San Francisco County • Permissiveness Score: 92/100
San Francisco, CA ADU Zoning Rules & Regulations
San Francisco allows single-family and multi-family ADU additions with streamlined density waivers under Planning Code Section 207 and CA state laws.
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Key Zoning Parameters for San Francisco
Verified 2026 Max Detached Size 1,200 sq ft
Max Attached Size 850
Rear & Side Setbacks 4 ft rear / 4 ft side
Front Setback N/A for rear yard ADUs
Max Height Limit 16 feet (1 stories)
Owner Occupancy Not Required (Waived) Owner occupancy waived.
Parking Requirements Exempt SF has no parking minimums citywide.
Junior ADU (JADU) Allowed up to 500 sq ft within primary residence
Short Term Rentals (Airbnb) Prohibited Strictly prohibited from Short-Term Rental Registry.
Estimated Permit Fees $5,000 - $12,000
Avg Review Timeline 8 - 16 weeks
Fire Sprinklers Required for almost all SF urban multi-unit envelopes.
Governing Ordinances & State Laws
- ✓ SF Planning Code Section 207
- ✓ San Francisco Information Sheet G-21
San Francisco ADU Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an ADU to a multi-family building in San Francisco?
Yes, multi-family buildings can add up to two detached ADUs and can convert existing non-habitable interior spaces (storage, boiler rooms) into up to 25% of the existing unit count.
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