LOCATION

San Francisco Permit Center

We are open for in-person Over the Counter permits and services.

Map showing San Francisco Permit Center
The entrance of the Permit Center, with the City seal engraved on 2 stories of the glass facade.
Permit Center49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions

San Francisco Permit Center

We offer in-person Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits and services for construction, business, and special events.

See our list of available in-person permits and services

Check current Permit Center wait times before you come in. Expect longer wait times during the middle of the day. Arrive in the mornings for shorter wait times at the Permit Center. 

In-House permits; larger and more complicated projects are submitted directly to the Department of Building Inspections. See instructions on how to submit In-House projects 

Getting here

Enter on South Van Ness and follow the signs.

Accessibility

The building is completely ADA accessible. There are no steps to the front doors, and elevators are available inside.

About

On the second floor of 49 South Van Ness (49SVN), the new Permit Center provides a centralized place for construction, special events, and business permitting. The Permit Center streamlines key services for improving homes and properties, opening and running a business, and planning community events.

Additional location info

Car and Bicycle Parking

Car Parking

  • 1455 Market Garage, Enter on 43 11th St. See more info.
  • 1550 Mission, Enter at 90 11th St. Call 415-638-6119.
  • 1650 Mission St, Lot #87. See more info.

Bike Racks

U racks are located on the sidewalk in front of or next to the building on:

  • South Van Ness Avenue
  • Mission Street
  • 11th Street

Coronavirus (COVID-19)​ Safety Protocols

Please note the following updates to our Health and Safety plan as of 02/14/2022:

The San Francisco Department of Public Health's safety plan states that all city employees and members of the public are not required to wear a mask, but is recommended while in the building at 49 South Van Ness, regardless of their vaccination status. We are no longer requiring social distancing or limiting occupancy at the San Francisco Permit Center. 

Please do not visit if you have:

  • Any COVID symptoms, including: Fever, Dry cough, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Headache, Loss of taste or smell, Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Chest pain or pressure, Loss of speech or movement. 
  • Tested positive for the virus in the past 10 days
  • Been in close contact with someone who has tested positive in the past 10 to 14 days

Permit Center Code of Conduct

In order to better serve our customers, the Permit Center has an established Code of Conduct for both staff and visitors. This Code of Conduct provides ground rules for how customers and Permit Center staff can best work together.

QLess Guide for Customers

The Permit Center uses a virtual queueing system called QLess so that customers no longer have to wait in a physical line.

Learn about Qless here. 

Contact us

Address
Permit Center49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Phone
628-652-4900
Leave a voicemail and include your email address. We will contact you within 2 business days.