ADU Permit Fees & Costs in San Francisco, California
Understand the requirements, gather the right documents, and generate a submission-ready packet for your adu permit in San Francisco, California.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Submission method
- Online
- Typical fee range
- $140 – $1,200
- Review time
- Varies — contact authority
- Inspections
- 6 inspections required
Limited Data Available
Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with San Francisco directly.
Estimated Total Fees
$420 – $1,980
Range based on typical residential solar PV system. Actual fees depend on project valuation and system size.
| Fee Component | Range | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Electrical Permit Fee[1] Fee based on project valuation. Typical range for ADU permits in San Francisco. | $280 – $1,200 | ~ |
| Plan Review Fee[2] Plan review fee is typically 50-65% of the permit fee. Unknown — needs verification | $140 – $780 | ? |
| Estimated Total | $420 – $1,980 |
Fees shown as ranges. Always verify the exact amount with San Francisco before submission. Additional fees may apply for expedited review or resubmittals.
Avoid rejections — generate a submission-ready packet
Get a personalized ADU permit packet for San Francisco, California — tailored to your project.
- Required forms: Permit Application, and more
- Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
- Fee breakdown: $140–$1,200 estimated total
- Step-by-step San Francisco Building Permits portal submission guide
- Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
- Personalized for your specific project details
No account required · Free to get started
Required Documents
San Francisco requires the following documents for this permit application.
Permit Application
Completed building permit application form
Site Plan
Plan showing existing structures, proposed ADU, and setbacks
Architectural Plans
Floor plans, elevations, and sections of the proposed ADU
Structural Calculations
Engineering calculations for foundation and framing
Utility Connection Plan
Plan showing water, sewer, and electrical connections
Energy Compliance
Energy compliance documentation per state energy code
Permit Process
Follow these steps to submit your permit application through San Francisco Building Permits.
- 1
Create Account
Register on the San Francisco Building Permits portal.
You'll need: Email address
- 2
Start Application
Log in and select the ADU permit application.
You'll need: Login credentials
- 3
Enter Project Details
Fill in project address, owner information, and system details.
You'll need: Project address, Owner contact, Contractor license
- 4
Upload Documents
Upload all required documents per the checklist.
You'll need: All required documents in PDF format
- 5
Pay Fees and Submit
Pay applicable fees and submit the application.
You'll need: Payment method
Authority Sources
Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.
City and County of San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
Last verified: February 15, 2026
2 sources referenced
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
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 5 steps. Contact San Francisco Development Services for current timelines.
- What documents are required for a adu permit in San Francisco?
- San Francisco requires 6 documents including Permit Application, Site Plan, Architectural Plans, Structural Calculations, 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 $140 to $1,200, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with San Francisco.
Related Permits
Other permits in San Francisco
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