DBI and the Permit Center are closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents' Day.

Also, on February 13, 2026, San Francisco will transition to digital permitting services for in-kind replacements permits for doors, windows, and siding. Learn about the transition to online permitting.
To prepare for the City's new online permitting system, staff are in daily trainings which may impact our services. In the coming weeks, the Permit Center will be operating with about half our usual staff to accommodate these trainings.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

View of the middle of a street with tall buildings on both sides. The Bay Bridge can be seen between buildings.

Building permit services

We issue permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.→

Inspection Services

We inspect buildings for compliance with code requirements and permit scope, and respond to building complaints.

Code Enforcement

We investigate complaints of building code violations and compel building owners to fix the violations.

Records Management

We maintain and provide copies of records of buildings, including plans, permit applications, and job cards.

New PermitSF Permitting Portal

Go here to learn more about the new online permitting system.

News

See all news

Mayor Lurie Takes Major Step to Drive San Francisco’s Recovery, Launching Process to Create a Single, Centralized Permitting OrganizationJanuary 15, 2026

Services

Track your building permit application or property complaint

Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system.

Schedule and pay for your inspection

Schedule and pay for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.

Report a building problem

File a complaint about construction, electrical, plumbing, living conditions, or disability access.

Resources

Customer Communication

Stay informed with updates, announcements, and important information about DBI services and processes.

Codes and published guidance

Current San Francisco building codes

Find the building codes that apply to your permit application. If you file on or after January 1, 2026, you must use the 2025 California Codes and the 2025 San Francisco Code Amendments. There is no grace period.

Administrative Bulletins in the SF Building Code

Administrative Bulletins document procedures followed by DBI staff.

Information sheets for DBI

Documents that clarify building code implementation for various construction topics.

Reference

Fees for the Department of Building Inspection

Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.

Development Impact Fees

The city charges impact fees on new development projects to provide public services to the new building.

BuildingEye

See a map of DBI, Planning, and Fire permit activity.

What to expect during construction in your neighborhood

Construction hours, noise, street parking, and other info.

About

Under the direction and management of the seven-member citizen Building Inspection Commission, to oversee the effective, efficient, fair and safe enforcement of the City and County of San Francisco's Building, Housing, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes, along with the Disability Access Regulations.

Learn more about us

Meeting Updates

Stay up to date on our latest and upcoming public meetings.View our calendar

DBI Staff Directory

Contact information

Address

Department of Building Inspection49 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103

Get directions

Monday9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Wednesday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

We are closed on public holidays. Plan Review and Print Center queues will close at 4:30pm. Payments, general questions and assistance are available until 5:00pm.