Get a building permit to do a Soft Story retrofit

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.

Learn about the Soft Story program.

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.

Create your building project plans

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.

You will need property and construction details to fill out our building permit application.

All building permit applications must fill out our Green Building forms.

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.

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.

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.