Are ADUs allowed in San Francisco?

Yes. San Francisco permits Accessory Dwelling Units citywide through two paths: the California state ministerial program (Gov. Code § 66314) and San Francisco’s own local program (Planning Code § 207(c)(4)), which allows more flexibility in exchange for conditions such as Rent Ordinance coverage.

Does the SF Rent Ordinance apply to ADUs?

Often, yes. ADUs approved through San Francisco’s local program are typically made subject to the Rent Ordinance, including just-cause eviction protections, as a condition of approval. State-program ADUs are generally exempt from rent-increase limits under Costa-Hawkins but may still carry just-cause protections. Confirm a specific unit’s status with the San Francisco Rent Board (415-252-4600).

Can I use a San Francisco ADU as a short-term rental?

Generally no. ADUs are intended for long-term housing; San Francisco prohibits short-term rental of most ADUs, and the city separately regulates short-term rentals through the Office of Short-Term Rentals.

Where can I find legal ADU rentals in San Francisco?

A-du lists permitted ADU rentals in San Francisco alongside Los Angeles County and New York City, so renters can find legal, inspected units in one place.

ADU Rentals & Regulations in San Francisco

An ADU in San Francisco is an Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted under California state law or San Francisco's local ADU program, on a residential lot in the City and County of San Francisco.

San Francisco is a consolidated city-county: one permitting authority (DBI, with Planning review) covers the entire market.

Two ways to permit an ADU in San Francisco

San Francisco runs a dual-track ADU program. The state program (Gov. Code § 66314) is ministerial: 4-foot rear and side setbacks, up to 16 feet in height for a detached unit, and no discretionary review. The local program (Planning Code § 207(c)(4)) allows larger units and waivers of certain Planning Code standards. The trade-off is that units approved this way are typically made subject to the SF Rent Ordinance as a condition of approval. Many garage, basement, and rear-yard conversions go through the local program.

Renting an ADU in San Francisco

A permitted, finaled ADU can be rented as long-term housing, and San Francisco's rental rules are among the most protective in the country: the Rent Ordinance (Administrative Code Chapter 37) limits rent increases and requires just cause for eviction on covered units, Chapter 49 requires annual interest payments on security deposits, and the Fair Chance Ordinance (Police Code Article 49) restricts criminal-history screening for covered housing. A-du's rental workflow (identity verification, landlord-paid FCRA screening, a California lease, and rent collection) is built with these rules in mind.

Building an ADU in San Francisco

Permitting runs through the Department of Building Inspection with Planning review. Budget for permit-issuance and plan-review fees based on construction valuation using the free San Francisco permit-fee calculator, and check whether an ADU fits your lot with the A-du test-fit tool on any Build Marketplace design.

Browse ADU rentals in San Francisco on A-du.

Frequently asked questions

Are ADUs allowed in San Francisco?: Yes. San Francisco permits Accessory Dwelling Units citywide through two paths: the California state ministerial program (Gov. Code § 66314) and San Francisco’s own local program (Planning Code § 207(c)(4)), which allows more flexibility in exchange for conditions such as Rent Ordinance coverage.
Does the SF Rent Ordinance apply to ADUs?: Often, yes. ADUs approved through San Francisco’s local program are typically made subject to the Rent Ordinance, including just-cause eviction protections, as a condition of approval. State-program ADUs are generally exempt from rent-increase limits under Costa-Hawkins but may still carry just-cause protections. Confirm a specific unit’s status with the San Francisco Rent Board (415-252-4600).
Can I use a San Francisco ADU as a short-term rental?: Generally no. ADUs are intended for long-term housing; San Francisco prohibits short-term rental of most ADUs, and the city separately regulates short-term rentals through the Office of Short-Term Rentals.
Where can I find legal ADU rentals in San Francisco?: A-du lists permitted ADU rentals in San Francisco alongside Los Angeles County and New York City, so renters can find legal, inspected units in one place.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. San Francisco planning, building, and rental rules change; confirm current requirements with SF Planning, the Department of Building Inspection, and the San Francisco Rent Board.