New construction · San Francisco
How does hillside zoning affect new construction in San Francisco?
Hillside parcels in San Francisco carry slope-based limits on FAR, retaining walls, grading export, and access. Many neighborhoods (Bernal, Twin Peaks, Diamond Heights) on significant slopes — shoring/retaining common.
What changes the answer in San Francisco.
Many neighborhoods (Bernal, Twin Peaks, Diamond Heights) on significant slopes — shoring/retaining common. Minimal grading typical in built-up neighborhoods; downhill lots may have retaining and shoring requirements. Street parking and sidewalk closures via SFMTA permits; tight delivery windows.
- Many neighborhoods (Bernal, Twin Peaks, Diamond Heights) on significant slopes — shoring/retaining common.
- Minimal grading typical in built-up neighborhoods; downhill lots may have retaining and shoring requirements.
- Street parking and sidewalk closures via SFMTA permits; tight delivery windows.
- Highly variable — bedrock in western neighborhoods, Bay Mud and engineered fill in SoMa/Mission Bay. Liquefaction risk significant in fill areas.
Source-backed note
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) applies the local hillside ordinance at plan check; a geotechnical report and grading plan are typically required.
Local authority: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
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