Property-specific ADU planning
San Francisco County · California
ADU planning for your San Francisco property
Review available property information, identify what is still missing, and frame the local questions that must be confirmed before design, budgeting, permitting, or construction decisions.
Local authority and planning resources
San Francisco Planning distinguishes local and state ADU programs and separates guidance for single-family and multifamily buildings. Identify the existing building and legal units before comparing a conversion with an addition.
- San Francisco Planning
Resource reviewed: 2026-08-30. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
- SF Planning ADU Handbook resource
Resource reviewed: 2026-08-30. Reconfirm requirements before applying.
Which San Francisco program should I discuss with Planning?
Use the official page to compare the local and state program paths for your building type. Ask Planning which applies to the proposed work; this guide does not select a legal entitlement or promise a review outcome.
Can an existing garage or storage space become housing?
SF Planning discusses converted units and links to tenant and housing-service guidance. Document existing uses and tenancy before designing a conversion, and obtain property-specific advice about any housing services affected.
Which property records help frame the first discussion?
The official ADU page links its Property Information Map, design guidance and application resources. Compare the legal unit record with existing conditions and ask about discrepancies rather than treating a floor plan as proof of permitted use.
This is an informational guide, not an office-location listing or confirmation that ADU California accepts projects here. Contact the team to confirm availability. Parcel boundaries, hazards, utility capacity and site suitability remain unverified.
A useful first review
Separate what is available from what still needs verification.
01
Confirm the property
Start with a complete address and review the available parcel, building, and map context.
02
Identify the unknowns
Keep missing setbacks, easements, utilities, access, hazards, and local requirements visible.
03
Choose the next review
Use the preliminary result to prepare a focused conversation with the required professionals and agencies.
Explore project types
Compare the scope before choosing a solution.
These pages explain the questions each project type introduces. They do not assert that a particular scope is permitted or suitable for your address.
California directory
Explore more city guides.
The next useful action
Put your address at the center of the conversation.
The online review is preliminary and is not a permit decision, survey, engineering opinion, construction document, final price, or guaranteed schedule.