Building Permits, Inspections & DBI Services
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) handles building permits, construction inspections, building code enforcement, and related services for the City and County of San Francisco.
To apply for a permit, start with the City’s official building permit services. For inspection scheduling, use the process associated with your permit. DBI customer service is available at 628-652-3200.
San Francisco Building Department: Contact & Office Hours
| Official agency | Department of Building Inspection (DBI), City and County of San Francisco |
| Office address | 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103 |
| Customer service | 628-652-3200 |
| dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org | |
| Monday | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Tuesday–Friday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Plan review / print queues | Close at 4:30 PM |
| Time zone | Pacific Time |
| Official department website | SF.gov — Department of Building Inspection |
Office hours are subject to public holidays and service changes. Confirm availability before visiting, especially for specialized plan review or permit appointments.
Visiting the Permit Center? Bring the property address, a clear description of your project, any existing permit number, and relevant plans or documents. Confirm whether your application requires online submission or an appointment before traveling.
Which Building Permit Do You Need?
San Francisco offers different permitting processes depending on the construction work. The first step is to identify your project and the appropriate review route.
Kitchen and bathroom renovations, interior alterations, certain walls, stairs, and other residential improvements may require building permits and trade permits.
New buildings, major additions, structural changes, and complex projects generally require plans and more extensive review.
Wiring, electrical service work, plumbing systems, and HVAC installations may require separate trade permits.
Roof replacement, doors, windows, siding, decks, and exterior alterations may have project-specific permit requirements and review procedures.
Choose the correct application route
| Permit route | Typically used for | Official instructions |
|---|---|---|
| PermitSF | Permit types currently supported by the City’s developing online portal. | PermitSF information |
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Qualifying smaller projects and certain residential remodeling work. | OTC application guide |
| In-House Review | Projects needing more detailed plan review or review by multiple departments. | In-House Review guide |
| Trade permits | Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work under the applicable DBI process. | DBI Permit Services |
Important: Not every San Francisco permit is processed through the same online system. PermitSF is being introduced across permit categories. Check the official instructions for your exact project rather than assuming one portal handles every application.
How to Apply for a San Francisco Building Permit
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Identify your project and permit requirements.
Visit the SF.gov Building Permits page. Choose the relevant service and read its eligibility rules, required approvals, and submission instructions.
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Check zoning and other agency requirements.
Confirm whether the work needs approval from SF Planning, Fire, Public Works, or another City agency. Exterior changes, additional dwelling units, changes of use, and major construction can involve additional reviews.
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Prepare the documents.
Gather your property address, project description, estimated construction valuation, applicant information, and applicable drawings. Depending on the project, architectural, structural, energy, accessibility, and other documentation may be required.
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Select the correct submission method.
For eligible OTC work, follow the OTC process. For complex projects, follow the In-House Review process. If your permit type is supported by PermitSF, use the official portal instructions.
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Submit and pay applicable filing fees.
Provide accurate project information, upload required files when applicable, and complete the required payment. Save your application number and payment confirmation.
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Respond to plan-review comments.
If the City requests corrections, review each comment with your designer or contractor. Submit revised plans through the instructed process and monitor the application’s status.
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Obtain the permit before starting regulated work.
Once approved and issued, review permit conditions and the approved scope. Keep the permit and approved documents available at the site and arrange inspections at the required construction stages.
For a kitchen or bathroom remodel: San Francisco has a specific online permit pathway for qualifying work by registered Class B contractors. Eligibility is limited by factors including building classification, whether plans are needed, historic status, and active complaints. See the official kitchen and bath permit guide before applying.
What documents should you prepare?
Requirements vary by project, but having the following information ready can help avoid an incomplete submission:
- Street address and available property identification details.
- Accurate description of existing conditions and proposed work.
- Project valuation and owner/applicant contact information.
- Contractor information and applicable license details.
- Existing and proposed floor plans or construction drawings when required.
- Structural calculations and other technical reports when applicable.
- Any required Planning, Fire, or other departmental approvals.
Use the City’s building permit forms resource and the instructions for your specific permit. Do not submit outdated forms simply because an older PDF is still available online.
San Francisco Building Inspections: How to Schedule
DBI performs inspections to verify that permitted construction complies with approved plans and applicable codes. Depending on the work, inspections may cover framing, electrical systems, plumbing, mechanical installations, or final completion.
Use your PermitSF account dashboard to request inspections after permit issuance. Telephone scheduling is not available for permits issued through the PermitSF portal.
The general public can use the automated scheduling system at 628-652-3401, available 24 hours a day, with the required permit information.
Schedule an inspection in four steps
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Locate the permit number.
Use the issued permit or your application records. For the automated telephone system, have the applicable inspection code ready.
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Open the correct scheduling channel.
PermitSF users should sign in to their portal dashboard. For eligible older permits, use 628-652-3401. Licensed contractors may have an online scheduling option for supported legacy permit types.
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Request the required inspection.
Select the inspection type or follow the telephone prompts. Make sure the relevant work will be accessible and ready for inspection.
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Check the result and resolve corrections.
Review the inspection result. If corrections are required, complete them and request another inspection as instructed.
Official scheduling guide: Schedule and pay for your inspection — SF.gov.
