Sf Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

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San Francisco permit action guide

Choose the Correct Permit Route, Clear Multi-Agency Review and Close Every DBI Inspection

San Francisco does not use one universal application route for every construction project. Simple work may qualify for an instant online or Over-the-Counter permit, while new buildings, additions, structural alterations, ADUs and multi-agency projects generally require In-House Review.

PermitSF now handles specific online applications—including in-kind door, window and siding replacements and fire-alarm or sprinkler permits—but it does not replace every DBI, Planning or Permit Center workflow.

PermitSF vs. instant, OTC and In-House Review
Current July 2026 fees and January 2026 codes
Inspection scheduling, records and final sign-offs
Open Official Building Permits Choose My Permit Route
San Francisco plans moving through permit routing, city review and inspections An animated Golden Gate Bridge, electronic plan, permit routes and final approval explain the San Francisco building permit process. SAN FRANCISCO PERMIT ROUTE PLANNING • DBI • FIRE • PUBLIC WORKS CHOOSE ROUTE PermitSF • OTC • IN-HOUSE INSTANT CONTRACTOR PERMIT INSPECTION SCHEDULE • PAY • FINAL ISSUED FORM + PLANS ALL SIGN-OFFS COMPLETE
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New 2026 code cycle—with no grace period Building permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 must use the 2025 California Codes and the 2025 San Francisco amendments. Plans prepared under the previous code cycle may need substantial revision.
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PermitSF is only one part of the system Use PermitSF for the specific applications available there. Use DBI instant contractor permits, the Permit Center Over-the-Counter process or electronic In-House Review for other projects.
Start Here Contact Permit Route How to Apply Project Type Forms Plan Files Agency Review Fees Inspections Records FAQs
Start here

Choose the San Francisco Building Permit Task You Need

📝 Apply for a building permit Compare PermitSF, instant permits, Over-the-Counter and In-House Review. 💻 Open PermitSF Apply for supported door, window, siding, fire and other available digital permits. 🔎 Search permit history Search DBI records by address, permit application number, block or lot. 📅 Schedule an inspection Book and pay for building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections. ⚡ Get an instant contractor permit Registered contractors can obtain qualifying trade, reroofing, remodel and solar permits. 🏢 Use Over-the-Counter review Follow the in-person route for qualifying minor residential or commercial projects. 📐 Start In-House Review Use electronic review for new construction, structural work and multi-agency projects. ⚠️ Report unsafe housing Use the Housing Inspection route for substandard living conditions or housing-code problems.

San Francisco Permit Route Finder

Select the project or problem to see the strongest first route.

Official contact panel

San Francisco DBI Address, Phone, Email and Permit Center Hours

DBI customer service 628-652-3200 General permit, code and department assistance
Customer service email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org Include the address and application number
Permit-processing support dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org Issuance, unissued extension and permit-processing requests
Permit Center 49 South Van Ness Avenue Second floor, San Francisco, CA 94103
Monday hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Check individual counter limitations
Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Over-the-Counter plan review generally ends by 4:30 PM
Automated inspections 628-652-3401 Voice Inspection Scheduling System, available 24/7
Door/window/siding inspections 628-652-3625 Weekdays, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Visit early for Over-the-Counter review. Join the correct QLess queue before arriving or immediately after entering the Permit Center. A listed closing time does not guarantee that a full queue will accept another customer.
Check Hours by Counter Open the QLess Guide
The most important decision

