SERVICE
File an appeal of a permit or decision
Appeal many San Francisco permits, determinations, and decisions with the Board of Appeals.
What to know
Time limit
Consistent with Assembly Bill 1114, effective January 1, 2024, the Board of Appeals will not accept jurisdiction of appeals of post-entitlement phase permits for housing development projects pursuant to Government Code Section 65913.3(c)(3). The restrictions for AB 1114 do not apply to a permit filed before January 1, 2024. To determine if a permit is subject to the restrictions set forth in AB 1114, please contact Board staff at boardofappeals@sfgov.org or 628-652-1150.
In most cases appeals must be filed within either 10 or 15 calendar days after the permit or decision was issued.
What to do
Deadlines
You must file an appeal within either 10 or 15 days of the date the permit or determination was issued.
You can appeal some permits and determinations, but not all.
If you have a copy of the permit or decision when you call, we can answer your questions more quickly. We can help you get the permit if you do not have it.
Email or call the Board Office to confirm the deadline to file your appeal.
You have 15 calendar days to file an appeal for:
- Building permits (with some exceptions)
- Notices of violations or request for suspensions issued by the Planning Department
- Tree removal orders
- Tobacco permits
You have 10 days to file an appeal for:
- Variance decisions
- Some Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits
Documents you need
You must submit a copy of the departmental action being appealed, such as the permit or variance decision. We can help you get this if you do not have it.
You may submit an explanation or statement giving the reasons for the appeal. If you submit an explanation, it must be:
- 1 page maximum
- Double spaced
- In 12 point font
- Not contain exhibits (evidence)
You (the appellant) may have someone else, like an agent or attorney, file an appeal for you. If someone files an appeal on your behalf, submit a written statement or email giving them authorization to file for you.
File an appeal
You can file an appeal by email or phone. If you file by phone we can talk to you about deadlines and the documents you need.
File by email
boardofappeals@sfgov.org
Make sure you have the documents you need for your appeal.
File by phone
Make an appointment by calling 628-652-1150
If you want to file in person, email or call for an appointment. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Pay
Appeals usually cost:
- Building permits $175
- Planning Department decisions $600
- Most other permits or orders $300
The Board will confirm the cost of your appeal when you file.
After you file the appeal, you will be given an appeal number. You can enter this number at the following link Confirm Account | Board of Appeals | City and County of San Francisco (paysf.co) and pay for the appeal via credit card or check.
You can also mail a check, made payable to the Board of Appeals, to:
Board of Appeals
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 1475
San Francisco, CA 94103
All fees are due at the time the appeal is filed. Fees must be paid and are non-refundable even if the appeal is withdrawn or if the permit/determination is canceled.
Waiver of Filing Fees
If you are experiencing financial challenges, you may qualify for a waiver of the filing fees. Please review and complete the Fee Waiver Form and email it to boardofappeals@sfgov.org for approval.
Supporting information
Special cases
Building permits with 10-day deadline
- Permits issued for certain types of Accessory Dwelling Units subject to the State-mandated ADU laws
- Permit decisions made pursuant to Planning Code Section 343 (Central SOMA Housing Sustainability District)
Withdrawing your appeal
If you change your mind and need to withdraw an appeal, you will need to submit a withdrawal form.
Once you withdraw an appeal, it cannot be reinstated. Talk to a Board staff member to find out what that means to your appeal before you submit the withdrawal form.
If you are sure you want to withdraw your appeal, fill out and sign the form.
Filing fees will not be refunded if an appeal is withdrawn.
Email to: boardofappeals@sfgov.org
What if you miss the deadline for filing an appeal?
In very limited circumstances, the Board will hear appeals after the filing deadline has passed.
You must ask the Board to take jurisdiction over the permit or determination by making a Jurisdiction Request. In order to get your request granted, you must show that the City intentionally or inadvertently caused you to be late in filing the appeal.
Please contact the Board Office to learn more at boardofappeals@sfgov.org or 628-652-1150.
