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Building code, permits, and inspections.
Over-the-counter (OTC) permits 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.
In-house permits 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
Get a building permit with In-House Review You must have a building permit to do construction. Follow these steps for In-House Review permit applications. Schedule a pre-application meeting Optional: Meet with DBI or Fire Department staff to review code issues before you apply for a building permit.
Instant online building permits
Register with the City as a licensed contractor You can file electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and Boiler to Operate permits online, if you register. Apply for a PTO (Permit to Operate Boiler) Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online. Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit See when you need a plumbing or mechanical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online. Apply for an electrical permit Learn when you need an electrical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online. Apply for a reroofing permit Registered contractors can get permits online for some roof replacement work. Apply for a kitchen or bath remodel permit Registered general contractors can get permits online to renovate a kitchen or bath.
Electronic plan review
Learn about our building permit review processes We review every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance. Add our Back Check page to your plans You must add our Back Check page PDF to submit plans in Bluebeam, our electronic plan review software. Resubmit plans for a building permit application Follow our instructions to upload revisions for non-licensed Bluebeam users or Mac users. Submit construction addenda for your Site Permit Follow our instructions to submit construction addenda to the Site Permit.
Other services
Track your building permit application or property complaint Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system. Schedule an inspection for your construction Call our automated system to schedule a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical inspection. Contractors: Schedule inspections online for your permitted work Contractors can sign into their DBI account to schedule a building, electrical, or plumbing inspection. Prepare for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project Decide if you want to add an ADU and prepare your application. Get your small business permits with a 30-day review Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H. Apply for your Affordable Housing and Development Agreement online You can now submit some building permit applications online. Get a permit to install a sign or an awning Follow our processes to fill out the right forms, prepare your drawings, and come to the Permit Center.
More services Track your building complaint Search complaints by address or complaint number. Withdraw an appeal with the Board of Appeals For appellants who wish to withdraw their appeals.
Track your building complaint Search complaints by address or complaint number.
Withdraw an appeal with the Board of Appeals For appellants who wish to withdraw their appeals.
Permit Center
We are open for in-person building permit services. See critical visit info and current wait times.
See hours and wait times
News
Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication July 11, 2024
Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication May 31, 2024
Department of Building Inspection Customer Communication May 28, 2024
Events
There are no upcoming events right now.
View past events
Electronic plan review (EPR) resources
Training materials and resource guides for building permit Electronic Plan Review.
See resources
Resources
Building permit application forms Fill out the building, electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and other construction permit forms for your project and role.
Current San Francisco building codes 2022 SF and CA Codes are effective for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.
Fees for the Department of Building Inspection Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.
Plan review process in Bluebeam We have transitioned to 100% Electronic Plan Review for In-House projects.Find out how the City uses Bluebeam to do plan reviews.
How to use Bluebeam Find out how to use Bluebeam, our plan review software.
Giving feedback about the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) For language access or giving feedback about a specific employee.
Departments
Department of Building Inspection DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.
SF Planning Under the direction of the Planning Commission, we work to help guide the growth and development of our City.
Public Utilities Commission We provide drinking water and wastewater services to San Francisco and hydroelectric and solar power to municipal departments.
Fire Department SFFD protects San Franciscans from fires and natural disasters, through education and emergency services.
Public Works We are one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget.