Choose the Correct San Francisco Permit Route

Route
Best for
How it works
Main warning
PermitSF
Permit types currently available in the PermitSF catalog
Create an online account, complete the record, add guests and upload required files
Only one person can be the primary applicant; PermitSF does not handle every DBI project
Instant online permit
Qualifying electrical, plumbing/mechanical, reroofing, kitchen/bath and solar work
A licensed contractor registered with San Francisco submits and pays online
Structural work, plan-required work and expanded scope do not qualify
Over-the-Counter
Qualifying small residential or commercial alteration projects
Prepare Form 3/8 and plans when required, then join the Permit Center QLess queues
Planning, Fire, Public Works or other review can prevent same-day issuance
In-House Review
New buildings, additions, major structural work, ADUs, demolition, grading and multi-agency projects
Submit the application online and complete 100% electronic plan review through Bluebeam
A completeness check occurs before full routing and review
Site permit
Large or complex projects that separate site/design approval from detailed addenda
Pay the site-permit fee and complete the required department reviews
A site permit alone does not authorize construction; approved addenda and permit issuance remain required
Do not force a complex project into a faster permit route. An instant or OTC permit can be cancelled, corrected or routed to In-House Review when the plans reveal structural work, façade changes, added area, occupancy changes or additional agency review.
Complete application workflow

Apply for a San Francisco Building Permit Step by Step

Research property and Planning rules
Select the correct permit route
Prepare form and coordinated plans
Complete completeness check
Clear all agency reviews
Pay and obtain issuance
Inspect and obtain final completion

Search the address, block and lot

Use the DBI Permit Tracking System and Planning Property Information Map to identify prior permits, complaints, zoning, historic status and known property constraints.

Save: Street address, block/lot, building use, occupancy, unit count and previous permit numbers.

Confirm the Planning path before drawing the final design

Check legal use, unit count, height, bulk, setbacks, rear-yard rules, exterior changes, historic resources and neighborhood-notification requirements.

Select the permit route and application form

Use PermitSF, an instant contractor permit, OTC review or In-House Review. Choose Form 1/2, 3/8, 4/7, 5 or 6 based on the project.

Prepare one coordinated scope of work

The description on the application, cover sheet, contractor proposal and plans must agree. Include demolition, structural, accessibility, fire, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work.

Prepare electronic plans correctly

For In-House Review, submit drawings as one PDF, plotted at full 1:1 scale from the authoring software. Include bookmarks, sheet numbers and a clear title block.

Pass the completeness check

DBI checks the application and plan package before routing it to every required department.

Common intake failures: Missing form fields, inconsistent unit count, incorrect address, incomplete plans, missing signatures or a scope that does not match the drawings.

Track every reviewing department

DBI, Planning, Fire, Public Works, Public Utilities, Public Health and other agencies can appear on the same permit route.

Respond to comments in one coordinated resubmittal

Use a response letter, identify each revised sheet and include the required Back Check page when resubmitting through Bluebeam.

Gather issuance documents

Provide contractor or owner-builder forms, license information, workers’ compensation documents, final valuation and any remaining agency sign-offs.

Pay the fee and obtain formal issuance

Approval does not authorize work until DBI issues the permit. Download or collect the permit, job card and approved plans.

Complete inspections without concealing work

Schedule the required building and trade inspections, keep approved plans on site and resolve corrections before requesting the next stage.

Confirm every final sign-off

The project is not complete until all related permits, special inspections, agency approvals and final occupancy requirements are accepted.

