Local Rules Near SFO Airport

South San Francisco regulates noise under SSFMC Chapter 8.32 (Noise Regulations). The ordinance prohibits loud, unnecessary noise disturbing neighborhood peace. Quiet hours for residential zones are generally 10 PM to 8 AM.

South San Francisco prohibits nuisance barking under the general noise ordinance (SSFMC Ch. 8.32). Animal control in SSF is provided by Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Habitual barking disturbing neighbors is a code violation.

South San Francisco permits construction with a valid city permit weekdays 8 AM–8 PM, Saturdays 9 AM–8 PM, and Sundays/holidays 10 AM–6 PM. Equipment noise cannot exceed 90 dB at 25 feet. SSFMC §8.32.

South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.350.037 and the Planning Division's Short-Term Rental program do not specify a dollar-amount liability insurance requirement for STR hosts. The City's published STR program materials reference permit, business license, TOT/CCT, parking, and local-contact obligations but do not impose a numeric minimum general-liability or umbrella policy. Hosts using major platforms typically receive platform-provided host protection (Airbnb's AirCover offers up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage; Vrbo's Liability Insurance offers up to $1,000,000 per occurrence) but this is not a city mandate. Hosts should confirm their homeowner's or renter's policy permits STR use and consider a dedicated short-term rental policy.

South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.350.037 caps short-term vacation rental occupancy by stay type. Hosted stays (host present in the dwelling) are limited to a maximum of 2 guests at one time. Un-hosted stays (host absent) are limited to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests per booking. STR use is restricted to single-unit dwellings only — multi-family units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) may not be used as short-term rentals. Un-hosted stays are further capped at 90 days per year, while hosted stays have no annual day limit. Only one STR permit is allowed per dwelling unit per lot.

South San Francisco requires STR properties to provide at least one designated off-street parking space. Guests must comply with all city parking rules. Oversized vehicles and unattached trailers are restricted in residential areas.

STR guests in South San Francisco must comply with SSFMC Ch. 8.32 noise regulations. Hosts are responsible for guest conduct. The local contact must be reachable within 1 hour to address disturbances.

South San Francisco charges TOT under SSFMC Ch. 4.20 starting at 11% general + 1% special, automatically increasing 1%/year up to a 14% maximum. A Conference Center Tax (CCT) also applies. Business license also required.

South San Francisco requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under SSFMC §20.350.036. STRs allowed only in single-family homes by permanent residents. ADUs ineligible. Unhosted stays capped at 90 days/year. Business license required.

Open burning is banned in South San Francisco under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Wood-burning devices (fireplaces, stoves, fire pits) are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.

All fireworks are illegal in South San Francisco — including 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. The Police Chief has confirmed that even safe and sane fireworks result in fines. San Mateo County fines are $1,000 per violation.

Wood-burning fire pits are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days throughout South San Francisco under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. With 19–41 annual alert days, outdoor wood burning is severely limited.

South San Francisco restricts large commercial vehicles from parking in residential zones. South San Francisco's industrial character means commercial vehicles are common, but residential streets remain regulated.

South San Francisco enforces CVC 72-hour abandonment rule, street sweeping restrictions, and residential time-limit zones. The city is densely developed (biotech/industrial hub) with significant parking demand in residential areas.

South San Francisco requires vehicles to be parked on legal paved parking areas. Blocking public sidewalks is prohibited. Garage conversion ADUs do not require replacement parking under California state law.

South San Francisco restricts RVs and oversized vehicles from long-term parking on residential streets. CVC 72-hour rule applies. Private property storage is generally allowed subject to zoning and HOA restrictions.

South San Francisco fence heights are governed by SSFMC Title 20 (Zoning Code). Standard residential limits are 3–4 ft in front yards and up to 6 ft in side/rear yards. The updated zoning code addresses measurement methodology.

Standard residential fences within height limits in South San Francisco generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, masonry fences, or fences requiring footings may need a permit. Contact Building Division.

Fence cost sharing between neighbors in South San Francisco is governed by California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). Written notice of 30 days is required before constructing a shared fence.

South San Francisco requires dogs to be leashed on public property. No voice-control exemption exists in San Mateo County. Animal control is provided by Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA at (650) 340-8200.

South San Francisco does not have a breed-specific ban. All dogs must be licensed with San Mateo County. Dogs deemed dangerous after an incident may face enhanced restrictions including containment and liability insurance requirements.

South San Francisco does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping in residential zones may be subject to nuisance provisions. Contact the Planning Division before installing hives.

South San Francisco follows California CDFW regulations banning many exotic species. Local animal code may restrict wild or dangerous animals. Contact Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA for guidance.

South San Francisco requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. Overgrowth creating fire hazards or nuisances is subject to code enforcement and potential city abatement.

South San Francisco water is supplied by Cal Water (South San Francisco District) primarily from SFPUC's Hetch Hetchy system. BAWSCA and state drought regulations may limit outdoor watering. Water waste is prohibited year-round.

Private tree removal on private property in South San Francisco generally does not require a city permit. Street tree removal requires Public Works approval. Trees in special overlay zones may need additional review.

Private tree trimming in South San Francisco does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require Public Works approval. Trees near PG&E lines must be managed per utility clearance standards.

Home-based businesses in South San Francisco require a Home Occupation Permit under SSFMC Title 20. The business must be incidental to the residential use with no exterior evidence or non-resident employees.

No exterior business signage is permitted for home-based businesses in South San Francisco residential zones. Any commercial identification visible from the street violates Home Occupation Permit conditions.

Customer visits to home businesses in South San Francisco are restricted to incidental levels consistent with residential uses. Retail sales, regular appointments creating parking demand, and commercial deliveries are prohibited.

Above-ground pools over 18 inches in depth in South San Francisco require a building permit and must meet California pool safety fencing requirements. Temporary inflatable pools under 18 inches are generally exempt.

New pools in South San Francisco require a building permit. All pools must comply with California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pool equipment noise must meet Ch. 8.32 standards (per the updated zoning code). Anti-entrapment drains required.

Pool fences in South San Francisco must comply with California H&S §115920: minimum 60-inch barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, ground clearance under 2 inches, no gaps over 4 inches. Two drowning prevention features required.

South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter 20.300 (Lot and Development Standards) and Chapter 20.330 (On-Site Parking and Loading) govern carports as accessory structures. Unlike many neighboring cities, SSFMC Section 20.330.004 expressly allows the required residential parking space to be 'within a carport or garage' — open carports are an acceptable form of required parking. Carports must comply with a minimum 5-foot setback for accessory structures, must be at least 6 feet from the main building, and accessory-building height is limited to an average of 12 feet between floor slab and ridge pole. Combined accessory-building footprint may not exceed 20 percent of the main building's footprint or 220 square feet, whichever is greater. A building permit is required.

South San Francisco allows ADUs per California state law (SSFMC Title 20). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft max; minimum 800 sq ft and 16 ft allowed by right. 4-ft setbacks. ADUs cannot be STRs.

Small accessory structures (sheds) in South San Francisco must comply with SSFMC Title 20 setbacks. Sheds under 120 sq ft and under 8 feet generally do not require a building permit but must still meet zoning requirements.

Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in South San Francisco per California ADU law. Building permit required. No replacement parking needed when converting a garage to an ADU under state law.

Parts of South San Francisco near the Bay shoreline and low-lying industrial areas are in FEMA flood zones. New construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas requires elevation and a floodplain development permit. Sea level rise is a key risk.