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.
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.
Over-the-counter (OTC) permits
You can get OTC review for projects that need less than 1 hour of plan review.
In-house permits
We review complex projects in-house, accepting them for electronic plan review (EPR) or with paper plans.
Instant online permits
Registered contractors can get electrical, plumbing, reroofing, kitchen and bath, and solar permits instantly.
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 OTC permit for your exterior residential project
Follow these instructions for doors, windows, reroofing, decks, fences, and other common exterior projects.
Get an over-the-counter permit for your commercial project
Follow our instructions 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.
Permit process to legalize existing awnings
Most fees to legalize existing awnings are being waived through July 1, 2025.
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.
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.
Prepare for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project
Decide if you want to add an ADU and prepare your application.
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 permits for current and past construction projects 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
Apply for an electrical permit
Learn when you need an electrical permit. Registered contractors can get permits 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 a kitchen or bath remodel permit
Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.
Apply for a reroofing permit
Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work.
Apply for a PTO (Permit to Operate Boiler)
Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.
Register with the City as a licensed contractor
You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register.
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
Comply with slope protection requirements for your building project
Check your construction location. You may need to provide additional reports when applying for building permits.
Comply with floodplain management requirements
Check your construction location. You may need to complete a checklist when you apply for building permits.
Resources
Permits
Accessibility requirements in San Francisco
Learn how to meet accessibility requirements in San Francisco under the Americans with Disabilities Act and find out where to get help or financial support.
Projects eligible for an Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit
Apply for your permit through Over-the-Counter (OTC) Review for faster approval of routine projects.
Check if your building permit needs plans
Most building permit applications require architectural plans.
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
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.
Programs
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
Add accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law units, or cottages to residential properties.
Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program
The ABE program has been reformed following recent updates to Ordinance No. 22-25. Please visit our new webpage to learn more: sf.gov/buildingaccessibility.
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.
Awning Fee Waiver Program
Building Occupancy Resumption Program guidelines for engineers
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.