Agency
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.
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
Apply for your permit online for sign, awning, no plans reroofing and in-kind door, window and siding replacements.
Services
Track your building permit application or property complaint
Find building permit status and history in our permit tracking system.
Track your door, window and siding replacement permit in the PermitSF permitting portal
Find building permit status and history for door, window and siding replacement obtained through the PermitSF online portal.
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.
Check the Expanded Compliance Control list
Confirm that your contractor, architect, or engineer is not on the Expanded Compliance Control list.
Resources
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 usDivisions
Partner agencies
Contact information
Address
Department of Building Inspection49 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Monday to
Tuesday to
Wednesday to
Thursday to
Friday to
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.
Phone
DBI Customer Service628-652-3200
DBI Customer Service
dbicustomerservice@sfgov.orgPermit Processing Support
dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.orgElectronic Permit Processing Support
dbi.epr@sfgov.orgMedia Enquiries
dbi.communications@sfgov.org