Switch Onto the Correct San Francisco Permit Track Before You Submit Plans or Join the Permit Center Queue
San Francisco does not use one universal permit portal yet. Your project may belong in PermitSF, the instant contractor-permit system, an Over-the-Counter review, an In-House Review portal, or a separate Fire, Planning, Public Works or Health process.
This guide helps you choose that route first, prepare the correct forms, search both new and legacy records, schedule inspections, understand fees and close every related permit.
Choose the Exact San Francisco DBI Task
San Francisco Permit Route Finder
Select the situation closest to your project.
San Francisco DBI Contact Information
PermitSF, Instant Online, OTC and In-House Review Are Different Routes
Route |
Best match |
How it works |
Do not assume |
|---|---|---|---|
PermitSF |
Permit types already migrated to the new online system |
Apply, upload, pay, communicate and retrieve digital records in the PermitSF account |
Every DBI, Planning, Fire, Public Works or Health permit is available there |
Instant online trade |
Eligible electrical, plumbing, mechanical and boiler permits |
Registered contractors enter the scope, pay and can receive an eligible permit immediately |
A trade permit replaces the building permit or Planning approval |
Over-the-Counter |
Qualifying smaller residential or commercial projects |
Follow the OTC form and plan-review route shown by DBI; in-person review is available at the Permit Center |
OTC means guaranteed same-day issuance or no Planning review |
In-House Review |
Structural, complex, multi-agency, addition, ADU, change-of-use or larger projects |
Submit the application and plans through the current IHR route, then track sequential reviews and corrections |
DBI is the only reviewing department |
Site Permit |
Major projects using staged approval before construction details are complete |
Planning and site-permit approval is followed by addenda for the detailed construction scope |
A site permit alone authorizes all construction |
Match the Project to the Likely San Francisco Permit Path
Project |
Start with |
Prepare first |
Other review to check |
|---|---|---|---|
In-kind door, window or siding replacement |
PermitSF |
Existing and replacement information, location, dimensions, product and contractor details |
Historic-resource, Planning, egress, energy and visible-street-elevation rules |
No-plans reroofing |
Online reroof route |
Roof type, area, layers, valuation, contractor authorization and structural condition |
Deck repair, equipment, solar removal, fire classification and historic conditions |
Kitchen or bathroom remodel |
Online or OTC check |
Existing/proposed plans, fixture layout, wall changes, ventilation and complete trade scope |
Structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, Planning and accessibility |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work |
Instant trade permit |
Registered contractor, exact devices/fixtures/equipment and job valuation |
Building, Fire, Planning, Health or Public Works permit where affected |
Solar photovoltaic system |
Solar application |
SolarAPP+ or project-specific plans, roof information, electrical diagram and equipment |
Structural, Fire access, battery storage and electrical inspection |
Interior residential alteration |
OTC eligibility check |
Form 3/8, existing and proposed plans, owner forms, energy and trade information |
Planning, structural, housing-code, lead and tenant-notification issues |
Addition, structural alteration or ADU |
In-House Review |
Architectural, structural, site, energy, accessibility and agency documents |
Planning, Fire, Public Works, PUC, Rent Board and utility requirements |
Commercial tenant improvement |
OTC or IHR screening |
Existing/proposed use, occupancy, plans, valuation, accessibility and life-safety scope |
Planning, Fire, Health, Public Works and business-permit dependencies |
Change of use or occupancy |
Planning before DBI |
Legal existing use, proposed use, occupancy load, egress and accessibility |
Planning authorization, Fire, Health, impact fees and certificate requirements |
Sign or awning |
Online sign/awning route |
Dimensions, location, attachment, electrical information and property authorization |
Planning, historic, Public Works, accessibility and electrical permit |
Fire alarm or sprinkler work |
PermitSF Fire permit |
System plans, calculations, equipment, contractor and building-permit relationship |
SFFD plan review, DBI trade permits and fire inspection |
Excavation, sidewalk, curb, street tree or public way |
Public Works permit |
Site plan, dimensions, restoration, utility and contractor information |
Building permit, Planning, street-space and utility coordination |
Demolition |
Planning + DBI |
Existing building information, demolition plans, hazardous-material and utility records |
Historic, tenant, Planning Commission, environmental, Fire and Public Works rules |
Build the Permit Package in San Francisco’s Actual Review Order
Research the property before drawing the project
Check the assessor block and lot, legal use, permit history, open complaints, Planning zoning, historic-resource status and any active enforcement case.
