Agency
Permit Services at DBI
Permit Services of the Department of Building Inspection issues building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction-related permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.
New online electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and in-kind kitchen or bath permits are now in PermitSF.
Services
Over-the-counter building permits
Get an Over-the-Counter permit for your interior residential remodel
Follow these instructions for projects like kitchen, bath, and other interior residential remodels.
Get an Over-the-Counter permit for your exterior residential project
Follow these instructions for decks, fences and other exterior residential projects that require Over-the-Counter review.
Get an Over-the-Counter permit for your commercial project
Follow these steps to comply with our commercial construction requirements to get your building permit.
Get a building permit to do a Soft Story retrofit
Follow these instructions for Soft Story permits.
Instant online permits
Registered contractors can get solar permits and permit to operate boiler instantly.
In-house review for building permits
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.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Add accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law units, or cottages to residential properties.
Schedule a pre-application meeting
Optional: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.
Apply for your Affordable Housing and Development Agreement online
You can now submit some building permit applications online.
Get your detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plan pre-approved for future use
Apply to get your ADU plan pre-approved and added to our website.
Legalize a unit in your home
Overview of the Unit Legalization program, for units that were built before 2013 without a permit.
Permit processing
Recheck your plans for your building permit application
Recheck your plans with the plan checker from your first review. Email your plan checker to coordinate a time to meet.
Track your building permit application or property complaint
Find building permit status and history in our permit tracking system.
Gather documents for your building permit issuance
Bring these documents to get your building permit issued.
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.
Online permits
Licensed contractors: register yourself or authorized agents on PermitSF
Get a streamlined experience applying for building permits by getting an AUTH number
Apply for an electrical permit
Apply online to install, alter, extend, or add to electrical installations without plans.
Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit
Apply online for a permit to cut into or replace pipes that transport water, gas, hot air, or cool air without plans.
Apply for a kitchen or bath remodel permit
Apply online to renovate or replace kitchen or bath fixtures in-kind, with no structural work.
Apply for a reroofing permit
Apply online to replace an existing roof for residential and commercial buildings.
Apply for a PTO (Permit to Operate Boiler)
Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.
Get a permit for a solar photovoltaic system
Submit your application to install a photovoltaic (PV) system with solar panels and eligible battery storage.
At plan review
Check if your project requires a geotechnical report or third-party engineering review
Learn when your project may need a geotechnical report or heightened engineering review to protect San Francisco’s hillside properties and ensure safe construction.
Comply with floodplain management requirements
Check your construction location. You may need to complete a checklist when you apply for building permits.
Fill out the Green Building forms
All building permit applications must fill out our Green Building forms.
Resources
Permits
Where to apply for your permit
San Francisco offers multiple ways to apply for a permit based on your project.
Permit Application Timelines, Expiration and Extensions
Learn how long your permit application and issued permit remain active, what may extend those timelines and how to request more time.
Check if your building permit needs plans
Most building permit applications require architectural plans.
Accessibility requirements for buildings
Learn how to meet accessibility requirements in San Francisco under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and find out where to get help or financial support.
Building construction type definitions
Visit the Permit Center
The Permit Center offers in-person Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits and services.
Reference documents
In-House Review Forms and Applications Portal
This page features online portals and forms to apply for an In-House Review building permit.
Building permit application forms
Fill out the building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction permit forms for your project and role.
Information sheets for DBI
Documents that clarify building code implementation for various construction topics.
Current San Francisco building codes
Find the building codes that apply to your permit application. If you file on or after January 1, 2026, you must use the 2025 California Codes and the 2025 San Francisco Code Amendments. There is no grace period.
Administrative Bulletins in the SF Building Code
Administrative Bulletins document procedures followed by DBI staff.
Programs
Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) Program
The ABE program has been sunsetted following recent updates to Ordinance No. 22-25. Please visit our new webpage to learn more: sf.gov/buildingaccessibility.
Awning Fee Waiver Program
Building Occupancy Resumption Program guidelines for engineers
DBI Concrete Building Screening Program
DBI Facade Inspection and Maintenance Program
The San Francisco Building Facade and Maintenance Program requires that all buildings that are five or more stories tall be regularly inspected by a California-licensed architect or engineer. See instructions to comply with the program.
Soft Story Program information
The deadline to finish soft story work was Sept 15, 2021. See archived program details.
About
Permit Services is responsible for all steps of permit issuance, assuring that proposed construction meets all safety requirements. We provide technical support in the areas of code development and information, as well as coordinating the Building Occupancy Program.
Contact information
Address
Permit Services at DBI49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Monday to
Tuesday to
Wednesday to
Thursday to
Friday to
We are closed on public holidays. Plan Review and Print Center queues will close at 4:30pm. Payments, general questions and assistance are available until 5:00pm.