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San Francisco Amends Planning and Building Codes for Noncomplying and Accessory Structures, Exempting Small Sheds from Permits

  • When: 2025/07/29
  • Address: Citywide, San Francisco, CA
  • City: San Francisco
  • State: CA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Asset Class: Land

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance amending the Planning Code and Building Code. This ordinance establishes conditions for the repair and relocation of existing noncomplying structures within required yards, specifically granting noncomplying status to unpermitted residential structures built before 2003 within yards. It also allows accessory structures up to 10 feet in height and 120 square feet within required yards. Additionally, the Building Code is amended to exempt accessory structures up to 120 square feet from building permit requirements. The Planning Department affirmed the ordinance's compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and its consistency with the General Plan and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1. The Building Inspection Commission considered the ordinance on July 16, 2025, and the Planning Commission adopted findings on June 26, 2025. The ordinance serves public necessity, convenience, and welfare. Noncomplying accessory structures built before 2003 can be replaced in-kind with the same dimensions without a variance, provided they comply with current Building Code requirements. Permit fees for variances sought after January 1, 2021, for structures meeting the new criteria (under 10 feet, under 120 SF, built before 2003) will be refunded.

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