Part of Department of Building Inspection

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 OTC 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 OTC 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.

PROPOSED - Simplified permit process for existing awnings

Mayor Breed and Supervisor Peskin have introduced legislation to simplify the permitting process for existing awnings. The legislation must be approved before the new process takes effect. Once approved, the new process will remain in effect through 12/31/23.

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 Permit projects.

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.

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.

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.

Get a permit for a solar photovoltaic system

Submit your application to install a photovoltaic (PV) system with solar panels and eligible battery storage.

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.

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.

Green Building

Fill out the Green Building forms

All building permit applications must fill out our Green Building forms.

Resources

Permits
Projects eligible for an Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit

Examples of projects you can get OTC permits for, with or without plans.
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
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 Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program ensures that San Francisco businesses welcome everybody.
Facade inspection and maintenance 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

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
Get directions

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

Phone

Request public records

Email dbi.sunshinerequests@sfgov.org to submit a request.