GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in San Francisco, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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Two agencies are involved: the Planning Department reviews zoning/design compliance, and DBI reviews and issues the building permit. San Francisco offers a State Program (ministerial, most flexible, exempt from many Planning Code standards like rear yard) and a Local Program (in-house Planning review first, can allow more units on some lots but subject to full Planning Code and possible rent-control agreements); the two programs cannot be combined. State Program applications are subject to the state's 60-day ministerial review clock and are not subject to CEQA, Section 311 notification, or discretionary review/appeals.

Typical timeline

SF Planning cites a 4-18 month overall range depending on program and building type; State Program applications get ministerial 60-day review from a complete application; Local Program timelines vary with in-house Planning review before the DBI building permit stage.

Where to apply

Department
SF Planning Department and Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
Permit portal
SF Permit Center online application (sf.gov)
Contact
pic@sfgov.org

Step by step

  1. 1

    Decide if an ADU is right for the property

    Check eligibility for adding units at the address and review buildable area using the Planning Department's Property Information Map.

  2. 2

    Choose State or Local Program

    Compare the State Program (ministerial, fewer Code exceptions needed, 60-day clock) and Local Program (in-house Planning review, possible Code waivers, rent-control implications) to pick the right path for the property.

  3. 3

    Design plans to meet City codes

    Prepare a plan set addressing size, height, and setback standards; for Local Program projects, post a Notice of Addition of ADU(s) in the building at least 15 days before submittal.

  4. 4

    Planning Department review

    For Local Program or combined projects, submit a Project Application (PRJ) to Planning for in-house review before applying for the building permit; State Program ADUs are typically reviewed through the Permit Review Roundtable alongside the building permit.

  5. 5

    Submit the building permit application to DBI

    Apply for a building permit online through the SF Permit Center; DBI reviews drawings for Building Code compliance.

  6. 6

    Respond to corrections

    Address any Planning or DBI review comments and resubmit until approved.

  7. 7

    Pay fees and permit issuance

    Pay applicable plan review and permit fees; DBI issues the building permit.

  8. 8

    Construction, inspections, and final

    Build per approved plans, schedule required DBI inspections, and complete the final inspection.

What you need to submit

  • Project Application (PRJ) (Local Program)
  • Full architectural plan set
  • Notice of Addition of ADU(s) (Local Program)
  • Declaration to the SF Rent Board (Local Program, to document no unlawful removal of housing services)
  • Costa-Hawkins Regulatory Agreement (if a Code waiver is granted on a rent-controlled building)

San Francisco ADU rules at a glance

JADU
Converts up to 500 sq ft of an existing single-family structure; requires owner-occupancy if sanitation is shared with the main residence
Height
Attached ADUs up to 25 ft; detached ADUs up to 18 ft (plus 2 ft allowance for a matching roof pitch) (secondary source)
Parking
No replacement parking required when a garage/carport is demolished or converted for an ADU
Max size
Studio/1-bedroom ADUs up to 850 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling (whichever is greater); 2+ bedroom ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling; JADUs up to 500 sq ft (secondary source for size figures)
Setbacks
4-ft side/rear setback when expanding an existing building or for portions outside the buildable area in new construction (secondary source)
Owner occupancy
Not required for ADUs; JADU owner-occupancy required only if the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main residence

Pre-approved ADU plans

San Francisco publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • The State Program avoids CEQA review, Section 311 neighborhood notification, and discretionary appeals -- generally the faster path if your project qualifies.
  • Local Program projects on buildings with recent owner-move-in (5 years) or no-fault (10 years) evictions cannot add an ADU under that program.
  • ADUs cannot be used for short-term rentals in San Francisco.
  • If a Code waiver is granted for a rent-controlled building, expect a Costa-Hawkins Regulatory Agreement placing the new ADU under rent control.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages