San Francisco ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 20, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in San Francisco, California means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 17 source-cited requirements (14 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through PermitSF Portal (OpenGov) — plan review via Bluebeam Revu. These requirements were last reviewed June 20, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City and County of San Francisco. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
SF runs two ADU tracks: the State/Hybrid program (ministerial, streamlined) and the Local program (adds a 15-day neighborhood notice + SF Rent Board / Costa-Hawkins steps). Review is multi-agency: Planning, DBI, Fire, Public Works, and PUC. An ADU Screening Form (DBI Information Sheet G-23, Attachment B) is submitted WITH the building permit application via the PermitSF (OpenGov) portal.
- ADU Screening Form (IS G-23, Attachment B)required
DBI screening form selecting the State/Hybrid or Local ADU program; Section 1 (administrative) by owner or agent, Section 2 (owner affidavit) by owner only. Completed prior to / submitted with the permit application.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Building Permit Applicationrequired
A building permit is required for ADU construction in SF, submitted through the PermitSF (OpenGov) portal; the specific application form depends on scope of work.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Building Section(s)required
Provide a section confirming floor-to-ceiling heights and/or excavation at the ADU level(s). If heights change or excavation is proposed, include separate existing and proposed sections.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Floor Plans (Existing and Proposed)required
Existing and proposed floor plans for all floors, labeling street names, rooms, areas, exits and egress; show location and square footage of each new ADU and label all existing dwelling units and their room uses.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Gas and Electrical Metersrequired
Show location of existing and proposed gas and electrical meters on the plans.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Owner Affidavit — Housing Services (Rent Ordinance 37.2(r))required
Section 2 of the Screening Form, signed by the owner, acknowledging Rent Ordinance 'just cause' rules for severing garage/parking/storage/laundry and other housing services when converting space to an ADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Parking (Vehicle and Bicycle)required
Include dimensions and outline of all existing and proposed vehicle and bicycle parking. If off-street parking is removed, show curb cut(s) to be removed and note 'remove curb cut'.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Plumbing Fixtures / SFPUC Fixture Count Formrequired
Show location of plumbing fixtures of all existing units. In lieu of drawing them, SFPUC accepts a completed, signed and stamped Existing and Proposed Fixture Count form.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Room and Glazing Dimensionsrequired
Label the dimensions of the rooms and windows within the ADU.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Site Planrequired
Site plan showing adjacent lots (both sides) with full building outlines, true north, and dimensions from building walls to property lines/structures and sidewalk width. Separate existing and proposed site plans if exterior changes are proposed.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Street Tree Location / In-Lieu Fee Noterequired
Indicate location of existing and proposed street trees (Public Works requirement) or add a notation if opting to pay the in-lieu fee.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Trash / Recycling / Compost (Toter) Spacerequired
Show dedicated space for trash, recycling, and compost carts on private property, screened from public view.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Usable Open Space Dimensionsrequired
On the site plan, dimension decks, terraces, and yards counting as usable open space.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Window Details / EERO Identificationrequired
For windows: include dimensions, operation, material type, fire ratings, whether adjacent to property-line openings, and which serve as Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings (EERO); provide a plan section detail of new windows.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Building Elevationsconditional
If exterior changes are proposed, provide separate existing and proposed elevations for the affected building face(s), including exterior materials. Partial elevations accepted for minor non-public-facing modifications when no expansion is proposed.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Fire / Egress Package (3+ units, R-2 Occupancy)conditional
For buildings of 3+ units (R-2): exiting plan, EERO locations and travel paths, egress/exit analysis, fire department access point, FDC and hydrant locations, sprinkler riser/clearances, fire underground service and backflow preventer, fire alarm control unit/annunciator, and SFFD water-flow information.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20 - Tenant Notification of ADU Conversionconditional
If the project removes housing services from existing tenants: notice posted 15 days in a common area and mailed to all tenants and the owner; copy of the posted/mailed notice and mailing list submitted with the Screening Form.
source · reviewed 2026-06-20