Prepare your plans for your Site Permit application

October 1, 2023

  1. General sheet requirements
  2. Title sheet
  3. Green Building Forms sheet
  4. Photographs sheet
  5. Site Plan sheet
    1. Property where the work is proposed
    2. Directly adjacent properties
    3. Public right-of-way
  6. Fire access and fire flow plan sheet
  7. Site Survey sheet
  8. Floor and roof plans sheet
  9. Elevation drawings sheet
  10. Section drawings sheet
  11. Design & material specifications sheet
  12. As-built plans sheet
  13. Demolition calculations sheet
  14. Additional requirements for large projects 

Sections

  1. General sheet requirements
  2. Title sheet
  3. Green Building Forms sheet
  4. Photographs sheet
  5. Site Plan sheet
    1. Property where the work is proposed
    2. Directly adjacent properties
    3. Public right-of-way
  6. Fire access and fire flow plan sheet
  7. Site Survey sheet
  8. Floor and roof plans sheet
  9. Elevation drawings sheet
  10. Section drawings sheet
  11. Design & material specifications sheet
  12. As-built plans sheet
  13. Demolition calculations sheet
  14. Additional requirements for large projects 

You must include a set of plans in PDF format when you submit a Site Permit application. The plans must be prepared by a licensed engineer or architect, except for Site Surveys, which must be prepared by a licensed surveyor registered in the State of California.  

Follow these instructions as you create your set of plans. We will only process documents that follow these guidelines. 

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General sheet requirements

Format your PDFs

Follow these rules to create PDFs of your plans.

Title blocks

Your plan sheets must include a title block in a consistent location and format.

All design professionals, across disciplines, must use the same title layout and title block orientation.

Title blocks must include: 

  • Blank area that is at least 2 inches wide x 2 inches tall on the same location in the title block (so we can apply stamps to all pages at once)
  • Project address 
  • Block and lot number 
  • Building permit application number (if known) 
  • Sheet number and sheet name
  • Designer contact information 
    • Name 
    • Address 
    • Email address 
    • Phone number 
  • Plan preparer’s signature and stamp. Use a scanned graphic signature with a PDF stamp.
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Title sheet

You must include a title sheet. This is sometimes referred to as the cover sheet.

Always required

  • A blank area for agency stamps that is 8.5 inches wide x 11 inches tall
  • Sheet index with all sheets listed and a total page count
  • List all the regulatory codes that apply to the project, including the edition
  • List any elements of the project that are proposed to be submitted separately as a Deferred Submittal
  • Indicate whether Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarms, or other fire protection features are included in the existing building and/or will be included in the design of the project. Provide the fire sprinkler standard (NFPA-XX), if any.

Project description (scope of work): The Project Description provided on the plan set may be longer than the Scope of Work provided on the DBI application forms (which is limited to 180 characters). The plan set Project Description must include: 

  • Any alterations to existing development on the site
  • Full scope of construction work proposed under the permit
  • Any special programs that the permit is proposed under, such as Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), Legalization Program, or 100% Affordable Housing development. 
  • If the work is only for a portion of the building, indicate the floor level and/or unit number where the work will take place.
  • If the work is in response to a Notice of Violation, cite the applicable violation(s): 
    • DBI: “To comply with DBI NOV #XXXX” 
    • Planning: “To comply with Planning ENF Case No. XXXXX” 
    • Public Works: “To comply with DPW NOV #XXXX” 
  • Any architectural design criteria such as horizontal exit, heavy timber, special element, etc.  

Location description:

  • Site address 
  • Block and lot number 
  • Business account number (BAN) 
  • Location ID number (LIN) 
  • Zoning district(s) 
  • Height and bulk district(s) 
  • Slope protection zone areas 
  • Overlay zones (flood, high fire, historical, etc.) 

Special cases

For all projects except those that only propose a change of use within an existing building with no exterior expansion or change to any residential dwelling unit. In a table format, provide a project summary and include:

