San Francisco launches ADU permit assistance and modifies five bus routes | The Locally Times
The city opened an ADU permit check program on June 18, while SFMTA began using larger buses on five routes, causing service delays.
San Francisco launched the ADU Permit check RoundTable on June 18, 2026, to assist residents with building accessory dwelling units. The program provides guidance for converting garages, basements, and backyards into housing. Property owners may also use a new online development impact fee calculator to estimate project costs before filing applications. These resources follow the January 12, 2026, implementation of the Family Zoning Plan, which allows for increased residential density. ## Regulatory Changes State law now mandates 18-month entitlement extensions for eligible housing projects in San Francisco. This requirement provides additional time for construction completion. Certain projects may qualify for a ministerial, non-discretionary check, which bypasses traditional public hearing requirements. The city's planning documents do not specify the total number of ADU permits issued since January 12, nor do they detail the specific density requirements or zoning code modifications associated with the Family Zoning Plan. ## Transit Service Changes Effective June 18, 2026, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), the department that manages city bus and rail transit, replaced 30-foot buses with 40-foot vehicles on five routes: the 35 Eureka, 36 Teresita, 37 Corbett, 39 Coit, and 56 Rutland. The SFMTA reports that these larger buses require route modifications because they cannot safely handle narrow streets or tight turns on these specific lines. Residents in Visitacion Valley, Glen Park, and North Beach should expect longer wait times and inconsistent service. The SFMTA states that arrival predictions for stops near these routes may be inaccurate, and personnel will be stationed at stops during peak morning and evening periods to assist commuters. For residents with disabilities, the city provides the Essential Trip Card, which covers two to three round trips by taxi at 20% of the cost of a standard cab fare. ## Key Questions **How can I get help with my ADU project?** The city launched the ADU Permit check RoundTable to provide guidance for residents creating housing in basements, garages, or backyards. **Will the new bus route changes affect my commute?** Starting June 18, 2026, the 35, 36, 37, 39, and 56 bus routes are using larger 40-foot buses, which has led to route modifications, longer wait times, and potentially inaccurate arrival predictions at stops in Visitacion Valley, Glen Park, and North Beach.