ADU Permit Requirements in San Francisco, California

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5

   Pay Permit Fees

   Pay DBI permit issuance and plan examination fees based on construction valuation and scope of work

6. 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. 7

   Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

   Receive Certificate of Occupancy from DBI after final inspection and verification of code compliance

Fees and Timeline

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

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.

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