New construction · San Francisco
What permits are needed for new construction in San Francisco?
New construction in San Francisco requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), plus any entitlements (zoning / planning review) triggered by the project. DBI plan check; structural is rigorous given seismic context. Site Permit + Addenda process common on larger jobs.
What changes the answer in San Francisco.
Discretionary Review (DR) requests can be filed by neighbors on almost any new SFR; Planning Commission hearings common. Section 311/312 neighbor notification mandatory. DBI inspectors; sequential inspections common given vertical schedules.
- RH-1 / RH-2 / RH-3 (residential house) and RM (residential mixed) zoning with neighborhood-specific design guidelines; many districts subject to discretionary review.
- Narrow 25'-wide lots dominate; rear-yard setback rules and mid-block open space requirements often govern envelope.
- PG&E electric/gas; SFPUC water/sewer. Service upgrades on tight lots may require trenching coordination with SF Public Works.
- SFPUC combined sewer throughout.
Source-backed note
Official source: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). We link every cited form, fee schedule, and inspection page from the city's permit directory entry.
Reference: CSLB — License a Contractor — California Contractors State License Board
Local authority: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
Get a San Francisco-specific answer for your parcel.
Send us the address and we'll respond with a feasibility note that cites San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) and the parcel's actual constraints — not a generic checklist.
Alpha Dream Construction — licensed California general contractor.
Then you're serious. Let's put it on a clipboard.
- 10-minute call with the foreman
- We tell you what your build actually costs, today
- No follow-up unless you ask
Free · Same-week scheduling