalent densities and distributions of development, where walking distances are greater due to longer and larger blocks, residents have access to up to 50% fewer destinations (e.g. shops, services, transit) for equal walking distances (Id.). Greater walking distances and fewer route choices also severely degrade accessibility to transit, services, and shops for people with disabilities and the elderly (Kulash, Development, July/August 1990). Because there are fewer pedestrian route choices and people must walk on fewer, more-highly trafficked and busier streets for longer distances, the quality of the pedestrian experience is severely diminished and there are more conflicts with motor vehicles, with corresponding heightened concerns for pedestrian safety on major streets.
      Large blocks also increase vehicular and service demand on streets. Where there are no secondary streets or service alleys, all vehicular functions (including service loading as well as private vehicular access to off-street parking) are concentrated onto fewer streets, increasing traffic volumes on these streets and creating significant and frequent conflicts with automobile traffic, transit, bicycles, and pedestrian activity.
      Where industrial uses with low densities of workers and residents remain in place, the condition of large blocks is not a problem. However, where land use changes occur with new development and the intensity and density of residential and employment population are increased by new development, there is thus a significant new need created to improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation by mitigating the size the blocks, providing alternate and redundant paths of travel, and creating a more pedestrian-accessible environment.
   (b)   Purpose. The mid-block alley requirements of this Section are intended to ameliorate the conditions and impacts described in the Findings of subsection (a) above and make the subject areas appropriate for a higher density of activity and population in areas being targeted for more intense development.
   (c)   Applicability. This Section 270.2 applies to all new construction on parcels that have one or more street or alley frontages of over 200 linear feet on a block face longer than 400 feet between intersections, and are in the C-3 Districts, if located south of Market Street, or in the South of Market Neighborhood Commercial Transit District, Folsom Street Neighborhood Commercial Transit District, Regional Commercial District, Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts, or DTR Districts, except for parcels in the RH DTR District, which are subject to Section 827.
   (d)   Requirements. 
      (1)   New construction on lots with greater than 300 linear feet of street frontage shall provide a publicly-accessible mid-block alley for the entire depth of the property, generally located toward the middle of the subject block face, perpendicular to the subject frontage and connecting to any existing streets and alleys. For development lots with frontage on more than one street that exceeds the above dimensions, one such mid-block alley will be required per frontage.
      (2)   For new construction on lots with frontage greater than 200 linear feet but less than 300 feet the project shall provide a publicly-accessible mid-block alley for the entire depth of the property where any of the following criteria are met:
         (A)   There is an opportunity to establish a through-block connection between two existing alleys or streets, or
         (B)   A portion of the subject frontage extends over the central half of the block face, or
         (C)   Where it is deemed necessary by the Planning Department and Commission to introduce alleys to reduce the scale of large development, particularly in areas with a surrounding pattern of alleys.
      (3)   For new construction within the Van Ness & Market Residential Special Use District on lots with greater than 300 linear feet of street frontage, the project shall provide a publicly-accessible mid-block alley between any two frontages that have at least 200 feet of length each. Such alley shall be subject to all requirements of this Section 270.2, except that the requirements of subsection 270.2(e)(14) shall not apply. A project subject to this subsection 270.2(d)(3) may seek an exception to the requirements of Section 270.2(e)(6) pursuant to the procedures and findings of Section 309(a)(18).