Confirm whether Planning authorization is required
Resolve use, height, rear-yard, neighborhood notification, historic, dwelling-unit, storefront and other Planning issues before relying on DBI issuance.
Choose PermitSF, instant online, OTC or In-House Review
Use the City’s current route page. Do not create duplicate applications in several systems because the first route did not immediately issue a number.
Use the correct building application form
Most traditional building applications use Form 3/8, commonly called the pink form. Other project types have dedicated online forms or supplemental documents.
Identify the legal permit applicant
Only the property owner, a California-licensed contractor or an authorized agent may apply. Complete the required applicant, agent, contractor or owner-builder disclosures.
Enter a complete scope and valuation
Include all construction, finishes and permanently installed electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-protection and other systems—even when separate trade permits will be issued.
Upload or bring coordinated plans
The title sheet, architectural sheets, structural plans, energy forms and agency documents must describe the same property, dimensions and work.
Complete multi-agency intake
Planning, Fire, Public Works, Public Utilities, Health or another department may review the project before DBI can issue the building permit.
Track each station or department
Use PermitSF for migrated records and the legacy Permit Tracking System for applicable DBI records. Read the station history instead of relying only on a broad “under review” label.
Respond to every correction together
Submit a response letter and coordinated replacement sheets. A correction to one discipline can affect Planning, structural, energy, accessibility or Fire review.
Complete the issuance declarations
Provide the Property Owner disclosures, Licensed Contractor’s Statement, Permit Applicant and Authorized Agent form and Final Declaration when required.
Pay the final calculated fees and obtain the issued record
For traditional permits, obtain the issued job card before construction. For migrated PermitSF permits, retrieve the digital permit documents shown in the account.
Prepare Forms, Plans and Disclosures Before Intake
Application and authorization
- Correct application type
- Assessor block and lot
- Existing legal use
- Complete work description
- Project valuation
- Property-owner information
- Applicant and agent disclosure
- Contractor or owner-builder statement
Plan package
- Cover and code-analysis sheet
- Site or plot plan
- Existing floor plans
- Proposed floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Structural plans and calculations
- Energy and Green Building forms
Project-specific records
- Planning approval
- Historic-resource documents
- Title 24 calculations
- Accessibility details
- Product or equipment information
- Special-inspection statement
- Geotechnical report
- Fire life-safety information
Issuance and job-site records
- Final Declaration
- Owner authorization
- Contractor license verification
- Issued job card or digital permit
- Approved plans
- Special-inspection forms
- Required notices
- Inspection results
DBI May Be Only One Stop in the Approval Chain
Agency |
What it reviews |
When to contact it |
|---|---|---|
SF Planning |
Use, zoning, historic resources, dwelling units, neighborhood notification, height and bulk |
Before final design when the project affects use, exterior appearance, size or unit count |
Department of Building Inspection |
Building, housing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical code compliance |
For permit intake, plan review, issuance, inspection and code enforcement |
San Francisco Fire Department |
Fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, egress, occupancy and life-safety conditions |
For commercial, assembly, multifamily and fire-system projects |
Public Works |
Sidewalk, curb, street space, excavation, street trees, public right-of-way and certain encroachments |
Before work extends beyond the property line or affects the public way |
Public Utilities Commission |
Water, sewer, utility capacity, connections and applicable utility infrastructure |
For new buildings, added units, service changes or major utility demand |
Department of Public Health |
Food facilities, environmental health, hazardous materials and regulated health uses |
Before construction for restaurants, food service and other health-regulated businesses |
Rent Board / Housing agencies |
Tenant-related requirements, notices, protected units and housing-program conditions |
Before work displaces occupants, removes housing or affects regulated residential units |
Port or OCII |
Property-specific jurisdiction, leases and development requirements |
When the parcel is under Port or redevelopment-agency control |
Research the Address Before Paying for Final Plans
Legal use and units
Compare the proposed use and dwelling-unit count with Planning records, permit history, certificates and the physical building.
