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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Resubmit a building permit for new housing using the City's streamlined process
You can withdraw and resubmit a building permit application for new housing that was originally filed before 1/1/24 to benefit from the City’s streamlined review process and enhanced legal protections. The new process and protections are the result of Mayor Breed's housing permitting efficiency initiatives and state bills AB 2234 and AB 1114.
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.