   (e)   Design and Performance Standards. The alleys provided per subsections (a) and (b) above shall meet the following standards:
      (1)   Generally be located as close to the middle portion of the subject block face as possible, perpendicular to the subject frontage and connect to existing adjacent streets and alleys;
      (2)   Provide pedestrian access;
      (3)   Provide no, limited, or full vehicular access, as specific conditions warrant;
      (4)   Have a minimum width of 20 feet, exclusive of those obstructions allowed within setbacks pursuant to Section 136. In RED, RED-MX, WMUG, WMUO, and SALI Districts, the minimum width shall be 30 feet;
      (5)   Have a minimum clear walking width of 10 feet free of any obstructions in the case of a pedestrian-only right-of-way, and dual sidewalks each of not less than six feet in width with not less than four feet minimum clear walking width in the case of an alley with vehicular access;
      (6)   Have at least 60 percent of the area of the alley or pathway open to the sky. Obstructions permitted within setbacks pursuant to Section 136 may be located within the portion of the alley or pathway that is required to be open to the sky. All portions of the alley or pathway not open to the sky shall have a minimum clearance height from grade of 15 feet at all points;
      (7)   Provide such ingress and egress as will make the area easily accessible to the general public;
      (8)   Be protected from uncomfortable wind, as called for elsewhere in this Code;
      (9)   Be ungated and publicly accessible 24 hours per day, as defined elsewhere in this Section 270.2;
      (10)   Be provided with appropriate paving, furniture, and other amenities that encourage pedestrian use, and be landscaped to greatest extent feasible;
      (11)   Be provided with ample pedestrian lighting to ensure pedestrian comfort and safety;
      (12)   Be free of any changes in grade or steps not required by the underlying natural topography and average grade; and
      (13)   Be fronted by active ground floor uses, as defined in Section 145.1, to the extent feasible.
      (14)   New buildings abutting mid-block alleys provided pursuant to this Section 270.2 shall feature upper story setbacks according to the provisions of Section 261.1.
   (f)   Maintenance. Mid-block paths and alleys required under this Section shall be maintained at no public expense. The owner of the property on which the alley is located shall maintain it by keeping the area clean and free of litter and by keeping it in an acceptable state of repair. Conditions intended to assure continued maintenance of the right-of-way for the actual lifetime of the building giving rise to the open space requirement may be imposed in accordance with the provisions of Section 309.1 for DTR or 329 for Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts.
   (g)   Informational Plaque. Prior to issuance of a permit of occupancy, a plaque shall be placed in a publicly conspicuous location for pedestrian viewing. The plaque shall state the right of the public to pass through the alley and stating the name and address of the owner or owner's agent responsible for maintenance. The plaque shall be of no less than 24 inches by 36 inches in size.
   (h)   Property owners providing a pathway or alley under this section will hold harmless the City and County of San Francisco, its officers, agents and employees, from any damage or injury caused by the design, construction or maintenance of the right-of-way, and are solely liable for any damage or loss occasioned by any act or neglect in respect to the design, construction or maintenance of the right-of-way.
   (i)   Any non-vehicular portions of such a pathway or alley, including sidewalks or other walking areas, seating areas, or landscaping, may count toward any open space requirements of this Code which permit publicly-accessible open space, provided that such space meets the standards of Section 135. In C-3 Districts, the non-vehicular portions of such a pathway or alley may count towards the open space requirements of Section 138 of this Code, so long as the pathway or alley is located at street grade and meets the requirements of Section 138 and of this Section.
(Added by Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; amended by Ord. 85-10, File No. 091271, App. 4/30/2010; Ord. 42-13 , File No. 130002, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; amended by Ord. 102-16 , File No. 160346, App. 6/24/2016, Eff. 7/24/2016; Ord. 296-18, File No. 180184, App. 12/12/2018, Eff. 1/12/2019; Ord. 126-20, File No. 200559, App. 7/31/2020, Eff. 8/31/2020)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (e)(4) amended; Ord. 42-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Division (g) amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015. Section header and divisions (c), (e)(4), and (e)(6) amended; Ord. 102-16 , Eff. 7/24/2016. Section header and division (c) amended; Ord. 296-18, Eff. 1/12/2019. Division (d)(3) added; Ord. 126-20, Eff. 8/31/2020.
SEC. 271. BULK LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS, IN DISTRICTS OTHER THAN C-3.
   (a)   General. The bulk limits prescribed by Section 270 have been carefully considered in relation to objectives and policies for conservation and change in districts other than C-3. There may be some exceptional cases in which these limits may properly be permitted to be exceeded to a certain degree; however, following public review and exploration of alternatives, provided there are adequate compensating factors. Such deviation might occur, when the criteria of this Section are met, for one or both of the following positive reasons:
      (1)   Achievement of a distinctly better design, in both a public and a private sense, than would be possible with strict adherence to the bulk limits, avoiding an unnecessary prescription of building form while carrying out the intent of the bulk limits and the principles and policies of the General Plan.
      (2)   Development of a building or structure with widespread public service benefits and significance to the community at large, where compelling functional requirements of the specific building or structure make necessary such a deviation.
