Administrative overview · FIPS 06075
San Francisco County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
City and County of San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
For a project in or near San Francisco County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
Building Inspection Division: (628) 652-3450; automated inspection scheduling: (628) 652-3401; Permit Services: (628) 652-3600
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103; Permit Center and DBI offices occupy the 4th, 5th, and related floors.
Operating hours
Building Inspection Division business hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; inspector office hours are 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. Inspection scheduling requests are accepted 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., while automated scheduling is available 24/7.
Review expectation
N/A for ordinary plan review; DBI publishes over-the-counter drop-in processing for eligible permits but no single general review timeline. Current code provides application validity/expiration rules rather than a typical approval time. State and local expedited programs may apply to specific project types.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for San Francisco County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
City and County of San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Building Inspection Division: (628) 652-3450; automated inspection scheduling: (628) 652-3401; Permit Services: (628) 652-3600.
How long might review take?
N/A for ordinary plan review; DBI publishes over-the-counter drop-in processing for eligible permits but no single general review timeline. Current code provides application validity/expiration rules rather than a typical approval time. State and local expedited programs may apply to specific project types.
How are inspections scheduled?
Schedule building inspections through DBI's online services at https://dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbi_building/ or the 24/7 automated line at (628) 652-3401. The Inspection Services Division can be reached at (628) 652-3450; inspectors have office windows 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m. The permit and approved plans must be available at the job site, and work must be ready for inspection before concealment.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
San Francisco's current 2025 San Francisco Building Code incorporates the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments. DBI administers the applicable California Building, Residential, Existing Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Green Building, Fire, and accessibility provisions, together with San Francisco Building, Housing, Planning, Fire, and related local codes. Current code tables were amended by a 2026 ordinance effective July 12, 2026. Current SF Building Code section 106A.2 exempts one-story detached tool/storage sheds and similar accessory structures with projected roof area up to 100 sq. ft.; qualifying rear/side fences up to 6 ft. and other fences up to 3 ft.; non-fixed amusement devices; movable cases, counters and partitions up to 5 ft. 9 in.; retaining walls up to 4 ft. without surcharge or hazardous-liquid storage; certain small tanks, platforms, painting/papering and similar finish work, and other listed minor work. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, planning, fire, or health requirements can still apply, and exemptions do not waive zoning or code compliance.