106A.4 Permits issuance.

106A.4.1 Issuance. The application, plans, specifications, computations and other data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such plans may/shall be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the Building Official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified in Section 107A have been paid, the building official shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant.

When the building official issues the permit where plans are required, the building official shall stamp each page of the plans and the first page of the specifications APPROVED. Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorizations from the building official, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.

The building official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building or structure before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building or structure have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of a partial permit shall proceed without assurance that the permit for the entire building or structure will be granted.

106A.4.1.1 Transfer of permit. Permits are transferable without payment of fees per Table 1A-D when the new owner submits a letter to the Department agreeing to all conditions of approval, stipulations and agreements contained on the approved application.

106A.4.1.2 Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area.

106A.4.1.2.1 Creation. There is hereby created the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area, which is generally bounded by Garcia Avenue, Vasquez Avenue, Kensington Way and Ulloa Street and traversed by Edgehill Way. The Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area is comprised of the following Assessor’s Block Numbers: 2875, 2876, 2923, 2933, 2934, 2935, 2936A and 2936B. Heightened review of certain permit applications, as provided in this section, shall be made in this area.

Protection Area, which is generally bounded by Garcia Avenue, Vasquez Avenue, Kensington Way and Ulloa Street and traversed by Edgehill Way. The Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area is comprised of the following Assessor’s Block Numbers: 2875, 2876, 2923, 2933, 2934, 2935, 2936A and 2936B. Heightened review of certain permit applications, as provided in this section, shall be made in this area.

106A.4.1.2.2 Purpose. Because landslides, earth movement, ground shaking and subsidence are likely to occur on or near the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area, causing severe damage and destruction to public and private improvements, the Board of Supervisors finds that the public health, safety and welfare is best protected if the Building Official of Building Inspection causes permit applications within the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area for either (1) construction of new buildings or structures or (2) alterations that involve a substantial increase in the envelope of an existing building or structure, to be peer reviewed for structural integrity and effect on hillside stability. The requirements herein for projects in the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area are in addition to all other applicable laws and regulations, including any and all requirements for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; compliance with the requirements contained herein does not excuse a project sponsor from compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations.

106A.4.1.2.3 Mandatory review by Structural Advisory Committee and other city officials. All permit applications submitted to the Central Permit Bureau for construction of new buildings or structures or alterations that involve a substantial increase in the envelope of an existing building or structure (as determined by the Building Official) within the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Structural Advisory Committee, as defined by Building Code Section 105A.6. No permits for such properties located within the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area shall be issued unless and until the Building Official has consulted with and received a written communication from representatives of the Department of Planning, Department of Public Works and Fire Department, each of whom has made a visit to the site for which the project is proposed, and the Building Official has received a written report from the Structural Advisory Committee concerning the safety and integrity of the proposed design and construction. As part of its review, the Structural Advisory Committee shall consider the effect that construction activity related to the proposed project will have on the safety and stability of the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area.

and the Building Official has received a written report from the Structural Advisory Committee concerning the safety and integrity of the proposed design and construction. As part of its review, the Structural Advisory Committee shall consider the effect that construction activity related to the proposed project will have on the safety and stability of the Edgehill Mountain Slope Protection Area.

106A.4.1.2.4 Mandatory denial by Building Official. In the event that the Structural Advisory Committee determines that there is a reasonable likelihood that the proposed design and construction would result in unsafe conditions or would increase the likelihood of hillside instability, and such unsafe conditions or instability cannot be mitigated to the satisfaction of the Structural Advisory Committee, the Building Official shall deny the permit. The Building Official’s decision to deny the permit is appealable only to the Board of Appeals.

106A.4.1.3 Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area.

106A.4.1.3.1 Creation. There is hereby created the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area, which is generally bounded on the east by Crestmont Drive and its undeveloped northern extension, on the south along Oak Park to its intersection with Christopher Boulevard, west to Warren Drive, north along Warren Drive to the 6th Avenue and Kirkham Street intersection, and Kirkham Street in an easterly direction to its end at the undeveloped extension of Crestmont Drive. The Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area is comprised of the following Assessor’s Block Numbers: 1850, 1851, 2635, 2636, 2638, 2674, 2675, 2676, 2677, and 2686. Heightened review of certain permit applications, as provided in this section, shall be made in this area.