   (b)   Procedures. Deviations from the bulk limits under this section shall be permitted only upon approval by the City Planning Commission according to the procedures for conditional use approval in Section 303 of this Code, or for the procedures for design review in Section 329 of this Code for subject projects in the Eastern Neighborhoods Mixed Use Districts.
   (c)   Criteria. In acting upon any application for a conditional use or modification to permit the bulk limits to be exceeded under this section, the City Planning Commission shall consider the following standards and criteria in addition to those stated in Sections 303(c) and 329 of this Code:
      (1)   The appearance of bulk in the building, structure or development shall be reduced by means of at least one and preferably a combination of the following factors, so as to produce the impression of an aggregate of parts rather than a single building mass:
         (A)   Major variations in the planes of wall surfaces, in either depth or direction, that significantly alter the mass;
         (B)   Significant differences in the heights of various portions of the building, structure or development that divide the mass into distinct elements;
         (C)   Differences in materials, colors or scales of the facades that produce separate major elements;
         (D)   Compensation for those portions of the building, structure or development that may exceed the bulk limits by corresponding reduction of other portions below the maximum bulk permitted; and
         (E)   In cases where two or more buildings, structures or towers are contained within a single development, a wide separation between such buildings, structures or towers.
      (2)   In every case the building, structure or development shall be made compatible with the character and development of the surrounding area by means of all of the following factors:
         (A)   A silhouette harmonious with natural land-forms and building patterns, including the patterns produced by height limits;
         (B)   Either maintenance of an overall height similar to that of surrounding development or a sensitive transition, where appropriate, to development of a dissimilar character;
         (C)   Use of materials, colors and scales either similar to or harmonizing with those of nearby development; and
         (D)   Preservation or enhancement of the pedestrian environment by maintenance of pleasant scale and visual interest.
      (3)   While the above factors must be present to a considerable degree for any bulk limit to be exceeded, these factors must be present to a greater degree where both the maximum length and the maximum diagonal dimension are to be exceeded than where only one maximum dimension is to be exceeded.
(Amended by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (a)(1) amended; former Chart C deleted; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015.
SEC. 272. BULK LIMITS: SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS IN C-3 DISTRICTS.
   (a)   General. The bulk limits prescribed by Section 270 have been carefully considered in relation to objectives and policies for conservation and change in C-3 Districts. However, there may be some exceptional cases in which these limits may properly be permitted to be exceeded to a certain degree, provided, however, that there are adequate compensating factors. Exceptions to the bulk limits may be approved in the manner provided in Section 309, provided that at least one of the following criteria is met:
      (1)   Achievement of a distinctly better design, in both a public and a private sense, than would be possible with strict adherence to the bulk limits, avoiding an unnecessary prescription of building form while carrying out the intent of the bulk limits and the principles and policies of the Master Plan;
      (2)   Development of a building or structure with widespread public service benefits and significance to the community at large, where compelling functional requirements of the specific building or structure make necessary such a deviation; and provided further that all of the following criteria are met:
         (A)   The added bulk does not contribute significantly to shading of publicly accessible open space,
         (B)   The added bulk does not increase ground level wind currents in violation of the provisions of Section 148 of this Code;
      (3)   The added bulk does not significantly affect light and air to adjacent buildings;
      (4)   If appropriate to the massing of the building, the appearance of bulk in the building, structure or development is reduced to the extent feasible by means of at least one and preferably a combination of the following factors, so as to produce the impression of an aggregate of parts rather than a single building mass:
         (A)   Major variations in the planes of wall surfaces, in either depth or direction, that significantly alter the mass,
         (B)   Significant differences in the heights of various portions of the building, structure or development that divide the mass into distinct elements,
         (C)   Differences in materials, colors or scales of the facades that produce separate major elements,
         (D)   Compensation for those portions of the building, structure or development that may exceed the bulk limits by corresponding reduction of other portions below the maximum bulk permitted, and
         (E)   In cases where two or more buildings, structures or towers are contained within a single development, a wide separation between such buildings, structures or towers;
      (5)   The building, structure or development is made compatible with the character and development of the surrounding area by means of all of the following factors:
         (A)   A silhouette harmonious with natural land-forms and building patterns, including the patterns produced by height limits,
         (B)   Either maintenance of an overall height similar to that of surrounding development or a sensitive transition, where appropriate, to development of a dissimilar character,
         (C)   Use of materials, colors and scales either similar to or harmonizing with those of nearby development, and
         (D)   Preservation or enhancement of the pedestrian environment by maintenance of pleasant scale and visual interest.
