On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for City and County of San Francisco
A permit is required for virtually all building and grading construction unless explicitly exempted under Building Code Section 106A.2.
Small detached accessory sheds or playhouses within the code's small projected roof area limits
Limited-height fences
Amusement devices not on fixed foundations
Movable counters and partitions below listed height limits
Short retaining walls
Certain minor platform, walk, and driveway improvements
Painting, papering, and similar finish work
Small interior wallboard or plaster touch-ups
Limited non-structural replacement activities such as glazing, doors, certain reroofing conditions, and floor covering replacements in non-bathroom and non-toilet areas
- Exempt Small detached accessory sheds or playhouses within the code's small projected roof area limits
- Exempt Limited-height fences
- Exempt Amusement devices not on fixed foundations
- Exempt Movable counters and partitions below listed height limits
- Exempt Short retaining walls
- Exempt Certain minor platform, walk, and driveway improvements
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Small interior wallboard or plaster touch-ups
- Exempt Limited non-structural replacement activities such as glazing, doors, certain reroofing conditions, and floor covering replacements in non-bathroom and non-toilet areas
Note: Exemptions do not override other ordinances or code compliance requirements. Even exempt work can still require trade permits or review by other agencies.
Required documents
- Ownership and identity documentation for owners
- Proof of current ownership if recently transferred
- State contractor license documentation
- San Francisco business license for contractors
- Contractor agreement and identification where required
- Authorized-agent letters
- Completed DBI forms and checklists
- Any prerequisite agency approvals
- Building code
- 2019/2022 San Francisco Building Code amendments to the California Building Code, plus applicable San Francisco Municipal Code provisions
- Permit validity
- Permit validity is tied to completion timelines in SFBC Section 106A.4.4 / Table B. Typical allowances are 360 days for $1 to $100,000 valuation, 1,080 days for $100,001 to $2,499,999, and 1,440 days above $2,500,000; one extension may be possible.
- Owner-builder
- Permits may be obtained by an owner, licensed California contractor, or authorized agent. Owner-builders must complete DBI disclosure statements and declarations and still satisfy all code requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors generally must hold a valid California state contractor license, current workers compensation coverage where required, supporting identification, and a current San Francisco business license.
Source: Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm zoning and entitlement requirements because many projects require Planning approval before filing a DBI permit.
- 02 Complete required pre-application prerequisites such as environmental, utilities, fire, health, accessibility, and similar agency reviews before permit application.
- 03 Prepare required DBI forms and gather all required documents.
- 04 Complete the online or over-the-counter application flow and upload drawings and supporting documents.
- 05 Pay the filing fee to start formal review.
- 06 DBI reviews the submission for completeness and may request one or more corrections before plan review.
- 07 DBI and other reviewing divisions issue plan review comments and review applicant resubmissions.
- 08 Pay outstanding fees when directed, then the permit moves to issuance.
Source: Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
City and County of San Francisco building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee tables in SFBC Section 110A and SFDBI fee tables.
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based formulas in SFBC fee tables, plus additional inspection and other service fees.
03
Reinspection fee
The first reinspection for the same deficiency is generally not charged; subsequent reinspections for the same or related deficiencies are fee-based under Table 1A-G.
04
Penalty (no permit)
DBI collects code enforcement and related penalty fees under its fee tables.
DBI accepts cash, checks, cards, and money orders. Convenience or service surcharges may apply to certain online filing and inspection paths.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- DBI Permit Tracking System (online)
- 628-652-3401 (phone)
- 628-652-3400 (phone)
- dbi.onlineservices@sfgov.org (email)
- dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Automated scheduling is available 24/7. Staff phone support is generally available during daytime business hours.
- Time windows
- Permit Center scheduling windows are published on DBI pages and vary by service.
Typical sequence: Typical inspections follow the permit scope and commonly include site, rough, framing, and final inspections, with final certificate or occupancy approvals after all permit conditions are satisfied.
Source: Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about City and County of San Francisco permits
01 Do I need a building permit in City and County of San Francisco, CA? ▸
A permit is required for virtually all building and grading construction unless explicitly exempted under Building Code Section 106A.2.
02 How much does a building permit cost in City and County of San Francisco, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in City and County of San Francisco, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based formulas in SFBC fee tables, plus additional inspection and other service fees.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee tables in SFBC Section 110A and SFDBI fee tables..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in City and County of San Francisco, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in City and County of San Francisco, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and entitlement requirements because many projects require Planning approval before filing a DBI permit. 2. Complete required pre-application prerequisites such as environmental, utilities, fire, health, accessibility, and similar agency reviews before permit application. 3. Prepare required DBI forms and gather all required documents. 4. Complete the online or over-the-counter application flow and upload drawings and supporting documents. 5. Pay the filing fee to start formal review. 6. DBI reviews the submission for completeness and may request one or more corrections before plan review. 7. DBI and other reviewing divisions issue plan review comments and review applicant resubmissions. 8. Pay outstanding fees when directed, then the permit moves to issuance.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in City and County of San Francisco, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in City and County of San Francisco, CA. The following work is generally exempt: Small detached accessory sheds or playhouses within the code's small projected roof area limits; Limited-height fences; Amusement devices not on fixed foundations; Movable counters and partitions below listed height limits; Short retaining walls; Certain minor platform, walk, and driveway improvements; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Small interior wallboard or plaster touch-ups; Limited non-structural replacement activities such as glazing, doors, certain reroofing conditions, and floor covering replacements in non-bathroom and non-toilet areas. Note: Exemptions do not override other ordinances or code compliance requirements. Even exempt work can still require trade permits or review by other agencies. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in City and County of San Francisco, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in City and County of San Francisco, CA via: DBI Permit Tracking System, 628-652-3401, 628-652-3400, dbi.onlineservices@sfgov.org, dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco ↗
entry id permits/california/san-francisco/san-francisco-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.