Department of Building Inspection

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/dbi-chief-retires-21329703.php

S.F.’s Department of Building Inspection chief to retire, ending tenure marked by corruption reform O’Riordan, a native of Ireland, took over the city’s Department of Building Inspection after a federal corruption probe.

📣 It's here! Say goodbye to paper, hello to the new Public Works Permits Portal!

We're excited to announce the launch of the Public Works Permits Portal – your new digital gateway to faster, simpler permitting.

After 125 years of paper forms, phone calls and waiting in line, we're finally bringing Public Works permitting into the digital age. Starting today, you'll experience a completely reimagined way to apply for and manage your Public Works permits.

What's New? Everything.

💻 Register today and apply online, anytime:

No more trips to the Permit Center unless you want help. Apply from your desk, your phone or anywhere with an internet connection. To register and find out more go to https://sfpublicworks.org/permitsportal

🗣️ Direct Communication:

Message your plan checker directly in the portal – no more separate emails or phone tag.

1️⃣ One Registration, Done:

Register once with your personal or business information, and you're set. No more filling out the same forms repeatedly.

⚡ Instant Business Validation:

First Year Free businesses can now validate their status and Business Account Number automatically – no waiting for manual approval.

🪧 Tow-Away Signs Made Easy:

Pay for your printed tow-away signs when you pay for your permit and pick them up at the Permit Center. Or get your signs from the portal and print them yourself. No more navigating separate systems.

🤝 Seamless Collaboration:

Businesses with shared Business Account Numbers can view all applications in one place.

🚫 No More Parking Plans

That's right – to streamline the application process, we've eliminated the requirement to submit a parking plan as a permit condition.

🚀 What's Launching Today?

We're starting with four of our most-used permits – representing 62% of our annual permit volume:

🔸 Street Space Permits
🔸 Sidewalk Repair Permits
🔸 Inspection of Right-of-Way Conformity
🔸 Temporary Occupancy Permits

Can I get help registering and applying for a permit on the new portal?

Email us at [email protected]. You can also visit us at the Permit Center.

Need help? Watch our short tutorial videos:

🔹 Selecting Multiple Street Segments Tutorial: bit.ly/4qWisdm
🔹 Registration - Contractor User Tutorial: bit.ly/4kdG22G
🔹 Registration - Business User Tutorial: bit.ly/4c1Nrjf
🔹 Registration - Resident or Homeowner User Tutorial: bit.ly/4bXfcth

Department of Building Inspection

There is a large storm impacting San Francisco this week. If you see down trees or flooding, call 311. If you have an emergency call 911. For storm tips and info: sf.gov/storms

We’ve made the over-the-counter permit process faster and easier.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and you’ll be sent directly to a permit technician to start your application. We will give you your permit number, explain next steps for your project, and flag any issues or violations.

Learn more: sf.gov/eliminating-step-otcpermit.

The end-of-year code cycle is approaching, and we expect a surge of permit applications before new building codes take effect on January 1, 2026.

To avoid delays and help keep your project on track, we encourage you to submit your permit applications by December 15. Applications submitted late or without all required information may fall under the 2025 building codes.

Richard Soenksen, our senior building inspector and a licensed architect, spoke on last week’s AIA San Francisco panel about how building design shapes the quality of life across the City.

Good news for anyone building in San Francisco - we’ve made the process faster and easier.

Projects on flat or gently sloped properties no longer will be automatically routed for review by a licensed engineer. DBI will now only require review when the project design or site conditions show a clear need for additional geotechnical or structural evaluation.

Learn more: sf.gov/check-if-your-project-requires-a-geotechnical-report-or-third-party-engineering-review.

Join us tomorrow evening!

DBI’s Richard S., architect and Senior Building Inspector, will be part of The American Institute of Architects panel discussion on how everyday architecture influences San Francisco at 5:30-7:30pm on November 19 at 140 Sutter Street.

Register now: aiasf.org/events/what-is-everyday-architecture-and-why-is-it-important-

We value every opportunity to meet with you, hear your questions, and share information about the permitting process.

This week, Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeffrey B. joined neighbors at the Pacific Heights Residents Association meeting to talk through permit timelines, recent process updates, and what applicants can expect when preparing a project for DBI. They also connected with attendees who are getting ready to submit new applications.

High winds up to 35 mph are expected in San Francisco starting at 10pm tonight through 10am tomorrow, with gusts reaching 60 mph. Winds may be especially strong on the hilltops and west side of the City.

Prepare now:
- Close and latch windows.
- Secure outdoor items.
- Report window damage to management.

For building concerns, call 311 for DBI to inspect. Stay safe.

Join your neighbors and local leaders at the Pacific Heights Residents Association Annual Meeting, where DBI Plan Review Manager Jimmy C. and Building Inspector Jeff B. will attend alongside City and State officials to discuss the projects and priorities shaping San Francisco.

Details: 5:30-8:30pm on November 10 at Flood Mansion, 2222 Broadway.

Register today: phra-sf.org/2025-annual-meeting

Hope to see you there!

DBI’s Richard S., an architect and Senior Building Inspector in Plan Review, will join design, construction, and development leaders for the AIA San Francisco - AIASF panel discussion about Building Community: Perspectives on Everyday Architecture in The City.

The panelists will explore how everyday architecture, from schools and community spaces to neighborhood buildings, shapes San Francisco’s built environment and strengthens the city we all share.

Join us at 5:30-7:30pm on Wednesday, November 19 at 140 Sutter Street!

Register to attend: aiasf.org/events/what-is-everyday-architecture-and-why-is-it-important-