Project permit finder

Match the Project to the Correct San Francisco Permit Path

Project
Likely route
Prepare before applying
Extra review to check
New residential or commercial building
Form 1/2 In-House Review
Site, architectural, structural, civil, energy, accessibility and life-safety plans
Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC, Public Health, environmental review and address assignment
Addition or major structural alteration
Form 3/8 In-House Review
Existing/proposed plans, structural calculations, elevations and full scope
Planning, historic, neighborhood notification, accessibility and Fire
Minor interior residential remodel
OTC or instant permit
Existing/proposed layout, fixture changes, contractor and valuation
Structural percentage, unit count, egress and fire-rated construction
Qualifying kitchen or bathroom remodel
Instant contractor permit
Licensed registered B or qualifying contractor and eligible scope
Wall relocation, structural work, unit changes and required plans
Reroofing with no structural replacement
Instant reroofing permit
Roof area, stories, materials, contractor and existing layers
Structural components, roof deck, equipment and solar coordination
In-kind door, window or siding replacement
PermitSF
Existing/proposed product, dimensions, location and applicant information
Historic resource, façade change, altered opening or non-in-kind work
Accessory dwelling unit
ADU permit review
Architectural, structural, energy, accessibility and utility plans
State or Local ADU program, unit legalization and Planning review
Residential R-3 solar installation
Digital S Permit
Registered electrical contractor, array layout, structural and electrical details
Battery, service upgrade, roof work and Fire review
Fire alarm or sprinkler work
PermitSF online
System plans, equipment, calculations and licensed contractor
San Francisco Fire Department review and inspections
Commercial tenant improvement
OTC or In-House Review
Use, occupancy, exits, accessibility, Fire and MEP plans
Planning use, Public Health, change of occupancy and exterior signs
Sign
Form 4/7
Location, dimensions, structural attachment, illumination and materials
Planning sign controls, historic review and electrical permit
Grading or excavation
Form 5
Civil, soils, excavation, shoring, erosion and environmental information
Public Works, Public Health Maher review, PUC and Fire
Full demolition
Form 6
Demolition plan, utility shutdown, hazardous-material and site-protection details
Planning, historic-resource review, environmental review and address changes
Application form decoder

Use the Correct San Francisco DBI Form

Form 1/2

New construction

Use for a new residential or commercial building.

Form 3/8

Additions, alterations and repairs

Most work involving an existing structure uses this application.

Form 4/7

Signs

Use for applicable sign installation, alteration or structural work.

Form 5

Grading and excavation

Use for qualifying site excavation and grading permits.

Form 6

Demolition

Use for demolition of an entire building or structure.

Supplemental permits

Electrical, plumbing and mechanical

Trade permits remain separate even when the work appears on building plans.

Partial demolition: Removing only part of a building generally uses a Form 3/8 building permit rather than a full Form 6 demolition permit.

Open Official Application Forms

Over-the-Counter decision box

Check Whether the Project Is Truly Eligible for OTC Review

Projects that may qualify

  • Minor residential interior alteration
  • Qualifying exterior residential work
  • Limited dry-rot repair
  • Small deck or stair repair
  • Nonstructural tenant improvement
  • Minor mechanical work needing plans
  • Simple code-compliance correction
  • Scope eligible under the official OTC guides

Projects likely routed In-House

  • New construction
  • Added floor area
  • Major structural alteration
  • Structural work affecting more than the OTC threshold
  • ADU or added dwelling unit
  • Change of occupancy
  • Complex historic or Planning review
  • Multiple unresolved agency reviews
Same-day review is not the same as same-day issuance. A plan checker may approve the DBI portion while Planning, Fire, Public Works, Health or another agency remains outstanding.
Interior Residential OTC Guide Exterior Residential OTC Guide
Electronic plan-review readiness

Prepare Bluebeam-Compatible Plans That Pass Intake

Plan requirement
Strong submission
Common delay
Drawing package
Submit drawings as one coordinated PDF
Uploading individual unorganized sheets
Scale
Plot or print at full 1:1 scale from the authoring software
Scanned sheets or drawings with unusable scale
Page organization
Use bookmarks, sheet numbers and readable titles
Pages that cannot be navigated quickly
Existing conditions
Clearly label existing, demolition and proposed work
Plans that make the reviewer guess what changes
Scope
Match the application description, valuation and all plan sheets
Different scopes on the form and drawings
Unit and occupancy data
Use consistent legal unit count, occupancy and building use
Conflicts with DBI or Planning records
Professional stamps
Include required California architect or engineer signatures and seals
Submitting design-professional work without the required stamp
Resubmittal
Include the DBI Back Check page and a point-by-point response letter
Uploading revised plans with no response trail

Cover-sheet information

  • Project address and block/lot
  • Owner and applicant
  • Scope of work
  • Existing and proposed occupancy
  • Building use and construction type
  • Number of stories and units
  • Applicable code editions
  • Drawing index

