Apply for an electrical permit

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

What to do

Log into the Electrical Permitting and Inspection Scheduling system

If you don’t have an account, you can create one by registering with the City of San Francisco as a licensed contractor.

The system will only show you permits that you can obtain under your trade license. 

The application will ask you about the planned electrical work. You can pay and immediately get your permit online.

In-Person

In-Person

Download, fill out, and print the application

We’ll also have paper copies of the application available in our office.

Department of Building Inspection

Permit Services
49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mon to Tue, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

Wed, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Thu to Fri, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm

View location on google maps

Sign into the building before 3:30 pm so we can see you the same day. 

Special cases

Solar permits

Solar permits

Homeowners

Homeowners

Only owner-installers of stand-alone single family dwellings may apply for an electrical permit to do the work themselves. Check your home’s official status in the Assessor’s map.

If you cannot demonstrate that you can do the electrical work safely, you will need to hire a licensed contractor.

  1. Complete the Homeowner’s Electrical Permit Application.
  2. Email the application to dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org. You will also need to attach documents proving you are the homeowner.
  3. We will forward the application to a DBI electrical inspector. They will schedule a call to discuss the details of your planned electrical work. 

Before covering wiring, you must have it inspected.

Get help

For issues with the online permit system

Phone

For general permitting questions

Last updated September 21, 2023