Construction Permits

Permit Process Overview

Applicants seeking Building Permits or Encroachment Permits on Port property must submit an application through the Port Permit Desk.

Upon receiving an application, staff will check it for completeness. It typically takes staff 24-48 hours to complete their initial check. Completed applications will be circulated for staff review. The review period may take up to 30 days.

To learn more about the permit process, please review our FAQs.

Electronic Plan Review at the Port

The Port has implemented a paperless review process and uses Bluebeam software to review and provide feedback on construction drawings submitted to the Port Permit Desk.

Applicants are required to ensure that submitted PDF plans adhere to the CCSF Electronic Plan Review Applicant Procedure.

Please note, your submittal may be delayed, or you may be required to revise or resubmit your plans if they do not follow these guidelines.

Please refer to the Electronic Plan Review page for additional information and resources about the review process.

How to Apply for a Permit

Note: For detailed instructions on the Port Permit Desk application process, see Instructions for uploading files to Microsoft SharePoint.
Step 1: Submit your application via email

Email a completed permit application form to Permit-Desk@sfport.com
You will receive confirmation of receipt, an assigned permit application number, and a link to a Microsoft SharePoint folder to upload your supporting documents. Follow the prompts to request a verification code for SharePoint. Enter the verification code to authenticate your access to the folder.

Step 2: Upload documents into SharePoint

Plans must comply with the minimum submittal guidelines outlined in the CCSF Electronic Plan Review (EPR) Applicant Procedure. Submittals include but are not limited to plans, structural calculations, cut-sheets, specifications, etc.

Step 3: Plan Review & Fees

A preliminary review of the application and plans will be processed.
Invoices will be emailed to the applicant. Applicants must pay invoices with a credit card or check during permit desk hours.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to a Bluebeam Studio Session where they can review and respond to Port Plan Checker’s comments. Refer to the Port’s Electronic Plan Review (EPR) page for Information and Resources about the Port’s Electronic Plan Review Process.
Plan review status will be updated in the Port’s Accela Permit Tracking System and communicated via email. Applicants will continue to use Bluebeam to respond to Port-initiated comments.
Revisions must be uploaded into your SharePoint folder.

Step 4: Permit Issuance

Applicants will be notified via email when the permit has been approved.
A copy of the permit and approved plans will be uploaded into SharePoint for applicants to access, download, and print.

Permit Application Forms

Building Permit Application Forms	Encroachment Permit Application Forms
A Port building permit application is applicable to piers, wharfs, seawall lots and Port-owned buildings. Trades permits (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing), as well as fire alarm, fire suppression systems, and sprinkler permits shall be submitted via the Port building permit application. Port Building Permit Application Port Building Permit Application - Time Extension Request Port Issued Building Permit - Time Extension Request Port and Dept. of Building Inspection Plumbing Inspection Division Responsibilities	An encroachment permit application is applicable to public rights-of-way, typically in a non-leased area such as sidewalks and streets. Temporary Occupancy, sidewalk replacement, general/ utility excavations, vaults, and wireless service facilities are some of the examples that shall be submitted via the Port encroachment permit application. Port Encroachment Permit Application Port Encroachment Permit Application - Time Extension Request Port Excavation Bond Form Port Night Noise Authorization Form You must apply for a Special Traffic Permit if you cannot comply with the construction regulations specified in the Blue Book.

Permit Fees

Port Building Code Fee Schedule	Note: Section 110A of the 2019 Port Building Code (PBC) has been completely revised as of the 2019 Port Code Adoption 2019 PBC Fee Schedule 2016 PBC Fee Schedule
Port Planning & Development Fee Schedule	Port Planning Fee Schedule for Building Plan Review
San Francisco Fire Department 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)
Sf Public Works Fee Schedule	San Francisco Public Works Permit Fee Schedule

Inspection Requests

The Port contracts with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) for plumbing inspections on select Port-issued permits. To determine if your project requires a DBI plumbing inspection, please refer to the DBI and Port Plumbing Inspection Requirements Form (PDF).

Port Building Inspection Request (Webform)
Port Encroachment Inspection Request (Webform)
Port Special Inspection Program
Port Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) Request Form (PDF)
DBI Plumbing Permit Inspection Scheduling (External Link)

Additional Services, Resources, and Forms

Plan Review Services

Codes , Guidelines & Regulations
Floodplain Management Program
Building Occupancy Resumption Program (BORP)
SFDPH Food Safety Program: Plan Check Requirements (External Link)
SFPUC Commercial Fats, Oils, & Grease Control Program (External Link)

Administrative Resources

Environmental Requirements and Resources

Best Management Practices (BMP) for Trenching (PDF)
Port of San Francisco Green Building Form (PDF)
Construction, Erosion, and Sediment Control Plan Application (PDF)
Minimum Stormwater Control Measures for Small Projects (PDF)
SFDPH Water Quality Well Program (External Link)