Common supporting documents

  • Structural calculations
  • Energy documents
  • Green-building documents
  • Accessibility checklist
  • Special-inspection statement
  • Geotechnical report
  • Historic-resource materials
  • Environmental or agency approvals
How to Create Plan PDFs Electronic Plan Review Resources
Multi-agency routing

DBI Approval Is Only One Part of Many San Francisco Permits

Department
What it reviews
Common project trigger
What to prepare
Department of Building Inspection
Building, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, housing and accessibility codes
Construction, alteration, repair, demolition and trade work
Application, plans, calculations, permits and inspection documents
SF Planning
Use, units, height, bulk, setbacks, façade, historic resources and neighborhood notice
Exterior change, addition, ADU, use change, demolition and signs
Site plan, elevations, photographs, unit data and Planning forms
Fire Department
Fire access, alarms, sprinklers, life safety, high-rise and hazardous systems
Commercial work, occupancy changes, new buildings and fire-protection work
Life-safety plans, fire systems and equipment calculations
Public Works
Sidewalk, street space, excavation, encroachment, trees and public right-of-way
Scaffolding, curb or driveway work, excavation and street occupancy
Public-way plan, traffic or pedestrian protection and contractor information
Public Utilities Commission
Water, sewer, stormwater and utility-service requirements
New building, added units, utility relocation and major plumbing work
Utility plans, fixture data and service information
Department of Public Health
Environmental health, food facilities, Maher soil conditions and regulated uses
Excavation, grading, restaurants, hazardous sites and health-regulated businesses
Environmental records, soil workplan or health plans when applicable
Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure
Projects within applicable redevelopment or SFPIM areas
Property mapped in an OCII-controlled area
Project-area identification and required OCII approvals
Addressing
New, changed, added or removed building and tenant-space addresses
New construction, ADU, unit change, tenant spaces and demolition
Site or floor plan and addressing request form
Environmental check before excavation: Search the property’s environmental information early. A Maher Ordinance review or soil-management requirement can change the grading, excavation and disposal plan.
Check Environmental Information Request an Address
ADU permit control

Choose the State or Local ADU Program Before Submitting Plans

State ADU route

Use the state-program standards when the proposal qualifies under California ADU law.

  • Confirm allowable location and size.
  • Check utility and fire requirements.
  • Prepare building-code-compliant plans.
  • Submit through the required building-permit route.

Local ADU route

ADUs using San Francisco’s Local program require Planning Department In-House Review before the building permit is submitted to DBI.

  • Complete Planning review first.
  • Resolve unit-count and zoning issues.
  • Then submit the DBI permit package.

Design professional

Most ADU plans must be signed and stamped by a licensed design professional.

  • Architectural plans
  • Structural work
  • Fire and life safety
  • Energy compliance
  • Utilities and ventilation
Permit Review Roundtable: San Francisco offers a coordinated ADU review service intended to identify cross-department problems more quickly. Use it when an ADU application is stalled or has conflicting review comments.
Open ADU Permit Steps ADU Permit Review Roundtable
Contractor and owner-builder rules

Decide Who Will Legally Pull and Control the Permit

Licensed contractor route

  • Verify the active California contractor license
  • Use the correct license classification
  • Register the contractor with San Francisco
  • Maintain workers’ compensation coverage
  • Match contractor information on every permit
  • Use the Licensed Contractor’s Statement when an agent applies
  • Obtain separate trade permits
  • Complete all final inspections

Owner-builder route

  • Complete the Property Owner’s Package
  • Provide signature verification or notarization
  • Accept responsibility for code compliance
  • Verify every hired contractor
  • Address workers’ compensation obligations
  • Coordinate permits and inspections
  • Understand liability for unlicensed workers
  • Retain all final completion documents
Instant online permits are contractor tools. A licensed contractor must be registered with the City and eligible for the permit category. An owner-builder should not use another contractor’s login or license.
Register a Licensed Contractor Open Owner-Builder Disclosures
Effective July 12, 2026

