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January 29, 2026

It's here! Say Goodbye to Paper, Hello to the New Public Works Permits Portal! 

We're excited to announce the launch of the Public Works Permits Portal – your new digital gateway to faster, simpler permitting. 

After 125 years of paper forms, phone calls and waiting in line, we're finally bringing Public Works permitting into the digital age. Starting today, you'll experience a completely reimagined way to apply for and manage your Public Works permits. 

 
What's New? Everything. 
 
Register Today and Apply Online, Anytime - No more trips to the Permit Center unless you want help. Apply from your desk, your phone or anywhere with an internet connection. To register and find out more go to Public Works Permits Portal | Public Works.
 
Direct Communication - Message your plan checker directly in the portal – no more separate emails or phone tag. 
 
One Registration, Done - Register once with your personal or business information, and you're set. No more filling out the same forms repeatedly. 
 
Instant Business Validation - First Year Free businesses can now validate their status and Business Account Number automatically – no waiting for manual approval.
 
Tow-Away Signs Made Easy - Pay for your printed tow-away signs when you pay for your permit and pick them up at the Permit Center. Or get your signs from the Portal and print them yourself. No more navigating separate systems. 
 
Seamless Collaboration - Businesses with shared Business Account Numbers can view all applications in one place.
 
No More Parking Plans - That's right – to streamline the application process, we've eliminated the requirement to submit a parking plan as a permit condition.


 
What's Launching Today?
 
We're starting with four of our most-used permits – representing 62% of our annual permit volume:  

Street Space Permits 
Sidewalk Repair Permits 
Inspection of Right-of-Way Conformity 
Temporary Occupancy Permits 
 

Can I get help registering and applying for a permit on the new portal?
Email us at PermitSF@sfgov.org. You can also visit us at the Permit Center.

 

January 12-23, 2026

To prepare for the new Public Works online permitting system, staff are in daily trainings, which may impact our services temporarily. 

Starting Monday, January 12, through Thursday, January 23, 2026, the Public Works counter at the Permit Center will have reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we ready to provide a better customer experience.

 

 

Permit Fee Increases Take Effect Oct. 1, 2024

New fee schedule 

Starting October 1, 2024, San Francisco Public Works implemented modest fee increases for certain public right-of-way permits.

Permit fees had not changed in over a decade—aside from routine adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The updated fees are based on a cost recovery model and supported by an independent user fee study. This ensures sustainable funding for essential services.

We took a careful, targeted approach to these adjustments to help minimize the impact on small businesses.

Click here to read the final legislation adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
 

 

Establishment of Minimum Completeness Standards for Public Works’ Construction Permits (Effective May 15, 2024)

 

 

Establishment of Public Works’ Minimum Standards for Building Permit Application Intake Reviews and Releases (Effective September 1, 2023)