Before covering construction: Check whether concealed work must be inspected. Closing walls or concealing plumbing, wiring, or framing before required inspections can lead to additional work and delays.
San Francisco Building Permit Fees in 2026
Permit costs depend on the construction valuation, permit category, plan-review requirements, inspection services, and applicable surcharges. There is no single flat price for every construction project.
The following are examples from the San Francisco Building Code fee schedule amended in July 2026:
| Fee category | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Building plan-review fee for the first $500 of valuation, when plan review is required | $181 |
| Building permit issuance fee for the first $500 of valuation | $206 |
| Re-roofing permit: single-family home or duplex | $320 |
| Re-roofing permit: other buildings | $556 |
| Reinspection or additional inspection under the applicable fee provision | $259 per half hour |
These are schedule entries, not complete project quotes. Additional increments, review charges, departmental fees, and surcharges may apply. Permit-specific charges and future amendments can change the amount due.
Check the official schedule: DBI Fees — SF.gov and San Francisco Building Code Table 1A-A and related fee tables.
Which Building Codes Apply in San Francisco in 2026?
For building permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, San Francisco requires the 2025 California Codes and 2025 San Francisco Code Amendments. The City states there is no grace period for filing new applications under the previous code cycle.
Depending on project scope, applicable requirements may include building, residential, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, existing building, energy, green building, fire, and accessibility provisions.
2026 code rule: Do not assume the 2022 code edition applies to a new application filed in 2026. For an older permit or an application already in review, confirm the applicable code requirements with DBI.
Official code resources:
Track a Permit or Find Building Records
Checking an existing permit is often the fastest way to identify outstanding reviews, inspection requirements, or prior work at a San Francisco property.
Check application status
- Open the official DBI department page.
- Select the permit tracking service or the PermitSF tracking option that matches your application.
- Enter the application number or supported property search details.
- Review the displayed status, review activity, and inspection information.
- If the record is unclear, contact DBI with the application number and property address.
Request older building records
For permit history, available building documents, and other public records, use the City’s Request Public Building Records service.
The Records Management Division can be contacted at 628-652-3420 or dbi.records3R@sfgov.org. Record availability and copying charges depend on the request.
Common Permit Problems & What to Do
| Problem | Practical next step |
|---|---|
| Application remains under review | Check the tracking system for pending departmental actions or correction notices. Respond to outstanding requests before asking for an update. |
| Plans require corrections | Review each comment, coordinate revisions with the designer, and submit corrected plans using the assigned review process. |
| Inspection was not approved | Correct the cited work and arrange reinspection. Check whether additional fees apply. |
| Unpermitted construction is discovered | Contact DBI about the appropriate correction or legalization process. Approval is not guaranteed for work that does not meet current requirements. |
| Permit is expiring | Check its expiration date and ask DBI about extension eligibility before continuing work. |
| Notice of Violation received | Read the notice, identify the required correction and deadline, and follow the City’s compliance process. |
For enforcement matters, see the City’s Notice of Violation guidance. Depending on the issue, permits and inspections may be needed to resolve the violation.
Official San Francisco Building Department Resources
Contact information, inspections, permit assistance, and department services.
Choose a permit application route based on the planned construction.
Information about the City’s newer digital permitting system and supported services.
Instructions for building and trade inspections, including portal and telephone options.
Official fee information for DBI services.
Building-code resources applicable to new applications in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which agency issues building permits in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) processes building permits for the City and County of San Francisco. Some projects also require Planning, Fire, or Public Works review.
2. Where is the San Francisco Building Department located?
DBI is at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. Customer service is 628-652-3200.
3. How do I apply for a San Francisco building permit?
Start at SF.gov’s Building permits page, select the permit type, and follow its PermitSF, over-the-counter, or in-house review instructions. The correct route depends on your project.
4. Can I obtain a San Francisco building permit online?
Some permit types are available through PermitSF or other DBI online services. Not every permit type uses the same portal, so check the applicable SF.gov instructions before applying.
5. Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen or bathroom?
Kitchen or bathroom fixture work generally requires a permit, subject to San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.2 exemptions. Structural or occupancy changes may need plans and additional reviews.
6. Which building codes apply in San Francisco in 2026?
Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 must use the 2025 California Codes and 2025 San Francisco amendments; SF.gov states there is no grace period.
7. How much does a San Francisco building permit cost?
Fees depend on construction valuation, the type of work, plan review, inspections, and applicable surcharges. Use the current SF.gov fee schedule rather than an assumed flat price.
8. How do I schedule a San Francisco building inspection?
For permits issued through PermitSF, use your portal dashboard. For eligible legacy permits, the public can use the 24/7 voice system at 628-652-3401 with the permit number and inspection code.
9. How can I check permit status or history?
Use the permit tracking or PermitSF tracking links on the DBI department page. Search with your application number or property information as supported by that system.
10. What happens if my building inspection fails?
Read the correction items, fix the cited issues, and request a reinspection using the process for your permit. Additional inspection fees may apply.
Need direct assistance? Contact San Francisco DBI at 628-652-3200 or dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org. Include your property address, permit number if available, and a brief explanation of the issue.
Information reviewed: October 8, 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the City and County of San Francisco. Government procedures, fees, office hours, and code requirements may change. Official City instructions control.