Do I need a permit for an interior or bathroom remodel in San Francisco, CA?

Yes. You need a permit before renovating or replacing bath fixtures. In-kind, non-structural work is permitted online through PermitSF; layout changes need plans (OTC permit).

What changes the answer

• In-kind, non-structural: online permit
• Plans needed for layout or wall changes

Note: DBI sets minimum valuations of $24,663 per kitchen and $20,552 per bathroom for permit fees.

Cost

Fee not extracted; see DBI fee schedules. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sf.gov/information/check-if-your-project-needs-permit

Where to apply

San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (PermitSF portal)

Permitting authority: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). City and County of San Francisco. Planning Department review may be needed even when DBI does not require a permit, especially for exterior work. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“You need a permit before renovating and replacing kitchen or bath fixtures.”

Source: https://www.sf.gov/apply-kitchen-or-bath-remodel-permit

“In-kind, non-structural kitchen or bathroom work in an occupancy class R-3 residential building or an R-2 apartment building constructed before 1991: must be applied for through the PermitSF portal”

Source: https://www.sf.gov/information--check-if-your-building-permit-needs-plans

Verified: 2026-10-19 · Status: verified · Confidence: high