San Francisco’s permitting process is coordinated across several departments rather than handled by a single agency. The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) issues building permits and performs construction inspections, while the Planning Department reviews development proposals for compliance with the Planning Code, zoning regulations, the General Plan, design standards, and environmental requirements. Many projects therefore move through both DBI and Planning review before a permit can be issued.
Property-specific zoning is especially important in San Francisco. The Planning Code controls permitted uses and development standards, while neighborhood districts, special-use districts, height and bulk limits, and other overlays can add additional requirements. The City’s Property Information Map can help applicants identify zoning, prior permits, and planning information before preparing a project.
Historic-resource review can also significantly affect the approval path. Exterior alterations to Article 10 landmarks and properties within Article 10 historic districts generally require a Certificate of Appropriateness or Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness. Other older or potentially historic buildings may still require environmental historic-resource review even when they are not formally designated landmarks.
Public Works separately regulates work affecting sidewalks, streets, excavation, encroachments, and other portions of the public right-of-way. It also administers permits for street trees and certain protected private trees known as Significant Trees. Applicants should start by checking the property’s Planning information and determining which DBI, Planning, historic-preservation, Public Works, or urban-forestry reviews apply.