Zoning Verification Letter (ZAV)

A Zoning Verification Letter (ZAV) is a written response to a request regarding the current land use and zoning for a specific property, including information on variances, special permits/exceptions, ordinances or conditions, and violations. This type of letter is more general in nature than a Letter of Determination (ZAD). A ZAV generally includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a rebuild letter.

A Rebuild Letter is a form of Zoning Verification Letter that states that the subject building can be restored to its original condition and use in the event the property is destroyed by fire or any other form of natural disaster (the fee for this type of letter is the same as the fee for the ZAV).

There is a fee associated with this written determination. Refer to Section 6 of the Fee Schedule.

Instructions

Requests for a Zoning Verification Letter must be submitted in writing or online using Public Portal.

Written Submission

If you submit in writing, we use a standard letter response. If you wish to include a specific language or information on the letter, please specify that in your letter request. It takes 1-2 weeks to process this type of request.

Mail to:

Office of the Zoning Administrator
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103

Online Public Portal

The City provides provides residents, businesses, and visitors access to government services online, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week through it's citizen portal. For security reasons, all online filing requires registration of a free user account. Please have all your property information ready in advance.

1. After registering or login, go to "+ New" and select "Planning Application" (there may be an agreement screen for first-time accounts).
2. Select from the list of available applications and follow all instructions.

For questions, you can call the Planning counter at 628.652.7300 or email pic@sfgov.org where planners are able to assist you.