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SetbackIQ

Height limits in San Francisco, CA

Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way San Francisco measures them.

Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with San Francisco before you build.

Citywide

ADU: Detached ADU height (minimum a city must allow)16 ft; 18 ft within 1/2 mile of major transit (+2 ft for matching roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building
ADU: Attached ADU height (minimum a city must allow)25 ft or the house's height limit, whichever is lower

Check your lot

What are you building?

Sources

  1. sf.gov, Check if your construction project needs a permit. Checked 2026-10-19.
    One-story detached accessory buildings... used as tool and storage sheds... projected roof area less than 100 square feet and no taller than 8 feet... Fences less than 6 feet high located at the rear and side lot lines at the rear of the property.
  2. SF DBI, Storage Sheds Exempt from Permit (FAQ, 10/24/2025). Checked 2026-10-19.
    Floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (SFBC 106A.2.1)... 1 story and not more than 10 feet... Only one exempt shed is allowed per lot... A shed placed on a deck above yard grade, including a roof deck, requires a building permit.
  3. 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
    Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
  4. 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
    Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
  5. 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
    One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
  6. Example city, Sacramento Required permits (typical California exemptions; each city adopts its own list). Checked 2026-10-19.
    One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high.
  7. HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (March 2026). Checked 2026-10-19.
    A setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an attached or detached ADU (Gov. Code, 66314(d)(7)).