Over-the-Counter Permits
Track permits through our Online Permit Tracking System |
If you need a permit for a small business, you may qualify for expedited review under Proposition H. Visit our Prop H Website for more information.
We are accepting Over-the-Counter permit applications in paper through our limited in-person services daily for the following:
- OTC without plans
- OTC with plans
- Permits requiring Fire Department review only
Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits without plans
We are processing new OTC without plans permits daily Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. We can accommodate a total of 35 customers daily on a first-come, first-served basis. Each customer can submit a maximum of 2 permit applications.
Over-the-Counter permits without plans include:
- Re-roofing
- Repairing decks and stairs (less than 50%)
- Replacement windows (same size and same locations)
- Replacement garage doors
- Minor dry rot repairs
- Exterior siding repairs or replacement
- In-kind kitchen remodel (no changes to the floor plan or walls)
- In-kind bathroom remodel (no change to the floor plan or walls)
Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits with plans include:
- Kitchen remodel (changing floor plans / walls)
- Bathroom remodel (changing floor plans / walls)
- Residential interior remodel (changing floor plans /walls)
- New windows and exterior doors
- Decks less than 20 feet above grade that meet planning setbacks
- Sign permits
- Commercial tenant improvement projects
- Office or other B occupancy remodels
- Power door operators
- Permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance program
- Voluntary seismic upgrades
- Disability access barrier removal
- Projects that do not require Planning Department neighborhood notification
- Fences taller than 6 feet in side or rear yard
- Fences taller than 3 feet in front yard
Additional documentation that may be required for Over-the-Counter permits with plans include:
- Structural calculations
- Special inspection checklist
- Green building forms
- Disability access checklist
- Seismic slope and hazard checklist
- Green halo
- Owner's agent authorization form
- Permit applicant and authorized agent disclosure and certification
- Material cut sheets/details for exterior changes
Scheduling an appointment to drop off Over-the-Counter with plans permit
Appointments to drop off Over-the-Counter with plans permit applications in paper are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Customers can drop off two permit applications per appointment and are limited to one appointment per day. To schedule an appointment, visit www.sfdbi.org/otcappointments.
Fire-only permits
We are accepting Form 3 and Form 8 permit applications for permits that require Fire Department review only Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A total of 25 customers will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each customer can submit a maximum of two permit applications.
Fire-only plan review scope of work includes:
- Sprinkler system (including standpipe & underground work)
- Fire alarm and/or smoke detection system
- Dedicated Function FA system (elevator recall, HVAC shut-down, sprinkler monitoring)
- Any fire suppression system (Pre-action, Clean Agent, etc.)
- Emergency evacuation signage
- Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS)
- Elevators (FSAE & OEE)
- Air replenishment systems
For more information about Fire Department plan view, please visit https://sf-fire.org/plan-check.
Related pages:
Updated: October 22, 2020