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San Francisco, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

RH/RM-1/RM-2/RTO-1/RTO-M rear yard
30% of lot depth
Other zoning districts rear yard
25% of lot depth
Minimum rear yard depth
15 feet, all districts
Governing section
Planning Code § 134

Summary

San Francisco requires a rear yard equal to 30% of lot depth (RH, RM-1, RM-2, RTO-1, RTO-M) or 25% of lot depth in most other zoning districts, never less than 15 feet.

(1) In RH, RM-1, RM-2, RTO-1, and RTO-M Zoning Districts, the basic rear yard shall be equal to 30% of the total depth of the lot on which the building is situated, but in no case less than 15 feet. (2) In all other Zoning Districts not listed in subsection (c)(1), the rear yard shall be equal to 25% of the total depth of the lot on which the building is situated, but in no case less than 15 feet.

Source: SF Planning Code - Residential DistrictsView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Planning Code Section 134(c) sets the citywide baseline: in RH, RM-1, RM-2, RTO-1, and RTO-M districts the rear yard must equal 30% of total lot depth but never less than 15 feet; in all other zoning districts not listed, the rear yard must equal 25% of lot depth, also never less than 15 feet. Front setbacks are governed separately under Section 132, and side yards near RH-1(D) lots under Section 133.

Violations & Fines

Building without the required rear yard is a Planning Code violation; Planning Department can require modification of plans, deny permits, or refer the case for enforcement action including notice of violation and penalties under Code Section 176.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum rear yard in an RH district in San Francisco?
30% of the lot's total depth, but never less than 15 feet, per Planning Code Section 134(c)(1).
Do front and side setbacks follow the same rule as rear yards?
No. Front setbacks are set separately under Section 132 and side yards near RH-1(D) lots under Section 133; only rear yards use the 25%/30%-of-depth formula.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

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All San Francisco rules

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