Get an OTC permit for your exterior residential project
Follow these instructions for doors, windows, reroofing, decks, fences, and other common exterior projects.
The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.
Most exterior residential 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.
If you are a registered contractor, you can apply reroofing permits online.
If your project is not eligible for OTC review, follow these steps for in-house review.
Check if your project qualifies for OTC
These exterior projects qualify for over-the-counter review:
- Windows
- Exterior doors
- Garage doors replacement
- Re-roofing
- Minor dry rot repairs
Decks, stairs, and fences
- Exterior siding repairs or replacement
- Repairing decks and stairs (less than 50%)
- Decks less than 10 feet above grade that meet Planning setbacks
- Roof decks in buildable area that meet Planning setbacks
- Fences taller than 6 feet in side or rear yard (max of 10 feet) or taller than 3 feet in front yard
(Shorter fences do not require a permit.)
Check if your project needs plans
You need plans if your project includes:
- New windows and exterior doors
- Decks less than 10 feet above grade that meet planning setbacks
- Roof decks in buildable area that meet planning setbacks
- Fences
Hire a designer, architect, or engineer to prepare your plans.
Create your building project plans
Bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.
Email techq@sfgov.org is you are not sure if your project needs plans.
Check if your project needs Planning review
The SF Planning Department reviews plans to make sure they meet Planning Codes. Go to the Property Information Map
If you need plans, you can reference Planning’s Plan Submittal Guidelines.
Fill out forms about your role on the project
We need to know your role on the project to apply for an OTC permit.
Pick the form that applies to you.
- For owners, fill out the owner package.
- For contractors, fill out the contractor statement.
- For authorized agents, fill out the authorized agent form.
Print them and bring them with you when apply for a building permit.
Fill out the permit application form
You will need property and construction details to fill out our building permit application.
Fill out the Green Energy form
All building permit applications must fill out our Green Energy forms.
Submit your application
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.
Recheck your plans
You may need to update your plans to address plan check comments.
After you address plan check comments, recheck your plans with the plan checker from your first review. Schedule with your plan checker by email.
Get related permits
During your permit review process, you may also need to:
- Get a street space permit
- Apply for trades permits
For registered contractors, use instant online permits for electrical and plumbing.
Pay your fees and get your job card
Use our checklist of what to bring to get your job card for an issued permit.
You must have your job card before you can start construction.
Post your construction document at the construction site.
Call or email us to schedule the appropriate inspections during your construction project.
Last updated May 19, 2022