New Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in San Francisco
Still under construction is one of our projects in Visitation Valley, where we designed a 2-story fully detached ADU in a rear yard of a single-family home. Our team at Massoudi Consulting Engineers quickly started the design as the California State Law took effect that allowed detached ADUs or space converted from existing dwelling units for ADUs. Our team at Massoudi Consulting Engineers quickly designed and put together plans for the architectural drawings and structural engineering for city review.
What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
The City and County of San Francisco have adopted local laws to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the Bay Area. ADUs, also referred to as “granny flats” or “in-law units,” are self-contained, secondary dwellings on residential lots. San Francisco’s ADU law is designed to increase the stock of affordable housing and provide more options for those seeking to downsize, age in place, or accommodate extended family or roommates.
The California State Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 1069 in 2017, authorizing local governments to adopt ordinances allowing for the construction of ADUs. San Francisco was among the first local governments in the Bay Area to do so, passing its ADU ordinance in December of 2018.
Under San Francisco’s ordinance, ADUs must be located on the same lot as the primary dwelling and be no larger than 850 square feet or 50% of existing primary dwelling for a 1 bedroom and up to 1,000 sf or 50% of existing primary dwelling for a 2 or more bedroom ADU. ADUs must also comply with all applicable building codes, zoning regulations, and fire safety standards. Additionally, San Francisco’s ordinance also allows for the conversion of existing garages and basements into ADUs.
The San Francisco Planning Department is responsible for administering the ADU ordinance and provides information on permits and fees, design standards, and other requirements.
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to numerous cities and counties that have adopted their own regulations for ADUs. For example, the City of San Francisco has adopted the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, which specifies the requirements for building an ADU in the city. Additionally, several counties in the Bay Area, including Marin, Santa Clara, and San Mateo, have adopted their own accessory dwelling unit ordinances.
Massoudi Consulting Engineers specializes in the design and structural engineering of attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our team of is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service, from initial consultation to the completion of construction. We provide innovative, cost-effective solutions for all of our clients’ ADU needs, ensuring that their projects are completed safely and on-time. Our services include structural engineering, architectural design, permit processing, project management, and construction services. Our team is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of service and the most efficient process possible.