Open permits and complaints
Search for permits that were issued but never finaled, Notices of Violation and complaint cases connected with the property.
Historic status
Exterior work that appears to be an in-kind replacement can still require Planning or preservation review on a historic resource.
Soft-story and seismic programs
Check whether the building is subject to an active seismic-safety, facade, boiler or other mandatory inspection program.
Accessibility
Commercial alterations and changes of use can trigger accessible-path, restroom, entrance and other disabled-access work.
Tenant and housing conditions
Confirm whether the scope affects occupied units, tenant protections, housing-code violations or unauthorized rooms.
Schedule the Correct Inspection and Keep the Approved Record Available
Confirm the permit is issued
A submitted or approved application does not authorize work. Verify that DBI or PermitSF shows an issued permit.
Identify the inspection division
Building, electrical and plumbing/mechanical permits can use different inspection codes and inspectors. Fire-only work follows the Fire Department route.
Call the automated inspection system
Call 628-652-3401, available 24/7, to schedule, reschedule, cancel or obtain results for eligible DBI inspections.
Use the Permit Tracking System when instructed
Legacy permit records can show the inspection history, scheduled appointments, inspector activity and results.
Use the PermitSF-specific inspection route
For migrated permits, follow the inspection instructions in PermitSF. In-kind door, window and siding permits use the current contact shown by the City.
Keep the correct permit record at the site
Traditional permits require the job card and approved plans. Certain PermitSF permits use digital documents instead of printed plans or a traditional job card.
Complete the full inspection stage
Do not request framing, rough trade, insulation, fire or final inspection when another component of that stage is incomplete.
Keep regulated work visible
Do not conceal structural connections, reinforcement, wiring, piping, mechanical systems, fire stopping or insulation before approval.
Provide safe access
Unlock gates, arrange occupied-unit access, secure animals and provide safe ladders or walking surfaces.
Resolve every correction before reinspection
Read the inspector’s complete notes. A field change may require approved revised plans or an addendum—not only physical correction.
Complete every related trade final
The building permit can remain open when electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, elevator or other associated permits have not passed final inspection.
Obtain final completion or occupancy documentation
Confirm whether the project needs a Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy or another final DBI record.
Inspection-ready checklist
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection code selected
- Job card or digital permit available
- Approved plans available
- Work is complete for the stage
- Work remains visible
- Required tests are complete
- Safe access is available
Before final inspection
- All rough inspections passed
- Plan revisions approved
- Special inspections complete
- Energy documentation complete
- Fire approvals complete
- Trade finals passed
- Outstanding fees paid
- Required certificates prepared
What the Permit Status or Review Station Means
Use PermitSF, Legacy PTS, Records Management and the 3R Report Correctly
Tool or record |
Best use |
Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
PermitSF account/search |
Applications and permits processed in the new PermitSF system |
Does not yet replace every legacy or agency system |
DBI Permit Tracking System |
Legacy building permit, inspection, complaint and review-station history |
Some new PermitSF records may need to be checked separately |
Property Information Map |
Zoning, assessor block/lot, historic status, Planning records and property context |
Does not prove that all construction received final DBI approval |
Public building records request |
Plans, permit applications, job cards, trade permits, complaints, NOVs and certificates |
You must identify the address, permit number and record type precisely |
3R Report |
Residential building-record and authorized-use history used in property transactions |
Does not include plumbing, electrical or commercial permit history |
Available DBI history
The City says building permits are available from 1906 to the present and building-permit job cards from 1933 to the present.
Current 3R application fee
The current 3R application form reviewed for this guide lists $286 per requested report. Verify the live fee before ordering because DBI fees can change.
Records office
Records Management is at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 400.
Report the Correct Problem and Track the Case
Construction complaint
Use DBI for unpermitted work, unsafe construction, work outside an approved scope or building-code concerns.