      (6)   Exceptions to bulk limits shall not result in a building of greater total gross floor area than would be permitted if the bulk limits were met.
(Added by Ord. 414-85, App. 9/17/85; amended by Ord. 182-12 , File No. 120665, App. 8/8/2012, Eff. 9/7/2012)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Formerly undesignated concluding paragraph designated as division (a)(6); Ord. 182-12 , Eff. 9/7/2012.
SEC. 290. HEIGHT AND BULK LIMITS FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS.
   In the Open Space Districts designated by the symbol "OS" on Sectional Maps Nos. HT01 through HT13 of the Zoning Map, the height and bulk of buildings and structures shall be determined in accordance with the objectives, principles and policies of the General Plan, and no building or structure or addition thereto shall be permitted unless in conformity with the General Plan. The inclusion of land in Open Space Districts is intended to indicate its principal or exclusive purpose as open space, with future development of any character strictly limited. The exemptions from height and bulk limitations set forth in Section 260(b) of this Code shall not be applicable to Open Space Districts unless in conformity with the General Plan.
(Amended by Ord. 234-72, App. 8/18/72; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Section amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015.
SEC. 291. MISSION ROCK HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICT.
   (a)   Purpose. The purpose of the Mission Rock Height and Bulk District is to enable development of Mission Rock as a mixed use, transit-oriented neighborhood, with significant open space, public access and affordable housing. The property within the District is divided into a number of separate blocks and varying height limits shall apply within such blocks as provided below. Design controls shall be adopted for the District to guide the design of improvements within the established height limits.
      In approving the “Mission Rock Affordable Housing, Park, Jobs and Historic Preservation Initiative” (“Proposition D”) on November 3, 2015, the voters of the City and County of San Francisco established certain limits and parameters for the height and bulk of buildings at Mission Rock. These parameters are laid out in subsections (a)(1) through (5) below. The detailed height and bulk controls contained in subsections (b) through (g), adopted subsequent to approval of Proposition D, as described in the Mission Rock Special Use District in Section 249.80, are consistent with and implement these voter-established limitations and requirements. Mission Rock Design Controls (Design Controls), adopted by the Planning Commission and the Port Commission subsequent to approval of Proposition D, are incorporated by reference in Section 249.80.
      The boundaries of the blocks and the height limits applicable within such blocks as shown in the graphic in subsection (b) below may only be modified in a manner consistent with all of the requirements set forth in the following subsections (a)(1) through (5), which requirements may not be amended without voter approval:
      (1)   Open Space. Approximately 8 acres of open space shall be provided within the District, and in these open space areas any buildings shall be limited in height to a single story, consistent with the height and bulk designation of OS (Open Space) in effect prior to the adoption of this Section 291 and the provisions of Planning Code Section 916.
      (2)   Pier 48. Pier 48, totaling approximately 5 acres (exclusive of the apron which shall remain as open space), shall be subject to a height limit of 40 feet and bulk designation of 40-X. No height limit in excess of 40 feet shall be established in the District within 100 feet landward of the shoreline of San Francisco Bay, measured from the mean high tide line as of the adoption of this Section 291.
      (3)   Lots Fronting Terry A. Francois Boulevard. Building frontages along the west side of the reconfigured Terry A. Francois Boulevard shall be no more than 40 feet in height, with height in excess of 40 feet stepping back from the street in accordance with the Design Controls. The maximum height of buildings on blocks fronting on the west side of reconfigured Terry A. Francois Boulevard shall be 120 feet, provided that floor area above 90 feet shall be used exclusively for residential uses and uses accessory thereto and/or restaurant uses.