106A.4.1.3.2 Purpose. Because landslides, earth movement, ground shaking and subsidence are likely to occur on or near the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area, causing severe damage and destruction to public and private improvements, the Board of Supervisors finds that the public health, safety and welfare is best protected if the Building Official of Building Inspection causes permit applications within the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area for either (1) construction of new buildings or structures or (2) alterations that involve a substantial increase in the envelope of an existing building or structure, to be peer reviewed for structural integrity and effect on hillside stability. The requirements herein for projects in the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area are in addition to all other applicable laws and regulations, including any and all requirements for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; compliance with the requirements contained herein does not excuse a project sponsor from compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations.

requirements herein for projects in the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area are in addition to all other applicable laws and regulations, including any and all requirements for environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; compliance with the requirements contained herein does not excuse a project sponsor from compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations.

106A.4.1.3.3 Mandatory review by Structural Advisory Committee and other city officials. All permit applications submitted to the Central Permit Bureau for construction of new buildings or structures or alterations that involve a substantial increase in the envelope of an existing building or structure (as determined by the Building Official) within the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Structural Advisory Committee, as defined by Building Code Section 105A.6. No permits for such properties located within the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area shall be issued unless and until the Building Official has consulted with and received a written communication from representatives of the Department of Planning, Department of Public Works and Fire Department, each of whom has made a visit to the site for which the project is proposed, and the Building Official has received a written report from the Structural Advisory Committee concerning the safety and integrity of the proposed design and construction. As part of its review, the Structural Advisory Committee shall consider the effect that construction activity related to the proposed project will have on the safety and stability of the Northwest Mt. Sutro Slope Protection Area.

106A.4.1.3.4 Mandatory denial by Building Official. In the event that the Structural Advisory Committee determines that there is a reasonable likelihood that the proposed design and construction would result in unsafe conditions or would increase the likelihood of hillside instability, and such unsafe conditions or instability cannot be mitigated to the satisfaction of the Structural Advisory Committee, the Building Official shall deny the permit. The Building Official’s decision to deny the permit is appealable only to the Board of Appeals.

106A.4.1.4 [Repealed.]

(Secs. 106A.4.1.4 through 106A.4.1.4.6 repealed by Ord. 185-25, File No. 250805, App. 9/30/2025, Eff. 10/31/2025)

106A.4.2 Retention of approved construction documents. One set of approved construction documents shall be provided to the party obtaining the permit. The owner shall be responsible for keeping these documents on the building site at all times and making them available for inspection and use by the inspector during such construction until final inspection has been made; failure to do so shall result in stoppage of work. The approved construction documents shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official; all work shall be done in accordance with these documents.

on the building site at all times and making them available for inspection and use by the inspector during such construction until final inspection has been made; failure to do so shall result in stoppage of work. The approved construction documents shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official; all work shall be done in accordance with these documents.

One set of approved construction documents for all building permits shall be retained by the Department in reproducible form as public records.

106A.4.3 Validity of permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other applicable laws and regulations. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

The issuance of a permit based on plans, specifications and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or other applicable laws and regulations.

106A.4.4 Permit expiration. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code, unless an extension of time has been specifically approved by the Building Official, shall expire by limitation and become null and void when the time allowed in Table B is reached, or when any of the following circumstances is applicable:

1. For Building Official-initiated code compliance permits, the work shall start within 30 days from the date of such permit.

2. If the building or work authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work has started, for a period as follows:

2.1. Thirty days for Building Official-initiated code compliance permits.

2.2. One-hundred-eighty days for all other permits.

3. An extension of time from the stated periods may be permitted for good reason, provided such requests for an extension are submitted to the Building Official in writing prior to the end of the time period accompanied by payment of a fee. Unless approved by the Building Official, no more than one extension of time may be granted.

