Building Permits
| Over the Counter Permit Hours: |
| Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
You can apply for limited building permits online! It is important that you make sure that the permit you are applying for is eligible for online purchase. Check out the list below of the types of permits which are applicable before creating an account and purchasing your permit:
Residential Water Heater Replacements
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be “tank type” and under 50-gallon capacity
- Must be installed in existing location
Residential Furnace Replacements
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be installed in existing location
Residential Electrical Service Upgrade
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Must be 200 amp maximum
- Must be installed in (or adjacent to) existing location
Residential Resale Reports
- For Single family homes, duplexes, condos. No apartments!
- You must leave a contact name and number
Residential Reroofs
- For Single family homes, duplexes, condos and apartments
- No rooftop equipment to be removed and replaced
- Only one overlay is allowed
- Roof drains (if applicable) must meet minimum code requirements
- Attic ventilation must be addressed if inadequate
- You must provide a credible valuation for the work
Residential Window Replacements
- For Single family homes and duplexes only
- Retrofit windows & doors only (does not disturb framing or waterproofing)
- Must meet current energy requirements
- Must meet all other code requirements (Egress tempered where needed, minimum light and ventilation ratios)
- You must provide a credible valuation for the work
If you are interested in purchasing a building permit that is not listed above, we offer Over the Counter Permit assistance on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for the following types of permits:
- Decks that do not require Planning Design Review
- Kitchen remodels
- Bathroom remodels
- Accessory structures (used for storage only)
- Hot tubs
- Car charging outlets
- Solar panels
- Thermal heating
- Adding electrical
- Seismic retrofitting
- Lighting/outlets
Contractors
If you are a licensed contractor, you should login under your business name. Your business name should appear in our drop-down list on the login page (if not, please call (415) 485-3086 during business hours for assistance). Your initial password is your Contractor’s license number. You will be required to change it when you first log in. Check out our detailed contractor login instructions for more information!
Homeowners / Realtors
If you are a homeowner and wish to purchase a permit for your own property, you will need to create a “public” account. This will be secured by a password that you create. Check out our detailed homeowner login instructions for more information!
If you are a realtor purchasing a resale report, you must also create a “public” account. When purchasing resale inspections, since the system requires a valuation for all permit types, (and this is not applicable to resale reports), please enter “0” as the valuation and you should be able to complete the process.
All permits purchased online are reviewed by Building Division staff within 2 business days of purchase to verify that the work proposed does not exceed the limitations above, and that valuations and fees are appropriate. Please be sure to leave the your name and number so we may contact you if we have questions.
Your credit card information is not stored in our system. All credit purchases are subject to approval of the charges by the bank issuing the credit card. If charges are denied, additional fees may be assessed.