Get help
Partner agencies
What to know
Time limit
Consistent with Assembly Bill 1114, effective January 1, 2024, the Board of Appeals will not accept jurisdiction of appeals of post-entitlement phase permits for housing development projects pursuant to Government Code Section 65913.3(c)(3). The restrictions for AB 1114 do not apply to a permit filed before January 1, 2024. To determine if a permit is subject to the restrictions set forth in AB 1114, please contact Board staff at boardofappeals@sfgov.org or 628-652-1150.
In most cases appeals must be filed within either 10 or 15 calendar days after the permit or decision was issued.
What to do
Deadlines
You must file an appeal within either 10 or 15 days of the date the permit or determination was issued.
You can appeal some permits and determinations, but not all.
If you have a copy of the permit or decision when you call, we can answer your questions more quickly. We can help you get the permit if you do not have it.
Email or call the Board Office to confirm the deadline to file your appeal.
You have 15 calendar days to file an appeal for:
- Building permits (with some exceptions)
- Notices of violations or request for suspensions issued by the Planning Department
- Tree removal orders
- Tobacco permits
You have 10 days to file an appeal for:
- Variance decisions
- Some Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits
Documents you need
You must submit a copy of the departmental action being appealed, such as the permit or variance decision. We can help you get this if you do not have it.
You may submit an explanation or statement giving the reasons for the appeal. If you submit an explanation, it must be:
- 1 page maximum
- Double spaced
- In 12 point font
- Not contain exhibits (evidence)
You (the appellant) may have someone else, like an agent or attorney, file an appeal for you. If someone files an appeal on your behalf, submit a written statement or email giving them authorization to file for you.
File an appeal
You can file an appeal by email or phone. If you file by phone we can talk to you about deadlines and the documents you need.
File by email
boardofappeals@sfgov.org
Make sure you have the documents you need for your appeal.
File by phone
Make an appointment by calling 628-652-1150
If you want to file in person, email or call for an appointment. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Pay
Appeals usually cost:
- Building permits $175
- Planning Department decisions $600
- Most other permits or orders $300
The Board will confirm the cost of your appeal when you file.
After you file the appeal, you will be given an appeal number. You can enter this number at the following link Confirm Account | Board of Appeals | City and County of San Francisco (paysf.co) and pay for the appeal via credit card or check.
You can also mail a check, made payable to the Board of Appeals, to:
Board of Appeals
49 South Van Ness Avenue
Suite 1475
San Francisco, CA 94103
All fees are due at the time the appeal is filed. Fees must be paid and are non-refundable even if the appeal is withdrawn or if the permit/determination is canceled.
Waiver of Filing Fees
If you are experiencing financial challenges, you may qualify for a waiver of the filing fees. Please review and complete the Fee Waiver Form and email it to boardofappeals@sfgov.org for approval.
Supporting information
Special cases
Building permits with 10-day deadline
- Permits issued for certain types of Accessory Dwelling Units subject to the State-mandated ADU laws
- Permit decisions made pursuant to Planning Code Section 343 (Central SOMA Housing Sustainability District)
Withdrawing your appeal
If you change your mind and need to withdraw an appeal, you will need to submit a withdrawal form.
Once you withdraw an appeal, it cannot be reinstated. Talk to a Board staff member to find out what that means to your appeal before you submit the withdrawal form.
If you are sure you want to withdraw your appeal, fill out and sign the form.
Filing fees will not be refunded if an appeal is withdrawn.
Email to: boardofappeals@sfgov.org
What if you miss the deadline for filing an appeal?
In very limited circumstances, the Board will hear appeals after the filing deadline has passed.
You must ask the Board to take jurisdiction over the permit or determination by making a Jurisdiction Request. In order to get your request granted, you must show that the City intentionally or inadvertently caused you to be late in filing the appeal.
Please contact the Board Office to learn more at boardofappeals@sfgov.org or 628-652-1150.