SF Permits MCP Server

{ "metadata": { "source": "DBI Information Sheet G-01: Signature on Plans", "date": "2018-10-16", "category": "General", "code_sections": ["SFBC 106A.3.2", "ASCE 7-10 Section 13.1.4 Exemption 6ci", "CA Business & Professions Code 5537, 5538, 5800, 6757.1"], "signed_by": "Tom C. Hui, S.E., C.B.O., Director", "extraction_date": "2026-02-14", "purpose": "Defines who must sign plans submitted to DBI — 4 signature status categories based on project scope, occupancy, construction type, span, and valuation" }, "signature_categories": { "exempt": { "status": "I", "description": "Any Building Designer, Interior Designer, or unlicensed person may prepare and sign drawings", "conditions": [ { "id": "G01-EX-01", "type": "Single family dwelling — wood frame", "limits": "Type V construction, ≤2 stories + basement, bearing wall spans ≤25ft, height ≤25ft", "includes_alterations": true }, { "id": "G01-EX-02", "type": "Multiple dwelling — wood frame", "limits": "≤4 dwelling units, ≤2 stories + basement", "includes_alterations": true, "note": "Cannot design multiple clusters of 4-unit buildings. Design per conventional design per CBC Chapter 23." }, { "id": "G01-EX-03", "type": "Storefront installation", "limits": "No structural impact, valuation ≤$40,000", "valuation_threshold": 40000, "scope": "Including entrance or exit doors" }, { "id": "G01-EX-04", "type": "Fabric awnings and canopies" }, { "id": "G01-EX-05", "type": "Signs", "limits": "Weight <250 lbs, area <24 sqft, projection <4ft" }, { "id": "G01-EX-06", "type": "Tenant space improvements — nonresidential", "limits": "Non-high-rise, contained on one floor, nonresidential occupancy, valuation ≤$400,000", "valuation_threshold": 400000, "scope": [ "Interior wall and ceiling decorative materials", "Non-load-bearing partition installation/relocation (not fire rated)", "Non-fire-rated door installation/relocation", "Low partitions ≤5ft 9in and fixtures (rails, counters, cabinets)", "Non-fire-rated suspended ceiling systems (ASTM 635-04 / 636M-06) — except those providing lateral support", "HVAC systems not part of smoke control in exempt building" ] }, { "id": "G01-EX-07", "type": "Dwelling unit improvements in R-2/R-3 (non-exempt buildings)", "limits": "Within single dwelling unit, estimated cost ≤$150,000 per unit", "valuation_threshold": 150000, "scope": [ "Window replacement", "Kitchen and/or bathroom remodeling", "Termite work replacing non-structural members", "Roof repairs of existing sheathing", "Non-required insulation", "Non-structural remodeling", "Other non-structural work (if SFBC 3401.10 seismic design not triggered)" ] }, { "id": "G01-EX-08", "type": "Replacement in kind — non-structural elements in R-3", "scope": "Maintenance replacement (e.g., rear stairs of two-flat building)" }, { "id": "G01-EX-09", "type": "Sprinkler and fire alarm systems", "note": "Consult SFFD for plan submittal requirements" } ], "override_note": "If any portion deviates from substantial compliance with CBC 2308 conventional framing, licensed architect or registered engineer required for that portion", "structural_safety_note": "If alteration to non-exempt building affects structural system or safety (Building Official determination), all plans must be prepared by State-licensed person" }, "licensed_contractor": { "status": "II", "description": "Any contractor holding valid CA license may perform", "scope": [ "All work permitted under Exempt Status", "Shop and field drawings for work contractor has contracted or offered to perform", "Design of systems and facilities necessary to completion of contracted work" ], "authority": "CA Business and Professions Code Chapter 9", "limitation": "Cannot design work to be installed by another person" }, "registered_engineer_or_architect": { "status": "III", "description": "CA-licensed Civil Engineer or Architect must prepare and sign all drawings", "triggers": [ { "id": "G01-EA-01", "trigger": "New building with structural steel frame or concrete/masonry floors, roof, or walls" }, { "id": "G01-EA-02", "trigger": "New building with clear span exceeding 25 feet" }, { "id": "G01-EA-03", "trigger": "Any