SF Department of Building Inspection
@sfdbi.bsky.social
The official Bluesky page for the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection.
Good news!
Projects on flat or gently sloped properties will no longer be automatically sent for licensed engineer review. DBI will now only require review when the project design or site conditions show a need for geotechnical or structural evaluation.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/hillside-review
Projects on flat or gently sloped properties will no longer be automatically sent for licensed engineer review. DBI will now only require review when the project design or site conditions show a need for geotechnical or structural evaluation.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/hillside-review
Check if your project requires a geotechnical report or third-party engineering review | SF.gov
Learn when your project may need a geotechnical report or heightened engineering review to protect San Francisco’s hillside properties and ensure safe construction.
sf.gov
November 22, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Good news!
Projects on flat or gently sloped properties will no longer be automatically sent for licensed engineer review. DBI will now only require review when the project design or site conditions show a need for geotechnical or structural evaluation.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/hillside-review
Projects on flat or gently sloped properties will no longer be automatically sent for licensed engineer review. DBI will now only require review when the project design or site conditions show a need for geotechnical or structural evaluation.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/hillside-review
Join us tomorrow evening!
DBI’s Richard S., architect and Senior Building Inspector, will be part of the American Institute of Architects panel discussion on how everyday architecture influences San Francisco at 5:30-7:30pm on November 19 at 140 Sutter Street.
Register now: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
DBI’s Richard S., architect and Senior Building Inspector, will be part of the American Institute of Architects panel discussion on how everyday architecture influences San Francisco at 5:30-7:30pm on November 19 at 140 Sutter Street.
Register now: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
November 19, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Join us tomorrow evening!
DBI’s Richard S., architect and Senior Building Inspector, will be part of the American Institute of Architects panel discussion on how everyday architecture influences San Francisco at 5:30-7:30pm on November 19 at 140 Sutter Street.
Register now: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
DBI’s Richard S., architect and Senior Building Inspector, will be part of the American Institute of Architects panel discussion on how everyday architecture influences San Francisco at 5:30-7:30pm on November 19 at 140 Sutter Street.
Register now: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
We value every opportunity to meet with you and answer your questions.
Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeffrey B. joined neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association meeting this week where they answered questions about permit timelines and updates.
Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeffrey B. joined neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association meeting this week where they answered questions about permit timelines and updates.
November 14, 2025 at 10:52 PM
We value every opportunity to meet with you and answer your questions.
Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeffrey B. joined neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association meeting this week where they answered questions about permit timelines and updates.
Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeffrey B. joined neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association meeting this week where they answered questions about permit timelines and updates.
High winds up to 35mph are expected at 10pm tonight through 10am tomorrow. Gusts may reach 60mph.
Prepare now:
- Close and latch windows.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
Prepare now:
- Close and latch windows.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
November 13, 2025 at 12:24 AM
High winds up to 35mph are expected at 10pm tonight through 10am tomorrow. Gusts may reach 60mph.
Prepare now:
- Close and latch windows.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
Prepare now:
- Close and latch windows.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
Join your neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association Annual Meeting, where DBI Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeff B. will take part in a discussion with City and State officials about SF projects and priorities.
Register: phra-sf.org/2025-annual-meeting
Register: phra-sf.org/2025-annual-meeting
November 6, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Join your neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association Annual Meeting, where DBI Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeff B. will take part in a discussion with City and State officials about SF projects and priorities.
Register: phra-sf.org/2025-annual-meeting
Register: phra-sf.org/2025-annual-meeting
DBI’s Richard S., an architect & Senior Building Inspector, will join an upcoming AIASF panel. Hear how everyday architecture, from schools to neighborhood spaces, shapes the city we share.
Join us at 5:30-7:30pm on Tuesday, November 19 at 140 Sutter Street!
Register: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
Join us at 5:30-7:30pm on Tuesday, November 19 at 140 Sutter Street!
Register: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
November 6, 2025 at 1:09 AM
DBI’s Richard S., an architect & Senior Building Inspector, will join an upcoming AIASF panel. Hear how everyday architecture, from schools to neighborhood spaces, shapes the city we share.
Join us at 5:30-7:30pm on Tuesday, November 19 at 140 Sutter Street!