  • Maximum building height in feet (existing vs proposed, in linear feet) 
  • Number of stories (existing vs proposed) 
  • Number of basement levels (existing vs proposed) 
  • Type of construction (existing vs proposed) 
  • Gross floor area (existing vs proposed, in square feet per floor per building) 
  • Occupancy group classifications (existing vs proposed, including area in square feet per classification) 
  • Excavation and grading 
    • Maximum depth of excavation (proposed, in linear feet) 
    • Total soil disturbance (proposed, in cubic feet) 
  • Planning code land uses (existing vs proposed, in square feet)
    • Residential uses 
    • Commercial/retail uses 
    • Office uses 
    • Industrial / pdr uses 
    • Automobile parking areas 
    • Bicycle parking areas 
    • Usable open space 
  • Roof surface areas (existing vs proposed, in square feet) 
    • Total rooftop area 
    • Living roof area 
    • Solar roof area 
    • Solar ready roof area 
  • Dwelling unit counts (existing vs proposed, in number of units) 
    • Total dwelling units 
    • Market rate dwelling units 
    • On-site affordable dwelling units 
    • Dwelling units by number of bedrooms 
  • Parking spaces (existing vs proposed, in number of spaces) 
    • Total automobile parking spaces 
    • Accessible automobile parking spaces 
    • Bicycle parking spaces – class 1 
    • Bicycle parking spaces – class 2 

For projects that only propose a change of use within an existing building with no exterior expansion or change to any residential dwelling unit, a reduced table can be provided. In a table format, provide:

  • Number of stories (existing) 
  • Number of basement levels (existing)
  • Type of construction (existing) 
  • Occupancy group classifications (existing vs proposed, including area in square feet per classification) 
  • Planning code land uses (existing vs proposed, in square feet) 
    • Any specific change of use proposed 
    • Residential uses 
    • Commercial/retail uses 
    • Office uses 
    • Industrial / pdr uses 
    • Automobile parking areas 
    • Bicycle parking areas 
    • Usable open space 
  • Parking spaces (existing vs proposed, in number of spaces) 
    • Total automobile parking spaces 
    • Accessible automobile parking spaces 
    • Bicycle parking spaces – class 1 
    • Bicycle parking spaces – class 2 
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Green Building Forms sheet

Your plans must include the Site Permit Green Submittal form.

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Photographs sheet

You must provide at least one sheet with current photographs of the property where the work is proposed.

Photographs must include:

  • View from any street frontages
  • Any specific areas where work is proposed 
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Site Plan sheet

You must include separate Existing and Proposed Site Plans if your project proposes any exterior alteration or new construction.

Internal only projects can include only a Proposed Site Plan.

Your Site Plan sheet must include details about:

  • Property where the work is proposed
  • Both adjacent lots
  • Public right-of-way

Draw your Site Plans at a scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot unless the project is too large for this scale. For projects that are too large to fit, provide an overall Site Plan at the lowest possible scale, and then provide multiple sheets that detail portions of the project site at the 1/8 inch = 1 foot scale.

Provide a North Arrow.

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Property where the work is proposed

Always required

  • Detail the full extent of the property where the work is proposed (subject lot) and the location of all property lines
  • Existing and proposed development on the subject lot
  • Show the distance from the existing building walls to property lines and other structures on the lot
  • Detail the location of retaining walls and fences
  • Detail any trees that are located within 10 feet of any street property lines. Note any proposed to be added or removed. Include a tree protection plan for any trees that may be impacted by the construction. 

Special cases

Residential projects: 

  • Show the dimensions of decks, terraces, and yards

Altering, expanding, or changing the use of an existing building:

  • Detail the specific location(s) of proposed building alterations or changes of use

New construction or additions to an existing building (including legalizations):

  • Provide dimensioned setback requirements including front setback, rear yard, and side yard

Within RTO, RH, AND RM Zoning Districts: New construction, additions to an existing building (including legalizations), or the addition or legalization of one or more dwelling units:

  • Dimension landscaped and permeable areas in the front setback
  • Include a calculation of the percent of the front setback area devoted to these areas (if any front setback exists)
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Directly adjacent properties

Always required

  • Detail the full extent of directly adjacent properties and the location of all property lines
  • Detail the full profile of all buildings and the use(s) of each building on adjacent properties

Special cases

New construction or additions to an existing building (including legalizations):

  • Dimension existing front setbacks and rear yards of adjacent buildings.
  • If a side setback is provided, provide the width of the side setback provided.
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Public right-of-way

Always required

  • Indicate street names and direction of travel
  • Show existing and proposed street trees, noting any proposed for removal
    • Include a note if payment of the in-lieu fee is proposed.
    • Include a tree protection plan for any trees that may be impacted by the construction.
  • Show existing and proposed curb cuts and curb lines, including both adjacent properties
    • Ensure new curb cut wings are oriented correctly
    • Indicate the required 1-inch lip and 18 inch wings within any new curb cut
  • Detail any changes to the public right-of-way
  • Indicate any proposed encroachments into the public right-of-way. Detail both existing and proposed spot elevations at the corners of all encroachments. Encroachments include:
    • Warped driveways
    • Planter boxes
    • Guardrails
    • Transformer vaults

Special cases

Corner lots:

  • Detail the existing curb ramps. All corner lots will require 2 curb ramp evaluations and possible reconstruction.

