Local jurisdiction · San Mateo County
San Bruno Zoning, Planning & Building Codes
What you can build in San Bruno depends on its local zoning and planning code, layered on the California Building Standards Code. Ask GoCodebook about any San Bruno address.
Key points
San Bruno is a city in San Mateo County, California. Like every California jurisdiction, San Bruno regulates development through a local zoning and planning code (often Title 12 Land Use, Article III Zoning) — the rules that determine allowed uses, setbacks, height limits, FAR, density and parking — on top of the statewide California Building Standards Code (Title 24).
Those local rules change at the city line, so a remodel, ADU or use that is allowed nearby may be restricted in San Bruno. GoCodebook reads the San Bruno ordinance with state code and answers your zoning, planning or permit question with the controlling citation.
Zoning & planning in San Bruno
San Bruno's zoning code (often Title 12 Land Use, Article III Zoning) assigns each parcel to a district (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use and overlays) that sets the allowed uses, setbacks, height, FAR, lot coverage and density. Conditional uses, variances and design review may require discretionary planning approval.
Ask GoCodebook "what's the zoning for [address] in San Bruno?", "what setback / FAR applies?", or "can I build an ADU or addition here?" and get a cited answer. See coverage.
Building permits & remodeling in San Bruno
Construction and remodeling in San Bruno must comply with the adopted Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Energy and Fire codes, plus any San Bruno local amendments — and most work needs a building permit.
Additions, remodels and change-of-use can trigger extra requirements (accessibility, energy upgrades, fire). GoCodebook flags what applies to your San Bruno project before you apply.
Where to read the San Bruno code
The San Bruno municipal and zoning code is published on eCode360 — view the official San Bruno code library. That lets you read the ordinance section by section.
GoCodebook goes beyond browsing eCode360 (see how they compare): it reads the San Bruno ordinance together with the California Building Standards Code and answers your question — zoning, setbacks, FAR, height, ADUs, permits — with the controlling citation for your parcel.
ADUs, housing & tenant rules in San Bruno
California's statewide ADU laws override many local restrictions, so San Bruno must allow accessory dwelling units that meet state size, setback and parking standards. Rentals may also be subject to rent control and AB 1482 protections.
Whether a specific San Bruno property is covered depends on its zoning, age and ownership — exactly the kind of question GoCodebook answers with a citation.
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the zoning code for San Bruno?
San Bruno adopts a local zoning ordinance (often Title 12 Land Use, Article III Zoning) that sets allowed uses, setbacks, height, FAR and density by district, published on eCode360, alongside the California Building Standards Code. Ask GoCodebook for your parcel's zoning and what it allows.
What are the setback and FAR rules in San Bruno?
Setbacks, floor-area ratio (FAR), height and lot coverage in San Bruno are set by your parcel's zoning district. GoCodebook returns the exact standards for your address with a citation.
Do I need a permit to remodel or build in San Bruno?
Most new construction, additions and many remodels in San Bruno require a building permit and must meet the adopted Title 24 codes plus local amendments. GoCodebook tells you what applies before you apply.
Can I build an ADU in San Bruno?
Generally yes — California's statewide ADU law requires San Bruno to permit ADUs that meet state standards, even where local rules are stricter.
Ask about any San Bruno property
Get a cited, plain-English answer on San Bruno zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs, remodels and permits — for any address.
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