Register: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
Join us at 5:30-7:30pm on Tuesday, November 19 at 140 Sutter Street!
Register: tinyurl.com/4vkaerhp
Strong winds up to 45mph are expected starting at 10pm tonight through 4pm tomorrow.
Prepare now:
✔️Close and latch windows.
✔️Secure outdoor items.
✔️Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
Prepare now:
✔️Close and latch windows.
✔️Secure outdoor items.
✔️Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
November 5, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Strong winds up to 45mph are expected starting at 10pm tonight through 4pm tomorrow.
Prepare now:
✔️Close and latch windows.
✔️Secure outdoor items.
✔️Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
Prepare now:
✔️Close and latch windows.
✔️Secure outdoor items.
✔️Report window damage to management.
For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe. #DBIStormAlert
San Francisco is advancing toward a cleaner, all-electric future. A new City law requires many buildings undergoing major renovations to convert from gas to electric systems beginning July 1, 2026.
Learn more about the City’s all-electric building requirements: sf.gov/dbi-allelectric
Learn more about the City’s all-electric building requirements: sf.gov/dbi-allelectric
All-Electric Buildings in San Francisco | SF.gov
sf.gov
October 30, 2025 at 5:54 PM
San Francisco is advancing toward a cleaner, all-electric future. A new City law requires many buildings undergoing major renovations to convert from gas to electric systems beginning July 1, 2026.
Learn more about the City’s all-electric building requirements: sf.gov/dbi-allelectric
Learn more about the City’s all-electric building requirements: sf.gov/dbi-allelectric
Our Permit Tracking System makes it easy to stay on top of your project from start to finish.
View the latest updates on your San Francisco building, electrical and plumbing permit applications in real time, all in one place: dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbipts.
View the latest updates on your San Francisco building, electrical and plumbing permit applications in real time, all in one place: dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbipts.
Department of Building Inspection
dbiweb02.sfgov.org
October 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Our Permit Tracking System makes it easy to stay on top of your project from start to finish.
View the latest updates on your San Francisco building, electrical and plumbing permit applications in real time, all in one place: dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbipts.
View the latest updates on your San Francisco building, electrical and plumbing permit applications in real time, all in one place: dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbipts.
DBI participated in this month's Fleet Week and @sf-emergency.sf.gov emergency response exercise and coordinated with City partners to strengthen our disaster response.
Exercises like this helps us stay ready to serve our city when it matters most. #RebuildingDBI
Exercises like this helps us stay ready to serve our city when it matters most. #RebuildingDBI
October 23, 2025 at 8:47 PM
DBI participated in this month's Fleet Week and @sf-emergency.sf.gov emergency response exercise and coordinated with City partners to strengthen our disaster response.
Exercises like this helps us stay ready to serve our city when it matters most. #RebuildingDBI
Exercises like this helps us stay ready to serve our city when it matters most. #RebuildingDBI
Reposted by SF Department of Building Inspection
Yesterday DEM held its largest emergency preparedness exercise of the year, based on a simulated earthquake. The drill tested logistics, interoperable/backup communications, and cross-sector coordination across four sites, with local and private participation despite the federal shutdown.
October 9, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Yesterday DEM held its largest emergency preparedness exercise of the year, based on a simulated earthquake. The drill tested logistics, interoperable/backup communications, and cross-sector coordination across four sites, with local and private participation despite the federal shutdown.
Recently, DBI’s Senior Building Inspector Fergal C. & Plan Check Manager Jimmy C., with Planning’s Deputy Zoning Administrator Natalia F., joined the @SFARMLS webinar to answer questions about legalizing unpermitted spaces & ADUs.
Watch a recording of the webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7Is8iZ8IY
Watch a recording of the webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7Is8iZ8IY
Unwarranted Spaces Part 2 Get Your Questions Answered | September 18, 2025
YouTube video by SFARSocial
youtube.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Recently, DBI’s Senior Building Inspector Fergal C. & Plan Check Manager Jimmy C., with Planning’s Deputy Zoning Administrator Natalia F., joined the @SFARMLS webinar to answer questions about legalizing unpermitted spaces & ADUs.
Watch a recording of the webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7Is8iZ8IY
Watch a recording of the webinar: youtube.com/watch?v=Ce7Is8iZ8IY
Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your property?
