ADU Permit Submission Checklist in San Francisco, California
Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in San Francisco, California — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Submission method
- Online
- Typical fee range
- $8,250 – $26,400
- Review time
- Varies by jurisdiction
- Inspections
- 8 inspections required
ADU Permit Checklist
San Francisco — 7 required, 0 optional
Forms & Applications(1)
Plans & Diagrams(4)
Supporting Documents(2)
This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with San Francisco before submission.
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- Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
- Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
- Fee breakdown: $2,750–$16,000 estimated total
- Step-by-step San Francisco Department of Building Inspection portal submission guide
- Inspection prep checklist (8 items)
- Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents
San Francisco requires the following documents for this permit application.
Building Permit Application
Completed DBI Building Permit Application with owner and contractor signatures, project description, and estimated costs
Architectural Plans
Complete architectural drawings signed and stamped by California-licensed architect. Include floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan details, and notation of compliance with SF Planning Code Section 411.5 and SF Building Code.
Site Plan
Detailed site plan showing property boundaries, dimensions, setbacks, building footprint, parking, access, utilities, and green space. Must show zoning district and any historic district overlay.
Structural Engineering Report
Structural calculations and engineering report by California-licensed structural engineer. Include foundation design, seismic compliance (SF has Seismic Retrofit requirements), and load analysis.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Gas Plans
Complete MEP plans showing water, sewer, electrical, gas, and HVAC with separate meter locations. Must include SoMa or other district-specific utility requirements.
Property Deed and Title
Current property deed and evidence of title ownership
Historic District Assessment (if applicable)
Historic significance evaluation if property is in a historic district or on Historic Resource List. Required for compliance with SF Planning Code Chapter 2.5.
Permit Process
Follow these steps to submit your permit application through San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.
- 1
Pre-Application Meeting and Historic District Review
Consult with DBI and Planning staff regarding ADU feasibility, zoning verification, and historic district restrictions if applicable. Obtain Planning Department validation.
You'll need: Property Deed and Title, Historic District Assessment (if applicable)
- 2
Submit Complete Building Permit Application
Submit building permit application with all architectural, structural engineering, MEP, and site planning documents to DBI Permit Bureau
You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Report, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Gas Plans
- 3
Plan Examination and Compliance Review
DBI Plan Examiners and Planning staff review plans for compliance with SF Planning Code Section 411.5 (ADU), SF Building Code (San Francisco has some amendments to California Code), and state ADU law.
- 4
Address Corrections and Resubmit Plans
Submit revisions addressing plan examiner comments. Additional Planning review may be required for historic properties or design review districts.
- 5
Pay Permit Fees
Pay DBI permit issuance and plan examination fees based on construction valuation and scope of work
- 6
Construction Inspections
Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final. SF may require additional inspections for seismic retrofit or historic preservation work.
- 7
Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Receive Certificate of Occupancy from DBI after final inspection and verification of code compliance
Fees and Timeline
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Range | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Permit Fee | $5,500 – $16,000 | Verified |
| Plan Review Fee | $2,750 – $10,400 | Verified |
Inspections Required
Foundation and footing installation per SF Building Code and
Foundation and footing installation per SF Building Code and California Building Code standards
Structural framing and seismic compliance. Note: SF may requ
Structural framing and seismic compliance. Note: SF may require seismic retrofit of existing structures.
Electrical system rough-in, panel installation, and final in
Electrical system rough-in, panel installation, and final inspection for SF code compliance
Plumbing rough-in, water pressure regulation, and final conn
Plumbing rough-in, water pressure regulation, and final connections per SFPUC standards
Mechanical systems, HVAC, ventilation installation and opera
Mechanical systems, HVAC, ventilation installation and operation
Roof framing, sheathing, and waterproofing, including slope
Roof framing, sheathing, and waterproofing, including slope requirements
Fire-rated construction and egress requirements if applicabl
Fire-rated construction and egress requirements if applicable
Final comprehensive inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Final comprehensive inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Authority Sources
Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a adu permit in San Francisco?
- Yes. San Francisco requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
- How long does adu permit approval take in San Francisco?
- Processing times in San Francisco vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact San Francisco Development Services for current timelines.
- What documents are required for a adu permit in San Francisco?
- San Francisco requires 7 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Engineering Report, and others. See the full list above for details.
- What happens if I build without a adu permit in San Francisco?
- Building without a permit in San Francisco can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
- Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in San Francisco?
- Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to San Francisco's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
- How much does a adu permit cost in San Francisco?
- ADU permit fees in San Francisco typically range from $8,250 to $26,400, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with San Francisco.
Related Permits
Other permits in San Francisco
ADU permits in nearby cities
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