San Francisco Real Estate - Residential

Converting 2 unit building to single family residence in San Francisco

A reader asks:

Is it possible to convert a 2 unit building into a single family? Related question: What about a 2 unit condominium?

Our reply:

It is very difficult to convert a 2 unit building into a single family. San Francisco politics is predisposed to tenants and not reducing the housing stock by any means. However, if the property was once a single family home and no tenants were displaced you might have a chance at the conversion. I would definitely consult with a lawyer who specializes in Planning and Building department issues. By paying for a consultation you could at least get an idea if your situation is feasible and if it is worth the time and effort necessary when you try to do any changes in occupancy in San Francisco.

If the building is 2 flats over a basement and garage, another possibility is to convert the top two floors into a single family and put the 2nd unit in the basement (or area behind the garage). Of course you have to be careful of the size of the units. The City does not always allow you to replace a 2 bedroom unit with a studio apartment. The 2nd unit usually needs to be a similar size to the previously existing unit.

I had a 2 unit building in Noe Valley, one unit on each floor and a garage underneath. I demolished that property and built a 2 story "house" in the place of the 2 apartments, then made the 2nd unit a large studio with a kitchen and bath downstairs that could also be used with the 2 story unit if the new owner wanted to do so. The buyer is using it as a single family with the studio as a family room. The architect was very good about the design so that it could be used either way.

If you want to see pictures of that property go to our website and look at sold properties-- the address is 946-948 Elizabeth Street.

If the property is a condominium I would guess that your chances are even less to get it officially designated as a single family. What some people do is use the property as a single family (convert the kitchen into a wet bar or just have an extra kitchen) but retain the 2 unit status so that when they sell it the option for separate units is still possible, thus making it more desirable.

- Janis Stone

posted by SFResidence.com @ 7:07 AM