We’ve updated our webpages with a step-by-step guide, property eligibility details, and information about our Permit Review Roundtable to help you plan and permit your project.
Learn more: sf.gov/topics--accessory-dwelling-unit-adu
We’ve updated our webpages with a step-by-step guide, property eligibility details, and information about our Permit Review Roundtable to help you plan and permit your project.
Learn more: sf.gov/topics--accessory-dwelling-unit-adu
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | SF.gov
Add accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law units, or cottages to residential properties.
sf.gov
October 7, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your property?
We’ve updated our webpages with a step-by-step guide, property eligibility details, and information about our Permit Review Roundtable to help you plan and permit your project.
Learn more: sf.gov/topics--accessory-dwelling-unit-adu
We’ve updated our webpages with a step-by-step guide, property eligibility details, and information about our Permit Review Roundtable to help you plan and permit your project.
Learn more: sf.gov/topics--accessory-dwelling-unit-adu
Reposted by SF Department of Building Inspection
We are pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to support the build-out or code compliance of long-standing vacant commercial spaces. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. sf.gov/information-...
October 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
We are pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to support the build-out or code compliance of long-standing vacant commercial spaces. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. sf.gov/information-...
The City has launched a faster and easier way to add, change or retire an SF building address! All you need to do is submit an Address Request Form with your permit application, or on its own if no construction is planned.
Learn more: sf.gov/building-address
Learn more: sf.gov/building-address
Request a new building address | SF.gov
Submit a permit application and address request form to create, change or retire an existing address.
sf.gov
October 6, 2025 at 10:25 PM
The City has launched a faster and easier way to add, change or retire an SF building address! All you need to do is submit an Address Request Form with your permit application, or on its own if no construction is planned.
Learn more: sf.gov/building-address
Learn more: sf.gov/building-address
Great news! The City is expanding a faster review process across all permitting departments.
If your initial completeness review, plan check or plan review recheck hits a 4th round of comments, a supervisor will step in to keep your project on track.
Questions? Email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org.
If your initial completeness review, plan check or plan review recheck hits a 4th round of comments, a supervisor will step in to keep your project on track.
Questions? Email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org.
October 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Great news! The City is expanding a faster review process across all permitting departments.
If your initial completeness review, plan check or plan review recheck hits a 4th round of comments, a supervisor will step in to keep your project on track.
Questions? Email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org.
If your initial completeness review, plan check or plan review recheck hits a 4th round of comments, a supervisor will step in to keep your project on track.
Questions? Email dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org.
Couldn’t make it to Wednesday’s PermitSF Customer Forum?
Catch the full recording on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=EY2TeCGgt5U
Catch the full recording on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=EY2TeCGgt5U
PermitSF Customer Forum - September 24, 2025
YouTube video by San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
youtube.com
September 26, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Couldn’t make it to Wednesday’s PermitSF Customer Forum?
Catch the full recording on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=EY2TeCGgt5U
Catch the full recording on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=EY2TeCGgt5U
The Permit Center & City offices at 49 South Van Ness are temporarily w/o power; services are unavailable. Today's Director's Hearings are cancelled & inspections continue as scheduled.
PG&E stated the power should return before noon today. We will reopen & resume services at that time.
Thank you.
PG&E stated the power should return before noon today. We will reopen & resume services at that time.
Thank you.
September 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The Permit Center & City offices at 49 South Van Ness are temporarily w/o power; services are unavailable. Today's Director's Hearings are cancelled & inspections continue as scheduled.
PG&E stated the power should return before noon today. We will reopen & resume services at that time.
Thank you.
PG&E stated the power should return before noon today. We will reopen & resume services at that time.
Thank you.
Good news for San Franciscans going solar!
We launched a digital solar permit for single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Now licensed contractors can apply for a permit and schedule an inspection online.
Learn more: sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-solar-photovoltaic-system
We launched a digital solar permit for single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Now licensed contractors can apply for a permit and schedule an inspection online.
Learn more: sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-solar-photovoltaic-system
Get a permit for a solar photovoltaic system | SF.gov
Submit your application to install a photovoltaic (PV) system with solar panels and eligible battery storage.
sf.gov
September 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Good news for San Franciscans going solar!
