Residential Design Guidelines

Publication date: December 2013

San Francisco is known for its neighborhoods and the visual quality of its buildings. From the Victorians of the Western Addition to the stucco-clad Mediterranean-style homes in the Sunset neighborhood and contemporary infill homes found throughout the City, the architecture is diverse, yet many neighborhoods are made up of buildings with common rhythms and cohesive elements of architectural expression. These neighborhoods are in large part what make San Francisco an attractive place to live, work, and visit. In order to maintain the visual interest of a neighborhood, it is important that the design of new buildings and renovations to existing buildings be compatible with nearby buildings. A single building out of context with its surroundings can be disruptive to the neighborhood character and, if repeated often enough, to the image of the City as a whole.

The Residential Design Guidelines (Guidelines) articulate expectations regarding the character of the built environment and are intended to promote design that will protect neighborhood character, enhancing the attractiveness and quality of life in the City. The Guidelines address basic principles of urban design that will result in residential development that maintains cohesive neighborhood identity, preserve historic resources, and enhances the unique setting and character of the City and its residential neighborhoods. The Guidelines also suggest opportunities for residential designs to further San Francisco’s goal of environmental sustainability.

Section 311(c)(1) of the Planning Code provides that Residential Design Guidelines shall be used to review plans for all new construction and alterations.