Current San Francisco Building Permit Fee Formulas

Building permit fee = plan review fee + permit issuance fee. The table below does not include Planning, Fire, Public Works, Public Health, PUC, development-impact, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other project-specific fees.
Total valuation
Plan review fee
Permit issuance fee
$1–$2,000
$181 for first $500 + $8.60 for each additional $100 or fraction
$206 for first $500 + $4 for each additional $100 or fraction
$2,001–$50,000
$310 for first $2,000 + $28.35 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$266 for first $2,000 + $8.56 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$50,001–$200,000
$1,617 for first $50,000 + $15.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$677 for first $50,000 + $4.83 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$200,001–$500,000
$4,011 for first $200,000 + $13.31 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$1,402 for first $200,000 + $4.21 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$500,001–$1,000,000
$8,003 for first $500,000 + $9.89 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$2,666 for first $500,000 + $3.63 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$1,000,001–$5,000,000
$12,950 for first $1 million + $7.81 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
$4,481 for first $1 million + $2.93 for each additional $1,000 or fraction

$10,000 valuation example

  • Plan review: $310 + eight × $28.35 = $536.80
  • Issuance: $266 + eight × $8.56 = $334.48

Base DBI building fee: $871.28

Excludes trade permits, surcharges and other departments.

$100,000 valuation example

  • Plan review: $1,617 + 50 × $15.60 = $2,397
  • Issuance: $677 + 50 × $4.83 = $918.50

Base DBI building fee: $3,315.50

Excludes trade permits, surcharges and other departments.

Additional fee item
Current July 2026 amount or formula
Practical meaning
Plan review not covered by Table 1A-A
$602 per hour, one-hour minimum
Can apply to specialized or additional review
Back check
$602 per hour, one-hour minimum
Avoid repeated incomplete correction cycles
Pre-application plan review
$602 per hour, four-hour minimum
A DBI building review appointment begins at $2,408
Site permit
25% of the applicable plan review fee; $500 minimum
Detailed addenda and final construction authorization remain separate
Pre-1979 R-3/E-3 alteration surcharge
$5
Supports interior lead-safe work-practice implementation
Work without permit investigation
Nine times the permit issuance fee plus the original permit fee
Stop work and contact DBI before concealing or expanding illegal work
Valuation is not only the contractor’s basic quote. DBI may calculate valuation using the completed cost of construction, finishes, roofing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire systems and permanently installed equipment, or the City cost schedule—whichever controls under the code.
Open July 2026 Building Fees Open Other Review Fees
Correction response system

Answer Review Comments Without Restarting the Same Cycle

Action
Strong response
Delay-causing response
Separate comments by agency
Create DBI, Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC and Health sections
Responding only to the structural comments
Write a response letter
Repeat each comment and explain the exact correction
Writing only “revised” or “see plans”
Identify revised sheets
List the sheet, detail and note changed
Making reviewers compare every page
Coordinate disciplines
Update architectural, structural, civil and MEP plans together
Leaving conflicting dimensions or equipment
Use Back Check page
Insert the required DBI page into the resubmittal PDF
Uploading revised plans without the required review sheet
Confirm the upload
Verify the new plans entered active review
Assuming an email attachment automatically updates Bluebeam

Open DBI Resubmittal Steps

Inspection command center

Schedule, Pay and Prepare for San Francisco Inspections

Schedule online

Open the DBI Permit Tracking System, enter the permit number, select the inspection type and choose the available appointment.

Open Permit Tracking

Schedule by automated phone

628-652-3401

The Voice Inspection Scheduling System is available 24 hours a day.

