San Francisco permits Accessory Dwelling Units ministerially in every residential and most mixed-use zones under Planning Code Section 207(c)(4) (Local ADU) and Section 207(c)(6) (State ADU). Applications are filed with the Planning Department through SF Permit Center; the state-mandated track has a 60-day review clock, and most projects do not require a discretionary hearing or neighborhood notification.
Two parallel ADU programs operate in San Francisco. The State ADU Program under Planning Code 207(c)(6) implements Gov't Code 65852.2 and 65852.22 — review is ministerial within 60 days, no discretionary review, and no neighborhood notification. The Local ADU Program under 207(c)(4) allows larger units (no statewide size cap) and waives more zoning standards but still requires Planning Department review, building permits from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), and is exempt from neighborhood notification. Applications start at the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness, 2nd floor) and are filed through PPTS. ADUs receive a separate address from DBI. Junior ADUs (JADUs) up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family residence are also allowed under 207(c)(5).
Constructing an ADU without permits results in a Notice of Violation from DBI, mandatory permit-application fees plus a 9x penalty under SF Building Code Section 110A Table 1A-K, and recordation of the NOV against title. Unpermitted units cannot be legally rented and may be ordered vacated.
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See how San Francisco's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
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