SERVICE

Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit

See when you need a plumbing or mechanical permit. Registered contractors can get permits online.

What to know

Cost

Permit fees depend on the scope of work. Refer to the plumbing/mechanical permit fees schedule for details.

Requirements

You need a permit before cutting into or replacing pipes, particularly pipes that will be covered by a wall or buried in the ground. See exemptions in San Francisco Plumbing Code Section 104.2.

You must be a licensed contractor registered with the City of San Francisco to apply for a plumbing or mechanical permit online.

What to do

Apply online

Log into the Plumbing Permitting and Inspection Scheduling system.

If you don’t have an account, you can create one by registering with the City of San Francisco as a licensed contractor.

The system will only show you permits that you can obtain with your trade license. 

The application will ask you about your planned plumbing or mechanical work. You can pay and immediately get your permit online.

Apply in person

Download, complete, and print the applications.

We’ll also have paper copies of the applications in our office. 

Permit Services49 South Van Ness
2nd floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Wed 9 am to 3:30 pm

Sign into the building before 3:30 pm so we can see you the same day. 

Supporting information

Special cases

Homeowners

Only owner-installers of stand-alone single family dwellings may apply for a plumbing or mechanical permit to do the work themselves. Check your home’s official status in the Assessor’s map.

If you cannot demonstrate that you can do the work safely, you will need to hire a licensed contractor.

  1. Complete the Plumbing Permit Application Worksheet for plumbing, gas, and water work. Complete the Mechanical Permit Application Worksheet for furnace and air conditioning (temperature changing) work. Mark that you are a homeowner.
  2. Email the application to dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org. You will also need to attach documents proving you are the homeowner.
  3. We will forward the application to a DBI plumbing inspector. They will schedule a call to discuss details of your planned work. 

Before covering pipes, you must have it inspected.

Backflow prevention assemblies are part of San Francisco’s annual cross-connection control program. Learn more about cross-connection control.

Get help

Phone

For general permitting questions628-652-3200

Additional info

For issues with the online permit system

Email dbionlineservices@sfgov.org or call 628-652-3320.