February 13, 2026 updates for PermitSF

Through PermitSF, San Francisco is beginning to roll out improved online permitting services.

Starting February 13, they include applications on PermitSF for:

• Door, window, and siding replacement
• Special event pre-application
• Fire alarms, sprinklers, and other fire suppression systems

You will not need to print out plans, nor go to the Permit Center to apply for these permits. You will also not receive a job card. Your digital permits can be retrieved in PermitSF.

All other permit types and processes remain unchanged.

General information about digital permitting with PermitSF

To apply for permits online, create a free account. Your contact information will then autofill in any permits you apply for.

You will be able to pay for your permits online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.

If you would like to pay in cash or by check, apply online first. Then you can pay the invoice using a payment kiosk at the Permit Center.

Applicant roles

In Permit SF, there can only be one primary applicant for the permit application. Guests can be added to the application after it’s submitted.

Guests can pay for the permit and upload additional documents at any time. But only the primary applicant can make changes when staff requests a change in the permit application.

If you plan on having a contractor do the construction work, hire them before applying. We will ask for their information in the form.

Authorized agents

Customers applying on behalf of a property owner or contractor will need to upload an image of the property owner or contractor’s drivers’ license.

Window replacement permit updates

Apply online if not changing sizes or locations

You will be able to apply online if you are replacing windows in-kind, without changing the existing wall openings. For example, if you are popping out the old one and putting in a new one that’s the same size. Our goal is to approve a majority of permits within two business days.

In the form, we will ask you for:

• Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy group
• Floor where the work is being done, and its use
• Confirmation whether the glass follows energy efficiency requirements
• Contractor information, if you will have a contractor do the construction work
• The last section of the Property Owner Authorization form completed and the property owner’s driver’s license, if you are an authorized agent for a property owner
• The last section of the Contractor Authorization form completed and the contractor's driver's license, if you are an authorized agent for a contractor
• Business information, if the work will be done on a storefront

For windows, we will also ask you:

• Number of windows being replaced
• Whether you are changing how the window opens
• If any replacement window will serve as an emergency escape rescue opening (EERO) - one is required for every room someone can sleep in
• If any replacement window is within 3 feet of a property line
• Size, location, operation, and materials of the windows being replaced
• For photos of the window locations, if available

For skylights, we will also ask you:

• Mount type
• Number of skylights or light tubes to be replaced
• If any replacement skylight will be within 5 feet of a property line, and if a fire-rated parapet exists at the perimeter if so

Use the existing in-person process if changing sizes or locations

If you will be expanding, reducing, or moving the wall openings (including new construction), you will still need to use the Over-the-Counter permitting process. We will be adding more capability in the future.

Door replacement permit updates

Apply online to replace residential doors the same size and location

If you are not changing the existing wall opening and are not installing an automatic door, you will apply for a permit online. Our goal is to approve a majority of permits within two business days.

In the form, we will ask you for:

• Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy group
• Floor where the work is being done, and its use
• Valuation of work, including all materials and labor
• Contractor information, if you will have a contractor do the construction work
• The last section of the Property Owner Authorization form completed and the property owner’s driver’s license, if you are an authorized agent for a property owner
• The last section of the Contractor Authorization form completed and the contractor's driver's license, if you are an authorized agent for a contractor
• Business information, if the work will be done on a storefront

For doors, we will also ask you:

• Number of doors being replaced
• Whether the direction of the door swing will be changed
• Material of the existing and proposed door
• Whether your proposed door will have glass, and confirming the glass follows energy efficiency guidelines
• For photos of the door locations, if available
• Type of garage door, if applicable

Use the existing in-person process for other door replacements

You must still apply for an Over-the-Counter permit at the Permit Center if you are doing any of the following:

• Expanding, reducing, or moving the existing wall opening
• Installing or replacing a door powered by a motor, like automatic garage or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doors
• Doors for a storefront
• Replacing a garage door that rolls up into the ceiling

We will be adding more capability in the future.

Siding replacement permit updates

Apply online for all siding replacement permits

Our goal is to approve a majority of permits within two business days.

On the form, we will ask you about:

• Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy group
• Floor where the work is being done, and its use
• Value of work, including all materials and labor
• Contractor information, if you will have a contractor do the construction work
• The last section of the Property Owner Authorization form completed and the property owner’s driver’s license, if you are an authorized agent for a property owner
• The last section of the Contractor Authorization form completed and the contractor's driver's license, if you are an authorized agent for a contractor
• Business information, if the work will be done on a storefront

For siding, we will also ask you:

• Square footage of the siding repair or replacement
• Whether the unit weight of the siding will be changing by more than 10%
• Material of the existing and proposed siding
• Design of the existing and proposed siding (ex: horizontal, vertical, stucco, shingles)
• For photos of the siding location, if available

Special event permit updates

We will be launching a new intake form for special events to help you check which permits you need for your event. The form will ask about your proposed event location, dates, and activities.

City staff will review intake forms quickly and send you a list of permits you’ll need. The list will include links to every permit application for all the departments involved in special events.

For now, you will apply with each department separately, although you will be able to check your permits’ statuses on PermitSF.

Fire alarm permit updates

Apply for all fire alarm permits online, whether for new or existing installations. For all fire alarm projects, we will ask for:

• Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy class
• Number of devices used (initiating, notification, and control units or power supplies)
• Fire alarm plans, as an upload
• Associated building permit numbers

For new installations, we will also ask for:

• Coverage of the alarm system, in square feet
• Fire Alarm Control Units (FACU)
• Remote annunciator panels
• Number of fixtures (detectors, strobes, speakers, etc)
• Reference architectural plans

Fire sprinkler permit updates

All fire sprinkler permits will be online, whether new or existing installations for extinguishing or suppression systems.

In every sprinkler application, we will ask you for:

• Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy class
• The sprinkler plans, as an upload
• Associated building permit numbers

If you will install or expand a sprinkler system, we will also ask for information about:

• Data from the water flow report, including hydraulic calculations
• Coverage of your sprinkler system, in square feet
• Number of sprinkler heads
• Standpipes
• Fire pumps
• Underground water supply
• Street mains the system will be using

Inspections

For online permits for doors, siding, and windows, call (628) 652-3625 weekdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm to schedule your inspection. You will be able to see your inspection status on PermitSF.

Permits applied for using the existing Over-the-Counter (OTC) or in-house systems will continue using the Voice Inspection Scheduling System. Fire-only construction projects will also continue to use the existing process.

Getting help

If you have questions or need help, email PermitCenter@sfgov.org.

Our staff can help you virtually.

At the Permit Center, staff will be available to help you in person, to create an account or complete your permit applications in the new systems.