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.
Choose the San Francisco Building Permit Task You Need
San Francisco Permit Route Finder
Select the project or problem to see the strongest first route.
San Francisco DBI Address, Phone, Email and Permit Center Hours
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 |
Apply for a San Francisco Building Permit Step by Step
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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
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
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 |
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
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
Current San Francisco Building Permit Fee Formulas
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 |
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 |
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.
Schedule by automated phone
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 |
Applications Filed in 2026 Must Use the 2025 Code Family
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.
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.
What Common San Francisco Permit Statuses Mean
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.
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. |
What to Say When You Contact San Francisco DBI
“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?”
“Application [number] shows [status]. Which DBI, Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC, Health or other station is still outstanding?”
“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.”
“Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, special-inspection or agency sign-off remains before this project can be recorded complete?”
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
San Francisco Permit Center Map
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.
Open the Correct San Francisco Permit Resource
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.
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.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
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.
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.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
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.