Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

Department of Building Inspection

DBI approves plans and issues permits for all construction in the City. We make sure buildings are safe and comply with building and housing codes.

View of the middle of a street with tall buildings on both sides. The Bay Bridge can be seen between buildings.

Building permit services

We issue permits to ensure that proposed construction meets all safety requirements.→

Inspection Services

We inspect buildings for compliance with code requirements and permit scope, and respond to building complaints.

Code enforcement

We investigate complaints of building code violations and compel building owners to fix the violations.

Records management

We maintain and provide copies of records of buildings, including plans, permit applications, and job cards.

Customer Communication

We provide updates, announcements, and important information to keep customers informed about DBI services and processes.

Services

Track your building permit application or property complaint

Find building permits for current and past construction projects in our permit tracking system.

Schedule and pay for your inspection

Schedule and pay for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspections.

Report a building problem

File a complaint about construction, electrical, plumbing, living conditions, or disability access.

Resources

Codes and published guidance

Current San Francisco building codes

2022 SF and CA Codes are effective for permit applications filed on or after January 1, 2023.

Administrative Bulletins in the SF Building Code

Administrative Bulletins document procedures followed by DBI staff.

Information sheets for DBI

Documents that clarify building code implementation for various construction topics.

Reference

Fees for the Department of Building Inspection

Fees for permits, inspections, and penalties for DBI.

Development Impact Fees

The city charges impact fees on new development projects to provide public services to the new building.

See a map of DBI, Planning, and Fire permit activity.

What to expect during construction in your neighborhood

Construction hours, noise, street parking, and other info.

About

Under the direction and management of the seven-member citizen Building Inspection Commission, to oversee the effective, efficient, fair and safe enforcement of the City and County of San Francisco's Building, Housing, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes, along with the Disability Access Regulations.

Learn more about us

Meeting Updates

Stay up to date on our latest and upcoming public meetings.View our calendar

DBI Staff Directory

Contact information

Address

Department of Building Inspection49 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103

Monday9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Wednesday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday8:00 am to 5:00 pm

We are closed on public holidays. Plan Review and Print Center queues will close at 4:30pm. Payments, general questions and assistance are available until 5:00pm.

Phone

DBI Customer Service628-652-3200

Email

DBI Customer Service

dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org

Permit Processing Support

dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org

Electronic Permit Processing Support

dbi.epr@sfgov.org

Media Enquiries

dbi.communications@sfgov.org

Social media

Request public records

Submit requests for the Department of Building Inspection.

Archived website

See previous website archived on Saturday, November 5, 2022.