SF Permits MCP Server

{ "source": "sf.gov DBI Permit Services — OTC step-by-step guides", "source_urls": [ "https://www.sf.gov/step-by-step--get-otc-permit-your-interior-residential-remodel/", "https://www.sf.gov/step-by-step--get-otc-permit-your-exterior-residential-project/", "https://www.sf.gov/step-by-step--get-otc-permit-your-commercial-project/" ], "last_verified": "2026-02-17", "description": "Step-by-step OTC permit guides for residential interior, residential exterior, and commercial projects", "otc_residential_interior": { "eligible_projects": [ "Interior remodels", "In-kind kitchen remodels", "In-kind bathroom remodels", "New bathrooms", "New laundry rooms", "Deck and stair repairs (less than 50%)" ], "plans_required_when": [ "Kitchen/bathroom remodels with layout changes or wall removal", "Residential interior remodels with floor plan changes", "Structural repairs and alterations", "Voluntary seismic upgrades", "New mechanical equipment installations", "New laundry installations", "In-kind garage slab replacement", "Brace and bolt seismic upgrades per DBI Info Sheet S-09" ], "seismic_upgrade_triggers": [ "Horizontal addition adding more than 30% to building size", "Structural alterations to more than 30% of floor/roof areas", "Wall/ceiling changes on more than two-thirds of building stories", "Occupancy changes exceeding 100 people", "Adding a third dwelling unit in below-ground basement" ], "steps": [ {"step": 1, "title": "Verify project eligibility", "detail": "Confirm project type matches OTC-eligible categories"}, {"step": 2, "title": "Determine if plans are required", "detail": "Contact techq@sfgov.org if uncertain. Bring 2 sets of plans if required."}, {"step": 3, "title": "Evaluate seismic requirements", "detail": "Check if project triggers earthquake safety improvements"}, {"step": 4, "title": "Complete role-based forms", "detail": "Owners: owner package. Contractors: contractor statement form. Print and bring."}, {"step": 5, "title": "Complete required applications", "detail": "Building Permit Form (Form 3/8 pink form), Green Building forms, Water Use forms if applicable"}, {"step": 6, "title": "Submit at Permit Center", "detail": "2-8 hours processing. Bring forms and plans. Receive permit application number."}, {"step": 7, "title": "Address plan check comments", "detail": "Update plans per reviewer feedback. Schedule rechecks via email with assigned plan checker."}, {"step": 8, "title": "Obtain related permits", "detail": "Street space permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits (separate from building permit)"}, {"step": 9, "title": "Pay fees and receive job card", "detail": "3-4.5% of construction cost. Job card required before construction begins. Post documents at job site."} ], "fees": "3-4.5% of construction cost", "contact": "techq@sfgov.org" }, "otc_residential_exterior": { "no_plans_eligible": [ "In-kind window replacement (same size/location) — via PermitSF portal", "In-kind exterior door replacement (same size/location) — via PermitSF portal", "In-kind exterior siding repair/replacement — via PermitSF portal", "Garage door replacement", "Re-roofing (contractors can apply online)", "Minor dry rot repairs", "Deck/stair repairs less than 50%", "Decks under 10ft above grade meeting Planning setbacks", "Roof decks in buildable areas meeting Planning setbacks", "Fences: 6+ feet in side/rear yards (max 10ft) or 3+ feet in front yards" ], "plans_required_when": [ "Deck/stair repairs exceeding 50%", "New windows or exterior doors in new locations", "New skylights in new locations", "Decks under 20ft meeting Planning setbacks", "Facade work visible from street with finish changes", "Residential security gates, bars, grills, or grates", "New mechanical equipment (when permit required)" ], "planning_check_required": "Use Property Information Map to verify Planning Department requirements", "tax_incentive": "Seismic retrofit work may qualify for CA property tax exclusion under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 74.5(b)(2)", "steps_count": 9, "fees": "3-4.5% of construction cost" }, "otc_commercial": { "eligible_projects": [ "Commercial tenant improvement projects", "Office or B occupancy remodels", "Power door operators" ], "not_eligible": [ "In-kind replacements must use PermitSF portal", "Other commercial projects require in-house review" ], "required_forms": [ "OTC building permit application (Form 3/8 pink form)", "Green Building forms", "Water use forms (if adding fixtures/sprinklers)", "Health Plan Review form" ], "role_forms": { "owners": "Property Owner's Disclosures form", "tenants": "Owner package with property owner authorization", "contractors": "Licensed Contractor Statement" }, "steps_count": 7, "plans_required": true, "plan_sets": 2, "fees": "3-4.5% of construction cost", "processing_time": "2-8 hours at Permit Center" }, "common_notes": { "disabled_access": "DBI now conducts disabled access review as part of plan review (no longer MOD)", "pre_permit_inspection": "Homeowners may obtain confidential third-party code inspection from licensed contractor before submission", "plan_sets": "Bring 2 sets of plans when required", "permit_center": "49 South Van Ness, 2nd floor, SF CA 94103" } }