AMENDED IN COMMITTEE
FILE NO. 170125
4/17/2017
ORDINANCE NO.
95-17
[Planning Code - Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units]
<>rdinance amending the Planning Code to bring the requirements and procedures for
authorizing the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in single-family
llomes into conformity with the new mandates of state law; affirming the Planning
Department's determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; making
-findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of
Planning Code, Section 101.1, and findings of public convenience, necessity, and
g
welfare under Planning Code, Section 302; and directing the Clerk to send a copy of
this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development
after adoption pursuant to state law requirements.
NOTE:
Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain Arial font.
Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font.
Deletions to Codes are in strikcthreugh italics Times Ne,~· Raman fent.
Board amendment additions are in double-underlined Arial font.
Board amendment deletions are in strikethrough Arial font.
Asterisks (* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Code
subsections or parts of tables.
Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:
Section 1. General Findings.
(a)
The Planning Department has determined that the actions contemplated in this
ordinance comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources
Code Sections 21000 et seq.). Said determination is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors in File No. 170125 and is incorporated herein by reference. The Board affirms
this determination.
Supervisor Peskin
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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(b)
On January 24, 2017, the Planning Commission, in Resolution No. 19859,
adopted findings that the actions contemplated in this ordinance are consistent, on balance,
with the City's General Plan and eight priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1. The
Board adopts these findings as its own. A copy of said Resolution is on file with the Clerk of
the Board of Supervisors in File No. 170125, and is incorporated herein by reference.
(c)
Pursuant to Planning Code Section 302, the Board of Supervisors finds that
these Planning Code amendments will serve the public necessity, convenience, and welfare
for the reasons set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 19859 and incorporates such
reasons herein by reference.
Section 2. Specific Findings.
(a)
In 1982, the Legislature originally enacted the state's second unit law in
response to a serious statewide housing shortage. In California Government Code Section
65852.150, the Legislature found and declared that "second units are a valuable form of
housing in California" and Section 65852.2 encouraged local governments to enact legislation
that allowed and regulated second units within the jurisdiction. The California second unit law
has been amended several times since 1982, each time imposing additional limitations on the
local regulation of second units.
(b)
On January 1, 2017, new amendments to California's second unit law (in which
second units were renamed accessory dwelling units) went into effect. California Government
Code Section 65852.150 was amended to declare that California's housing crisis is now
severe. The amendments mandate local governments, including those with a charter, to
approve ministerially one accessory dwelling unit in an existing single-family home located in
a single-family zoning district, or in a detached structure on the same lot, if the accessory
dwelling unit meets the standards enacted by the Legislature.
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(c)
A local government may adopt less restrictive requirements for accessory
<lwelling units than the mandated state standards. However, a local ordinance that does not
include all the provisions required by state law, or that does not otherwise fully comply with
-the new requirements, is unenforceable unless and until it is amended to comply.
(d)
This ordinance amends San Francisco's requirements and procedures for the
review and approval of accessory dwelling units in order to bring them into full compliance
VJith the recent state mandates.
Section 3. The Planning Code is hereby amended by revising Sections 102 and 207,
to read as follows:
SEC. 102. Definitions.
* * * *
IJwelling Unit, Accessory. Also known as a Secondary Unit or In-Law Unit, is a Dwelling Unit
that is constructed entirely within the existing built envelope, the "living area" as defined in
State law, or the buildable area of an existing building in areas that allow residential use or
v.iithin the existing built envelope or buildable envelope of an existing and authorized auxiliary
structure on the same lot.
* * * *
SEC. 207. DWELLING UNIT DENSITY LIMITS.
(a)
Applicability. The density of dDwelling uUnits permitted in the various Districts
shall be as set forth in the Zoning Control Table for the district in which the lot is located. The
term "Dwelling Unit" is defined in Section 102 of this Code. In districts where no density limit is
specified, density shall not be limited by lot area but rather by the applicable requirements and
limitations set forth elsewhere in this Code. Such requirements and limitations include, but are
not limited to, height, bulk, setbacks, open space, exposure and unit mix as well as applicable
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EOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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design guidelines, elements and area plans of the General Plan and design review by the
Planning Department.
