The short version
File through the SF Permit Center (49 South Van Ness). Expect two review tracks: the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) for code, and often Planning for zoning and design. Simple permits (water heaters, electrical, boiler work) move fast; additions and structural work take weeks to months. Start at sf.gov.
What needs a permit in San Francisco
Nearly everything beyond cosmetic finishes. SF is strict: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, windows, additions, ADUs, change of use, and most remodels. The city also regulates facades, historic resources, and storefronts in many districts. When in doubt, run our free permit checker — and assume SF wants a permit.
What you'll need to submit
- Permit application — filed under the correct permit type (there are many; picking wrong routes you to the wrong reviewers)
- Plans — architectural, structural as needed, fully dimensioned
- Planning review materials — site context, elevations, sometimes neighborhood notification
- Structural calculations — seismic is taken seriously in SF; expect scrutiny
- Title 24 energy documentation
- Licensed contractor — CSLB license verified; SF also tracks local business registration
- Authorization letter — if an agent files on your behalf (this is what we do daily)
The process, step by step
- Pick the right permit type. SF's categories are granular — misfiling is the #1 rookie stall.
- Pre-check planning. If your project touches zoning, exterior changes, or use, get planning's read before finalizing plans.
- Submit a complete package. DBI routes to structural, mechanical, electrical, and planning reviewers in parallel — one missing sheet holds all of them.
- Work the corrections. Respond to every department's comments completely. SF reviewers remember incomplete resubmittals.
- Issuance, inspections, sign-off. Schedule inspections stage by stage; final sign-off closes the permit.
Same-day filing, SF included. We file San Francisco permits same-day through our standard process — signed authorization letter, verified license, complete package, filed under the right permit type.
Common San Francisco gotchas
- Planning review is the long pole. Design review, historic districts, and neighborhood notification can dwarf building review time.
- Seismic scrutiny. Structural work gets hard questions — have your engineer ready.
- OT and inspections for fire work. Fire protection permits run through SFD with their own overtime/inspection process — a world unto itself.
- Don't start work early. SF enforcement is active and penalties are real.
We file SF permits same-day.
Right permit type, complete package, verified license, filed today. You never visit Van Ness.
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Based on publicly available City and County of San Francisco information and our filing experience. Processes change — confirm current requirements at sf.gov. Not legal advice.