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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for San Francisco County.

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.

Inspection lane

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.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

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.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    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.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

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.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.