PermitSF replacement inspections

For door, window and siding permits, call 628-652-3625 weekdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Have ready when scheduling

  • Issued permit number
  • Project address
  • Correct inspection code
  • Inspection type
  • Requested date
  • Site contact phone
  • Access instructions
  • Additional inspection payment when due

Before the inspector arrives

  • Permit and job card on site
  • Approved plans available
  • Work complete for that stage
  • Concealed work remains exposed
  • Previous corrections completed
  • Safe access provided
  • Special-inspection reports available
  • Licensed trade information available
Common inspection stage
Work that must be ready
Do not do this first
Foundation and reinforcing
Excavation, forms, steel, anchors and approved foundation details
Place concrete before the required inspection
Rough plumbing/mechanical
Piping, vents, ducts, equipment and required tests
Close walls or ceilings
Rough electrical
Boxes, conductors, service, grounding and required labeling
Install finishes over wiring
Rough frame
Framing, connectors, shear, fire blocking and approved trade roughs
Install insulation or drywall
Insulation and energy
Installed insulation, air sealing and energy documentation
Cover before approval
Special inspections
Approved agency, reports and tested work
Assume a DBI visit replaces required special inspection
Final building
Complete approved scope and all required trade and agency sign-offs
Occupy a space requiring final approval
Final building inspection does not erase open trade permits. Check the building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and other linked records separately before treating the project as complete.
Schedule and Pay for Inspection Find Voice Inspection Codes
Current construction codes

Applications Filed in 2026 Must Use the 2025 Code Family

Building 2025 California Building Code With 2025 San Francisco amendments
Residential 2025 California Residential Code Printed within the SF Building Code framework
Existing buildings 2025 California Existing Building Code With San Francisco amendments
Green building 2025 CALGreen SF amendments operative January 1, 2026
Electrical 2025 California Electrical Code Plus San Francisco amendments
Mechanical 2025 California Mechanical Code Plus local requirements
Plumbing 2025 California Plumbing Code Plus local requirements
Fire and energy 2025 California codes With applicable San Francisco amendments
No grace period: The filing date controls. A project submitted on or after January 1, 2026 cannot rely on the previous code cycle merely because design work started earlier.

Open Current San Francisco Codes

Earthquake and existing-building checks

Review Seismic Obligations Before Remodeling an Older Building

Soft-story history

Confirm whether a multi-unit wood-frame building was subject to the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program and whether the retrofit permit received final completion.

Unreinforced masonry

Review prior seismic-retrofit records and verify that later alterations do not remove or weaken required work.

Concrete and tilt-up buildings

Check current DBI notices and program requirements before purchasing, refinancing or beginning major structural work.

Separate permit scope: Required seismic retrofit work can require its own permit and final Certificate of Completion. Do not assume an unrelated remodel permit closes the seismic record.

Open Earthquake Safety Programs

Permit, complaint and property records

Search DBI Records Before Buying, Selling or Remodeling

Search the Permit Tracking System

Use the address, building permit application number or block/lot to find available permits, status, inspections and complaints.

Open every related record

Review building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, grading, demolition and complaint records separately.

Compare the legal use and unit count

Confirm that DBI and Planning records match the rooms, units and occupancy visible at the property.

Review inspection history

Look for “final,” “complete,” “correction required,” expired inspections or permits with no final activity.

Check complaints and Notices of Violation

Housing and building complaints can remain active even when a construction permit appears complete.

Request plans or document copies when necessary

Contact DBI Records Management for records that are not available in the public tracking system.

Ask for a closeout list

Before final payment or property transfer, identify every permit, inspection, special-inspection report and agency sign-off still open.

Do not rely on a seller’s permit list alone. Search by address and block/lot, then compare the physical building with the records. Added rooms, units, decks, stairs, garages, roof structures and commercial uses may appear under separate permits—or may never have been permitted.
Search DBI Permit Tracking Open DBI Records Management
Application status decoder

What Common San Francisco Permit Statuses Mean

Filed or submitted The application exists, but completeness or routing review may not be finished.
Under review One or more departments are evaluating the plans.
Corrections required Open the review comments and prepare a coordinated resubmittal.
Approved by one department Another agency may still be outstanding.
Approved Technical review may be complete, but issuance documents and fees can remain.
Issued The permit has been formally released and work may begin within the approved scope.
Expired or abandoned Contact DBI before continuing work or attempting to schedule another inspection.
Complete or final Required final DBI activity is recorded; verify all linked permits and agencies too.
Unissued and inactive permits

Request an Extension Before the Application Becomes a Larger Problem

Unissued application

Use the official Unissued Permit Extension or Withdrawal form and submit it to Permit Processing Support.

