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Get a building permit to do a Soft Story retrofit
Follow these instructions for Soft Story permits.
The Department of Building Inspection reviews every building permit application for life safety and building code compliance.
Most Soft Story projects can be reviewed over-the-counter. Review our instructions to prepare the right forms and book a time to submit your building permit application.
Check if your project is a mandatory Soft Story
Some wood-frame, multi-family buildings in San Francisco require seismic upgrades under the mandatory Soft Story program.
Search the Soft Stories property list to see if you are affected.
Create your plans
Hire a designer, architect, or engineer to prepare your plans.
Bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.
Email techq@sfgov.org is you are not sure if your project needs plans.
Fill out forms about your role on the project
We need to know your role on the project to apply for an OTC permit.
See: Who can obtain a building permit
Pick the form that applies to you.
- For owners, fill out the owner package.
- For contractors, fill out the contractor statement.
Print them and bring them with you when apply for a building permit.
Fill out the permit application form
You will need property and construction details to fill out our building permit application.
Fill out the Green Building form
All building permit applications must fill out our Green Building forms.
Submit your application
Come to the Permit Center to submit your application.
If your project needs plans, bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.
We will review your application, check your plans, and route your application to the required stations. You will get a building permit application number.
You may need to come back on a separate day to finish your plans.
Recheck your plans
You may need to update your plans to address plan check comments.
If you need to revise your plans, recheck your plans with the plan checker from your first review. Schedule with your plan checker by email.
Get related permits
During your permit review process, you may also need to:
- Get a street space permit
- Apply for trades permits
For registered contractors, use instant online permits for electrical and plumbing.
Pay your remaining fees and get your job card
Use our checklist of what to bring to get your job card for an issued permit.
You must have your job card before you can start construction.
Post your construction document at the construction site.