The maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the Residential R3 District

The standard basic FAR limit for most residential districts is 3.6:1, unless the lot is closer to an RM-4 or RC-4 district, where the limit could be 4.8:1, or closer to a C-3 district, in which case the FAR may be 10:1.

S. N.•8 months ago
The maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the Residential R3 District

  1. Answer: The maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the R3 District for Normandie Terrace is not directly listed under “Normandie Terrace” specifically, but according to the 2025 San Francisco Planning Code, the general R3 (Residential) districts follow a basic FAR limit set in Section 123 and Section 124. The standard basic FAR limit for most residential districts is 3.6:1, unless the lot is closer to an RM-4 or RC-4 district, where the limit could be 4.8:1, or closer to a C-3 district, in which case the FAR may be 10:1. For most R3 lots, the FAR should be 3.6:1. Always verify with city planning or applicable neighborhood plan overlays, as Normandie Terrace might have further localized exceptions or overlays.

  2. Confidence Score: 85/100 (High confidence for general R3, but the absence of “Normandie Terrace” as a named overlay or special use means you should double-check with San Francisco Planning for local exceptions.)

  3. Reference Clause Codes and File Name:

  • Section 123
  • Section 124
  • Section 102 File Name: 2025 San Francisco CA Planning Code
  1. Original Referenced Articles:

"Floor Area Ratio | §§ 102, 123, 124 | Basic FAR limit is 3.6 to 1. For a lot that is nearer to an RM-4 or RC-4 District than to any other R District, the FAR is 4.8 to 1. For a lot that is nearer to a C-3 District than to any R District the FAR is 10.0 to 1. FAR in the Waterfront and Washington-Broadway Special Use Districts is 5 to 1."
2025 San Francisco CA Planning Code

  1. Groundedness Check: The answer is factually correct and well-grounded in the directly cited San Francisco Planning Code. However, since Normandie Terrace may refer to a local planned development, a request to planning staff or use of the city zoning map is recommended to catch any site-specific overlays or exceptions not documented under general R3 rules. The references provided cover typical maximums for R3 residential areas.