  • Application number
  • Project address
  • Applicant information
  • Reason for extension or withdrawal
  • Required signatures

Issued but inactive permit

Check the expiration date and inspection history in the Permit Tracking System. Contact DBI before resuming, revising or concealing work.

  • Do not schedule work under an invalid permit.
  • Do not assume an old permit can be reopened automatically.
  • Current codes and fees may apply to a replacement permit.

Open Extension and Withdrawal Process

Troubleshooting

Fix Common San Francisco Permit Problems

Problem
Likely cause
Best next step
Project was submitted in the wrong portal
PermitSF was treated as the universal DBI system
Use the official permit route table and contact DBI before creating a duplicate application.
OTC plan was routed In-House
Structural, unit, occupancy, historic or agency review exceeded OTC eligibility
Prepare the complete electronic In-House Review package.
Permit is stalled at completeness check
Missing form fields, signatures, plans or inconsistent project data
Compare the application, title sheet, unit count, valuation and scope line by line.
DBI approved but permit is not issued
Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC, Health, documents or fees remain
Identify each outstanding routing station instead of resubmitting approved plans.
Bluebeam resubmittal was rejected
Back Check page, response letter or coordinated PDF is missing
Follow the official DBI resubmittal instructions and re-upload one organized package.
Inspection cannot be scheduled
Wrong permit number, inspection code, unpaid fee or inactive permit
Open Permit Tracking and confirm the permit status and correct inspection code.
Inspector requires work to be reopened
Required framing, wiring, piping or insulation inspection was missed
Coordinate safe exposure of the work and obtain approval before replacing finishes.
Field work differs from approved plans
Unapproved revision or expanded scope
Stop the affected work and obtain an approved revision or addendum.
Permit shows final but complaint remains open
Building, housing or code-enforcement case is a separate record
Contact the assigned inspector and satisfy the complaint or Notice of Violation separately.
Work began without a permit
Construction started before issuance
Stop work, disclose the complete scope and prepare for investigation penalties and concealed-work review.
Ready-to-use contact scripts

What to Say When You Contact San Francisco DBI

Permit-route question:
“I am planning [exact work] at [address, block and lot]. Does the project belong in PermitSF, an instant contractor permit, OTC review or In-House Review, and which application form should I use?”
Routing question:
“Application [number] shows [status]. Which DBI, Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC, Health or other station is still outstanding?”
Inspection request:
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number]. The work is complete and visible, approved plans and the job card are on site, and required special-inspection reports are available.”
Final closeout question:
“Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, special-inspection or agency sign-off remains before this project can be recorded complete?”
Final project control

San Francisco Permit Completion Checklist

  • Address, block and lot confirmed
  • Legal use and unit count researched
  • Planning and historic requirements checked
  • Correct permit route selected
  • Correct DBI application form used
  • Complete coordinated scope written
  • Plan PDF prepared at full scale
  • Required professional stamps included
  • All agency routing identified
  • Completeness check passed
  • Every review comment answered
  • Contractor or owner-builder documents accepted
  • Final valuation confirmed
  • Permit and agency fees paid
  • Permit formally issued
  • Permit, job card and plans kept on site
  • Inspections completed before covering work
  • Special inspections documented
  • All trade permits finaled
  • Final completion or occupancy verified
Permit Center location

San Francisco Permit Center Map

Address: 49 South Van Ness Avenue, second floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Hours: Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Before visiting: Check the hours for the exact counter and join the correct QLess queue.
Official resource library

