RM-4 Zone in San Francisco, CA
RM-4 zoning district rules in San Francisco, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The RM-4 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 80 feet (8 stories). Maximum lot coverage is no explicit citywide maximum; FAR 4.8:1 applies.
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, High Density. Allows high-rise residential.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 80 feet
- Max Stories
- 8
SF Planning Code. RM-4 high-density zones — 80 ft base, can exceed with discretionary review in some areas.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- no explicit citywide maximum; FAR 4.8:1 applies
SF Planning Code. FAR 4.8:1 in RM-4 zone — allows high-density residential towers.
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