Electrical or plumbing complaint
Identify the exact condition, location and safety concern so the complaint reaches the correct inspection division.
Housing condition
Report substandard residential conditions such as lack of heat, unsafe wiring, leaks, sanitation issues or blocked exits.
Document the location and condition
Provide the exact address, unit or floor, work location, observed condition and dates.
File online or call 311
Use the City’s building-problem form or call 311. Emergency structural, fire, gas or electrical danger should be reported through the appropriate emergency service.
Save the tracking number
Use the 311 number and DBI complaint record to follow inspection and enforcement activity.
Read the Notice of Violation carefully
Identify the code section, correction deadline, permit requirement, inspection requirement and appeal or hearing information.
Obtain the legalization or repair permit
A Notice of Violation is not closed merely because physical work was performed. Obtain the required permit and final inspection.
Confirm formal abatement
Search the complaint record and obtain written confirmation that DBI accepted the correction and closed or abated the case.
San Francisco Permit Fees Depend on Valuation, Permit Type and Review Services
Building permit valuation
The value used for fees includes the completed construction, finishes, painting, roofing and permanently installed systems.
Plan-review fee
Plan review is separate from permit issuance. Applicant revisions, addenda or scope changes can trigger recalculation or added review charges.
Trade permits
Electrical and plumbing/mechanical permits use category-based schedules and can include several separately charged categories.
Inspection charges
Standard, off-hours, additional, survey and reinspection services can have separate fees.
Agency fees
Planning, Fire, Public Works, Health, PUC and other departmental charges can be added outside DBI’s base permit fee.
Enforcement penalties
Work without a permit, work exceeding the approved scope and violation monitoring can create investigation, penalty and hearing costs.
Fee table |
What it covers |
What to enter correctly |
|---|---|---|
Building permit fees |
New construction, alteration and no-plans permit issuance and plan review |
Complete valuation and correct project classification |
Other building review fees |
Additional plan review, revisions, addenda and special services |
Affected scope and disciplines |
Plumbing/mechanical |
Fixtures, systems, equipment, boilers and related inspections |
Full itemized installation |
Electrical |
Outlets, devices, service equipment, generators, solar and other electrical categories |
Devices, service size, floor area and equipment |
Inspections and reports |
Additional inspections, surveys, demolition, reroofing and residential-record services |
Correct record and requested service |
Public information |
Notifications, records, plan duplication and 3R-related services |
Address, permit and document type |
Applications Filed in 2026 Must Use the 2025 Code Cycle
California codes
Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 must use the applicable 2025 California Building Standards Codes.
San Francisco amendments
The State codes are used together with San Francisco’s locally adopted building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, housing and related amendments.
No grace period
DBI states that there is no grace period allowing a new 2026 application to use the previous code cycle.
Act Before an Unissued or Open Permit Is Cancelled or Expires
Unissued application
Use DBI’s current extension or withdrawal form before the application is cancelled. Follow the specific OTC or In-House processing route.
Issued but unfinished permit
Search the inspection history and identify unfinished work, missing finals, expired trade permits or unapproved revisions.
Old permit closeout
Contact Inspection Services with the application number, address, completed scope and exact inspections needed for closure.
Fix Common San Francisco Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Permit type is not visible in PermitSF |
The permit has not migrated or uses a different online, OTC or IHR route |
Open “Where to apply for your permit” and choose the current system. |
Address has several building or unit records |
The property has multiple addresses, units or historical records |
Confirm assessor block/lot, legal address and unit before applying. |
Application is stuck at Planning |
Use, historic, neighborhood, unit or zoning issue remains unresolved |
Contact the assigned Planning reviewer with the record and exact station. |
DBI approved plans but permit is not issued |
Another agency, fee, declaration or contractor document is outstanding |
Request one complete issuance-condition list. |
Contractor cannot obtain instant trade permit |
Registration, license information or permit eligibility is incomplete |
Verify CSLB status and DBI online registration. |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit is not issued, inspection is unavailable or another stage is incomplete |
Check PTS or PermitSF status and contact Inspection Services. |
Inspector cannot approve field changes |
Construction differs from the approved plans |
Submit a revision or addendum before concealing or continuing affected work. |
3R report appears incomplete |
3R does not include plumbing, electrical or commercial permits |
Submit a separate public building-record request. |
Permit search shows issuance but no legal completion |
Final inspections or the final certificate were never completed |
Check the job card and all associated trade permits. |
Fee estimate changes at issuance |
Valuation, scope, addenda, trade categories or agency reviews changed |
Request an itemized calculation using the fee schedule in effect. |
Notice of Violation remains open after repair |
Permit, inspection or formal abatement is incomplete |
Obtain final inspection and written complaint-case closure. |
What to Say When You Contact DBI or the Permit Center
“I am planning [complete project] at [address/block-lot]. Should I use PermitSF, instant online, OTC, In-House Review or a Site Permit, and which agencies must approve it?”
