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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.

How it works
Qualify
 
Review our list to see if your project qualifies for OTC review.
Plans
 
Check if you need plans.
Find forms
 
See our required forms for your project.
Fill out forms
 
Follow our instructions to fill out the forms for your project.
Apply
 
Come to the Permit Center.

Services

Find your project type

Get an OTC permit for your interior residential remodel

Follow these instructions for projects like kitchen, bath, and other interior residential remodels.

Get an OTC permit for your exterior residential project

Follow these instructions for doors, windows, reroofing, decks, fences, and other common exterior projects.

Get an OTC permit for your commercial project

Follow our instructions to comply with our commercial construction requirements to get your building permit.

Get a building permit to do a Soft Story retrofit

Follow these instructions for Soft Story permits.

Get a permit to install a sign or an awning

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

Permit process to legalize existing awnings

Most fees to legalize existing awnings are being waived through July 1, 2025.

Permit process for existing laundromat alterations

Follow this simplified process to get a permit for alterations to existing laundromats

Submit an application

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

Most building applications require a Form 3/8, also known as the pink form.

Permit processing

Recheck your plans for your building permit application

Recheck your plans with the plan checker from your first review. Email your plan checker to coordinate a time to meet.

Track your building permit application or property complaint

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

Gather documents for your building permit issuance

Bring these documents to get your building permit issued.

Unissued Extension or Withdrawal Form

Request to extend or withdraw your unissued building permit application

Instant online OTC permits

Apply for a reroofing permit

Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work.

Apply for a kitchen or bath remodel permit

Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.

Related permits

Get a fire-only permit

We are open for fire-only scopes of work.

Get a street space permit

Apply for a permit to use part of the street or sidewalk for building construction and other construction related work.

Plant a street tree

Get a permit to plant a tree on the sidewalk.

Get your small business permits with a 30-day review

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

Open at the Permit Center

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

See hours and wait times

Resources

Over-the-Counter Permits
Projects eligible for an Over-the-Counter (OTC) permit

Examples of projects you can get OTC permits for, with or without plans.
DBI Staff Directory
DBI Staff Directory

DBI Staff Telephone and Email Directory

Departments

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

SF Planning

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

Public Works

We are one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget.

Public Utilities Commission

We provide drinking water and wastewater services to San Francisco and hydroelectric and solar power to municipal departments.

Fire Department

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