Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, RD, RW, RE, RS, R | RH-1, RH-2, RH-3, RM, RTO zones and most residential distric |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,200 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft (state minimum; local program caps at 850-1,000 sq ft) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling | 1,000 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling |
| Max Height | 25 ft (2 stories) for detached; varies for attache | 25 ft for detached ADUs |
| Parking Required | No parking required (eliminated statewide by AB 68) | No parking required |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required (CA state law — permanent, no sunset provision) | Not required |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 4 ft for units ≤16 ft height | 4 ft minimum |
| Side Setback | 4 ft for units ≤16 ft height | 4 ft minimum |
| Front Setback | Must meet primary dwelling front setback | Must meet zone's front setback requirement |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 60-day ministerial review (state-mandated) | 60-day review period (state-mandated) |
| Permit Fees | $4,000-$15,000 depending on size and type | $5,000-$20,000 depending on scope |
| Impact Fees | Waived for units under 750 sq ft (state law) | Waived for units under 750 sq ft |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes — LA has a Standard Plan Program with pre-appr | Yes — SF has pre-approved ADU plan sets |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $150,000-$350,000 | $200,000-$450,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $200-$400 | $300-$500 |
| Garage Conversion | $80,000-$180,000 | $120,000-$250,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $100,000-$250,000 | $150,000-$350,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,800-$2,500/mo | $2,200-$3,200/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $2,200-$3,200/mo | $2,800-$4,000/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Restricted — STR rules apply; host must be primary resident | Heavily regulated; 90-day annual cap for unhosted |
| Est. ROI | 6-10% annual return | 5-8% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Los Angeles scores 9/10 while San Francisco scores 9/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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