*
* * *
(c)
Exceptions to Dwelling Unit Density Limits. An exception to the calculations
under this Section 207 shall be made in the following circumstances:
*
* * *
(4)
Accessory Dwelling Units in Multifamily Buildings Zoning Distrists
..Other Than Single Family Zoning Distrists RH l(D); Accessory Dwelling Units in Single-
Family Homes Zoning Distrists That Do Not Strictly Meet the Requirements in Subsection (c)(6).
(A)
Definition. An "Accessory Dwelling Unit" (ADU) is defined in
Section 102.
(B)
Applicability. Except for lots zonedIUl l(D), •vhich are regulated by
-subsectien (c)(5) beknF, the exceptions perniitted by tlhis subsection .J0.7( c )( 4) shall apply to the
construction of Accessory Dwelling Units on all lots located within the City and County of San
Francisco in areas that allow residential use;:., except that construction of an Accessory Dwelling
Unit is regulated by subsection (c){6), and not this subsection (c){4), ifall ofthe (allowing
circumstances exist:
(i)
only one ADU will be constructed;
(ii)
the ADU will be located on a lot that is zoned for single-family
or multifamily use and contains an existing fs-iR-a single-family dwelling zoning district;
(iii)
the ADU will be constructed entirely within the "living area" (as
defined in subsection (c){6){C)(J iii)) or the buildable area of an existing single-family home or within
the built envelope of an existing and authorized auxiliary structure on the same lot;
(iv)
the ADU will strictly meet the requirements set forth in subsection
{c){6) without requiring a waiver of Code requirements pursuant to subsection (c){4){G); and
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(v)
the permit application does not include seismic upgrade work
pursuant to subsection (c)(4)(F);
provided, however, that the Department shall not approve an application for construction of
an Accessory Dwelling Unit in any building regulated bv this subsection (c)(4) where a tenant has
been evicted pursuant to Administrative Code Section§'. 37.9(a)(9) through 37.9(a)(14) under a
notice of eviction served within 10 years prior to filing the application for a building permit to
construct the ADU or where a tenant has been evicted pursuant to Administrative Code
Section 37.9(a)(8) under a notice of eviction served within five years prior to filing the
application for a building permit to construct the ADU.
* * * *
(F)
Buildings Undergoing Seismic Retrofitting. For Accessory
Dwelling Units on lots with a building undergoing mandatory seismic retrofitting in compliance
with Chapter 4D Section J4B of the Existing Building Code or voluntary seismic retrofitting in
compliance with the Department of Building Inspection's Administrative Bulletin 094, the
following additional provision applies: If allowed by the Building Code, a building in which an
Accessory Dwelling Unit is constructed may be raised up to three feet to create ground floor
ceiling heights suitable for residential use. Such a raise in height
(i)
shall be exempt from the notification requirements of
Sections 311 and 312 of this Code; and
(ii)
may expand a noncomplying structure, as defined in
Section 180(a)(2) of this Code and further regulated in Sections 172, 180, and 188, without
obtaining a variance for increasing the discrepancy between existing conditions on the lot and
the required standards of this Code.
(iii)
on lots where an ADU is added in coordination with a
building undergoing mandatory seismic retrofitting in compliance with Chapter 4D Section 34 of
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the Existing Building Code or voluntary seismic retrofitting in compliance with the Department
of Building Inspection's Administrative Bulletin 094, the building and the new ADU shall
maintain any eligibility to enter the condo-conversion lottery and may only be subdivided if the
entire property is selected on the condo-conversion lottery.
* * * *
(Q 5)
Accessory Dwelling Units in RH l(D) Existing Single-Familv Homes
2oning Districts (RH 1, RH 1 (D), and RH 1 (S)):.
