Project Application (PRJ)
A Project Application is the primary means by which the Planning Department collects information necessary to conduct environmental evaluation, determine Planning Code compliance and conformity with the General Plan for a proposed development project.
For projects that are required to submit a Project Application, project review will not begin unless a complete Project Application has been submitted and accepted by the Planning Department. In order to consider a Project Application accepted, the application must be accompanied by all required supporting materials (e.g. plan sets, letters of authorization, etc.) and all relevant supplemental applications.
There are three kinds of Project Applications. Please select the appropriate Project Application for your project and complete all required fields and the checklist within.
For small-scale residential projects (6 dwelling units or less, decks, remodels, additions, façade alterations etc.)
For small-scale commercial-only projects (formula retail, changes of use that require a conditional use authorization etc.)
For Residential projects constructing 7+ units, or any new construction of commercial or mixed-use buildings.
How to Submit
To submit your Project Application (PRJ) materials for a Planning Approval Letter, you have two options:
- Accela Citizen Access (ACA) Public Portal: No need to complete this entire PDF application. Instead, complete the PRJ application online through the public portal.
- Email: Submit a completed PDF application and all required documents identified within the Intake Master Checklist to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org
Once you receive a Planning Approval Letter, you may apply for a building permit. More information can be found on the Project Application Informational Packet.
What to Expect
- Planning Intake staff will review the application submittal for completeness and contact you within 21 days. If the application is incomplete, you will receive an Incomplete Application Notice (IAN) requesting additional materials. If the application is complete, you will receive a Complete Application Notice (CAN).
- Once a CAN is issued, the application will be forwarded to the Principal Planner assigned to the relevant Supervisorial District for assignment. If this project is a housing development project as defined by Government Code Section 65905.5, it shall be subject only to the ordinance, policies, and standards adopted and in effect as of the date of the CAN. To be subject to ordinances, policies, or standards adopted after the date of this CAN, please file a Preliminary Application with the Planning Department.
- A planner will review for compliance within 30 days and issue a Plan Check Letter for any compliance issues that need to be addressed. Once review is complete, a Planning Approval Letter (PAL) will be issued.
- Once you receive a Planning Approval Letter (PAL), you may submit an application for a building permit.
A few project types do not require the submission of a Project Application. These include:
- SB-423 (Streamlined Multifamily Approval) projects
- AB-2011 (Affordable Housing and High Roads Job Act Supplemental) projects
- AB-2162 (Supportive Housing Streamlined Approval) projects
- SB-4 (Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval) projects
- SB-9 (Streamlined Housing Development Supplemental) projects
- Housing Element Sites Streamlined Approval projects
- State and Hybrid ADUs
- Unauthorized Dwelling Unit (UDU) Screenings
- Temporary Use Authorizations (TUA)
- Modification of an Approved Project Request (without physical changes) or
- Project Review Meeting (PRV)
For these project types please email the required PDF to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org.
Transportation Review Fee: SFMTA collects a separate fee for costs related to the review of development projects – the Planning Department informs applicants during the Project Application review process if they must pay these fees.