SF Permits MCP Server

{ "metadata": { "title": "Certificates of Occupancy — Requirements, Temporary Certificates, and Apartment House Licenses", "source": "SF Building Inspection Commission Code (SFBICC), Section 109A", "source_file": "tier4/sf-bicc-fire-codes-full.txt", "source_lines": "32220-32314", "date_structured": "2026-02-16", "authority": "SF Department of Building Inspection", "notes": [ "No building may be used or occupied until the Building Official issues a certificate", "Temporary certificates are valid for up to 12 months", "Apartment house/hotel licenses are required for all R-1 and R-2 occupancies", "Amended certificates track changes in dwelling unit count" ] }, "use_and_occupancy": { "section": "109A.1", "source_line": 32222, "rule": "No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in existing occupancy classification shall be made, until the Building Official has issued a certificate of final completion and occupancy or an amended certificate, or the use has otherwise been approved by DBI.", "disclaimer": "Issuance of a certificate shall not be construed as approval of any code violation. The Police Department shall enforce this provision when called upon by the Building Official." }, "change_in_occupancy": { "section": "109A.2", "source_line": 32235, "description": "Changes in the character or use of a building must follow SF Existing Building Code Section 407. A certificate is required for changes in use or occupancy as set forth in Section 407.", "exception": "Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies are subject to Sections 109A.7 and 109A.8 instead." }, "certificate_issued": { "section": "109A.3", "source_line": 32245, "when_issued": [ "Buildings or structures erected or enlarged", "Each change in occupancy classification in any building, structure, or portion", "Buildings or structures seismically upgraded per code" ], "amended_certificate": { "trigger": "Existing building where there is an increase in the number of legal dwelling units resulting in a change of occupancy", "must_include": "Date of first certificate of occupancy and any subsequent certificates", "no_original": "If no original certificate exists, the amended certificate shall refer to the date of initial construction on file" }, "zoning_restriction": "These provisions are not available in RH-1 or RH-1(D) zoning districts, nor for any residential dwelling inconsistent with existing law.", "exception": "For R-1 and R-2 occupancies, see Sections 109A.7 and 109A.8." }, "temporary_certificate": { "section": "109A.4", "source_line": 32263, "conditions": [ "Building Official finds no substantial hazard will result from occupancy before completion", "Satisfactory evidence that work could not have been completed prior to occupancy" ], "request_method": "Written request required. No occupancy until temporary certificate is issued.", "validity_months": 12, "extension": "Extension of time may be approved by the Building Official", "fee_table": "Table 1A-G — Inspections, Surveys and Reports" }, "posting": { "section": "109A.5", "source_line": 32274, "requirement": "No requirements." }, "revocation": { "section": "109A.6", "source_line": 32275, "grounds": [ "Certificate issued in error", "Based on incorrect information supplied", "Building or structure found to be in violation of any code or ordinance" ], "method": "In writing by the Building Official" }, "r1_r2_certificate": { "section": "109A.7", "source_line": 32281, "title": "Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy for Group R-1 and R-2 Occupancies", "description": "Before DBI may issue a certificate for newly-erected R-1/R-2 buildings, amended certificates for existing buildings per Section 109A.3, or Apartment House/Hotel Licenses, a written compliance report must be obtained from all agencies having jurisdiction.", "amended_certificate_must_include": [ "Date of first certificate and any subsequent certificates", "If no original exists, the date of initial construction on file" ], "board_of_appeals": "Where any permit was appealed to the Board of Appeals with conditions imposed, DBI may not issue a certificate until conditions are met. A copy of the certificate shall be forwarded to the Board." }, "apartment_house_hotel_license": { "section": "109A.8", "source_line": 32303, "title": "Group R-1 and R-2 Occupancy — Apartment House/Hotel License", "requirement": "A license is required for every Group R-1 and R-2 occupancy structure.", "fee_table": "Table 1A-P — Apartment House and Hotel License Fees", "non_transferable": true, "new_owner_deadline_days": 30, "note": "New license must be applied for by the new owner within 30 days of change of ownership.", "disclaimer": "The license shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel, alter, or set aside any provision of any law or ordinance." } }