Did you you that not all the home improvements require a permit? Find out which projects don't require permit in San Francisco.


At CityStructure, our vision is a world where every homeowner has a clear understanding of the development potential of their property. This is why we give you free access to the Untapped Development Potential for any property.


Good news! Some small projects may NOT even require permit at all. So, before thinking that your new idea may involve a lot of paperwork to get it done. Check first if you need a permit at all. Below, we've listed few types of projects that you could start without permit.

Here we're listing for you convenience just a few types of work that may not require permit:

  1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as storage sheds, tool sheds,workshops, playhouses and the like as long as the projected roof area does not exceed 100 square feet in roof area.
  2. Plastic, metal or wood fences no higher than six (6) feet in height that are located at the rear and side lot lines of the property.
  3. Any fence not over three (3) feet in height along the front of the lot.
  4. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
  5. Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the top of the wall to the bottom of the footing unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
  6. Water tanks supported directly upon grade so long as the capacity of the tank does not exceed 5000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
  7. Surface mounting of readily removable materials on interior walls.
  8. Platforms, walks and driveways, when not a part of an exit, and not more than 30 inches above grade or over any basement or story below.
  9. No more than 200 square feet of paved or covered ground. (Note: Any paved or covered ground area exceeding 200 square feet requires a plumbing permit).
  10. Painting, papering and similar finish work.
  11. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
  12. Minor repairs to existing interior plaster, except when part of a fire-resistive assembly such as any wall along the property line.
  13. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R. Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade as long as the capacity of the pool does not exceed 5000 gallons.
  14. Re-roofing without the installation, repair or removal of roof sheathing, if the surface area of the roof being worked on does not exceed 25 percent (25%)of the entire surface area of the roof.
  15. Installations or replacement of floor coverings not requiring the removal of existing flooring except bathrooms and water closets.
  16. Repair and replacement of glazing in conformity with this code, and provided wire glass shall be replaced in kind.
  17. Replacement of doors, except garage doors, in all occupancies, provided they are not required to be fire-resistive assemblies by this code.

The list is longer and it may change. So, that best thing is to call department of Building Inspection-Technical Services Division at (415) 558-6084 to double check.

How much could you build on your property?

Get an instant free estimate if there is any untapped potential for your property based on the city zoning and state regulations.