Accessory dwelling units

The City of San Francisco has launched a fast-tracking program for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which allows additional units or sometimes called “granny-flats” to be added to existing buildings.  San Francisco’s ADU program is expected to add thousands units to the existing housing stock. 

In San Francisco, new construction of apartments is an average of $500,000 per apartment. The ADUs are estimated to cost about $150,000, this allows owners of small properties to add new units to their buildings.

EXAMPLE

Common Ground Urban Development has begun supporting this effort by building three new ADUs in existing historic buildings.  These units will participate in the City’s Initiative to add density to the existing housing stock while preserving the historic character of the buildings. 

• 824 Green Street, we created a studio unit out of an existing media room.

• 1284-1288 California Street, we converted an underutilized basement into a two-bedroom apartment

• 812 Green Street, we created a one-bedroom apartment behind the existing parking.