DESIGN, ZONING, AND LAND USE
The Design, Zoning, and Land Use (DZLU) Committee oversees development and land use issues on Russian Hill. We advise RHN’s Board on policies and actions, focusing on preserving our historic buildings. We also work with the city, government agencies, and local groups to support projects that benefit our neighborhood.
The Design, Zoning, and Land Use (DZLU) Committee keeps a close eye on development projects and land use policies, working to ensure they benefit both Russian Hill and the City. We make recommendations to RHN’s Board, advocate for preserving the neighborhood’s historic buildings, and assess how planning and building codes impact our community. By collaborating with elected officials, city commissions, and other neighborhood groups, we champion projects and policies that reflect the highest standards.
The committee consists of approximately 10-12 members and meets monthly to discuss significant projects or planning policies potentially impacting Russian Hill.
Examples of tasks members assume include:
- Researching a specific project or policy
- Attending a pre-application meeting
- Setting up meetings with project sponsors or city staff,
- Drafting emails or letters, or
- Attending a public hearing.
Currently, the committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in committee members’ homes. Refreshments provide a welcome social aspect to our work – in other words, we have fun while doing good.
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This past March, our RHN Clean Up and Smile event coordinated with the SF Department of Environment for their audit of litter by neighborhood. Here are the results of their study, which highlight key findings and opportunities for action:
See Illegal Dumping? Here’s How to Report It! Let’s keep Russian Hill clean and beautiful. If you spot illegally dumped furniture, trash, or debris on our streets or sidewalks, report it quickly and easily (include the exact location and, if possible, a photo): Call 311 Use the SF311 mobile app Visit SF311.org If you witness illegal dumping in progress and are willing to provide a statement, be sure to include your callback number. Want to learn more about how the City is working to keep our neighborhoods clean? Visit the San Francisco Public Works Outreach and Enforcement Team at sfpublicworks.org/oneteam . Your quick action helps maintain the quality of life in Russian Hill!
Empty tree beds offer a great opportunity to beautify our neighborhoods and support pollinators. Here’s how to do it responsibly and in line with city expectations: General Guidelines No permit is required to plant flowers in a tree bed without a tree. Property owners are responsible for maintaining any flowers or plants in the tree bed. If you’re not the owner, please coordinate with them before planting. Avoid obstructing sidewalks : If your plants grow into the pedestrian path or become difficult to maintain, the property owner may receive a warning letter, especially if ADA access is impacted. Be aware : If the city or property owner decides to plant a tree in the bed, your plantings may be removed without notice. For sidewalk landscaping (which follows different rules), visit the SFPW Sidewalk Landscaping Permit page . Planting Tips from Susan Karasoff, RHN Parks Chair and California Native Plant Society Member Install a low fence for the first 3 years to protect young plants from foot traffic and pets. Assign a steward (or team) to water new plants for at least 1 year, and new trees for 3 years. Without consistent watering, plants won’t survive. Choose plants wisely : Look for long-blooming, evergreen species that grow 1–3 feet tall. This avoids sightline issues and discourages littering. Recommended Flowering Plants for Tree Beds ☀️ Full Sun California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica) Dune Bush Lupine (Lupinus chamissonis) – sand only Deerweed (Acmispon glaber) – prefers sand Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium/nudum) – sand only 🌤️ Sun to Part Shade California Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) Grindelia (Grindelia camporum/hirsutula) Goldenrod (Solidago velutina ssp. californica) Hooker’s Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata) Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) Hedge Nettle (Stachys spp.) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) – non-native, edible, needs extra water in drought years 🌳 Bushes (Not Trees) for Height & Presence Malva Rosa (Malva assurgentiflora) Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum/aurem) Helpful Resources Calscape Plant Finder SF Street Tree Map Street Tree List Interactive Tree Map Disclaimer: This guidance is for general informational purposes only. For questions about regulations, plant selection, or any aspect of planting in public tree beds, please contact the San Francisco Department of Public Works or visit their official website .
At Russian Hill Neighbors, we're dedicated to preserving the charm, safety, and vibrancy of Russian Hill. Here is some helpful information on city ordinances and neighbor suggestions that are making a positive impact: Sidewalk Responsibility Property owners must keep sidewalks clean and clear of debris, including leaves, litter, and other waste. Sweeping debris into the gutter is prohibited —instead, collect and dispose of it in the appropriate trash, recycling, or compost bin. Illegal dumping on sidewalks is not allowed —please report incidents via SF 311 . Maintain 4 feet of horizontal clearance and 8 feet of vertical clearance on sidewalks for pedestrian access. Trash, Recycling, Composting & Illegal Dumping Sorting Waste: San Francisco requires residents to separate recyclables, compostables, and landfill waste. Composting: Food scraps, yard waste, and compostable paper must go in the green bin . Bulky Item Disposal: Schedule free pickups for furniture, appliances, and oversized waste through Recology SF . Planting in Tree Beds You can plant flowers in an empty tree bed without a permit from San Francisco Public Works. However, please inform or collaborate with the adjacent property owner, as they will be held responsible for the maintenance of the plants/flowers and may receive a warning letter if they become overgrown or impact ADA access. If you wish to break ground, you’ll need a sidewalk landscaping permit from SF Public Works to ensure proper planting and pedestrian safety. Dog Owner Responsibilities Leash Laws : Dogs must be leashed in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas. Cleanup: Owners must pick up after their pets —violations can result in fines. Tree Bed Protection: Dog urine harms trees—please carry a small water bottle to dilute its effects. Noise Consideration: Excessive barking can be reported to SF Animal Care & Control . Other Helpful Tips Parking : Residential parking permits are available through SFMTA. Make sure to move your car on street sweeping days. Noise Ordinance: Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM . Community Events: Stay connected with local gatherings, neighborhood clean-ups, and advocacy efforts ! RHN Newsletter: Sign up [here] for our monthly newsletter , which provides updates on advocacy, upcoming events, and neighborhood resources .
