Projects eligible for an Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit

Over-the-Counter permits without plans include (but are not limited to):

• Re-roofing
• In-kind skylight replacement (same size and location)
• In-kind repair decks and/or stairs (less than 50%)
• Replacement windows (same size and same location)
• Replacement garage doors (same size and same location)
• In-kind minor dry rot repair
• In-kind exterior siding repair and/or replacement
• In-kind kitchen remodel (no changes to the floor plan or walls)
• In-kind bathroom remodel (no change to the floor plan or walls)
• Exploratory work to determine depth of footing, stud size/spacing, floor/roof joist size and direction. (Holes to be filled with slurry, and finishes to be replaced with the same fire resistance rating)
• Replacement of wall finishes in R-3 occupancies complying with SFEBC Section 503.11.1
• Bolting down existing foundation and/or adding plywood panels to crawl space/1st floor garage area (not complying with DBI Information Sheet IS-09)

Over-the-Counter permits with plans include (but not limited to):

• Kitchen remodel (changing layout or removing walls)
• Bathroom remodel (changing layout or removing walls)
• Residential interior remodel (changing floor plans or walls)
• Repairing decks and/or stairs (more than 50%)
• New windows and/or exterior doors in new locations
• New skylights in new locations
• Decks less than 20 feet above grade that meet Planning Department setbacks
• Sign permits
• Single story non-structural commercial tenant improvement projects
• Permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program
• Installation of power door operators
• Voluntary structural strengthening
• Disability access barrier removal projects
• Small to medium projects that do not require Planning Department neighborhood notification
• Fences taller than 6 feet in side or rear yard and/or fences taller than 3 feet in front yard
• Exterior façade work, visible from street, that involves changes in finishes (for example, stucco to siding, wood to vinyl siding, and others)
• New mechanical equipment installed inside or outside the building
• Storefront security gates (excluding some preservation districts)
• Residential security gates at entry doors and/or window security bars, grills, and/or grates
• Replacement of wall finishes in occupancies other than R-3 occupancies
• New washer, dryer, and/or laundry sink hookups in new/existing areas within the existing building
• In-kind replacement of garage slab (no ceiling height changes) although note that saw-cutting SOG to repair/replace sewer lines does not require plans
• Brace and bolt per DBI Information Sheet S-09

Projects that require in-house review include (but are not limited to):

• Change of use tenant improvements that involve Family Day Care,“E” occupancies, and Laboratory uses
• Serial permitting that continues to increase the scope of the initial remodel
• Foundation replacements and/or seismic upgrades when there is a prior permit, for further expansion, under review
• Remodels that are subject to the Slope and Seismic Hazard Zone Protection Act, Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area, and Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area
• Excavation projects that expands the below grade footprint
• Extensive residential remodels that changes the gravity load carrying members
• Extensive residential remodels that requires a mandatory seismic upgrade on all levels
• Special (non-conventional) foundation systems including but not limited to: tie backs, deep foundations, and/or complex shoring systems
• Extensive commercial tenant improvements that changes the gravity load carrying members
• Tower Crane installation permits
• Adding and/or removal of unit
• ADU or unit legalization
• Advertising Billboard removal
• Change of use from partial restaurant to full restaurant
• Housing projects
• MOU projects
• Revision permit to remove sprinkler from Issued Building Permit
• Revision to Site permit
• Creation and/or legalization of one or more housing units