AGENCY
Permit Services at DBI
Permit Services of the Department of Building Inspection issues building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction-related permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.
AGENCY
Permit Services at DBI
Permit Services of the Department of Building Inspection issues building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction-related permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.
You can get OTC review for projects that need less than 1 hour of plan review.
We review complex projects in-house, accepting them for electronic plan review (EPR) or with paper plans.
Registered contractors can get electrical, plumbing, reroofing, kitchen and bath, and solar permits instantly.
Services
Over-the-counter building permits
Most fees to legalize existing awnings are being waived through July 1, 2025.
In-house review for building permits
You must have a building permit to do construction. Follow these steps for In-House Review permit applications.
Optional: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.
You can now submit some building permit applications online.
Permit processing
Recheck your plans with the plan checker from your first review. Email your plan checker to coordinate a time to meet.
Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system.
Bring these documents to get your building permit issued.
You can withdraw and resubmit a building permit application for new housing that was originally filed before 1/1/24 to benefit from the City’s streamlined review process and enhanced legal protections. The new process and protections are the result of Mayor Breed's housing permitting efficiency initiatives and state bills AB 2234 and AB 1114.
Online permits
Learn when you need an electrical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.
See when you need a plumbing or mechanical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.
Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.
Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work.
Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.
You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register.
Submit your application to install a photovoltaic (PV) system with solar panels and eligible battery storage.
At plan review
Check your construction location. You may need to provide additional reports when applying for building permits.
Check your construction location. You may need to complete a checklist when you apply for building permits.
Resources
Permits
Examples of projects you can get OTC permits for, with or without plans.
Most building permit applications require architectural plans.
The Permit Center offers in-person Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits and services.
Reference documents
This page features online portals and forms to apply for an In-House Review building permit.
Fill out the building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction permit forms for your project and role.
2022 SF and CA Codes are effective for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.
Administrative Bulletins document procedures followed by DBI staff.
Programs
Add accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law units, or cottages to residential properties.
The deadline to finish soft story work was Sept 15, 2021. See archived program details.
About
Permit Services is responsible for all steps of permit issuance, assuring that proposed construction meets all safety requirements. We provide technical support in the areas of code development and information, as well as coordinating the Building Occupancy Program.
Contact information
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions