--- title: San Francisco Permit Expediting & Building Code Consulting Experts description: Burnham Nationwide expedites San Francisco building permits with ease. Expert plan check, code consulting & clearances for all construction projects. Call today! --- # San Francisco Office 535 Mission St., 14th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 **415-912-8366** [tel:415-912-8366](tel:415-912-8366)San Francisco has many permit submission methods that match the scale of work being done to avoid unnecessary reviews and approvals.   **Familiarize yourself with the types below briefly that apply, and then send us a note via the form on the right with what you feel matches best and we'll be in touch in one business day or sooner. ** ### Get in touch [![San Francisco Buildings](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/san-francisco-1-1.jpg)](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/Blueprint_sf_2024.pdf) --- ## San Francisco Building Permits Burnham Nationwide is the San Francisco Bay Area’s expert in permit expediting. In addition to providing assistance with building permits and approvals for all phases of the construction process, our services include due diligence support and assistance with licenses and discrete permits, such as historic preservation approvals, noise variance permits, contractor licensing, street space permits, and traffic approvals. Operating in Northern California for the past decade, we leverage our knowledge of California and municipal building codes, as well as other relevant requirements, to conduct plan reviews and advise you on your project. Our highly skilled permit expediters have expertise in all phases of the permit process, and the same project manager works with you through the entire project. [ Download the San Francisco Blueprint ](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/Blueprint_sf_2024.pdf) ### San Francisco Office [415-912-8366 ](tel:415-912-8366) [sanfrancisco@burnhamnationwide.com ](mailto:sanfrancisco@burnhamnationwide.com) ### Burnham Nationwide, Inc. #### 535 Mission St., 14th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 [View in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/535+Mission+St,+San+Francisco,+CA+94105/@37.7888907,-122.3981003,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8085806325b00825:0x6a6b3373ede35750!8m2!3d37.7888907!4d-122.3981003) ### San Francisco Office [415-912-8366 ](tel:415-912-8366) [sanfrancisco@burnhamnationwide.com ](mailto:sanfrancisco@burnhamnationwide.com) --- San Francisco Permitting ## Guiding Through Building Permits in San Francisco Hands on guide for any client who is looking to start a construction process in the City of San Francisco. When it comes to permitting, there is so much below the surface that most of us don’t think about when dealing with such as does my project qualify for Over-The-Counter (OTC) or will I need a Conditional Use Permit. This guide will keep you on track on a reasonable timeline. ![image-one2x](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/placeholder--.jpg) ### [Over-the-Counter (OTC) Application](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/contact/san-francisco#unique-section-1) ![image-two2x](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/placeholder--.jpg) ### [Inhouse / Intake Plan](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/contact/san-francisco#unique-section-2) ![image-three2x](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/placeholder--.jpg) ### [Conditional Use Permit/Authorization (CUP/CUA)](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/contact/san-francisco#unique-section-3) ![image-four2x](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/placeholder--.jpg) ### [Exterior Work](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/contact/san-francisco#unique-section-4) ![people viewing blueprints](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/Mask-Group-372x.jpg) --- ## Over-the-Counter (OTC) Application Process There are two types of OTC applications one with plans and one without. This process is faster than the In-house review permits, but the project must be eligible for the process. Please see refer to the link to check eligibility. [Over-the-Counter Eligibility ](https://sfdbi.org/otcpermits)If you do not qualify for an OTC application review process, you will be directed for an InHouse/Intake review. **Follow this submittal checklist:** - Two sets signed/sealed plans (wet sign for cover sheet of each trade) - One set of Structural Calcs if applicable - DA Checklist completed and printed on plans - Building Permit application - Cost of construction #### Scheduling an Appointment for drop off You may drop off OTC without plans to Department Building daily Monday – Friday 7:30am– 9:30am. For Over-the-Counter with plans you must schedule an appointment Monday through Friday from 9:30am - 3:30pm.  If an appointment time is needed much closer than the SFDBI site has provide, you may contact Burnham to get you on a waitlist to a much closer appointment date. Due to COVID procedures timelines are subject to change. **Departmental Plan Reviews ** - Architecture and Accessibility - Fire - Mechanical - Electrical - Plumbing - Structural - Planning/Zoning - Public Works - Health (only if applicable) ![skyscraper](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/Mask-Group-352x.jpg) --- ## In-house / Intake Plan If you do not qualify for an OTC application review process, you will be directed for an InHouse/Intake review. Typically larger or more complicated projects are submitted through the In-House process. The In-house process includes a pre-screening process to insure the specific area of proposed design are code compliant and whether certain existing non-conforming conditions can remain as is. This allows the applicant to review the project details before fully committing to the project.  **Submittal Checklist** - Two sets signed/sealed plans (wet sign for cover sheet of each trade) - One set of Structural Calcs if applicable - DA Checklist completed and printed on plans - Building Permit application - Cost of construction - LL authorization letter  **Departmental Reviews** - Architecture and Accessibility - Fire - Mechanical - Electrical - Plumbing - Structural - Planning/Zoning - Public Works - Health (only if applicable) Whether it is the beginning, middle or at the end of your project, Burnham can always assist in your project. ![two skyscrapers](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/Mask-Group-312x.jpg) --- ## Conditional Use Permit/ Authorization (CUP/CUA) A Conditional Use refers to a use that is not principally permitted in a particular Zoning District. The Planning Commission will need to review and hear the order to determine whether the proposed use is necessary or desirable to the neighborhood. The CUP and CUA will mostly apply to formula retail (11 or more business locations worldwide). It's important to state that not all Districts of San Francisco accept formula retails which is why they must go through the process.  **Checklist for going through the process: ** - Pre-Application Process - Project Scope & contact information - Two Findings to be answered related to CUA and Priority General Plan Policy Findings - Depending on scope of project; additional findings. - Authorization - Owner, Applicant, Contact Person, and Community Liaison  - Drawings - Photographs - Additional Conditional Use Criteria This is a long and intensive process, which you may not want to go through. Check in with Burnham before you start any process with your business. We want to ensure you save time and money for your project. ![people viewing blueprints](https://www.burnhamnationwide.com/hubfs/2019%20Theme%20Images/Mask-Group-372x.jpg) --- ## Exterior Work San Francisco is full of beautiful, historical facades and structures. Because of this, the Historic Preservation Commission was created to protect said sites and structures from negligence or alterations that may destroy their historical and architectural value.  **Follow the steps below to determine if you are able to make exterior changes to your building.** - Historic Resource Assessment (HRA) - If it's located within an Article 10 Historic District it will need a  Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) - New construction will also require  Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) Whether it is the beginning, middle or at the end of your project, Burnham can always assist in your project. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle any step. We are ready to take on the lead of your project, that way it will save you time, money, and an ease of mind knowing your project is being handled by local experts. --- Connect With Us ## Simply Getting it Done [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/477797/c47916b6-31f6-43f3-a5bb-47dd2106a352.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/477797/c47916b6-31f6-43f3-a5bb-47dd2106a352) ```json { "@context" : "http://www.schema.org", "@type" : "ProfessionalService", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "San Francisco", "addressRegion" : "California", "postalCode" : "94103", "streetAddress" : "1460 Mission St" }, "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "telephone" : "+18004077990" }, "description" : "Building consultant in San Francisco, California, provides experienced permit expediters and code consultants to navigate complex projects and ensure compliance. With a deep understanding of the permit and code compliance process, our dedicated team has successfully worked on a multitude of iconic buildings and intricate projects over the last several decades. Whether it's a new skyscraper, historic landmark alteration, or a national retail rollout, we have the expertise to guide major corporations, leading development firms, and architecture companies through the regulatory landscape. 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