Building Permits

Please Note: With the exception of Commercial Re-roofs; Online permits intended for Residential Properties only. Items cited on a Residential Resale Report MUST be applied for in person and CANNOT be done online.

Residential Water Heater Replacements (Note: Tank to Tank-less cannot be done online)

For Single family homes and duplexes only
Must be “tank type” and 50-gallon capacity and under
Must be installed in existing location

Residential Furnace and A/C Replacements only (Note: New A/C units cannot be done online)

For Single family homes and duplexes only
Must be installed in existing location

Residential Electrical Service Upgrade (Note: New outlets, rewires, hot tubs or car charges cannot be done online)

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 Re-roofs

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 am - 12:00 pm (check in by 11:30 am) 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

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 card purchases are subject to approval of the charges by the bank issuing the credit card. If charges are denied, additional fees may be assessed.

Limited Items Include:

Contractors

Homeowners / Realtors