Open the Correct San Francisco Permit Resource

🏛️ Department of Building InspectionOfficial department services, contacts, permits, inspections and complaints › 🧭 Building Permits OverviewChoose the appropriate San Francisco permit route › 💻 PermitSF PortalApply for permit types currently available online › 🔎 DBI Permit Tracking SystemSearch permits, inspections, complaints and status › ⚡ Instant Online PermitsContractor permits for qualifying trade and construction work › 🏢 Over-the-Counter PermitsIn-person review for qualifying minor projects › 📐 In-House ReviewElectronic multi-agency plan review for complex projects › 📂 Building Permit FormsForms 1/2, 3/8, 4/7, 5, 6 and supporting documents › 📅 Inspection SchedulingSchedule and pay for building and trade inspections › 🏠 ADU Building PermitsState and Local program planning and DBI steps › 📘 Current Building Codes2025 California codes and San Francisco amendments › 💳 July 2026 Fee ScheduleCurrent valuation-based plan review and issuance fees ›
Frequently asked questions

San Francisco Building Department Questions

What is the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection phone number?

Call DBI Customer Service at 628-652-3200. Include the property address, block and lot, application number and exact question when contacting the department.

Where is the San Francisco Permit Center?

The Permit Center is at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, second floor, San Francisco, CA 94103. It is open Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although individual counters can have limited hours.

Do all San Francisco building permits use PermitSF?

No. PermitSF handles the permit types currently available in its catalog. Other work may use a registered-contractor instant permit, Over-the-Counter review or electronic In-House Review.

How do I search San Francisco building permits?

Use the DBI Permit Tracking System and search by address, building permit application number or block and lot. Review building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, inspection and complaint records separately.

How do I schedule a San Francisco building inspection?

Schedule online through the Permit Tracking System or call the Voice Inspection Scheduling System at 628-652-3401. Find the correct inspection code before calling. Door, window and siding PermitSF inspections use 628-652-3625 on weekdays from 8:00 AM to noon.

Which building codes apply to applications filed in 2026?

Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 must use the 2025 California Codes and 2025 San Francisco amendments. The City states that there is no grace period.

How much is a San Francisco building permit?

For permits issued on or after July 12, 2026, the base building permit fee is the applicable plan review fee plus the permit issuance fee. Fees are valuation-based, and Planning, Fire, Public Works, Public Health, PUC and trade-permit charges are additional.

Can a homeowner pull an owner-builder permit in San Francisco?

Yes, but the property owner must complete the owner-builder disclosures and accept responsibility for code compliance, contractor licensing, workers’ compensation obligations, job safety and inspections.

Does an approved San Francisco site permit allow construction to begin?

No. A site permit is an early project approval. Required addenda, detailed construction documents, agency reviews, fees and formal permit issuance must still be completed before authorized construction begins.

What happens when construction starts without a San Francisco permit?

Stop the work and contact DBI. The July 2026 penalty schedule lists a work-without-permit investigation fee of nine times the permit issuance fee plus the original permit fee, and concealed work may need to be exposed or removed.

Independent guide and freshness

Source and Accuracy Notes

Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the City and County of San Francisco, DBI, SF Planning or the San Francisco Permit Center.

This page was rebuilt using official Department of Building Inspection, Permit Center, PermitSF, DBI Permit Tracking, inspection, Planning, ADU, electronic-plan-review, contractor, fee and current-code resources.

Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.

Permit routes, online services, fees, staff assignments, inspection availability and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive information through the official links before filing, paying or beginning work.

Free Building Permit & Inspection Assistant

Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links

Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.

Start Permit Helper
8 toolsPermit finder, fee estimate, inspection checklist, zoning pre-check, and official searches.
All citiesWorks sitewide on city, county, village, and regional building department pages.
No loginNo address, permit number, email, or private data is required to use the tool.
Mobile-firstBuilt for visitors checking permits and inspections from a phone.

What building department task do you need help with?

Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.

Homeowner tip

Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.

Contractor tip

Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.

Building Permit Type Finder

Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.

Permit Fee Estimate Calculator

Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.

Inspection Readiness Checklist

Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.

Zoning and Setback Pre-check

Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.

Plan Review Timeline Estimator

Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.

Permit Records Search Helper

Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.

Official Building Department Resource Finder

Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.

Building Department vs Planning/Zoning

  • Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
  • Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.

Best sitewide placement

Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.

Important note

This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.

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