We launched a digital solar permit for single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Now licensed contractors can apply for a permit and schedule an inspection online.
Learn more: sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-solar-photovoltaic-system
We launched a digital solar permit for single family homes, duplexes, and townhomes. Now licensed contractors can apply for a permit and schedule an inspection online.
Learn more: sf.gov/step-by-step--get-permit-solar-photovoltaic-system
Join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum!
We'll share updates on permit application cancellations, new solar permits, addressing, PermitSF Planning Code changes, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum.
We'll share updates on permit application cancellations, new solar permits, addressing, PermitSF Planning Code changes, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum.
PermitSF Customer Forum | SF.gov
A quarterly meeting where our customers can make recommendations to improve permitting processes.
sf.gov
September 11, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Join us on Wednesday, September 24 at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum!
We'll share updates on permit application cancellations, new solar permits, addressing, PermitSF Planning Code changes, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum.
We'll share updates on permit application cancellations, new solar permits, addressing, PermitSF Planning Code changes, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum.
Working on a project? We’ve got you covered!
The Permit Center & our service counters are open:
- Mondays at 9am-5pm
- Tuesdays-Fridays at 8am-5pm
Plan Review and Print Center queues close at 4:30pm to allow time for project review.
The Permit Center & our service counters are open:
- Mondays at 9am-5pm
- Tuesdays-Fridays at 8am-5pm
Plan Review and Print Center queues close at 4:30pm to allow time for project review.
August 19, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Working on a project? We’ve got you covered!
The Permit Center & our service counters are open:
- Mondays at 9am-5pm
- Tuesdays-Fridays at 8am-5pm
Plan Review and Print Center queues close at 4:30pm to allow time for project review.
The Permit Center & our service counters are open:
- Mondays at 9am-5pm
- Tuesdays-Fridays at 8am-5pm
Plan Review and Print Center queues close at 4:30pm to allow time for project review.
Last weekend, DBI attended the 2025 Chinese Real Estate Expo to connect with homeowners, contractors, and real estate pros and answer questions about permits.
Missed us? If you have a question about permits or building codes, contact us at TechQ@sfgov.org. We're here to help.
Missed us? If you have a question about permits or building codes, contact us at TechQ@sfgov.org. We're here to help.
July 23, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Last weekend, DBI attended the 2025 Chinese Real Estate Expo to connect with homeowners, contractors, and real estate pros and answer questions about permits.
Missed us? If you have a question about permits or building codes, contact us at TechQ@sfgov.org. We're here to help.
Missed us? If you have a question about permits or building codes, contact us at TechQ@sfgov.org. We're here to help.
Do you dream of opening a business in San Francisco?
See how one small business owner partnered with DBI to bring her vision to life in this new @sfgovtv.sf.gov video: youtube.com/watch?v=-SczoRVU74E.
We’re here to help you build and move your project forward.
See how one small business owner partnered with DBI to bring her vision to life in this new @sfgovtv.sf.gov video: youtube.com/watch?v=-SczoRVU74E.
We’re here to help you build and move your project forward.
Turning Dreams into Reality: LoreSF Speakeasy & Escape Room
YouTube video by SFGovTV
youtube.com
July 16, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Do you dream of opening a business in San Francisco?
See how one small business owner partnered with DBI to bring her vision to life in this new @sfgovtv.sf.gov video: youtube.com/watch?v=-SczoRVU74E.
We’re here to help you build and move your project forward.
See how one small business owner partnered with DBI to bring her vision to life in this new @sfgovtv.sf.gov video: youtube.com/watch?v=-SczoRVU74E.
We’re here to help you build and move your project forward.
Join us today at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum! We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more. Register now: bit.ly/permitsfforum
June 25, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Join us today at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum! We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more. Register now: bit.ly/permitsfforum
Join us on Wednesday, June 25 at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum!
We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum
We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum
PermitSF Customer Forum | SF.gov
A quarterly meeting where our customers can make recommendations to improve permitting processes.
sf.gov
June 18, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Join us on Wednesday, June 25 at 3:30-5pm for our next PermitSF Customer Forum!
We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum
We'll share updates on enhanced permit routing, key legislative reforms, what's next for PermitSF, and more.
Register now to attend the forum: sf.gov/permitsfforum