File an appeal of a permit or decision

You must file an appeal within either 10, 15 or 30 days of the date the permit or determination was issued. 

You can appeal some permits and determinations, but not all.

If you have a copy of the permit or decision when you call, we can answer your questions more quickly. We can help you get the permit if you do not have it.

You have 15 calendar days to file an appeal for: 

• Building permits (with some exceptions)
• Tree removal orders
• Tobacco permits

You have 10 days to file an appeal for:

• Variances, Rear Yard Modification and Reasonable Modification decisions
• Some building permits for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) issued pursuant to the State ADU program
• Certain types of permits issued by the Entertainment Commission

You have 30 calendar days to file an appeal for:

• Any written decision by the Zoning Administrator (excluding Variance, Rear Yard, and Reasonable Modification decisions which must be appealed within 10 days of issuance). For e.g. Notices of Violations, Letters of Determination or Request for Suspensions  
• Determinations made by the Historic Preservation Commission such as a Certificate of Appropriateness or construction permits for significant or contributory buildings or buildings in conservation districts  

You must submit a copy of the departmental action being appealed, such as the permit or variance decision. We can help you get this if you do not have it.

You may submit an explanation or statement giving the reasons for the appeal. If you submit an explanation, it must be: 

• 1 page maximum
• Double spaced 
• In 12 point font 
• Not contain exhibits (evidence)

You (the appellant) may have someone else, like an agent or attorney, file an appeal for you. If someone files an appeal on your behalf, submit a written statement or email giving them authorization to file for you. 

You can file an appeal by email or phone. If you file by phone we can talk to you about deadlines and the documents you need. 

File by email

boardofappeals@sfgov.org 

Make sure you have the documents you need for your appeal.

File by phone

Make an appointment by calling 628-652-1150

If you want to file in person, email or call for an appointment. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.

Appeals usually cost:

• Building permits $175
• Planning Department decisions $600
• Most other permits or orders $300

The Board will confirm the cost of your appeal when you file. 

After you file the appeal, you will be given an appeal number.  You can enter this number at the following link Confirm Account | Board of Appeals | City and County of San Francisco (paysf.co) and pay for the appeal via credit card or check.

You can also mail a check, made payable to the Board of Appeals, to:

Board of Appeals
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 1475
San Francisco, CA 94103

All fees are due at the time the appeal is filed. Fees must be paid and are non-refundable even if the appeal is withdrawn or if the permit/determination is canceled.

If you are experiencing financial challenges, you may qualify for a waiver of the filing fees. Please review and complete the Fee Waiver Form and email it to boardofappeals@sfgov.org for approval.