Most awning permit fees are waived for small businesses every May

Apply to install a new awning, replace your existing awning, sign on your awnings, or pedestrian-level lighting and get most of your permit fees waived during the month of May! This program applies to permit fees from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Planning, Fire Department, and Public Works.

“Painting a commercial awning” by Chris Wronski, CC BY-ND 2.0

About the program

Requirements

  • Small business, with 100 or fewer employees.
  • Must go through standard permit review process.
  • Application must be submitted in the month of May.

List of fees waived

Permit fees vary according to the type and amount of work being done.

 

Board of Appeals surcharges and state fees will still be assessed.

 

See a list of permit fees waived for awnings every May.

Where to apply

To install or replace an awning, an awning cover, a frame attaching an awning to a building, or pedestrian-level lighting, apply for an Over-the-counter (OTC) permit at the San Francisco Permit Center at 49 South Van Ness.

About

Since 2014, DBI and Planning Department permit review fees have been waived for replacement awnings, signs on awning replacements and pedestrian level lightning for the City’s small business owners during Small Business and Building Safety Month in May. In 2023, the fee waivers were extended to new awning installations.