Zoning Letter of Determination (ZAD)
Letters of Determination (LOD) are a written determination from the Zoning Administrator in response to a request to provide formal guidance on a specific Planning Code interpretation or determination. These determinations may address any provision of the Planning Code, such as:
- Permitted uses
- Development controls like yards, setbacks, building heights, and others
- Nonconforming status of existing uses
- Process applicability
LODs are optional and not required prior to the submittal of any development application. They are often complex and require further research on the part of the Planning Department and/or requestor. While LODs are formal, appealable determinations, they are not a development approval or permit. Upon issuance, applicants still must obtain all required authorizations and permits before a use or project may commence.
For current land use and zoning information of a specific property or a Rebuild Letter, please request a Zoning Verification Letter instead.
How to Submit
Requests for a Letter of Determination must be submitted with an LOD Request Form online using Public Portal or in writing. There is a fee associated with this written determination – see Section 6 of the Fee Schedule. It takes 6-8 weeks (or more) to process this type of request.
Online Public Portal
The City provides residents, businesses, and visitors access to government services online, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week through the citizen portal. For security reasons, all online filing requires registration of a free user account. Please have all your property information ready in advance.
- Complete the LOD Request Form
- After registering or login, go to "+ New" and select "Planning Application" (there may be an agreement screen for first-time accounts).
- Select from the list of available applications and follow all instructions.
Written Submission
If you prefer to submit in writing, please complete the LOD Request Form and email the request to CPC.ZAintake@sfgov.org. Please note that written submissions may take up to 1-2 weeks to process.
For questions, you can call the Planning counter at 628.652.7300 or email pic@sfgov.org where planners are able to assist you.
Español: Para información en Español llamar al 628.652.7550. Tenga en cuenta que el Departamento de Planificación necesitará al menos un día hábil para responder.
中文: 如果您需要中文的帮助, 请致电628.652.7550。请注意, 计划部门至少需要一个工作日才能做出回应。
Tagalog: Para sa impormasyon sa Tagalog tumawag sa 628.652.7550. Paki tandaan na mangangailangan ang Planning Department ng hindi kukulangin sa isang araw na pantrabaho para makasagot.