Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), colloquially known as tertiary lodgings, annex apartments, or bungalows, are supplementary living spaces incorporated into pre-existing or newly-constructed residential edifices. This initiative is pertinent to both singular and collective abodes. Within this composition, we shall expound upon the method of procuring the requisite authorization for appending an ADU to a pre-existing, detached dwelling.

Initially, ascertain if your estate qualifies for ADU San Francisco. Procure this data within your Enhanced Value or Novel Abode dossier. Fortuitously, you might be among the privileged ones deemed Suitable for ADU.

The municipality of San Francisco provides a leeway for deviations from the prevailing regulations. Those of you for whom the extant edifice permits an ADU under contemporary code stipulations are termed "NO Waiver" ADU. Conversely, those necessitating certain dispensations from the code are labeled "Waiver" ADU. Determine whether you pertain to "NO Waiver" or "Waiver" ADU here.

Four distinct ADU classes exist:

1.      Conversion ADUs - novel units transforming areas within residential construction.

2.      Adjoined ADUs - innovative units augmenting a residential edifice.

3.      Unattached ADUs - unprecedented autonomous structures situated on residential land.

4.      Junior ADUs (JADU) - a fresh ADU variety transmuting up to 500 sq. ft. of space in a single-dwelling framework. SADU mandates proprietor occupancy in either the residual single-family residence segment or the newly established SADU.

1.      Assess potential ADU dimensions and placement within your property boundaries. This may seem daunting and costly but worry not! Your Value Added or New House report will come in handy. If there's a pre-existing legal structure in your backyard, such as a garage or storage shed, it might qualify for an ADU San Francisco conversion.

2.      Contemplate the optimal utilization of your ADU. Will it aid mortgage payments by generating rental income? Is it meant for multi-generational living or for an elderly homeowner to reside while their offspring occupy the main dwelling? The intended use might influence the ADU's size and its capability to fulfill your objectives.

3.      Present your Value Added or New House report to the Planning Department during a preliminary consultation. Additionally, submit a screening form to the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).

4.      Formulate your project design and solidify construction blueprints. If you require support, our website is available to assist with the creation of your drawing set.

5.      Consult with contractors to obtain cost approximations and project duration. To better understand the expenses involved in creating a budget, peruse this insightful article.

6.      Acquire financial knowledge. To determine the duration required to generate revenue through leasing your ADU San Francisco, utilize some website’s profit calculator.

7.      Urban Planning and Interdepartmental Assessment is the next step. Should expansion be suggested, this phase will encompass Neighborhood Notification. Engaging an expert to compile the necessary drawings for permits is recommended unless already accomplished in the Fourth step.

8.      Procurement of building permits and fee settlement is the seventh step. Upon issuance of the building permit, ensure all associated charges are remunerated.

9.      Engage construction professionals. Secure the services of skilled contractors and commence the building process!

10.  Post-Construction and Final Inspection. Following the completion of construction, arrange a concluding examination with the municipal inspector. In the absence of any reservations during the inspection, the Certificate of Occupancy should be granted. Your ADU San Francisco is now prepared for tenant occupancy!

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to completing an ADU San Francisco project.

you might be wondering if your ADU in San Francisco is rent controlled. Well, if it's added to an existing single-family home, then it's not gonna be subject to rent control unless they give you a "waiver" for some planning code requirement.

But can you use your ADU for short-term rentals? Well, ADUs aren't eligible for the Short-Term Rental program. So, find another way to make some extra cash.

And what about selling your ADU? Nope, can't do it. These ADUs can't be broken up and sold separately. They can only be sold along with the primary residence.