San Francisco's transit-oriented framework leverages California SB 35 streamlining and local Planning Code reforms to expedite mid-rise housing on parcels within a half mile of major bus, rail, or BART stations.
Under California SB 35 (Government Code 65913.4) and successor laws, San Francisco must process qualifying multifamily projects ministerially when at least half the city's regional housing need is unmet—a status SF has been in continuously since 2018. Locally, Planning Code Section 270.2 and the 2024 Family Housing Opportunity ordinance further reduce conditional-use requirements within half-mile transit zones, raise allowed density on corner parcels, and waive rear-yard setbacks. SF Planning typically issues SB 35 approvals in 90 days when application materials are complete.
No civil penalty on residents. Project sponsors who misrepresent affordability or labor compliance can lose ministerial approval and revert to discretionary review with fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
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