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:

  1. Sprinkler system (including standpipe & underground work)
  2. Fire alarm and/or smoke detection system
  3. Dedicated Function FA system (elevator recall, HVAC shut-down, sprinkler monitoring)
  4. Any fire suppression system (Pre-action, Clean Agent, etc.)
  5. Emergency evacuation signage
  6. Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS)
  7. Elevators (FSAE & OEE)
  8. 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