Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
Building Inspection Division: (628) 652-3450; automated inspection scheduling: (628) 652-3401; Permit Services: (628) 652-3600
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
Source trail
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.