3.1. For all other permits, see Table B – Maximum Time Allowed to Complete All Work Authorized by Building Permit. The maximum time allowed for Building Official-initiated code compliance permits shall be 12 months for all permits exceeding $25,000 total valuation.

4. A demolition permit shall expire 180 days after issuance. Only one extension of time of 180 days shall be granted upon written request to the Building Official, accompanied by payment of a fee. If there is a permit for a replacement structure, the demolition permit shall expire concurrently with the permit for that replacement structure.

5. The Building Official may administratively authorize the processing of applications involving compliance actions initiated by the Department, in a manner other than set forth in this code, so as to effect said compliance most expeditiously; provided, however, that due process is assured all applicants. In this regard, the Building Official may reduce the time periods set forth in this section as they apply to a second application and permit required by the Building Official to effect full compliance with this code and other applicable laws and regulations if by doing so code compliance would be more expeditiously accomplished.

EXCEPTION: In order to avoid repetitive filings and processing of applications to effect code compliance, the Building Official is hereby authorized to establish alternate procedures and extensions of time from cancellation pursuant to Section 106A .4.1 and from expiration pursuant to this section; provided, however, that the Building Official, in establishing alternate procedures and extension of time, shall proceed as expeditiously as possible toward abatement of the violations.

When a permit is issued but delayed due to actions before the Board of Appeals or other City agencies, or cases in any court of competent jurisdiction, or is under review by a State or regional regulatory body, the time allowable shall be computed from the date of the final action of the agency or court of jurisdiction.

TABLE B – MAXIMUM TIME ALLOWED TO COMPLETE ALL WORK AUTHORIZED BY BUILDING PERMIT

NOTES:

(1) For site permits with a valuation of $2,500,000 or more, the time allowed to complete work authorized by the building permit may be increased by 50 percent. For site permits with a valuation less than $2,500,000, use Table B.

106A.4.4.1 Commencement of work on permit expired due to work not started. Before work can be commenced on an expired permit on which no work was performed, a new application shall be filed and a new permit shall be obtained. If not more than one year has elapsed since the expiration of the original permit, the applicant is eligible for reduced fee on the new permit. See Section 110A – Table 1A-B – Commencement of Work Not Started. All other applicable fees in Section 110A – Table 1A-A or any other table in this code, shall be collected in the full amount. To qualify for the reduced fees, the original approved plans and specifications in the possession of the owner shall be submitted with the new application, together with a notarized certification that there are no changes made on those plans and specifications.

In the event a refund has been granted upon the request of the applicant prior to the commencement of the work, the provisions of this section shall not apply and a new permit shall be applied for and all fees will be required to be paid.

106A.4.4.2 Recommencement of work on permit expired due to work not completed. An alteration permit shall be secured for the work not completed. See Section 110A, Table 1A-F – Specialty Permit Fees – for applicable fee to defray cost of certifying site conditions. The permit fee shall be based upon the valuation of the uncompleted work. When the permit is for completing the work as shown on the original approved plans, no additional plan review fee shall be required.

106A.4.5 Suspension or revocation. The building official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation of any of the provisions of this code.

Any permit issued for which less than the correct permit and plan checking fees were paid shall be considered an invalid permit and shall be suspended until the complete bill of fees has been paid. Failure to pay the correct fees shall be sufficient grounds for denial of a temporary permit of occupancy or a permit of occupancy.

106A.4.6 Notice of permit issuance. Within 24 hours after the issuance of a building permit authorizing the types of work described below, notice of such issuance shall be given in the manner set forth below.

1. For permits to demolish or erect a building or structure, or to move a structure to a new site, the permittee shall obtain from the Department a sign containing the following information: permit number; filing date; address and phone number of the agency to contact for information regarding permit issuance; the date of permit issuance; address and phone of agency to contact to appeal issuance of permit; name, address and phone number of the permittee.

For unreinforced masonry buildings, additional information shall be provided, as required by the Building Official.