New construction (including new multi-parcel developments) or building expansion:

If you propose certain features within the right-of-way:

  • Projects that propose trash enclosures, raised planter boxes, fences, transformer vaults, or any non-standard designs within the right-of-way must:
    • Show both existing (E) and proposed (N) spot elevations, in positive decimal feet, fronting the property and at least 15 feet into the adjacent parcels.
    • Spot elevations should be shown at:
      • Back of walk (BW), with corresponding elevations at the top of curb (TC) and at the flow line (FL). At an interval no greater than 25 feet.
      • Existing (E) and proposed (N) ground finished floor spot elevations as (FF) at each entrance threshold and garage, with a corresponding BW.
      • Along both edges of driveways 
      • At grade breaks with corresponding BW, TC, and FL 
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Fire access and fire flow plan sheet

You must include a sheet detailing Fire Department access to the site if your project proposes new construction or additions.

Draw your plans at a minimum scale of 1 inch = 20 feet. 

Provide a North Arrow.

New construction (including new multi-parcel developments)

  • Provide a North Arrow
  • Provide fire flow analysis and show that it meets the Fire flow requirements
  • Indicate all streets within a one-block radius and specify:
    • Whether they are one-way or two-way traffic streets
    • Approach, departure, and grade of all streets
    • Street widths (both curb-to-curb and sidewalk widths)
    • Whether parking is or will be allowed on one or both sides of the street
  • State the location of the nearest access points for a Fire Apparatus. Detail any new Fire Apparatus Roadways proposed and compliance with the Fire Code. 
  • Mark the firefighter access walkway from the Fire Apparatus to all building exits. These must be clear from obstructions. 
  • Mark and calculate the hose pull distance (distance from engine to building) indicating the most remote part of a floor is not more than 150 feet of hose reach. We measure the firefighter’s path of travel, avoiding any obstructions including:
    • Mechanical equipment
    • Walls
    • Fences
    • Planters

Expanding the volume of an existing building

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Site Survey sheet

You must include a Site Survey sheet if your project contains new buildings, lot splits, and lot mergers.

  • Draw the Site Survey at a scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot unless the project is too large for this scale
  • Provide a North Arrow
  • Detail the full width of all buildings on the subject property and adjacent lots
  • Detail and dimension the front setback of all adjacent buildings
  • Detail the curb elevation in line with the mid-point of the subject building and adjacent lots
  • Detail the grade elevations at the mid-point of the front wall of adjacent buildings
  • Specify roof elevations including the elevation of eaves and peaks of pitched roofs
  • Detail contour lines which show changes in elevation across the project site and adjacent lots
  • Identify the following site conditions:
    • Utility lines
    • Landscaping
    • Street trees
    • Existing structures
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Floor and roof plans sheet

You must provide floor and roof plans.

Always required

  • Draw the plans at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot unless the project is too large for this scale
  • Provide a North Arrow
  • Provide floor plans for all floors where work is proposed
  • Identify the existing and intended use of rooms
  • Identify existing and new toter storage such as garbage, recycling, and compost
  • Identify any residential laundry or tenant storage areas (existing, proposed, or proposed for removal)
  • Detail all walls, those to remain and those to be removed or added, along with a key
  • Detail all stairs showing the direction of ascent or descent
  • Detail all doors and windows (existing and proposed)
  • The path of travel for egress in the event of an emergency. Include a calculation of the maximum distance.

Special cases

New construction or addition projects:

  • Calculate the total roof area, living roof area, and/or solar ready zone area in GSF, existing and proposed.

High-rise projects:

  • Indicate the location of emergency power generators, secondary water supplies, and fire control rooms

Electrical transformers:

  • If any Electrical Transformers are required, identify the location.
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Elevation drawings sheet

You must provide Elevation drawing plans.

Always required

  • Must be drawn at a scale of 1/8 inch = 1 foot unless the project is too large for this scale.
  • Provide a North Arrow
  • Show the full outline of each adjacent building or structure
    • Side elevations should show the full profile of adjacent buildings, window openings, and light wells that face the project.
    • Show the grade plane and heights of buildings

Special cases

New construction or exterior alterations:

  • Provide separate existing and proposed elevations for each building face that is altered 
  • Detail existing and proposed exterior materials for new or replacement doors, windows, and exterior finish material.
  • Include window dimensions, operation, muntin specifications (if applicable), and material type.
    • Include a window section with a reveal dimension from the exterior wall to the window sash for any new or replacement windows visible from the public right-of-way.