“Application [number] is at [station/status]. Which reviewer has it, what exact correction remains and which replacement sheets are required?”
“I need [inspection type] for permit [number] at [address]. The job card or digital permit and approved plans are available, and the work is complete, exposed and accessible.”
“Permit or complaint [number] is still open. Which inspection, trade permit, revision, fee or final certificate is required for formal closure?”
Do Not Consider the San Francisco Project Complete Until These Items Are Confirmed
- Property address and block/lot confirmed
- Legal use and unit count confirmed
- Historic and Planning status checked
- Correct application system selected
- Owner, contractor and agent forms completed
- Complete valuation entered
- All reviewing agencies identified
- Building and trade permits issued
- Job card or digital permit available
- Approved plans maintained at site
- Required notices completed
- Special inspections completed
- Plan revisions approved
- All inspection corrections resolved
- Electrical final passed
- Plumbing/mechanical finals passed
- Fire and agency finals passed
- CFC or required final record saved
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection Map
Open the Correct San Francisco DBI Resource
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection FAQs
Where is the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection?
DBI and the San Francisco Permit Center operate at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. Permit Services and the main Permit Center are on the second floor.
What are the San Francisco Permit Center hours?
General Permit Center hours are Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Individual agency counters can have shorter schedules, so check the current counter-hours page before visiting.
Does every San Francisco building permit use PermitSF?
No. PermitSF is being introduced in phases. Other projects use instant online contractor permits, Over-the-Counter review, In-House Review, Site Permit or separate agency systems. Check the City’s current “Where to apply” page.
Which permits can registered contractors obtain online?
Eligible contractors can obtain certain electrical, plumbing, mechanical and Boiler to Operate permits through the instant online permit route. Other migrated permit types are available through PermitSF.
How do I schedule a San Francisco DBI inspection?
Call the Voice Inspection Scheduling System at 628-652-3401. The automated service is available 24 hours a day and can be used to schedule, reschedule, cancel or obtain eligible inspection results.
How do I search old San Francisco building permits?
Use DBI’s Permit and Complaint Tracking System for legacy permit, review, inspection and complaint history. Check PermitSF separately for records processed in the newer system.
What is included in a San Francisco 3R report?
A 3R Report provides residential building-permit and authorized-use history. It does not include plumbing, electrical or commercial permit history, which must be requested separately from DBI Records Management.
Which building codes apply to applications filed in 2026?
Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 must use the applicable 2025 California Codes and 2025 San Francisco amendments. DBI states that there is no grace period for using the previous edition.
Can a property owner apply as an owner-builder?
Yes, when legally eligible, but the owner must complete the required disclosures and becomes responsible for supervision, safety, employment obligations, inspections and code compliance. Licensed trade contractors are still required where State law applies.
What proves a San Francisco building permit is complete?
All required building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire and other inspections must pass, approved revisions must be incorporated, enforcement conditions must be resolved and the required Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy or other final record must be issued.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection or the City and County of San Francisco.
This page was rebuilt using the official DBI, Permit Center, PermitSF, Permit Services, Inspection Services, Records Management, Property Information Map, fee and current-code resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
PermitSF services, fee rates, code amendments, counter hours, application systems, forms and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before filing, paying, ordering plans or starting construction.
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.