See Section 110A, Table 1A-L – Public Information – for applicable fee.

The permittee shall cause the sign to be erected on the site of the property to which the application applies.

Location of sign. The sign shall be clearly visible to passing motorists and passing pedestrians. In the case of moved buildings, the sign shall be posted at the site onto which the building is to be moved. The minimum dimensions shall be 30 inches by 30 inches (762 mm × 762 mm), unless the permit relates to a vacant site or a vacant building, in which case the Building Official may require a sign up to 8 feet (2.438 m) wide and 4 feet (1.219 m) high upon a determination that the larger sign will provide better public notice. If a larger sign is required, the permittee shall provide it, and it shall contain the information set forth above. The sign required herein shall be installed as follows: The bottom edge of the sign shall be at least 6 feet (1.829 m) above grade; the face of the sign shall be parallel to the main street frontage and shall be located 5 feet (1.524 m) or less from the street property line; the sign shall be attached to one or more posts substantially embedded into the ground in order to withstand wind or other load factors, or may be attached to an existing front building wall. The background color of the sign shall be white, and the color of the text shall be black; the letter size of the first line shall be a minimum of 8 inches (203.2 mm) high; the size and style of the text shall be such that the message is clear and legible from a distance of 10 feet (3.048 m) to a viewer with normal vision.

Duration of sign posting. The permittee shall cause the sign to be erected within 24 hours after a permit is issued. The sign shall remain posted until either the conclusion of the hearing on the permit before the Board of Appeals or the time for filing such appeal has lapsed without an appeal being filed. Except for work performed pursuant to a Conditional Use authorization from the Planning Commission, work under a demolition permit shall not begin until 15 days after the date on which the permit is issued.

2. For a permit which would authorize a structural addition to an existing building, the Department shall mail written notice to the owners of properties immediately adjacent to the subject building as shown on the current tax roll. See Section 110A, Table 1A-L – Public Information – for applicable fee.

3. For a permit which would authorize the demolition or moving of a building or structure, written notice shall be mailed to the owners of properties within 300 feet (91.44 m) in every direction from the edge of the property on which the proposed demolition work will take place, or from which the building will be moved. Owners notified shall be as shown on the last annual tax roll. Notice to interested organizations or groups shall be made as provided in Section 106A.4 of this code.

4. For changes in occupancy per this code, notice shall be provided as specified in Section 6 of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code. See Section 110A, Table 1A-L – Public Information – for applicable fee.

5. For a permit that would authorize removal of a legal or illegal dwelling unit, as defined in the Housing Code, permittee shall post a sign at least 15 inches by 15 inches (381 mm x 381 mm) in a conspicuous common area of the building where the work will occur, with the following information: permit number; filing date; address and phone number of the agency to contact for information regarding permit issuance; the date of permit issuance; address and phone number of agency to contact to appeal issuance of permit; name, address and phone number of permittee. The sign shall also contain a list of tenant counseling or legal services that can provide assistance to tenants with understanding and participating in the City’s processes. The sign shall remain posted until either the conclusion of the hearing on the permit before the Board of Appeals or the time for filing such appeal has lapsed without an appeal being filed. Such notice shall also include contact information for translation services into Spanish, Chinese, and Russian.

Revocation for noncompliance. The Building Official shall, after providing the permittee an opportunity to respond to any complaint of noncompliance, revoke any permit where the applicant has not substantially complied with the provisions of this section or Section 106A .3.2.3

requiring notice of permit application and issuance.

The requirements contained in this code relating to notice are not intended to give any right to any person to challenge in any administrative or judicial proceeding any action for which notice is given if such person would not otherwise have the legal right to do so.

106A.4.7 Additional work, permit required. When an approved permit has been issued, a separate permit for alteration work shall be required for any change in work or additional work as set forth hereafter. The fees for such additional work shall be as set forth in Section 110A, fee tables, based on the difference in the valuation between the changed work and that of the original permit. The valuation shall be not less than $1. Situations which require a separate permit include the following:

1. Construction differing from the approved construction documents sufficiently to require revised plans or additional plans to be submitted to the Department for approval, including changes in partition layout that impact other code requirements, changes in framing directions, spans, and locations of concentrated loads, and changes in types of materials used. See Section 110A, Table 1A-F – Specialty Permit Fees – for the assessment for this type of additional work.

