Deck Permit in San Francisco, California
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade; decks over 3 feet also need Planning Department review.
Issued bySan Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
San Francisco requires a building permit for any deck over 30 inches above grade, and decks over 3 feet also need Planning Department review. The Building Code exemption covers platforms not more than 30 inches above grade that are not part of an exit, not over a basement or story below, and not part of a required accessible route. DBI lists decks less than 10 feet above grade that meet Planning setbacks, and roof decks in the buildable area, as eligible for over-the-counter review.
Typical threshold: height of the deck walking surface above grade.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade; decks over 3 feet also need Planning Department review.
What a deck permit costs in San Francisco
Line itemAmountApplies to
deck permitBy formulaBuilding permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1A-A Building Permit Fees ("July 2026", applying "to all building permits issued on and after July 12, 2026"): "The Building Permit Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to $2,000 the plan review fee is "$181 for the first $500 plus $8.60 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof" and the permit issuance fee is "$206 for the first $500 plus $4 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof"; for $2,001 to $50,000 they are "$310 for the first $2,000 plus $28.35" and "$266 for the first $2,000 plus $8.56" for each additional $1,000.
Fee schedule in forceOfficial scheduleRead . Fees are the jurisdiction’s; we do not mark them up or estimate them.
How San Francisco compares in California
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | It depends | Height of a raised deck above adjacent grade at which the building permit exemption stops, and only where the deck is not over a basement or story below and is not part of an accessible route |
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size |
| Los Angeles County | It depends | height of the deck surface above grade; the exemption also requires the deck not to be over any basement or story below and not to be part of an accessible route |
| Orange County | Permit required | Any size |
| San Franciscothis page | It depends | height of the deck walking surface above grade |
Closest deck permit thresholds outside California
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest San Francisco's 30 inches above grade.
- Anchorage, Alaska, Height of the deck's walking surface above finished grade, attached or detached
- Arlington, Texas, height of an uncovered deck above grade at any point
- Aurora, Colorado, deck height above grade at which a permit is required regardless of whether the deck is attached to the house
- Bernalillo County, New Mexico, height of a platform above grade; also not over a basement or story below and not part of an accessible route
How to apply in San Francisco
In San Francisco, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs.
What most deck permit applications include:
- For San Francisco, a permit application identifying the work, the deck's size (square footage), and whether electrical work such as lights or receptacles is included, submitted for plan review before construction begins (IRC R106).
- For San Francisco, a scaled site plan (for example 1/4 inch to 1 foot) showing the new deck's location relative to the house, its overall length and width, and dimensioned distances from the deck to all property lines and other structures so required setbacks can be verified (IRC R106.1.1).
- For San Francisco, a deck plan drawn to scale showing overall dimensions and the framing layout: joist size, spacing, span, and species; beam size and span; post size and height; and footing or pier size and depth (IRC R507.4 posts, R507.5 beams, R507.6 joists, R507.3 footings).
- For San Francisco, a section or side elevation with connection details showing the ledger attachment to the house band joist with flashing, the fastener or bolt schedule, joist hangers, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the required lateral load connection (IRC R507.9 ledger connection, R507.9.2 lateral connection, R507.2.4 flashing).
- Footing sizing derived from tributary area, the soil bearing value, and design loads per IRC Table R507.3.1, with footings shown bearing on undisturbed soil at the frost depth required by the jurisdiction (IRC R507.3).
- Details for the guards required where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and for the stairs and handrails, showing guard height and opening limits, stair riser and tread dimensions, and handrail location (IRC R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
- For designs that fall outside the prescriptive R507 tables (for example multi-story or stacked decks, or a ledger attached to a cantilever), engineered and stamped structural plans are submitted in place of the prescriptive details (IRC R507.1 and R301).
General submittal guidance from IRC R106.1.1 (construction documents) and IRC R507 (exterior decks), 2021 IRC. Source. San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) sets the exact checklist for San Francisco.
Where to apply in San Francisco:
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
- Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: (628) 652-3200
- Email: dbicustomerservice@sfgov.org
Deck Permit in San Francisco compared with nearby California localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each California schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | It depends | height of the deck walking surface above grade | ...Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to... | |
| Alameda County | It depends | Height of a raised deck above adjacent grade at which the building permit exemption stops, and only where the deck is not over a basement or story below and is not part of an accessible route | ...valuation using the Schedule A building permit fee table (for example, '$381.46 for... | |
| Contra Costa County | It depends | area of a deck that is also no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a code-required exit door | No deck-specific flat fee is published | |
| Fresno County | Permit required | Any size | No flat deck permit fee is published | |
| Los Angeles | Permit required | Any size | ...graduated by declared project valuation per LAMC 91.113 Table 1-A, posted base $65... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In San Francisco, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
- Footing or pier inspection in San Francisco: after the holes are dug and any forms or reinforcing are set but before concrete is placed, the inspector checks footing depth and diameter, a flat undisturbed bearing surface, and that the holes are free of water (IRC R109.1.1 foundation inspection; R507.3 footings).
- Framing inspection in San Francisco: after the deck is framed but before the decking conceals it, the inspector verifies the ledger attachment and its flashing, the fastener and bolt schedule, joist hangers and metal connectors, post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections, and the lateral load connection; call it before decking is installed (IRC R109.1.4 frame inspection; R507.9 ledger and flashing).
