San Francisco Planning Code regulates lot coverage primarily through rear yard and open space requirements rather than a direct lot coverage percentage. The required open space and rear yard effectively limit the building footprint on each lot.
In residential districts, the combination of rear yard setbacks (25-45% of lot depth) and any applicable side setbacks determines the maximum building footprint. RH-1 and RH-2 zones limit building coverage through the rear yard requirement. The Planning Code also requires usable open space for residential projects, which further constrains coverage. Commercial and mixed-use districts may allow 100% lot coverage at ground level but require upper-story setbacks. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits in some districts also indirectly control coverage. Lot coverage for accessory structures is limited to maintain required open space.
Exceeding maximum coverage will result in permit denial. Unpermitted additions that exceed coverage limits face enforcement and potential removal.
San Francisco, CA
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See how San Francisco's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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