San Francisco Permit Center
We offer in-person Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits and services for construction, business, and special events.
See our list of available in-person permits and services
Check current Permit Center wait times before you come in. Expect longer wait times during the middle of the day. Arrive in the mornings for shorter wait times at the Permit Center.
In-House permits; larger and more complicated projects are submitted directly to the Department of Building Inspections. See instructions on how to submit In-House projects
Wait times
| Queue | Wait time |
|---|---|
| Intake: OTC with plans | Closed |
| SF Planning | Closed |
| Building: Non-Structural | Closed |
| Building: Structural | Closed |
| Mechanical review | Closed |
| Electrical review | Closed |
| Fire: Plan review | Closed |
| Public Works: Permits and plan review | Closed |
| PUC: Plan review | Closed |
| Public Health: Plan review | Closed |
| Permit Processing: OTC with plans | Closed |
| Permit Processing: No plans / Trade | Closed |
| OSB Permit Center | Closed |
| Last updated: April 19 at 10:14 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.
Contact
Leave a voicemail and include your email address. We will contact you within 2 business days.
Permit Center
49 South Van Ness2nd 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
Services
Notary Services at the Permit Center
About
The Permit Center streamlines key services for improving homes and properties, opening and running a business, and planning community events.