2. Changes proposed to any building or structure which alter the exterior dimensions more than 6 inches (152.4 mm) either in vertical or horizontal dimension, alter the visual appearance through changes in exterior wall materials or windows, change the number of residential dwelling units or decrease the amount of off-street parking provided.

3. Value of additional work or of changes exceeding 10 percent of the valuation of the approved permit work or $50,000 whichever is the lesser

amount.

4. A change in occupancy or use, as defined in this code.

5. A change in the construction type of any portion of the building.

6. An unusual condition requiring a permit procedure to protect the interest of the public.

A separate alteration permit shall not be required where the change or additional work is required by the Board of Appeals as a condition of approving an appealed permit; however, revised plans and plan review fees, including back check fees, shall be required for any such change or additional work. The Board of Appeals may require, as a condition of approval, that revised plans be submitted to the Board for review.

106A.4.8 Replacement of approved construction documents. When the permit holder’s set of approved construction documents is not available as required by Section 106A .4.2, a duplicate set of documents shall be submitted to the Department along with a notarized certification that such documents are identical to the approved construction documents except for notations by City agencies. The Department shall then copy such notations from its retained set to the duplicate set and shall stamp the duplicate set APPROVED.

See Section 110A, Table 1A-L – Public Information – for applicable fee.

106A.4.9 Preapplication plan review or inspection. When a party wishes to discuss specific design issues or submit preliminary designs for review and comment by the Department prior to formal application for a permit, a request for preapplication plan review must be submitted in writing to the Building Official. See Section 110A, Table 1A-B – Other Building Permit and Plan Review Fees – for applicable fees. Payment of the minimum fee must be submitted with the letter of request.

In cases where on-site discussion with a field inspector is desired, the same request requirements apply. See Section 110A, Table 1A-G – Inspections, Surveys and Reports – for applicable fee.

106A.4.10 Review of mechanical plans. When an application for a permit contains a mechanical component (separate from or in addition to energy conservation design) sufficient in scope or complexity to require review by a mechanical specialist, a fee for this service shall be assessed and is payable before issuance of the permit. See Section 110A, Table 1A-B – Other Building Permit and Plan Review Fees – for applicable fee.

106A.4.11 Review of electrical plans. When an application for a permit contains an electrical component (separate from or in addition to energy conservation design) sufficient in scope or complexity to require review by an electrical specialist, a fee for this service shall be assessed and is payable before issuance of the permit. See Section 110A, Table 1A-B – Other Building Permit and Plan Review Fees – for applicable fee.

106A.4.12 Review of plumbing plans. When an application for a permit contains a plumbing component sufficient in scope or complexity to require review by a plumbing plan reviewer, a fee for this service shall be assessed and is payable before issuance of the permit. See Section 110A, Table 1AB – Other Building Permit and Plan Review Fees – for applicable fee.

106A.4.13 Premium plan review. At the request of the applicant and upon payment of an additional fee per Table 1A-B – Other Building Permit Application and Plan Review Fees, building permit applications shall be reviewed by the Department of Building Inspection within a guaranteed plan review time set by the Building Official. This building plan review time will be less than normal turnaround times and will be developed on a case-bycase basis depending on the scope of work and the quality of completeness of the submittal documents. At or before the due date of the guaranteed building plan review time, a thorough set of plan review comments and/or corrections will be sent to the applicant for response. Premium Plan Review does not guarantee plan review times during the recheck process, nor building permit approval and issuance. If the Department fails to complete its plan review within the guaranteed plan review time, the additional fee paid shall be refunded to the applicant upon written request by the applicant. This service is offered for plan review by the Department of Building Inspection only and does not commit any other City agencies or departments to the turnaround times.