SERVICE
Apply for a PTO (Permit to Operate Boiler)
Large boilers must be certified every year. Registered contractors can apply online.
What to know
Cost
Online permit fee: $72.52
In-House permit fee: $145.04
Requirements
You must be a licensed C-4 contractor registered with the City of San Francisco to apply online for a boiler PTO.
Penalty
If your “Permit To Operate” (PTO) certificate has expired, you may also need to pay a $652.68 penalty.
What to do
1. Check if your boiler is required to have a PTO
There must be an active PTO on file for a six unit or more with one of the following:
- More than 200,000 total BTU capacity for boiler or tankless water heaters (single or combined)
- More than 120 gallons of storage tank capacity (single or combined)
If combined units are used in series, each unit will need a separate PTO application.
For more information and to see if your property or building meets our requirements, you may view our Permit to Operate Boiler Criteria Checklist.
2. For C-4 contractors: Log into the online system
If you don’t have an account, you can create one by registering with the City of San Francisco as a licensed contractor.
The system will only show you permits you can obtain with your trade license.
You will provide us information about the boiler you are operating. You can pay and immediately get your PTO online.
Mail or in-person
You can mail checks payable to “CCSF – DBI”.
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Supporting information
Special cases
Expired PTO
If you have a complaint on file because your boiler PTO has expired, you need to pay a penalty before you can apply for your PTO for the current year. Contact us at dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org or 628-652-3400 for instructions on how to pay the penalty.
Once you get a new PTO, contact us again to clear the complaint.
Installing new boiler
Apply for a plumbing permit to install a new boiler.
Backflow prevention assembly certification
If your boiler has a backflow prevention assembly, it will have to be tested and certified before you can get a PTO. Backflow prevention assemblies are part of San Francisco’s annual cross-connection control program.
Get help
For issues with the online permit system
Email dbionlineservices@sfgov.org or call 628-652-3320
Partner agencies
What to know
Cost
Online permit fee: $72.52
In-House permit fee: $145.04
Requirements
You must be a licensed C-4 contractor registered with the City of San Francisco to apply online for a boiler PTO.
Penalty
If your “Permit To Operate” (PTO) certificate has expired, you may also need to pay a $652.68 penalty.
What to do
1. Check if your boiler is required to have a PTO
There must be an active PTO on file for a six unit or more with one of the following:
- More than 200,000 total BTU capacity for boiler or tankless water heaters (single or combined)
- More than 120 gallons of storage tank capacity (single or combined)
If combined units are used in series, each unit will need a separate PTO application.
For more information and to see if your property or building meets our requirements, you may view our Permit to Operate Boiler Criteria Checklist.
2. For C-4 contractors: Log into the online system
If you don’t have an account, you can create one by registering with the City of San Francisco as a licensed contractor.
The system will only show you permits you can obtain with your trade license.
You will provide us information about the boiler you are operating. You can pay and immediately get your PTO online.
Mail or in-person
You can mail checks payable to “CCSF – DBI”.
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Get directions
Supporting information
Special cases
Expired PTO
If you have a complaint on file because your boiler PTO has expired, you need to pay a penalty before you can apply for your PTO for the current year. Contact us at dbi.inspectionservices@sfgov.org or 628-652-3400 for instructions on how to pay the penalty.
Once you get a new PTO, contact us again to clear the complaint.
Installing new boiler
Apply for a plumbing permit to install a new boiler.
Backflow prevention assembly certification
If your boiler has a backflow prevention assembly, it will have to be tested and certified before you can get a PTO. Backflow prevention assemblies are part of San Francisco’s annual cross-connection control program.
Get help
For issues with the online permit system
Email dbionlineservices@sfgov.org or call 628-652-3320