SERVICE

Check Permit Center hours by counter

We offer over the counter services and permits for construction, business, and special events.

What to know

What to expect

Arrive in the mornings for shorter wait times. Expect longer wait times during the middle of the day.

What to do

Permit Center hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm 
Wednesday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

The following counters have limited hours: 

  • Office of Small Business (OSB) 
    • Weekdays: 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Technical Services Division (DBI) 
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 am to 11:30 am
    • Wednesday: 9:00 am to 11:30 am
  • Environmental Health OTC Plan Review (DPH)
    • Weekdays: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Public Works: Urban Forestry (PW)
    • Monday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • SF Recreations and Parks (RPD)  
    • Thursday and Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • You can book online or find more information on how to reach staff at sfrecpark.org
  • Entertainment Commission (EC)  
  • The Print Center
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Wednesday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • Closed for lunch from 1:00pm to 1:30pm daily. 

Supporting information

Special cases

Key Programs Counter (DBI)

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Weds 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

For submittal for the following programs, contact the programs directly if you have questions.

Office of Small Business (OSB)

Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 pm, except for holidays

OSB provides the following services at the Permit Center:

  • Field permitting inquiries from small businesses and route customers to the appropriate agencies for additional support
  • Assist customers with understanding the overall journey for their permitting needs
  • Serve as the main point of contact for customers who require services from several agencies
  • Provide proactive follow-up and updates to customers
  • Provide general small business assistance on City resources like First Year Free, grant programs, and Accessible Business Entrance program requirements
  • Organizing and coordinating information sessions (virtual or in-person) on frequently asked permitting questions for small businesses

For help, call 415-554-6134 or email sfosb@sfgov.org.

Over the Counter (OTC) Fire-Only

Submit your OTC fire and life safety projects by following the above OTC with plans process. 

For help, call (628) 652-3472 or visit SFFD Plan Review.

Over the Counter (OTC) with plans

We offer drop-in service for Over the Counter (OTC) with plans projects.  

You may submit a maximum of 1 application per review.

See additional information on OTC projects.

Over the Counter (OTC) without plans

Submit your over-the-counter no plans project in person. Remember to bring your application and completed forms with supporting documents.

You may submit a maximum of 2 OTC No Plans applications per review.

For help, email techq@sfgov.org.

See additional information on OTC projects

Print Center

Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays.

We provide a convenient, fast, low-cost solution for your most common printingcopying, and scanning needs. 

The Print Center closes for lunch from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm daily. 

SF Department of Public Health (DPH)

Environmental Health OTC plan review hours: weekdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

SF DPH provides the following services at the Permit Center. You do not need an appointment. 

Environmental Health in-person general assistance is available during the Permit Center's hours of operation. 

  • Applications and payments
  • Appointments
  • General questions 

For help, email EnvHealth.DPH@sfdph.org or visit SF DPH Environmental Health.

SF Planning Consultation Services

SF Planning provides in-person consultation services for:

  • General Land Use and Zoning 
  • SF Planning Code 
  • Neighborhood plan or area plan
  • General questions and assistance

You do not need an appointment.

For help, email pic@sfgov.org or visit SF Planning.

SF Public Works (BSM)

BSM provides the following in-person over-the-counter (OTC) construction services:

  • Street Space permit
  • Sidewalk Repair permit
  • Inspection Right-of-Way Conformity 
  • General BSM permitting questions
  • Acceptance of documents for a permit under review like Bonds or insurance.
  • Acceptance of payments for permits via check or credit card. Cash will not be accepted. 
  • Limit 3 applications per review

In-house and commercial permits for BSM are only accepted via the online portal or email, and will not be accepted at the Permit Center. 

For help, email streetspace@sfdpw.org or visit SF Public Works.

SF Public Works Urban Forestry (BUF)

Hours: 

  • Weekdays except Tuesday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
  • Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:00pm, then 1:00pm to 4:00 pm.
  • Closed 12:00pm to 1:00pm every weekday.

BUF provides the following services and permits:

  • All applications for tree planting, tree removal, sidewalk landscaping, and tree protection will be accepted. Online submission is preferred.
  • In some cases, tree planting and landscaping can be issued OTC. Email for questions. 
  • Payment accepted for all invoices issued by the BUF; application fees for applications that have already been submitted
  • General inquiries and questions

Permits not issued OTC and accepted online, by email and phone include:

  • Tree Removal (requires physical inspection and notice)

For help, call 628-652-8773 or email urbanforestry@sfdpw.org.

SF Recreation and Park Department (RPD)

Hours: Thursday or Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the exception of holidays

SF RPD provides services at the Permit Center for:

  • Picnic Site Reservations
  • Athletic Field Reservations (occasional/single day only)
  • Proof of Residency Verification for Athletic Field Reservations
  • Payment Processing (Check or Credit Card Only)
  • Consultations

All permits are available online at sfrecpark.org

For help, call 415-831-5500 or email RPDReservations@sfgov.org.

Technical Services Division (DBI)

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 11:30 am; Weds 9:00 am to 11:30 am

Get help with general questions and assistance with the San Francisco Building Code.

For help, email techq@sfgov.org.

Trade Permits (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Solar)

Apply for the following Trade Permit online if you are a licensed contractor with an online DBI account:

You may also apply in person without an appointment. There's a limit of 3 applications per review.

For help, email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org or visit SF DBI.