Do You Need a Deck Permit in San Francisco?
Usually yes
Decks need a building permit in San Francisco. In-kind repair of less than 50% of a deck or stairs is an over-the-counter permit without plans; larger repairs and new decks under 20 feet above grade that meet Planning setbacks need plans. Platforms no more than 30 inches above grade that aren't part of an exit are exempt.
San Francisco Deck Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 518
- Issued, last 30 days
- 36
- Median application to issue
- 5 days
- Median declared job value
- $12,000
- Issuing office
- San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from DataSF: Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What San Francisco's Rules Say
- Exempt: platforms up to 30 in above grade, not over a story below and not part of an exit.
- Repairing under 50% of a deck or stairs: OTC permit without plans.
- Repairing over 50%, or a new deck under 20 ft above grade: OTC permit with plans.
San Francisco Deck Permit Fees
We have not verified San Francisco's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) sets the fee when you apply.
Busiest Areas for Deck Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| West of Twin Peaks | 40 |
| Sunset/Parkside | 40 |
| Castro/Upper Market | 37 |
| Noe Valley | 34 |
| Mission | 33 |
| Outer Richmond | 33 |
How to Get a Deck Permit in San Francisco
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent San Francisco Deck Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | 3640 17th St | new street facing fence @ rear yard (max 10' height); new window bars at all 1st fl windows; new open trash enclosure @ |
| 2026-10-27 | 583 Hamilton St | new adu first floor using state program sec. 65852.2. adu will incl. new bedrm, kitchen, bathrm, & living rm. new deck o |
| 2026-10-27 | 581 Hamilton St | new adu first floor using state program sec. 65852.2. adu will incl. new bedrm, kitchen, bathrm, & living rm. new deck o |
| 2026-10-26 | 1755 Beach St | level 1: construct nw deck. replace existing rear windows & doors. level2: replace existng deck construct nw deck & stai |
| 2026-10-26 | 604 Haight St | comply to nov# 202310066: repair and rebuild legally (e) non-compliant rear deck and stairs in kind due to fire damaged |
| 2026-10-23 | 641 Los Palmos Dr | install new structural steel columns and beams. new concrete pad to reinforce existing deck above existing steel column |
| 2026-10-23 | 811 Treat Av | replace/repair stairs and decking in kind less than 50% of existing structure. no change to footprint of configuration. |
| 2026-10-22 | 201 Gennessee St | renovate kitchen, (n) fixtures & finish. remove nlb wall between dining & kitchen. remove laundry bump out at rear. add |
| 2026-10-22 | 2207 12th Av | rev 202606304275: new 8x20ft deck at rear less than 10ft height. at front, replace (e) openings in-kin with fiberglas do |
| 2026-10-21 | 1109 Church St | replace rotten handrail on existing deck (2x6 redwood). replace damaged landing (remove rot); less than 50% repair deck |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deck permit in San Francisco?
Usually yes. Decks need a building permit in San Francisco. In-kind repair of less than 50% of a deck or stairs is an over-the-counter permit without plans; larger repairs and new decks under 20 feet above grade that meet Planning setbacks need plans. Platforms no more than 30 inches above grade that aren't part of an exit are exempt.
How many deck permits does San Francisco issue?
San Francisco issued 518 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 43 a month. The busiest month was Jul 2026 with 59.
How much does a deck permit cost in San Francisco?
We have not yet verified San Francisco's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) when you apply.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in San Francisco?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 5 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues deck permits in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
Related Permit Guides
- San Francisco Roofing Permits
- San Francisco HVAC Permits
- San Francisco Solar Panel Permits
- Seattle Deck Permits
- Chicago Deck Permits
- Deck Permits by City
- When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- SF.gov: Where to apply for your permit (linked above) (sf.gov)
- SF.gov: Check if your construction project needs a permit (sf.gov)