San Francisco Planning publishes separate ADU checklists for single-family and multi-family project types. Start with the property’s dwelling type, the number of proposed ADUs, and whether a single-family project needs a waiver. The City’s checklist page was last updated May 8, 2026; confirm the current documents before preparing a filing.
Choose the project-type route
| Project | Checklist listed by SF Planning |
|---|---|
| A single-family home adding one ADU | ADU Checklist for Single-Family |
| A multi-family property | ADU Checklist for Multi-Family |
| Some single-family homes adding more than one ADU, or a single-family project that needs a waiver | ADU Checklist for Multi-Family |
The City’s current ADU checklist page links the documents and identifies agencies that may review a complete application. These include Planning, the Department of Building Inspection, Public Works, and the Public Utilities Commission; Fire may also need to review. Use the selected current checklist for the full materials and agency resources. This guide summarizes the route choices but does not reproduce those checklists.
If the property’s type, unit count, or waiver status is unclear, ask SF Planning which checklist applies before assembling the package. Checklist selection does not establish ADU eligibility, guarantee that a filing is complete, or predict approval. For the separate application and permit clocks, see San Francisco ADU timelines and expiration. For general preparation, see plans, inspections, and completion documents.