      (4)   Elsewhere in the District. Three buildings within the District shall be permitted to exceed a height of 190 feet; provided that (i) occupied floor area above 190 feet shall be used exclusively for residential uses and uses accessory thereto and/or restaurant uses, (ii) the maximum height of such buildings shall be 240 feet, and (iii) the Design Controls are in effect to ensure slender towers, including a requirement that typical floors above a height of 190 feet do not exceed 12,000 square feet of gross floor area, with minor variation permitted for articulation. Consequently, the typical floors above 190 feet in the three buildings combined shall comprise no more than about 3% of the approximately 28 acre area of the Mission Rock Height and Bulk District. The height limit on all other blocks within the Mission Rock Height and Bulk District shall not exceed 190 feet or such lower height limit as may be required in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) above.
      (5)   Maximum Area Subject to Increased Height Limit. As compared to the height limits in effect prior to the adoption of this Section 291, the height limit shall be increased on a maximum of 10 acres of the approximately 28 acre Mission Rock Height and Bulk District. The 18 acres on which the height limit is not increased shall include: (i) areas to be devoted to open space (approximately 8 acres), (ii) the circulation network for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles (approximately 5 acres), and (iii) Pier 48 (approximately 5 acres).
   (b)   Height Limits. The height limits applicable to the blocks within the Mission Rock Height and Bulk District are as shown on the graphic below.
Figure 291-MR1, Maximum Height and Bulk Plan
 
   (c)   Height and Bulk Measurement. Maximum building heights shall be measured from the highest point of the finished grade (as referenced in the Design Controls) along the property line, up to the highest point of the uppermost structural slab in the case of a flat roof, and up to the average height of the rise in the case of a pitched or stepped roof, or similarly sculptured roof form. Maximum Base Building heights shall be measured from the highest point of the finished grade (as referenced in the Design Controls of the finished grade (as referenced in the Design Controls)1 along the property line up to the highest point on the uppermost structural slab of the Base Building in the case of a flat roof, and the average height of the rise in the case of a pitched or stepped roof, or similarly sculptured roof form of the Base Building.
   (d)   Building Envelopes. Building envelopes shall consist of the Base Building and the Upper Building, as illustrated in Figure 291-MR2, Components of the Building Envelope. Upper building massing must be located within the hatched zones and stepbacks are required above Base Buildings, both as indicated on Figure 291-MR1, Maximum Height and Bulk Plan.
Figure 291-MR2. Components of the Building Envelope
   (e)   Upper Building Tops. The tops of Upper Buildings may extend up to 20 feet vertically above the maximum permitted building height, except on Block F, where the building may extend up to 40 feet vertically above the maximum permitted building height. In both cases, the extension is allowed only for non-occupied architectural features.
   (f)   Rooftop Elements. The following rooftop elements may extend beyond the maximum permitted building height as specified below, provided that in no event shall the maximum height in subsection (e) be exceeded: mechanical enclosures, and sustainable infrastructure such as photovoltaic panels, windmills, fog catchers and Greenhouses (up to 20 feet in height). On the Base Building, rooftop elements must step back at a minimum ratio of 1.2 feet horizontally from the streetwall for every foot that they exceed the maximum permitted height limit. Common use structures are permitted on the Base Building up to 20 feet in height, provided that they are limited to 25% of the roof area for each Base Building. On the Upper Building, rooftop elements must be screened or enclosed within the building top. Railings, planters and visually permeable building elements no greater than 42 inches above the roof are exempt from step-back requirements.
