Before You Build in South San Francisco, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.