Get an OTC permit for your commercial project

The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.

Most commercial projects can be reviewed over-the-counter. Review our instructions to prepare the right forms and book a time to submit your building permit application.

(Some businesses are eligible for a 30-day review for business permits under Proposition H. See details about small business permit review in 30-days.)

Check if your project qualifies for OTC

These commercial projects qualify for over-the-counter review:

Commercial tenant improvement projects
Office or other B occupancy remodels
Power door operators
Permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance program

All commercial building projects require architectural plans. Hire a designer or architect.

Create your building project plans

Bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.

All other commercial projects must be reviewed in-house.

Fill out forms about your role on the project

We need to know your role on the project to apply for an OTC permit.

See: Who can obtain a building permit

Pick the form that applies to you.

For owners, fill out the Property Owner's Disclosures form.
For commercial tenants / business owners, fill out the owner package with the property owner's authorization.
For contractors, fill out the contractor statement.

Print them and bring them with you when apply for a building permit.

Check commercial construction requirements

Check our required processes to apply for a building permit for a commercial project.

Check commercial construction requirements

Fill out the permit application form

You will need property and construction details to fill out our building permit application.

Fill out your Over-the-Counter building permit application form

and

Fill out the Green Building form

All building permit applications must fill out our Green Building forms.

Fill out the Green Building forms

and

Fill out water use forms

For construction projects that add new water fixtures or fire sprinklers, fill out this form.

Fill out water use forms

and

Fill out the Health Plan Review form

Fill out this form to determine if your project requires Health Plan Review.

Submit your application

Time:

2 to 8 hours

Come to the Permit Center to submit your application.

If your project needs plans, bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.

You will get a building permit application number.

We will review your application, check your plans, and route your application to the required stations in person.

You may need to come back on a separate day to finish your plans.

Please note that the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is now conducting all disabled access review as part of our plan review.

Plans requiring a DBI permit that are not project managed by the Department of Public Works no longer need to go to Mayor’s Office on Disability (MOD) for accessibility review and inspection.

Project plans currently under review by MOD that are not finalized by June 30, 2023 will complete and be finalized with DBI-assigned accessibility specialists. As of July 1, 2023, new projects will be fully reviewed by DBI, including for accessibility.

MOD will continue to review projects that do not require a permit, will continue to conduct ADA Title II barrier removal inspections and provide technical assistance regarding disability access compliance and best practices, including but not limited to compliance with the American's with Disabilities Act.

Starting July 1, DBI will also be conducting disability access inspections. More information will be available soon.

and