RM-1 Zone in San Francisco, CA
RM-1 zoning district rules in San Francisco, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The RM-1 zone in San Francisco, CA is a residential district (Residential Mixed Density). Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 0 ft side setback, and 25 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 40 feet (4 stories). Maximum lot coverage is no explicit citywide maximum; rear yard and FAR limits apply.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
- Small apartment buildings
Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet |
SF Planning Code. Residential Mixed, Low Density. Allows apartments, condos. Side yard follows neighbor pattern — typically 0 ft in denser areas.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 40 feet
- Max Stories
- 4
SF Planning Code. RM-1 typically 40 ft in residential height districts.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- no explicit citywide maximum; rear yard and FAR limits apply
SF Planning Code. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits apply in RM zones — typically 1.8:1 in RM-1.
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