Check if your building permit needs plans

We must review every building permit application for the life safety and building code compliance.

“No plans” projects

These projects do not require plans:

• Replace windows that are the same size and same locations
• Replace garage doors
• Replace doors
• Replace or repair exterior siding
• Re-roofing
• Repair less than 50% of a deck and exterior stairs and without adding any new firewalls
• Minor dry rot repairs
• Remodel a kitchen or bathroom without changing the floor plan, moving walls, or adding a new shower or bathtub

If your permit does not need plans, you can apply over-the-counter.

See San Francisco Building Code Section 106 A.2

All other projects require architectural plans. Follow our instructions to create PDFs of your plans.