Accessory Structures in San Francisco, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
San Francisco actively encourages Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under both a State Program (governed by Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2 / 65852.22) and a Local Program (Planning Code Sec. 207 / 209). State law mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) approval within 60 days. The City recognizes four ADU types: Converted, Attached, Detached, and Junior ADU (JADU, up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family structure). ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals and generally cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling.
San Francisco ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
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.
San Francisco ADU Permit Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
San Francisco waives most development impact fees for Accessory Dwelling Units smaller than 750 square feet under Planning Code Section 401 and Cal. Gov't Code 65852.2(f)(3)(A). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees calculated on a proportional basis to the primary dwelling under state law.
San Francisco ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
San Francisco does NOT require owner occupancy for ADUs, consistent with California Government Code 65852.2(a)(8) which prohibits cities from imposing an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025, and was made permanent for most ADUs by AB 976 (2023). The owner can rent out both the primary unit and the ADU.
San Francisco ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
San Francisco prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) of newly built ADUs unless the ADU is the host's primary residence under Admin Code Chapter 41A (Short-Term Residential Rentals). Most ADUs are restricted to long-term tenancies of 30+ days, and many fall under the Rent Ordinance once first rented.
San Francisco ADU Rental Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsTiny Homes
San Francisco allows tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units under state ADU law (Gov Code 65852.2) and SF Planning Code Section 207. Movable tiny homes on wheels qualify as ADUs under AB 2421 if permanently sited with utilities and permits. Standalone 'tiny house' residences are otherwise restricted.