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Ordinance#250892Passed
In plain English

This ordinance changes the approval process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in San Francisco by eliminating appeals to the Board of Appeals and increasing size limits for certain new detached ADUs on single-family lots. It also confirms compliance with state law and local planning policies.

Ordinance amending the Planning Code and Business and Tax Regulations Code to modify the City’s State-mandated Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”) approval process and conform to changes to State ADU law, including by removing any appeal to the Board of Appeals, and increasing size limits for certain detached, new construction ADUs on a lot containing a single-family dwelling; 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 making findings of public necessity, convenience, and welfare pursuant to Planning Code, Section 302.

Introduced: Sep 2, 2025
Final action: Nov 21, 2025
Sponsors: Bilal Mahmood
Official record ↗

How it got here

The legislation originated from the need to align San Francisco's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) approval process with recent changes in state law.

1
Introduction of OrdinanceSeptember 2, 2025
Mayor Lurie

Mayor Lurie introduced an ordinance to amend the Planning Code and Business and Tax Regulations Code to modify the City’s ADU approval process and conform to changes in state law.

MYR Memo 090225
2
CEQA DeterminationSeptember 15, 2025
Planning Department

The Planning Department determined that the proposed ordinance complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Referral CEQA PC 091525
3
Recommendation for ApprovalOctober 23, 2025
Planning Commission

The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 21850, recommending approval of the ordinance, finding it consistent with the General Plan and necessary for public welfare.

PC Transmittal 102425
4
Committee RecommendationOctober 27, 2025
Land Use and Transportation Committee

The Land Use and Transportation Committee recommended the ordinance for passage.

Action history
5
First Reading PassedNovember 4, 2025
Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on first reading.

Action history
6
Final PassageNovember 18, 2025
Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance.

Action history
7
ApprovalNovember 21, 2025
Mayor Lurie

Mayor Lurie approved the ordinance, finalizing the changes to the ADU approval process.

Action history

Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record

Document trail
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Leg Dig Ver1
Official legislation text
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Referral CEQA PC 091525
Environmental review (CEQA)
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CEQA Det 100325
Environmental review (CEQA)
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PC Transmittal 102425
Departmental transmittal
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How they voted

Legislative journey

PresidentSep 2, 2025
ASSIGNED UNDER 30 DAY RULE
Clerk of the BoardSep 15, 2025
REFERRED TO DEPARTMENT
Planning DepartmentOct 3, 2025
·RESPONSE RECEIVED
Planning CommissionOct 24, 2025
·RESPONSE RECEIVED
Land Use and Transportation CommitteeOct 27, 2025
RECOMMENDEDPass
Board of SupervisorsNov 4, 2025 – Nov 18, 2025
PASSED, ON FIRST READINGPass
FINALLY PASSEDPass
MayorNov 21, 2025
APPROVED
Clerk of the BoardDec 5, 2025
·TRANSMITTED