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.

View of the middle of a street with tall buildings on both sides. The Bay Bridge can be seen between buildings.

“San Francisco street during the day” by Chris Clogg, CC0

Building permit services

We issue permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.

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Inspection Services

We inspect buildings for compliance with code requirements and permit scope, and respond to building complaints.

Code enforcement

We investigate complaints of building code violations and compel building owners to fix the violations.

Records management

We maintain and provide copies of records of buildings, including plans, permit applications, and job cards.

Services

Track your building permit application or property complaint

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

Contractors: Schedule inspections online for your permitted work

Contractors can sign into their DBI account to schedule a building, electrical, or plumbing inspection.

Report a building problem

File a complaint about construction, electrical, plumbing, living conditions, or disability access.

News

Department of Building Inspection Meeting Updates

June 1, 2023

Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication

May 25, 2023

Department of Building Inspection News Release

May 24, 2023

See more news

Events

There are no upcoming events right now.

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Resources

Codes and published guidance

Current San Francisco building codes

2022 SF and CA Codes are effective for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.

Administrative Bulletins in the SF Building Code

Administrative Bulletins document procedures followed by DBI staff.

Information sheets for DBI

Documents that clarify building code implementation for various construction topics.

Reference

Fees for the Department of Building Inspection

Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.

Development Impact Fees

The city charges impact fees on new development projects to provide public services to the new building.

BuildingEye

See a map of DBI, Planning, and Fire permit activity.

What to expect during construction in your neighborhood

Construction hours, noise, street parking, and other info.

About

Under the direction and management of the seven-member citizen Building Inspection Commission, to oversee the effective, efficient, fair and safe enforcement of the City and County of San Francisco 's Building, Housing, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes, along with the Disability Access Regulations.

Learn more about us

Divisions