Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement in San Francisco, CA?

Yes. Water heaters are part of the plumbing system under the San Francisco Plumbing Code, and water heater replacement is not on its list of exempt work, so a plumbing permit is needed.

What changes the answer

• Exempt plumbing work is limited to leak repairs, unstopping, faucet/toilet swaps and similar

Note: Inferred from the code: water heaters are not on the exempt list.

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

“liquid and fuel gas piping, and water heaters and vents for same, and fire sprinkler systems.”

Source: https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/2025_SF_Plumbing_Code.pdf

“104.2 Exempt Work. A permit shall not be required for the following:”

Source: https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/2025_SF_Plumbing_Code.pdf

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