PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a driveway or patio in San Francisco, CA?

Short answer: No, a permit is not required for a driveway or patio in San Francisco, CA.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
No permit required Confidence: high

No building permit for walks and driveways up to 30 in above grade, not over a basement, and not part of an exit or required accessible route.

What changes the answer

Cost

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

Fee source: https://www.sf.gov/where-to-apply-for-your-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

“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

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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