What to do
1. Have a licensed building professional prepare a compliance report
The professional could be a contractor, an engineer, architect, or licensed building consultant.
The report should document how you are meeting your obligations as an owner of a vacant storefront.
2. Print and fill out the PDF application
We will ask you:
- Property owner information
- How you have secured the property against unauthorized entry
- Your future plans for the property
- Name of your fire and liability insurance provider
- Lender information if the property has a notice of default or foreclosure
3. Give us your application, documents, and payment
Include:
- Licensed building professional’s compliance report
- Vacant building PDF application
- Copy of your fire and liability insurance policy documents
- Payment — if using cashier’s check or money order, make it payable to “SF Department of Building Inspection” or “CCSF_DBI”
You can mail the packet or deliver it in-person to our office.
Department of Building Inspection
Code Enforcement Section49 South Van Ness
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94103
After you register
We will contact you to schedule an inspection to ensure the vacant building requirements are being met.
Special cases
Pending lease or sale
Pending lease or sale
You do not need to register if there is a lease or sale pending on the property. You will need to send proof documenting the lease or pending sale, like an MLS number or a copy of the lease.
Get help
Code Enforcement Section
Phone
Code Enforcement Section
Last updated October 7, 2024