(A)
Defini#mt. An "Acce88ory Dvvelling Unit" ~4DL9 is defined in Section
..J-0.2-:-Applicabilitv. This subsection (c){6) shall apply to the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units
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(as defined in Section 102) in existing single-family homes zoning districts that meet the
requirements of this subsection. An ADU constructed pursuant to this subsection is considered a
residential use that is consistent with the General Plan and the zoning designation for the lot. Adding
one ADU to an existing single-family home shall not exceed the allowable density (or the lot. If
construction o(the ADU will not meet the requirements of this subsection and the ADU cannot be
constructed without a waiver of Code requirements pursuant to subsection (c){4){G), the ADU is
regulated pursuant to subsection (c){4) and not this subsection (c){6).
(B)
RH-l{D); Controls on Construction. An Accessory Dwelling Unit
in an RH-1 (D) zoning district shall be allowed only as mandated by Section 65852.2 of the
California Government Code and only in strict compliance with the requirements of that
Bttbsection (b) ofSection 65852.2, as that state Jaw ll. is amended from time to time.
(C)
Lots Zoned for Single-Family or Multifamily Use and
Containing an Existing Single-Family Home RH 1 and RH 1 (S); Controls on Construction.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit located in an RH 1 or RH 1 (S) a residential zoning district other than
RH-1 (D) and constructed pursuant to this subsection (c)(6) shall meet all of the (allowing:
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(i)
The ADU will strictly meet the requirements set forth in this
subsection (c)(6)(C) without requiring a waiver of Code requirements pursuant to subsection (c)(4)(G).·
(ii)
The permit application does not include seismic upgrade work
_pursuant to subsection (c)(4){F).
(iii)
Only one ADU will be constructed that is entirely within either
the "living area" or the buildable area of an existing single-family home, or within the built envelope
of an existing and authorized auxiliary structure on the same lot. "Living area" means (as defined in
Section 65852.2(i)0) o(the California Government Code) "the interior habitable area ofa dwelling
unit including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure. "
(iv)
If contained within the existing space of a single-family
residence or accessory structure. the ADU must have independent exterior access from the
existing residence or accessory structure. and side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire safety.
~
(v) If construction ofthe ADU will. in the opinion of the Department,
have adverse impacts on a property listed in the California Register of Historic Places, the Department
may require modification of the proposed project to the extent necessary to prevent or mitigate such
impacts.
f\+(vi) The Department may apply any Residential Design Guideline
that is generally applicable in San Francisco to the proposed construction of an ADU.
f+'ij-(vii) No setback is required for an existing garage that is converted
to an ADU.
fvH1-(viii) All applicable requirements of San Francisco's health and
safety codes shall apply, including but not limited to the Building and Fire Codes.
f\4i+~ No parking is required for the ADU. Jf existingparking is
demolished in order to construct the ADU. only the parldng space required by this Code for the existing
single-family home must be replaced. If replacement parldng is required, it may be located in any
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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
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configuration on the lot including but not limited to covered, uncovered, or tandem space or by the use
nf mechanical automobile parldng lifts.
(D)
Permit Application Review and Approval. Except as authorized by
subsections (c){6){C)(w y) and(¥ yt). the Department shall approve an application (or a permit to
construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit within 120 days from receipt ofthe application, without
modification or disapproval. if the proposed construction fitlly complies with the requirements set forth
in subsection (c){6){C).
(E)
Prohibition o(Short-Term Rentals. An Accessory Dwelling Unit
g
authorized under this subsection (c){6) shall not be used (or Short-Term Residential Rentals under
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Chapter 41A ofthe Administrative Code. This restriction shall be recorded as a Notice of Special
I Restriction on the subject lot.
(F)
Rental; Restrictions on Subdivisions.
(i)
An ADU constructed pursuant to this subsection (c){6) may be
rented and is subject to all tJ:i.e applicable provisions of the Residential Rent Stabilization and
Arbitration Ordinance (Chapter 3 7 o(the Administrative Code) that 1.vould other\vise be applicable!.
