TOPIC
Building permits
Building code, permits, and inspections.
The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We provide over-the-counter review for simple permit applications. Drop-in at the Permit Center to submit your application.
The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. We review complex projects In-House. DBI has transitioned to 100% Electronic Plan Review for In-House projects. For more information, please scroll down and click on the “Electronic plan review resources” link below.
Services
Start a building permit application
Instant online building permits
You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register.
Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.
See when you need a plumbing or mechanical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.
Learn when you need an electrical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.
Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work.
Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.
Electronic plan review
We review every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.
You must add our Back Check page PDF to submit plans in Bluebeam, our electronic plan review software.
Follow our instructions to upload revisions for non-licensed Bluebeam users or Mac users.
Follow our instructions to submit construction addenda to the Site Permit.
Other services
Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system.
Call our automated system to schedule a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical inspection.
Contractors can sign into their DBI account to schedule a building, electrical, or plumbing inspection.
You can now submit some building permit applications online.
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.
Permit Center
We are open for in-person building permit services. See critical visit info and current wait times.See hours and wait timesResources
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.
Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.
The Fire Department reviews plans for buildings with 3 or more residential units.
Follow these requirements to protect our water, energy efficiency, and sewer system function.
We have transitioned to 100% Electronic Plan Review for In-House projects. Find out how the City uses Bluebeam to do plan reviews.
Find out how to use Bluebeam, our plan review software.
For language access or giving feedback about a specific employee.