San Francisco publishes several different permit clocks. A conditional 60-day decision rule applies to some ADU and JADU applications. A separate 730-day limit concerns how long a permit application filed on or after June 21, 2026 can remain open before a permit is issued, while an issued permit has its own 365-day validity period. These are different legal and administrative milestones, not a forecast that a particular project will be approved in a set number of days.
Check whether the 60-day ADU rule applies
San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.1.19.1 says the City must approve or deny a permit application for an ADU or JADU on a lot with an existing dwelling within 60 days after receiving a complete application when the proposed construction fully complies with Planning Code Section 207.2 and all other applicable requirements. A delay requested by the applicant pauses that period. The rule is conditional: the project classification, completeness, site, and compliance status matter. If the deadline appears to have passed, confirm the application’s status with the City before relying on the code’s stated consequence or starting work.
Keep the application-expiration period separate
For applications filed on or after June 21, 2026, the City’s permit-timeline page says the application process begins with a completeness check. The application is considered filed after the required forms, plans, documents, Property Owner’s Disclosure Form, and initial payment are provided. The general limit is 730 days to complete review and obtain the permit. An applicant may request a 180-day extension for a fee before expiration; the City Code also requires a written request and justifiable cause. This is an application lifespan, not an expected review time.
Track the permit after issuance
Once issued, a San Francisco permit is generally active for 365 days. The City says required inspections, sufficient progress, approved site-permit addenda, or altered site permits can extend the expiration date. The Building Code also describes expiration when work has not started or has been suspended, discontinued, or abandoned for 365 days, with extension requests subject to City approval. Required inspections and final approval close out the permit. Trade permits may follow separate expiration rules.
For a particular project, record the filing date, completeness status, payment date, application type, any applicant-requested delay, and written extension decision. Ask the Department of Building Inspection which clock applies before relying on a target date. The timeline comparison explains how to distinguish decision periods, service targets, and other permit milestones across jurisdictions.