   (g)   Upper Building Floorplate Reduction and Bulk Controls. For buildings taller than 160 feet, bulk floorplate reduction and controls shall be required in accordance with Figure 291-MR3 and Table 291-MR1 as follows:
Figure 291-MR3. Floorplate Reduction
 
Table 291-MR1 – Upper Building Bulk Controls
Block
Primary Land Use
Upper Building Max Plan Dimension
Upper Building Max Diagonal Dimension
Height of Building Top
Upper Building Max Average Floorplate
% Reduction of Max Average Floorplate
Height of Stepback
Table 291-MR1 – Upper Building Bulk Controls
Block
Primary Land Use
Upper Building Max Plan Dimension
Upper Building Max Diagonal Dimension
Height of Building Top
Upper Building Max Average Floorplate
% Reduction of Max Average Floorplate
Height of Stepback
Block A
Residential
140 feet
160 feet
20 feet
11,001 - 12,000
25%
Uppermost 5 floors
11,000 square feet or less
None Required
Not Applicable
Block B
Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
25,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
Block C
Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
20,000 square feet
10%
Uppermost 2 floors
Block D
Residential
140 feet
160 feet
20 feet
12,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
Block E
Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
NA
None Required
Not Applicable
Block F
Residential
140 feet
160 feet
40 feet
11,001 - 12,000 square feet
25%
Uppermost 5 floors
11,000 square feet or less
None Required
Not Applicable
Block G
Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
20,000 square feet
10%
Uppermost 2 floors
Block H (flex)
If Residential
115 feet
150 feet
20 feet
10,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
If Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
20,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
Block I (flex)
If Residential
115 feet
150 feet
20 feet
10,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
If Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
20,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
Block J (flex)
If Residential
115 feet
150 feet
20 feet
10,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
If Commercial
NA
NA
20 feet
20,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
Block K
Residential
115 feet
150 feet
20 feet
10,000 square feet
None Required
Not Applicable
 
(Added by Prop. D, App. 11/3/2015; amended by Ord. 31-18, File No. 170940, App. 3/6/2018, Eff. 4/6/2018)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (a) amended and second paragraph added; first paragraph of former division (b) and graphic deleted; second paragraph of former division (b) moved to division (a) and amended; former divisions (b)(1)-(5) redesignated as (a)(1)-(5) and divisions (a)(2)-(4) amended; divisions (b)-(g) added; Figures 291-MR1, 291-MR2, and 291-MR3 added; Table 291-MR1 added; Ord. 31-18, Eff. 4/6/2018.
CODIFICATION NOTE
1.   So in Ord. 31-18.
SEC. 295. HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON STRUCTURES SHADOWING PROPERTY UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION.
   (a)   No building permit authorizing the construction of any structure that will cast any shade or shadow upon any property under the jurisdiction of, or designated for acquisition by, the Recreation and Park Commission may be issued except upon prior action of the Planning Commission pursuant to the provisions of this Section; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to building permits authorizing:
      (1)   Structures which do not exceed 40 feet in height;
      (2)   Structures which cast a shade or shadow upon property under the jurisdiction of, or designated for acquisition by, the Recreation and Park Commission only during the first hour after sunrise and/or the last hour before sunset;
      (3)   Structures to be constructed on property under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission for recreational and park-related purposes;
      (4)   Structures of the same height and in the same location as structures in place on June 6, 1984;
      (5)   Projects for which a building permit application has been filed and either
         (i)   a public hearing has been held prior to March 5, 1984 on a draft environmental impact report published by the Planning Department, or
         (ii)   a Negative Declaration has been published by the Planning Department prior to July 3, 1984;
      (6)   Projects for which a building permit application and an application for environmental evaluation have been filed prior to March 5, 1984 and which involve physical integration of new construction with rehabilitation of a building designated as historic either by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as a historical landmark or by the State Historic Preservation Officer as a State Historic Landmark, or placed by the United States Department of the Interior on the National Register of Historic Places and which are located on sites that, but for separation by a street or alley, are adjacent to such historic building.
   (b)   The Planning Commission shall conduct a hearing and shall disapprove the issuance of any building permit governed by the provisions of this Section if it finds that the proposed project will have any adverse impact on the use of the property under the jurisdiction of, or designated for acquisition by, the Recreation and Park Commission because of the shading or shadowing that it will cause, unless it is determined that the impact would be insignificant. The Planning Commission shall not make the determination required by the provisions of this Subsection until the general manager of the Recreation and Park Department in consultation with the Recreation and Park Commission has had an opportunity to review and comment to the Planning Commission upon the proposed project.
   (c)   The Planning Commission and the Recreation and Park Commission, after a joint meeting, shall adopt criteria for the implementation of the provisions of this Section.
   (d)   The Zoning Administrator shall determine which applications for building permits propose structures which will cast a shade or shadow upon property under the jurisdiction of, or designated for acquisition by, the Recreation and Park Commission. As used in this Section, "property designated for acquisition by the Recreation and Park Commission" shall mean property which a majority of each of the Recreation and Park Commission and the Planning Commission, meeting jointly, with the concurrence of the Board of Supervisors, have recommended for acquisition from the Open Space Acquisition and Park Renovation Fund, which property is to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission.
(Added Ord. 62-85, App. 1/31/85; amended by Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Nonsubstantive changes; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015.