- Final inspection in San Francisco: after the deck is complete and before it is used, the inspector confirms guard height and opening limits (a 4 inch sphere must not pass, 4 3/8 inch at stairs), stair riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and graspability where there are 4 or more risers, stair landings, and required stair lighting (IRC R109.1.6 final inspection; R312 guards, R311.7 stairs and handrails).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the San Francisco permit portal or by phone at (628) 652-3200.
Inspection sequence from IRC R109 (inspections: R109.1.1 footing before concrete, R109.1.4 frame, R109.1.6 final), 2021 IRC. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Deck Permit checklist for San Francisco
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: height of the deck walking surface above grade. Usually needed: Before building a deck more than 30 inches above grade; decks over 3 feet also need Planning Department review.
- Budget the fee. Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1A-A Building Permit Fees ("July 2026", applying "to all building permits issued on and after July 12, 2026"): "The Building Permit Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to $2,000 the plan review fee is "$181 for the first $500 plus $8.60 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof" and the permit issuance fee is "$206 for the first $500 plus $4 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof"; for $2,001 to $50,000 they are "$310 for the first $2,000 plus $28.35" and "$266 for the first $2,000 plus $8.56" for each additional $1,000. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In San Francisco, a residential deck permit application is a set of construction documents that show what will be built and prove it meets the IRC deck provisions. In practice that means a scaled site plan locating the deck and its setbacks, plus deck plans and structural details covering the footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, guards, and stairs. Start at the San Francisco permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Phone: (628) 652-3200. Address: Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103.
- Plan for inspections. In San Francisco, deck work is inspected in sequence as it is built: the footings before concrete is placed, the framing before the decking boards go down, and a final inspection once the deck is complete. Each stage checks the items that would be hidden or unsafe if missed.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a deck permit in San Francisco?
- San Francisco requires a building permit for any deck over 30 inches above grade, and decks over 3 feet also need Planning Department review. The Building Code exemption covers platforms not more than 30 inches above grade that are not part of an exit, not over a basement or story below, and not part of a required accessible route. DBI lists decks less than 10 feet above grade that meet Planning setbacks, and roof decks in the buildable area, as eligible for over-the-counter review. Height of the deck walking surface above grade. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a deck permit cost in San Francisco?
- Building permit fees are valuation-based under Table 1A-A Building Permit Fees ("July 2026", applying "to all building permits issued on and after July 12, 2026"): "The Building Permit Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to $2,000 the plan review fee is "$181 for the first $500 plus $8.60 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof" and the permit issuance fee is "$206 for the first $500 plus $4 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof"; for $2,001 to $50,000 they are "$310 for the first $2,000 plus $28.35" and "$266 for the first $2,000 plus $8.56" for each additional $1,000. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a deck permit in San Francisco?
- You can apply through the San Francisco permit portal or contact the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a deck permit themselves in San Francisco?
- Under California law (Business & Professions Code 7044(a)-(b); Business & Professions Code 7031.5): California exempts an owner from contractor licensing under section 7044 when they personally perform all the work on their own property, or any work they do not perform themselves is done by their own employees paid only wages, and none of the improvements are intended or offered for sale. It also exempts an owner who directly contracts with licensed contractors for each trade, as long as no more than four of the single-family residential structures involved are intended or offered for sale in a calendar year; this route does not apply if the owner instead contracts with a general contractor for the construction. A homeowner may also improve their own principal residence without a license, as long as the work is done before any sale, they have actually resided there for the 12 months before completion, and they have not used this exemption on more than two structures more than once in any three-year period. Selling a self-built structure within one year of completion creates a rebuttable presumption that it was built for sale, which defeats the exemption, and selling five or more structures within a year makes that presumption conclusive. Separately, every city or county that requires a permit must also require the applicant to file a signed statement giving their contractor license number or the basis of their claimed exemption; a false or missing statement carries a civil penalty of up to $500. Confirm how San Francisco applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in San Francisco
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...(Table 1A-C, "CATEGORY 1P" includes "a single kitchen or bathroom remodel", $290)... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...up to 10,000 sq. ft.": "Up to 10 outlets and/or devices (1 inspection)"... |
| EV Charger Permit | It depends | Before installing, altering or modifying any part of the electrical system for an EV... | ...1 residential wiring applies ("Up to 10 outlets and/or devices (1 inspection)"... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fences in a side or rear yard; the figure is 3 feet for a fence in the front yard | ...Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...gas appliance (furnace, hydronic heat, heat pump)" "(maximum two inspections)"... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...or a single kitchen or bathroom remodel" "(maximum two inspections)"... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated pools with walls entirely above grade, accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling (Group R-3) | ...Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | area reroofed in any 12-month period, with no roof sheathing installed, repaired or removed | DBI's reroofing page: "$514 and up for single-family homes and duplexes." and "$714 and... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | one-story detached storage shed or playhouse; a 10-foot height limit also applies | ...Fee is the Plan Review Fee plus the Permit Issuance Fee." For a valuation of $1 to... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Installations: "Solar Photovoltaic Systems" "10 KW rating or less"... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | the residential single-unit plumbing category is "CATEGORY 1P" at $290 and "CATEGORY... |
Deck Permit in other California localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not San Francisco documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this deck permit page for San Francisco was verified. 2 official sources: sf.gov, sfplanning.org; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Deck Permit requirements across California localities