San Francisco ADU permit requirements

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.

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.

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.

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.

Show location of existing and proposed gas and electrical meters on the plans.

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.

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'.

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.

Label the dimensions of the rooms and windows within the ADU.

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.

Indicate location of existing and proposed street trees (Public Works requirement) or add a notation if opting to pay the in-lieu fee.

Show dedicated space for trash, recycling, and compost carts on private property, screened from public view.

On the site plan, dimension decks, terraces, and yards counting as usable open space.

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.

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.

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.

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.