Permit Center services

We offer the following over the counter services and permits for construction, business, and special events.

Permit Center hours of operation

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm 
Wednesday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

*Limited hours for the following counters: 

  • Office of Small Business (OSB) 
    • Weekdays: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Technical Services Division (DBI) 
    • Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 11:30 am; Weds 9:00 am to 11:30 am
  • Environmental Health OTC Plan Review (DPH)
    • Weekdays: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Public Works: Urban Forestry (PW)
    • Mon 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
    • Tues, Weds, Thur, Fri: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
    • Closed daily from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
  • SF Recreations and Parks (RPD)  
    • Thursday and Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 
    • Special Events, Films, and Weddings - by Appointment Only
  • The Print Center
    • Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Weds 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Closed for lunch from 1:00pm to 1:30pm daily. 

Over the Counter (OTC) without plans

Submit your over-the-counter no plans project in person. Remember to bring your application and completed forms with supporting documents with you. Each customer may submit a maximum of two OTC No Plans applications per review. Email DBI techq@sfgov.org if you are uncertain whether your project requires plans. See additional information on OTC projects

Over the Counter (OTC) with plans 

We offer drop-in service for Over the Counter (OTC) with plans projects.  

Each customer may submit a maximum of one application per review.

See additional information on OTC projects.

Over the Counter (OTC) Fire-Only

Submit your OTC fire and life safety projects by following the above OTC with plans process. 

For additional questions: (628) 652-3472

Or visit SFFD Plan Review.

Trade Permits (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Solar)

Apply for the following Trade Permit online if you are a licensed contractor with an online DBI account:

You may also apply in person, an appointment is not required. Limit 3 applications per review.

Email DBI for additional questions at dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org visit SF DBI.

Technical Services Division (DBI)

General questions and assistance with the San Francisco Building Code.

*Counter Hours; Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 11:30 am; Weds 9:00 am to 11:30 am

Email for assistance at techq@sfgov.org

Key Programs Counter (DBI)

Form submittal for the following programs, please contact the programs directly if you have questions:  

*Counter Hours; Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Weds 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

SF Public Works (BSM)

BSM provides the following Over the Counter (OTC) construction services in person.

  • Street Space permit
  • Sidewalk Repair permit
  • Inspection Right-of-Way Conformity 
  • General BSM permitting questions
  • Acceptance of documents for a permit under review (Bonds, insurance, etc)
  • Acceptance of payments for permits via check or credit card. Cash will not be accepted. 
  • Limit 3 applications per review

In-house and commercial permits for BSM are only accepted via the online portal /email and will not be accepted at the Permit Center. 

Email Public Works for additional questions at streetspace@sfdpw.org or visit SF Public Works.

SF Public Works Urban Forestry (BUF)

BUF provides the following services and permits.

All applications for tree planting, tree removal, sidewalk landscaping, and tree protection will be accepted. Online submission is preferred.

  • In some cases, tree planting and landscaping can be issued OTC. Email for questions. 
  • Payment accepted for all invoices issued by the BUF; application fees for applications that have already been submitted
  • General inquiries and questions

Permits not issued OTC and accepted via online/email/ by phone:

  • Tree Removal: Requires physical inspection and notice

Counter Hours:

  • Mon 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Tues, Weds, Thur, Fri: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Closed daily from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Email urbanforestry@sfdpw.org  or phone at 628-652-8773

SF Planning Consultation Services

SF Planning provides in-person consultation service for the following:

  • General Land Use and Zoning 
  • SF Planning Code 
  • Neighborhood plan or area plan
  • General questions and assistance

An appointment is not required.

Email SF Planning for additional questions at pic@sfgov.org or visit SF Planning 

SF Department of Public Health (DPH)

SF DPH provides the following services at the Permit Center. An appointment is not required.

* Environmental Health OTC plan review; weekdays: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Environmental Health in-person general assistance is available during the Permit Center's hours of operation. 

  • Applications and payments
  • Appointments
  • General questions 

Email SF DPH for additional questions at EnvHealth.DPH@sfdph.org or visit SF DPH Environmental Health.

SF Recreation and Park Department (RPD)

Over the Counter Permits and Services

Thursday and Friday Only, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Services Offered: Picnic and Athletic Field Reservations, Clubhouse and Gymnasium Rental Information, Proof of Residency Verification, Payment Processing 

Special Events, Film, and Weddings - by Appointment Only 

To make a payment or to request an in-person appointment, please contact 

  • Our Call Center at (415) 831-5500 (Mon thru Fri 10:00 AM to 2:000 PM)
  • Email: RPDReservations@sfgov.org 
  • Contact you permit coordinator to schedule an appointment    

All permits are available online at www.sfrecpark.org

For Telephone Assistance, 415-831-5500
Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with exception of City holidays 

Email: RPDReservations@sfgov.org

Office of Small Business (OSB)

OSB provides the following services at the Permit Center:

  • Field permitting inquiries from small businesses and route customers to the appropriate agencies for additional support
  • Assist customers with understanding the overall journey for their permitting needs
  • Serve as the main point of contact for customers who require services from several agencies
  • Provide proactive follow-up and updates to customers
  • Provide general small business assistance on City resources (e.g. First Year Free, grant programs, Accessible Business Entrance program requirements)
  • Organizing and coordinating information sessions (virtual or in-person) on frequently asked permitting questions for small businesses

*Service Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 to 4:00 pm, with the exception of holidays

For Telephone Assistance, 415-554-6134
Email at sfosb@sfgov.org

The Print Center

The Print Center provides a convenient, fast, low-cost solution for out customers' most common printing, copying, and scanning needs. 

Now open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays.  The Print Center is closed for lunch 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm daily. 

Last updated March 22, 2024