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Building permits

Building code, permits, and inspections.

Over-the-counter (OTC) permits

The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We provide over-the-counter review for simple permit applications. Drop-in at the Permit Center to submit your application.

In-house permits

The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We review complex projects In-House. We accept In-House Projects for electronic plan review (EPR) or with paper plans.

Services

Start a building permit application

Get a building permit with In-House Review

You must have a building permit to do construction. Follow these steps for In-House Permit projects.

Schedule a pre-application meeting

Optional service: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.

Instant online building permits

Register with the City as a licensed contractor

You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register.

Apply for a boiler permit

Registered contractors can renew or apply for boiler permits online.

Apply for a plumbing permit

Registered contractors can apply for plumbing permits online.

Apply for an electrical permit

Registered contractors can apply for electric permits online.

Apply for a reroofing permit

Registered contractors can apply for reroofing permits online.

Apply for a kitchen or bath remodel permit

Registered contractors can apply for kitchen and bath remodel permits online.

Electronic plan review

Learn about our building permit review processes

We review every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.

Add our Back Check page to your plans

You must add our Back Check page PDF to submit plans in Bluebeam, our electronic plan review software.

Resubmit plans for a building permit application

Follow our instructions to upload revisions for non-licensed Bluebeam users or Mac users.

Submit addenda for your site permit

Follow our instructions to submit addenda for your EPR project.

Other services

Track your building permit application

Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system (PTS).

Schedule a building inspection

Registered contractors can schedule building inspections online.

Get a permit to build a sign

Follow our processes to fill out the right forms, prepare your plans, and come to the Permit Center.

Prepare for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project

Decide if you want to add an ADU and prepare your application.

Get your small business permits with a 30-day review

Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H.

More services

Apply for your Affordable Housing and Development Agreement online

You can now submit some building permit applications online.

Permit Center

We are open for in-person building permit services. See critical visit info and current wait times.

See hours and wait times

Electronic plan review (EPR) resources

Training materials and resource guides for building permit Electronic Plan Review.

See resources

Resources

Building permits during the coronavirus outbreak

The Department of Building Inspection and the Permit Center accept some building permit applications online.
Current building codes

The City updated building codes in 2019. The updated codes were effective January 1, 2020.
Building permit fees

The City requires you to pay building permit fees for all projects. Find the relevant fees for your project.
Fire Department plan check information

The Fire Department reviews plans for buildings with 3 or more residential units.
Water, power, sewer, and stormwater requirements

Follow these requirements to protect our water, energy efficiency, and sewer system function.
Schedule a building inspection on the phone or in-person

If you are not registered with the City, schedule your building inspection on the phone or in-person.
Plan review process in Bluebeam

Find out how we use Bluebeam to do plan reviews.
How to use Bluebeam

Find out how to use Bluebeam, our plan review software.
Complaint processes at the Department of Building Inspection

Follow our instructions to file a complaint about a building or project, or give feedback about DBI.

Related departments

Fire Department

SFFD protects San Franciscans from fires and natural disasters, through education and emergency services.

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits all construction in the City. We make sure construction is safe according to building codes.

Public Utilities Commission

SF Planning

Under the direction of the Planning Commission, we work to help guide the growth and development of our City.

Public Works