Accessory Structures in San Francisco, CA (2026)
5 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's Local ADU Program lets homeowners citywide build one accessory dwelling unit on lots with four or fewer units, with no cap on lots that already have more, garages included.
SF ADU Zoning Rules Under Local Program
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code § 207.1(c)(1) (Local Accessory Dwelling Unit Program — Controls on Construction)
For lots that have four existing Dwelling Units or fewer, or where the zoning would permit the construction of four or fewer Dwelling Units, one ADU is permitted. For lots that have more than four existing Dwelling Units or are undergoing seismic retrofitting under subsection 207.1(f) below, or where the zoning would permit the construction of more than four Dwelling Units, there is no limit on...
ADU Impact Fees
San Francisco charges no impact fees on ADUs and JADUs under 750 square feet, or on any ADU proposed on a lot with three or fewer existing units, per Planning Code § 207.2(j).
SF Waives Impact Fees on Small ADUs
Light RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code § 207.2(j) (State Mandated Accessory Dwelling Unit Program — Fees)
No impact fees shall be imposed on ADUs or JADUs authorized under this Section 207.2, where the ADU or JADU is smaller than 750 square feet of Gross Floor Area, or for ADUs that are proposed in lots with three existing units or fewer. Impact fees for all other ADUs shall be imposed proportionately in relation to the Gross Floor Area of the primary dwelling unit. (Added by Ord. 62-24, File No. 2...
ADU Rental Restrictions
San Francisco ADUs and JADUs built under Planning Code § 207.2 may be rented under the Rent Ordinance, but the lot generally cannot be subdivided to sell the unit separately.
SF ADU Rental and Subdivision Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code § 207.2(g) (State Mandated Accessory Dwelling Unit Program — Rental; Restrictions on Subdivisions)
An ADU or JADU constructed pursuant to this Section 207.2 may be rented and is subject to all applicable provisions of the Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance (Chapter 37 of the Administrative Code). Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9 of the Subdivision Code, a lot with an ADU or JADU authorized under this Section 207.2 shall not be subdivided in a manner that woul...
Shed & Carport Rules
A one-story detached shed or similar accessory structure up to 120 square feet does not need a building permit in San Francisco, though the structure can still be regulated under Section 710A.
Shed Permit Exemption in San Francisco
Few RestrictionsSan Francisco Building Code § 106A.2(1)
A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... 1. One-story detached accessory buildings or structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2). It is permissible that these structures still be regulated by Section 710A, despite exemption from permit.
Garage Conversions
San Francisco lets homeowners convert an existing garage into a legal accessory dwelling unit under the Planning Code's Local ADU Program, subject to density and tenant-protection conditions.
Garage Conversion to ADU in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Planning Code Sec. 207.1(c)(5)
an ADU shall be constructed (i) entirely within the buildable area of an existing lot, provided that the ADU does not include a vertical addition, or (ii) within the built envelope of an existing and authorized detached garage, storage structure, or other detached structure on the same lot. For purposes of this subsection 207.1, a “detached” structure or ADU shall not share structural walls wit...