New construction or building additions:

  • Include heights (in feet and number of stories, calculated as defined in Planning Code Sections 102 and 260) and any difference in elevation due to pitched roofs or steps in building mass
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Section drawings sheet

You must include a section drawings sheet if your project proposes new construction, building additions, or excavations.

  • Draw your plans at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot unless the project is too large for this scale.
  • Provide a North Arrow
  • For longitudinal sections, show the relation between the street, front property line, subject building, rear yard, and rear property line.
  • For lateral sections, show the relation between the subject building and the outline of each adjacent building.
  • Detail the height datum point at the center line of the building, top of curb. Use this datum point as the zero point of measurement for height.
  • Indicate floor to ceiling height dimensions
  • Illustrate existing and proposed grade
  • Key section location on the floor plans and site plan
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Design & material specifications sheet

You must include design and material specifications if your project proposes new construction, additions, and exterior alterations. 

  • Detail the material and swing direction of doorways.
  • Provide a window schedule including dimensions, operation (double-hung, casement, etc.), and materials. Include muntin specifications.
  • Provide plan section detail of new windows, including a dimension of depth from the window plane to the building façade.
  • Detail the material of exterior surfaces.

Special cases

You must also include a 3D rendering of the proposed building, including adjacent properties and buildings, for new construction projects.

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As-built plans sheet

You must include as-built plans if the permit proposes to abate an enforcement case from either DBI or SF Planning.  

Your plans must detail and differentiate between: 

  • Existing conditions: plans that show how the property exists today, highlighting any changes that were made without a permit. 
  • Existing plans: plans that show how the property existed before any changes were made without a permit. These plans show how the property legally should be today.
  • Proposed plans: plans that show what you are proposing to do with your project, including legalizing or removing any changes that were done without a permit. 

This includes a separate sheet detailing as-build conditions in addition to existing and proposed:  

  • Site Plans  
  • Floor and Roof Plans  
  • Elevation Drawings  
  • Section Drawings  
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Demolition calculations sheet

You must provide demolition calculations if the project alters an existing building containing residential units and proposes any of the following scopes:

  • Removal of all or most of the front façade, rear façade, and/or roof
  • Vertical addition plus any horizontal addition
  • Removal of 50% or more of interior and exterior features
  • If substantial demolition is proposed

Your sheet must include:

  • Diagrams detailing areas where existing “Horizontal Envelope Elements” or “Vertical Envelope Elements” are removed, portions of the front and rear facades are removed, and where exterior walls are removed.
  • Calculations of the percentages of each feature that are removed

See Planning Code Section 317 and the Planning Department’s Dwelling Unit Removal Implementation Document.

Large Projects must submit additional documentation to facilitate review of the permit by the Streetscape Design Advisory Team. If you provide this information as part of a separate entitlement application for the project, you do not need to include in the plan set for the Site Permit.

Your project is considered a Large Project if it meets at least one criteria from each of the following lists:

  1. Located on a lot that is greater than one-half acre in total area; or includes more than 50,000 gross square feet of new construction; or contains 150 feet of total lot frontage on one or more publicly accessible rights-of-way; or its frontage encompasses the entire block face between the nearest two intersections with any other publicly accessible right-of-way; and 
  2. The project includes new construction of 10 or more Dwelling Units; or new construction of 10,000 gross square feet or greater of non-residential space; or an addition of 20% or more of Gross Floor Area to an existing building; or a Change of Use of 10,000 gross square feet or greater of a PDR use to a non-PDR use. 

You must provide the following additional information for your Large Project: 

  • Detailed Vicinity Plan: Detail all buildings, landscaped areas, hardscaped areas, parking areas, curb cuts, and street trees within 3 blocks in each direction from the furthest project boundary line. 
  • Landscaping Plan: Detail the existing and proposed conditions of curbs, ground and paving materials, plant species, trees (including sizes), and drip lines. 
  • Streetscape Plan: Detail the existing and proposed conditions of the following elements: 
    • Dimensions of existing and proposed sidewalk and curb extensions on plans  
    • Dimensions of existing and proposed curb cuts and on-street loading zones on plans, if applicable 
    • Existing and proposed color curbs 
    • Dimensions of existing and proposed transit stops, if applicable 
    • Existing and proposed streetscape features (such as bulbouts, paving materials, trees, tree wells, transit shelters, benches, bike racks)
    • Adjacent ROW widths and curb-to-curb widths with street names 
    • Locations of existing utility poles and hydrants 
    • Street sections, including dimensions of tree wells, distances from utilities, and path of travel 
    • Turn templates 
    • Transformer vaults
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