The submission and application process for construction permits in San Francisco can be a daunting task. Zoning, jurisdiction requirements, inspections, building code regulations and constant tracking of each step all stand in the way of getting approval for your permit. San Francisco, like most cities, has specific policies regarding building permits. Lack of compliance with San Francisco’s policies could result in large fines and delayed work. Therefore it is important to contact construction or building permit service providers in San Francisco to ensure you can proceed without any problems.

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San Francisco Construction Permit Services

What are permits and why do I need one?

There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrial and combination (used for single-family home construction and other small projects). Most San Francisco home owner projects require a combination permit. In addition, the complete demolition and relocation of buildings also requires permits.

Obtaining the permit is just the first step in the process. In this step, you may need to create plans to submit to the department, make a plot plan for your property showing the improvements, and show the type of construction you'll be using.

The city of San Francisco has handouts to help you through this process.

Once plans are approved, you're required to build the project to those plans. If any changes are made to the plans, they must be made with the city's approval.

The second half of the process is the inspection of the work.

When do I need a construction permit in San Francisco?

A construction permit is needed for all new construction in San Francisco. In many cases, a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building's existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet requires a permit.

When don't I need a permit?

A construction permit is not needed for items such as wallpapering, painting or similar finish work; fences six feet high or lower; platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less over grade or not over basement; and in several other cases. However, reviews may be required from other agencies; be sure to check before building in San Francisco.

For plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, replacement or repair of fixtures (such as changing water faucets or replacing switches) does not normally require a permit. Replacing a water heater or adding a permanently wired light fixture does, however, require a permit.

How long does it take to get a permit?

Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip won't be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for additional review.

What about zoning?

Zoning sets up, within a defined area, the types of buildings and what they will be used for. For example, a residential area in San Francisco may be zoned R1-20000, which means that the lots can contain one single-family home and the lots are a minimum of 20,000 square feet.

Zoning is regulated based on maps approved by the San Francisco City Council. A variance may be obtained in some cases if a property owner wants to build something not allowed in the property's zone.

Some questions and approvals for zoning can be issued over-the-counter by the same staff that reviews your building plans. Others need reviews by specialty zoning or planning staff.

There are also special zones within San Francisco, such as planned districts. San Francisco's Development and Permit Information service can answer questions about these areas.

What if I don't get a permit?

If a permit, when needed, is not obtained before construction, you have violated San Francisco codes and regulations; you'll be subject to fines and penalties. You'll be required to obtain permits for the work and it must pass inspection, or you'll have to return the structure or site to its original condition.

Remember... construction codes were created for safety reasons. Work built without a permit can be unsafe, no matter how good it looks.

Can I do the work myself?

You can do the work yourself, but you must follow certain regulations. Among them:

Workers' Compensation:

If you will be hiring anyone, you may have to purchase Workers' Compensation Insurance, which is available from a variety of San Francisco agencies. If you won't be hiring anyone, we'll ask you to sign an ''Owner-Builder Statement'' to this effect. San Francisco can't issue you a permit without either insurance or the completed Owner-Builder Statement.

Build to the plans:

Be sure to follow your approved plans, whether they are drawn by an architect or designer or are standard construction requirements given to you by the city. If you change the plans while building the structure, this will cause problems when the project is inspected. If you do decide to make changes, check with the city's plan review staff or your field inspector.

What about inspections?

It is your responsibility to call the City of San Francisco for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still your responsibility, as the property owner, to make sure the inspections are made. Inspections are made during certain points in the project, depending on the work that's being performed. For example, retaining walls require inspections of the footing, after block is laid and steel placed but before grouting, after backfill has been placed, and when all work is finished.

Remember... the project is not complete for legal purposes until it has passed the final inspection.

What if I have a permit but never called for an inspection?

Generally, permits expire after 180 days if no inspections have been made. In order for the project to be complete, it must pass final inspection. If a permit expires before final inspection, the project is in violation of San Francisco codes. If this is the case, you can usually contact the San Francisco Inspector's office. They will help you reactivate the permit or apply for another with as little inconvenience as possible.

courtesty of http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/homeownr/hometips.shtml