RH-3 Zone in San Francisco, CA
RH-3 zoning district rules in San Francisco, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The RH-3 zone in San Francisco, CA is a residential district (Single-Family Residential). Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 0 ft side setback, and 25 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 40 feet (3 stories).
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet |
SF Planning Code. RH-3 allows up to three dwelling units. Side yard typically 0 ft (rowhouse pattern). Rear yard 25% of lot depth.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 40 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
SF Planning Code. RH-3 typically 40 ft height limit.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 1 covered space per single-family dwelling in RH-1 zones; reduced or waived near transit per SF Planning Code Section 150+. Multi-family: 0–1 space per unit in most RM and NC zones — SF Planning Code substantially reduces parking requirements near transit. Many RM zones require 0 minimum parking spaces. Section 151.
Source: San Francisco Planning Code Section 207.1; California Government Code Chapter 13 §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source