United States • California
Site analysis in San Francisco
An introduction to site analysis in San Francisco, covering planning context, common constraints, climate, terrain and transport. Use this city overview to identify what needs checking at the specific site.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Planning regime
Planning Code + Area Plans + Discretionary Review + State HCD HOZ
Key constraints
- Earthquake faults (San Andreas, Hayward)
- Coastal Zone (Sea Cliff, Lands End)
- Historic resources (categorical exemption tightening)
- Sound Transmission Class (STC) standards
Climate context
Csb Mediterranean with marine layer. Cool summers (18C July). 600mm rainfall.
Topography
49 named hills. Twin Peaks (282m), Mount Davidson (283m), Bernal Heights (135m). Steep streets common.
Transport spine
BART regional, Muni Metro, cable cars, AC Transit, Caltrain.
Building height context
Downtown allows 700ft+ in C-3-O. Most neighborhoods 40-50ft. Recent state laws (SB 9, SB 423, ED1) override locally to add density.
Notable recent projects
- Mission Rock
- Treasure Island
- Hunters Point Shipyard
- Oceanwide Center
Questions
What planning policies apply in San Francisco?
Planning Code + Area Plans + Discretionary Review + State HCD HOZ
What are the most common site constraints in San Francisco?
Earthquake faults (San Andreas, Hayward). Coastal Zone (Sea Cliff, Lands End). Historic resources (categorical exemption tightening). Sound Transmission Class (STC) standards.
Can Atlasly run a site analysis in San Francisco?
Available site information depends on the address and data source. Start with the site location and review the returned sources and coverage before using the results.
Run a site analysis in San Francisco
Start with a site location, review the available evidence and identify the checks needed for your next design decision.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.