2nd Floor at 49 South Van Ness Avenue
* Walk-ins Only
Permits are required in San Francisco to either establish a business or perform construction activity.
The Permit Center, located at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, is a centralized hub for all your permitting needs. At the Planning Counter within the Permit Center, you can access services for construction, special events, and business permits. Appointments are not available; services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to know before you begin your project
Your Zoning
The permitting process varies depending on the scope of your project and the zoning of your property. Special authorizations may be required and/or restrictions may apply. You can find information about what is specifically allowed in the City’s various Zoning Districts by visiting the San Francisco Property Information Map (PIM).
Project Details
Know the basic outline of your project so that we can best assist you (e.g. Are you doing work on the exterior of your home/business? Are you adding units?).
Other Permits
In addition to the Planning Department, you may need to obtain permits from other City agencies, such as the Department of Building Inspection, Fire Department, Department of Public Health, or Public Works Department. You may also need to secure permits from State agencies like the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The Office of Small Business offers permitting support and other resources to small businesses.
Licensed Design Professionals
Unless you are installing a new roof, replacing garage doors, or replacing windows, you will need a licensed design professional. City staff are not able to recommend an architect or other professional for you. For more information, visit the Department of Building Inspection.
To begin the process...
Determine if the project can be reviewed over-the-counter or through intake and more detailed review. Come visit us at the Permit Center or email us at pic@sfgov.org. Permit Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the start of 2024 SF Planning updated its approval process. Learn more here
- If your project is eligible for over-the-counter review, have your architect or design professional bring hard copy plans to the Permit Center.
- If your project requires intake, fill out the Project Application (PRJ) form and email it to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org along with all required supplemental materials. Examples of projects that require intake are those that require neighborhood notification, require a public hearing, include complex scopes of work such as new construction, or large additions.
In either case, Department staff will review your project for consistency with the Planning Code, adopted guidelines and standards, and applicable City policies. Accordingly, we may ask for changes to your project.
For projects not eligible for over-the-counter review, there are four basic steps required.
What to do prior to filing an application:
1. Pre-Application
- Research applicable rules, design your project, and gather required application materials.
- Review the Property Information Map, which shows you the zoning, past projects and proposals, active complaints, environmental, and historical information about the site.
- Optional: if you need help identifying applicable rules, you may visit the Planning Counter or request a dedicated 1:1 Project Review meeting with a planner. There is a fee for a Project Review meeting.
- Community Outreach: some projects require community outreach before submitting an application; for others, it's not required but always encouraged to be a good neighbor. Learn more about community outreach.
2. Submittal / Intake *
- Submit a Project Application (PRJ)
- Submit plans (per Plan Submittal Guidelines)
- Submit other Supplemental Applications (e.g. Conditional Use Authorization, Variance, Certificate of Appropriateness, Permit to Alter)
* Fees may be required, check the Department's fee schedule.
3. City Review for Completeness *
(30 days) and Compliance (subsequent 30 days)
- Environmental Review, including historic preservation
- Planning Code and policy compliance
- Design Review
- Neighborhood Notification, if required
- Public Hearing, if required
* The Department will email an applicant within 30 days of submittal to verify completeness. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
4. Approval
- Administrative (no hearing) OR Public Hearing (e.g. Conditional Use Authorization or Variance)
- Issuance of Planning Approval Letter
- Record conditions of approval with City Assessor/Recorder, if required
Permit Types
Please select one of the groups below to start exploring more about your project or business.
Homeowners
If you are planning to build, demolish, renovate, or expand a home, or add dwelling units, you will need a Planning Approval and a building permit.
Large Projects
If you are planning a new multi-unit residential project or a commercial project, you will need a Planning Approval, in addition to building permits.
Small Businesses
If you are planning to start, renovate, or expand a small business, or change the type of business operating at a business' existing location, you may need a Planning Approval and/or permit.
Wireless
If you are planning to install or modify a Wireless Telecommunication Services facility, you may need one or more land use approvals from the City, in addition to building permits.