San Francisco Permitting Note: As of January 1, 2026, California's AB 253 introduces a 'shot clock' requiring cities to review residential permits within 30 business days or face third-party plan check remedies.
About Building Permits in San Francisco
Building permits in San Francisco are issued by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Most residential permit applications are submitted online through the PermitSF portal at sf.gov/departments/department-building-inspection. Processing times for standard residential projects typically run 30 business days (state AB 253 mandate); instant permits for minor in-kind work.
2022 California Building Code + San Francisco local amendments. New pools in SF (2026) must use solar or heat pump heating — gas heaters can no longer be the primary heat source.
DBI uses an automated inspection scheduling system; most residential inspections are available next business day.