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Building permits

Building code, permits, and inspections.

Over-the-counter (OTC) permits

The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We provide over-the-counter review for simple permit applications. Drop-in at the Permit Center to submit your application.

In-house permits

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We review complex projects In-House. DBI has transitioned to 100% Electronic Plan Review for In-House projects. For more information, please scroll down and click on the “Electronic plan review resources” link below.

Services

Start a building permit application

Get a building permit with In-House Review

You must have a building permit to do construction. Follow these steps for In-House Review permit applications.

Schedule a pre-application meeting

Optional: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.

Instant online building permits

Register with the City as a licensed contractor

You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register.

Apply for a PTO (Permit to Operate Boiler)

Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.

Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit

See when you need a plumbing or mechanical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.

Apply for an electrical permit

Learn when you need an electrical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.

Apply for a reroofing permit

Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work.

Apply for a kitchen or bath remodel permit

Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.

Electronic plan review

Learn about our building permit review processes

We review every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.

Add our Back Check page to your plans

You must add our Back Check page PDF to submit plans in Bluebeam, our electronic plan review software.

Resubmit plans for a building permit application

Follow our instructions to upload revisions for non-licensed Bluebeam users or Mac users.

Submit construction addenda for your Site Permit

Follow our instructions to submit construction addenda to the Site Permit.

Other services

Track your building permit application or property complaint

Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system.

Prepare for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project

Decide if you want to add an ADU and prepare your application.

Get your small business permits with a 30-day review

Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H.

Apply for your Affordable Housing and Development Agreement online

You can now submit some building permit applications online.

Get a permit to install a sign or an awning

Follow our processes to fill out the right forms, prepare your drawings, and come to the Permit Center.

Resubmit a building permit for new housing using the City's streamlined process

You can withdraw and resubmit a building permit application for new housing that was originally filed before 1/1/24 to benefit from the City’s streamlined review process and enhanced legal protections. The new process and protections are the result of Mayor Breed's housing permitting efficiency initiatives and state bills AB 2234 and AB 1114.

More services

Track your building complaint

Search complaints by address or complaint number.

Withdraw an appeal with the Board of Appeals

For appellants who wish to withdraw their appeals.

Permit Center

We are open for in-person building permit services. See critical visit info and current wait times.

See hours and wait times

News

Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication

Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication

Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication

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Events

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Electronic plan review (EPR) resources

Training materials and resource guides for building permit Electronic Plan Review.

See resources

Resources

Building permit application forms

Fill out the building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction permit forms for your project and role.
Current San Francisco building codes

2022 SF and CA Codes are effective for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.
Fees for the Department of Building Inspection

Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.
Fire Department plan check information

The Fire Department reviews plans for buildings with 3 or more residential units.
Water, power, sewer, and stormwater requirements

Follow these requirements to protect our water, energy efficiency, and sewer system function.
Plan review process in Bluebeam

We have transitioned to 100% Electronic Plan Review for In-House projects.
Find out how the City uses Bluebeam to do plan reviews.
How to use Bluebeam

Find out how to use Bluebeam, our plan review software.
Giving feedback about the Department of Building Inspection (DBI)

For language access or giving feedback about a specific employee.

Departments

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

SF Planning

Under the direction of the Planning Commission, we work to help guide the growth and development of our City.

Public Utilities Commission

We provide drinking water and wastewater services to San Francisco and hydroelectric and solar power to municipal departments.

Fire Department

SFFD protects San Franciscans from fires and natural disasters, through education and emergency services.

Public Works

We are one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget.