SERVICE
Schedule a pre-application meeting
Optional: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.
What to know
Cost
$400 to $2,162This depends on how many City staff you need to attend and how long you need them for. Standard meetings are 2 hours.
Benefits
If you think there might be issues with your plans, talking to City staff is your chance to find out what will be allowed before you submit.
What to know
Cost
$400 to $2,162This depends on how many City staff you need to attend and how long you need them for. Standard meetings are 2 hours.
Benefits
If you think there might be issues with your plans, talking to City staff is your chance to find out what will be allowed before you submit.
What to do
Talk with City staff from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and the Fire Department before you submit.
The Planning Department offers a different pre-application meeting. See the process and requirements for a Planning pre-application meeting.
You only need to include the Fire Department if you are building 3 units or more.
1. Decide if you need a pre-application meeting
The meeting gives you a chance to ask questions before you submit your permit application.
Pre-application meetings are helpful if your project is particularly complex or you are unsure of your building permit code interpretation.
2. Fill out the pre-application packet
Include:
- A set of schematic drawings, describing existing conditions and the proposed project
- Your list of specific code-related questions
3. Send us your pre-application packet
Suite 590
San Francisco, CA 94103
4. After the meeting
You will get notes and our agreements in writing. Attach these to your building permit application.
Our decisions in the pre-application meeting are binding. When you apply for your building permit, we will use that agreement to measure your project’s compliance.
Fees
For a 2-hour meeting
Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
- Building review: $478 (mandatory)
- Mechanical review: $478
- Electrical review: $478
- If the meeting goes over 2 hours, DBI charges $239 per hour or fraction thereof
Fire (if review is required)
- Initial fee: $596
- Additional charges may apply at a rate of $149 per hour for research time prior to the meeting