new building not covered by Exempt or Licensed Contractor status" }, { "id": "G01-EA-04", "trigger": "Alterations to buildings in G01-EA-01/02/03 — including tenant improvements and dwelling unit work not covered by Exempt/Contractor" }, { "id": "G01-EA-05", "trigger": "Wall removal without replacement (e.g., open kitchen)" }, { "id": "G01-EA-06", "trigger": "Suspended ceilings providing lateral support for walls and partitions" }, { "id": "G01-EA-07", "trigger": "Complex work beyond Exempt/Contractor capabilities — Building Official determination" } ], "coordination_rule": "Architect or engineer of record responsible for reviewing and coordinating ALL submittal documents including deferred submittals (SFBC 106A.3.4)", "minor_alteration_exception": "Minor alterations not affecting structural or safety components may be made by person under direction of design professional — with letter/email to DBI" }, "special_status": { "status": "IV", "description": "Specialized designs for portions or components require design professionals qualified by licensing agency", "items": [ {"item": "Engineered grading or foundation treatment"}, {"item": "Retaining walls over 4ft total height from bottom of footing"}, {"item": "Underpinning or shoring"}, {"item": "Rigid frames, trusses — structural steel or reinforced concrete"}, {"item": "Special timber construction (trusses, stressed skin panels, glulam beams, columns, arches)"}, {"item": "Automatic fire sprinkler systems", "sffd_consult": true}, {"item": "Smoke detection systems", "sffd_consult": true}, {"item": "Alarm and communications systems", "sffd_consult": true}, {"item": "Central control stations", "sffd_consult": true}, {"item": "Emergency elevator operators"}, {"item": "Smoke control systems", "sffd_consult": true}, {"item": "Standby power systems"}, {"item": "Emergency electrical systems"}, {"item": "Exit control systems"}, {"item": "HVAC equipment (mechanical/electrical) >400 lbs mounted ≤4ft above floor", "code_reference": "ASCE 7-10 Section 13.1.4 Exemption 6ci"} ], "sffd_note": "Items marked sffd_consult — consult San Francisco Fire Department for qualification requirements" } }, "seal_requirements": { "section": "G-01 Part B", "first_sheet": { "requirement": "Original signature + professional seal with registration number", "additional": "Sheet index of all sheets required on first sheet" }, "remaining_sheets": { "requirement": "Signature facsimile + professional seal with registration number acceptable" }, "stamp_contents": [ "Legend: State of California", "License type: licensed architect, registered professional engineer, or licensed land surveyor", "Name as licensed with the Board", "Licensed number", "For architects only: expiration or renewal date of license" ], "electronic_signatures": { "allowed": true, "rule": "Opaque and permanent impression, or electronically-generated representation on documents. Signature may be applied electronically." }, "prohibited": [ "Decals of seal or signature", "Rubber stamp of signature", "Preprinted blank forms with seal" ] }, "shop_drawings": { "section": "G-01 Part C", "description": "Shop drawings increasingly incorporated into building design packages for construction submittals (glass fiber reinforced concrete, stone, precast wall panels, fire sprinklers, metal stairs, glazed curtain walls)", "dbi_acceptance_condition": "Principal Design Professional of Record accepts primary responsibility for work indicated on shop drawings", "acceptance_methods": [ { "method": "a", "description": "Signed by Design Professional of Record per SFBC 106A.3.4.1" }, { "method": "b", "description": "Review stamp + signature by Design Professional of Record + Professional signature of sub-contracting DP who prepared shop drawings" }, { "method": "c", "description": "Review stamp + initials of DPoR (or designated employee) + letter from DPoR stating intent, purpose, and extent of review. Sub-contracting DP signature also required. Shop drawings for plan check review must be design drawings, documented as such." } ], "note": "Approval of shop drawings occurs within permit or addendum containing the work" } }