What is the maximum building height allowed in RH-1?

The height limit is 35.00 feet. Additional conditions may apply based on slope or special overlays.

How do I calculate the allowed building size under FAR rules?

Multiply your lot size by the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.80 to get your max allowable floor area.

What is the required rear yard in RH-1?

You need at least 15.00 feet at the rear of your property.

Can I build an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in this zone?

Yes. ADUs are permitted in RH-1. Refer to the latest state and local ADU guidelines for placement and design standards.

California > San Francisco County > San Francisco > RH-1

RH-1 (Residential, House Districts, One-Family)

San Francisco, California

Jump to Zoning Use Permissions

Basic Information

Zone Type	Residential
Code Section	209.1
Code URL	View Code

Dimensional Standards

Max Height (ft)	35.00
Height Notes	Structures with uses other than Dwellings may be constructed to the prescribed height limit, which is generally 40 feet. Per § 261 the height limit may be decreased or increased based on the slope of the lot.

Density

Min Units per Lot	1.00
Base Density (sqft/unit)	3000.00
Max Density (sqft/unit)	3000.00
Density Notes	One unit per lot, or up to one unit per 3,000 square feet of lot area.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR)	1.80

Setbacks

Front Setback Notes	Required. Based on the front setback of the adjacent property with the shortest front setback or if subject property has a Legislated Setback. When front setback is based on adjacent properties, in no case shall the required setback be greater than 10 feet.
Rear Setback (ft)	15.00
Rear Setback Notes	30% of lot depth, but in no case less than 15 feet.
Side Setback Notes	Not Required

Parking

Parking Notes	Maximum permitted per § 151.

Usable Open Space

Private Open Space (sqft/unit)	300
Common Open Space (sqft/unit)	400

ADU and SB9 Eligibility

ADU Allowed	Yes
ADU Notes	Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units may be permitted pursuant to Sections 207.1 and 207.2.

Example and Description

Detailed Description	These Districts are occupied almost entirely by single-family houses on lots 25 feet in width, without side yards. Floor sizes and building styles vary, but tend to be uniform within tracts developed in distinct time periods. Though built on separate lots, the structures have the appearance of small-scale row housing, rarely exceeding 35 feet in height. Front setbacks are common, and ground level open space is generous. In most cases the single-family character of these Districts has been maintained for a considerable time.

Detailed Description

These Districts are occupied almost entirely by single-family houses on lots 25 feet in width, without side yards. Floor sizes and building styles vary, but tend to be uniform within tracts developed in distinct time periods. Though built on separate lots, the structures have the appearance of small-scale row housing, rarely exceeding 35 feet in height. Front setbacks are common, and ground level open space is generous. In most cases the single-family character of these Districts has been maintained for a considerable time.

Zoning Use Permissions

P = Permitted

C = Conditional

NP = Not Permitted

Use Category	Permission Type	Notes
Agricultural Uses	C
Agriculture, Industrial	NP
Agriculture, Neighborhood	P
Automotive Uses	NP
Awning	P	P for Limited Commercial Uses and Limited Corner Commercial Uses per § 136.1 only; otherwise NP.
Canopy or Marquee	NP
Child Care Facility	P
Community Facility	C
Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses	NP
Homeless Shelter	P
Hospital	C
Hotel	NP
Industrial Uses	NP
Institutional Uses	NP
Intermediate Length Occupancy	P	NP for buildings with three or fewer Dwelling Units; C for buildings with 10 or more Dwelling Units.
Internet Service Exchange	C
Mortuary	C	Must be located on a landmark site, and where the site is within a Height and Bulk District of 40 feet or less, and where a columbarium use has lawfully and continuously operated since the time of designation.
Non-Retail Sales and Service	NP
Open Recreation Area	C
Parking Garage, Private	C
Parking Lot, Private	C
Parking Lot, Public	NP
Passive Outdoor Recreation	P
Planned Unit Development	C
Post-Secondary Ed. Institution	C
Public Facilities	P
Religious Institution	C
Residential Care Facility	P
Residential Density, Group Housing	NP
Retail Sales and Service Uses	NP
School	C
Single Room Occupancy	P
Student Housing	P
Utility and Infrastructure	NP
Utility Installation	C
Wireless Telecommunications Services Facility	P or C	C if a Macro WTS Facility; P if a Micro WTS Facility.