San Francisco runs two programs: a State ADU Program (Planning Code 207.2, ministerial review under state law) and a Local ADU Program (Planning Code 207.1).[1]
California cities can set their own ADU rules, but never stricter than state law. Grey lines show the state floor from the HCD ADU Handbook.
| Size limits | Local program detached ADU: up to 850 sq ft for a studio or 1 bedroom, 1,000 sq ft for 2 or more bedrooms. Every ADU must be at least 220 sq ft with 7.5 ft ceilings.[2][4] State law: a city's maximum size must allow at least 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft for more than one bedroom, and local rules cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks (Gov. Code 66321).[5] |
|---|---|
| Height | Local program detached ADU: 16 ft. Converted space: no height limit; additions follow the zoning district.[2] State law: detached ADUs get at least 16 ft; 18 ft within a half mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (plus 2 ft to match roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building; attached ADUs up to 25 ft or the main home's limit if lower (Gov. Code 66321).[5] |
| Setbacks | Local program detached ADU: 4 ft from side and rear lot lines. Converted space: no setbacks.[2] State law: side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft for new ADUs; converted existing space needs no new setback (Gov. Code 66314, 66323).[5] |
| Parking | No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city. State law: at most 1 space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, and none within a half mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, within one block of a car share, or for ADUs inside the house (Gov. Code 66314, 66322).[5] |
| Owner occupancy | A JADU requires owner occupancy in the home or the JADU if they share a bathroom.[1] State law: no owner occupancy requirement for ADUs (Gov. Code 66315). A JADU requires the owner to live on site if it shares a bathroom with the main home (Gov. Code 66333).[5] |
| Permit steps and timeline | Most ADU plans must be signed by a licensed design professional, with exceptions for small wood-frame homes. SF.gov lists hiring an architect at $10,000 or more. ADUs cannot be rented for less than 30 days.[4][3] State law: the city must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot (Gov. Code 66317).[5] |
| Fees | No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city. State law: no impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less; above that, impact fees must be proportional to the size of the main home. Plan check, permit and school fees can still apply.[5] |
We connect you with builders who serve your area. Free, no obligation.
Sources
Every fact above links to an official city or state page. Rules change; check the source before you build.
- [1] SF Planning: Accessory Dwelling Units checked Oct 2026
- [2] SF Planning: Local ADU comparison chart checked Oct 2026
- [3] SF Planning: Director Bulletin No. 3, State ADU Program checked Oct 2026
- [4] SF.gov: Design an ADU that meets City codes checked Oct 2026
- [5] HCD ADU Handbook (March 2026) checked Oct 2026