City and County of San Francisco, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

DBI is the building permit authority for the City and County of San Francisco; this is a consolidated city-county with no separate unincorporated territory.

Department

Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco

Address

49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone

628-652-3240

Email

dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org , dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org

Website

https://www.sf.gov/departments/department-building-inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Source: Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco

General Requirements

A permit is required for virtually all building and grading construction unless explicitly exempted under Building Code Section 106A.2.

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

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.

Building code

2019/2022 San Francisco Building Code amendments to the California Building Code, plus applicable San Francisco Municipal Code provisions

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.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in permit fee tables in SFBC Section 110A and SFDBI fee tables.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based formulas in SFBC fee tables, plus additional inspection and other service fees.

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.

Penalty (no permit)

DBI collects code enforcement and related penalty fees under its fee tables.

Payment note

DBI accepts cash, checks, cards, and money orders. Convenience or service surcharges may apply to certain online filing and inspection paths.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: Exemptions do not override other ordinances or code compliance requirements. Even exempt work can still require trade permits or review by other agencies.

Inspections

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 inspection 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.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2019/2022 San Francisco Building Code amendments to the California Building Code, plus applicable San Francisco Municipal Code provisions
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• DBI Fees and Tables
• Get a Building Permit: In-House Review
• Permit Submissions
• Permit Process and Issuance
• DBI Permit Tracking System
• Property Owner and Licensed Contractor Forms
• Property Owner Disclosures
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement