Do I need a permit for a deck in San Francisco, CA?

Platforms up to 30 in above grade that are not part of an exit are exempt. Most decks need a building permit; repairs to less than 50% of a deck can be permitted over the counter.

What changes the answer

• Over 30 in or part of an exit: permit
• Repair under 50% of a deck: over-the-counter permit

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.

Official sources

“Platforms, sidewalks, walks and driveways when not part of an exit, and not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below”

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

“Repair less than 50% of a deck and exterior stairs and without adding any new firewalls : apply over-the-counter.”

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

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