All construction projects require a building permit unless they are specifically exempted from permit in the Port Building Code (Section 106A.2 of the 2025 Port Building Code.)
Building permit applications may be submitted by Port licensees, tenants and subtenants, or by somebody working on a tenant’s behalf (an “authorized agent”) such as an architect or contractor. The Port will confirm the lease allows the proposed construction work.
Subtenants need approval from their landlord in addition to Port approval. Projects at the Ferry Building or Pier 39 must include an approval letter from the landlord.
A Port Building Permit is required for work within piers, wharfs, seawall lots and buildings in the Port’s jurisdiction:
- General construction
- Electrical construction
- Mechanical construction
- Plumbing construction
- Fire alarm, fire suppression systems and sprinkler constructions
A Port Encroachment Permit is required for work affecting public sidewalks and streets:
- Temporary occupancy of sidewalks and streets
- Sidewalk replacement
- General or utility excavations
- Vaults
- Wireless services facilities
Special Events may require a building and/or encroachment permit when temporary construction is needed or a building’s permitted use is temporarily changed.
Your project may also require approvals from additional City agencies. The Port can provide instructions for when further approvals are needed.
Costs
Permit fees are based on the valuation of the project. The Port can provide an estimate of fees upon request.
Fee Schedules:
- 2019 Building Code Fee Schedule (current schedule as of 2026)
- Planning & Development Fee Schedule
- San Francisco Fire Department Fee Schedule
- DBI Cost Schedule of Building Valuation Data - refer to sections on Fire Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarm Systems when calculating SFFD fees
Project Team Qualifications
Most projects need to be designed by a California-licensed architect and/or engineer and built by a California-licensed contractor. You will need to hire the right licensed professionals for your project and list them in your permit application. Contact the Port if you are unsure what qualifications are required for your project.
Building Code
Your building project must be designed to meet the requirements of the current Port of San Francisco Building Standards Code. The Port Building Code is the combination of the California Building Code and the Port’s amendments.
Pre-Application Meeting
Most projects do not require a pre-application meeting. The Port offers both informal and formal interpretations of code requirements or other design questions to Project Sponsors before they complete design and apply for permits. Informal interpretations may not be accepted by different plan review and inspection staff. Refer to Port Code Procedure (PCP) 007 to obtain a formal and binding interpretation from the Port.
Apply for a Building Permit
- Complete the Building Permit Application Form and email to permit-desk@sfport.com. You will receive a confirmation and a link to upload your files.
- Upload project files. Plans must comply with the minimum submittal guidelines outlined in the CCSF Electronic Plan Review (EPR) Applicant Procedure.
- Pay fee and begin review. The Port will begin review and may ask you to revise your submission or upload other files.
- An invoice will be emailed to you. Pay by credit card following the instructions on the invoice, or by check at the Permit Desk during drop-in hours.
- Review comments are posted on Bluebeam.
- Check your application status on Acela.
- Permit is issued. You will get a copy of the permit by email. Approved plans will be available in SharePoint.
Additional Forms and Special Cases
These forms are not mandatory for every project. Contact the Permit Desk if you have questions about what forms apply to your project.
- Appeals. Refers to the Port's appeal process (PCP-006) if your building permit application or request for a variance is denied.
- Building Permit Application - Time Extension Request
- Building Permit Issued - Time Extension Request
- Permit Refund Request Form
- Service Request Application
- Request for Duplication of Plans
Building Permit Inspections
Building Inspections
Port Building Inspectors perform most inspections during construction. The Port contracts with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) for electrical and plumbing inspections on select Port-issued permits.
Refer to the DBI and Port Plumbing Inspection Requirements and the DBI and Port Electrical Inspection Responsibilities to determine if DBI must inspect you project.
- Request a Building Inspection
- Schedule a Plumbing Inspection with DBI
- Schedule an Electrical Inspection with DBI
- Port Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) Request Form
Special Inspections
Special Inspections are required by the building code in addition to the inspections performed by the Port and DBI. Your design team is required to list all required Special Inspections in your design submitted for permit. You are also required to hire an approved third-party Special Inspection and Testing Agency to perform Special Inspections during construction.
Before Starting Construction
- Have a legible printed set of the Port-approved plans on the job site
- Notify Port Building Inspectors of start of work and request your Port Job Card
Environmental Requirements for Contractors - Port requirements for dewatering discharge
Contact Us
Building Permit Desk Drop-in Hours: 8:30am - 11:30am, Monday - Friday. Located at Pier 1 on The Embarcadero.
Appointments are not required. Applications may be submitted by email to permit-desk@sfport.com or in person on a USB flash drive to the Permit Desk.