Request an exemption from the Accessible Business Entrance program

See if you are eligible for an exemption and submit your request.

What to do

1. See if you are eligible for an exemption

You may request an exemption from these requirements if you are a:

  • Religious organization (a place that is either owned by or leased to a religious organization that serves the public)
  • Private club (a nonprofit organization with a selective membership process that excludes the general public from its activities)
  • Not a place of public accommodation (you don’t provide goods or services to the public either for free or for sale)
  • Newly constructed building with a building permit form (Form 1 /2) filed on or after January 1, 2002

You can also request an exemption if your property is a:

  • Residential building
  • Live/work unit
  • Commercial condo above the ground floor

2. Fill out the form

Fill out all 3 sections of the pre-screening form to request your exemption.

Section 1: Administrative information

Include:

  • Block/lot number
  • Building address
  • Owner name and contact info
  • Tenant/agent name and contact info

Section 2: Exemptions

Section 2 explains each of the 4 exemptions.

You must provide this information to prove your eligibility:

  • Tax-exempt status and address for religious organizations or private clubs
  • Building address for establishments that are not places of public accommodation
  • Your building permit application number filed on or after January 1, 2002 for newly constructed buildings

Section 3: Signature

Sign and date the form. Check the box that best describes your relationship to the property.

3. Submit your request for exemption

Submit your form online.

In-Person

In-Person

Bring a printed copy of your completed form to:

Key Programs Desk
Department of Building Inspection
49 South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

Mail

Mail

Mail a printed copy to:

Disability Access Compliance Unit
Department of Building Inspection
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94103

Get help

Phone

DBI's Technical Services Division

Department of Building Inspection

Technical Services Division
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94103

Last updated August 22, 2022