San Francisco Permit Center

We are open for in-person Over the Counter permits and services.

The Permit Center will be closed on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wait times

The Permit Center uses QLess to manage customer lines and wait times.
Queue Wait time
Intake: OTC with plans 40 minutes
SF Planning 9 minutes
Building: Non-Structural 17 minutes
Building: Structural 40 minutes
Mechanical review 5 minutes
Electrical review 5 minutes
Fire: Plan review 49 minutes
Public Works: Permits and plan review 13 minutes
PUC: Plan review 5 minutes
Public Health: Plan review 5 minutes
Permit Processing: OTC with plans 38 minutes
Permit Processing: No plans / Trade 7 minutes
OSB Permit Center Closed
Last updated: November 21 at 12:07 pm

Getting here

Enter on South Van Ness and follow the signs.

Car and Bicycle Parking

Car and Bicycle Parking

Car Parking

  • 1455 Market Garage, Enter on 43 11th St. See more info.
  • 1550 Mission, Enter at 90 11th St. Call 415-638-6119.
  • 1650 Mission St, Lot #87. See more info.

Bike Racks

U racks are located on the sidewalk in front of or next to the building on:

  • South Van Ness Avenue
  • Mission Street
  • 11th Street

Accessibility

Accessibility

The building is completely ADA accessible. There are no steps to the front doors, and elevators are available inside.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)​ Safety Protocols

Coronavirus (COVID-19)​ Safety Protocols

Please note the following updates to our Health and Safety plan as of 02/14/2022:

The San Francisco Department of Public Health's safety plan states that all city employees and members of the public are not required to wear a mask, but is recommended while in the building at 49 South Van Ness, regardless of their vaccination status. We are no longer requiring social distancing or limiting occupancy at the San Francisco Permit Center. 

Please do not visit if you have:

  • Any COVID symptoms, including: Fever, Dry cough, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Headache, Loss of taste or smell, Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Chest pain or pressure, Loss of speech or movement. 
  • Tested positive for the virus in the past 10 days
  • Been in close contact with someone who has tested positive in the past 10 to 14 days

Permit Center Code of Conduct

Permit Center Code of Conduct

In order to better serve our customers, the Permit Center has an established Code of Conduct for both staff and visitors. This Code of Conduct provides ground rules for how customers and Permit Center staff can best work together.

QLess Guide for Customers

QLess Guide for Customers

The Permit Center uses a virtual queueing system called QLess so that customers no longer have to wait in a physical line.

Learn about Qless here. 

Makipag-ugnayan

Leave a voicemail and include your email address. We will contact you within 2 business days.

Permit Center

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

Mon to Tue, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Wed, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Thu to Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

View location on google maps

Tungkol sa

On the second floor of 49 South Van Ness (49SVN), the new Permit Center provides a centralized place for construction, special events, and business permitting.

The Permit Center streamlines key services for improving homes and properties, opening and running a business, and planning community events.