(ii)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9 o(the Subdivision
Code, a lot with an Accessory Dwelling Unit authorized under this subsection (c){6) shall not be
subdivided in a manner that would allow (or the ADU to be sold or separately financed pursuant to any
condominium plan. housing cooperative, or similar form of separate ownership; provided, however,
that this prohibition on separate sale or finance o(the ADU shall not apply to a building that within
three years prior to July 11, 2016, was an existing condominium with no Rental Unit as defined in
Section 37.2{r) oftheAdministrative Code, and also within 10 years prior to July 11. 2016 had no
evictions pursuant to Sections 37.9(a) through 37.9(a){J4) oftheAdministrative Code.
(G f;) Department Report. In the report required by subsection (c)(4)(1)(iii), the
Department shall include a description and evaluation of the number and types of units being
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developed pursuant to this subsection (c)(Q::5), their affordability rates, and such other
information as the Director or the Board of Supervisors determines would inform decision
makers and the public.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after
enactment. Enactment occurs when the Mayor signs the ordinance, the Mayor returns the
ordinance unsigned or does not sign the ordinance within ten days of receiving it, or the Board
of Supervisors overrides the Mayor's veto of the ordinance.
1 o
Section 5. Scope of Ordinance. In enacting this ordinance, the Board of Supervisors
intends to amend only those words, phrases, paragraphs, subsections, sections, articles,
numbers, punctuation marks, charts, diagrams, or any other constituent parts of the Municipal
Code that are explicitly shown in this ordinance as additions, deletions, Board amendment
additions, and Board amendment deletions in accordance with the "Note" that appears under
the official title of the ordinance.
Section 6. Directions to Clerk. The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors is hereby directed
to submit a copy of this ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community
Development within 60 days after adoption pursuant to Section 65852.2(h) of the California
Government Code.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DENNIS J. HERRERA, City Attorney
By:
{.fUOITH A. BOYAJl~
{/ I
'B'eputy City Attorney
n:\legana\as2017\1700389\01186528.docx
Supervisor Peskin
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page
City and County of San Francisco
Tails
Ordinance
City Hall
I Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102-4689
File Number:
170125
Date Passed: May 02, 2017
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to bring the requirements and procedures for authorizing
the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in single-family homes into conformity with the
new mandates of state law; affirming the Planning Department's determination under the California
Environmental Quality Act; making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight
priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1, and findings of public convenience, necessity, and
welfare under Planning Code, Section 302; and directing the Clerk to send a copy of this Ordinance
to the California Department of Housing and Community Development a~er adoption pursuant to
state law requirements.
April 17, 2017 Land Use and Transportation Committee -AMENDED, AN AMENDMENT
OF THE WHOLE BEARING SAME TITLE
April 17, 2017 Land Use and Transportation Committee - DUPLICATED AS AMENDED
April 17, 2017 Land Use and Transportation Committee - RECOMMENDED AS AMENDED
April 25, 2017 Board of Supervisors - PASSED, ON FIRST READING
Ayes: 11 - Breed, Cohen, Farrell, Fewer, Kim, Peskin, Ronen, Safai, Sheehy,
Tang and Yee
May 02, 2017 Board of Supervisors - FINALLY PASSED
City mu/ County of San Francisco
Ayes: 10 - Breed, Cohen, Farrell, Fewer, Kim, Peskin, Ronen, Safai, Sheehy and
Tang
Excused: 1 - Yee
Page I
Printed at 9: 57 am 011 513117
File No. 170125
CifJ' a11d County of San Francisco
Page2
I hereby certify that the foregoing
Ordinance was FINALLY PASSED on
5/2/2017 by the Board of Supervisors of the
City and County of San Francisco.
~ Angela Calvillo
Clerk of the Board
' Date Approved
Printed at 9:57 am on 513117
