You may need approval before you:
• Remodel or construct: retail food locations, vending machines, laundromats, and animal boarding locations.
• Install or replace: cooking equipment, ventilation hoods, water heaters, plumbing, restrooms, walls, floors, or ceiling finishes.
Know the steps
1. Prepare your plans
- Get your construction plans ready for City review.
- Plans must be drawn to scale and look professional.
2. Go to the Permit Center
- Make an appointment to meet with Building Inspection.
- Follow the instructions for submitting your plan.
3. Have Public Health review your plans
- You'll be directed at the Permit Center to stations like Public Health.
- Staff will guide you in next steps.
Get help
Prepare your construction plans
Prepare your construction plans
Have your plans drawn scale and include all equipment and finish schedules.
You will be able to submit your plans for review either:
- Online
or - With printed hard copies
View our construction plan guidelines to prepare for your review.
Submit your plans
Submit your plans
The process for getting a building permit includes review by the Department of Public Health.
Submit plans in person
Visit the San Francisco Permit Center to apply for a building permit with the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
Include your construction floor plans and specifications.
Make sure "health" is included as a routing station with your application.
Or submit plans online
If you can't make it to the Permit Center, you may be able to submit your plans digitally.
Your digital documents will be routed for review with the appropriate City agencies.
Know your fee
Know your fee
The Health Department collects a fee for reviewing plans. It is separate from the Building Inspection fees.
Staff will confirm how much you owe at your appointment or after you submit documents online.
You can plan ahead by checking current fees for review of food plans.
Pay online
Visit https://myhealthdepartment.com/san-francisco
Search by invoice #
Pay in person
Pay at Counter 83 at the Permit Center.
We take check, Visa, and Mastercard.
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7 am to 4 pm
- Wednesday: 9 am to 4 pm
Pay by mail
Make check payable to SFDPH with your contact information.
Write on the memo line: "DPH Plan Check Fee for [project address]."
Mail to:
San Francisco Department of Public Health
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
Check permit status
Check permit status
After you submit all of your required documents, wait to hear back.
You can check the status of building permits online using the site address or application number.
Set up site inspections
Set up site inspections
After your plans are approved by all required City agencies, you'll need to schedule construction site inspections.
You'll want to set up a:
- Construction or Pre-final inspection
Once work is 80 percent finished (including plumbing, walls, floor, and ceiling finishes)
- Final inspection
When construction is complete
Contact your health plan reviewer at least 2 weeks in advance to set up your site inspections.
Get help at the Permit Center
Get help at the Permit Center
Visit public health counter 82 at the Permit Center to talk about your plan and what you need to submit.
Department of Public Health
Environmental HealthPermit Center
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Counters 82 and 83
San Francisco, CA 94103
Counter #82 - Plan Check
M-F: 9am - 3pm
Counter #83 - Cashier Clerk
M/T/Th/F: 7:30am - 4pm
W: 9am - 4pm
Program contacts
Program contacts
Rochelle Veloso: 415-252-3809
Joanna Huber: 415-252-3858
Luz Brown: 415-252-3958
Kristine Der: 415-252-3871
Sharon Aguila-Leonard: 415-252-3861
Antoinette Flores: 415-252-3946
Doug Obana: 415-252-3993
Food Safety program
View the numbers listed in program contacts to reach a specific person.