Yes. SF.gov’s reroofing permit page says plainly that you need a permit before installing, repairing or removing roofing material. A full roof replacement in San Francisco always needs one.
Is any roof work exempt?
The exemptions are in San Francisco Building Code Section 106A.2. SF.gov’s permit checklist lists the roofing exemption as reroofing, without the installation, repair or removal of roof material, where the total area reroofed in any 12-month period does not exceed 25 percent of the entire roof surface. Several small repairs in one year count toward that 25 percent. Replacing framing or decking/sheathing is treated as structural work that needs an over-the-counter permit. When in doubt, ask DBI before work starts.
How is the permit issued, and what does it cost?
| Item | Per SF.gov |
|---|---|
| Who can apply online | A licensed C-39 roofing contractor |
| Online permit | Allowed when no plans are needed and no framing or decking/sheathing is replaced |
| Otherwise | An over-the-counter (OTC) building permit |
| Fee | From $514 for single-family homes and duplexes and from $714 for other buildings, plus project-dependent fees; the street space permit fee is included |
| Landmark historic buildings | Planning approval letter (or Planning’s confirmation none is needed) and photos of the existing roof |
| Commercial, more than half the roof or 2,000 sq ft | Cool roof information |
| After issue | Street space permit and parking signs from Public Works; inspections requested online |
Timeline details: how long an SF reroof permit takes. Historic buildings: reroofing a historic building in SF.
What about other Bay Area cities?
Thresholds differ. San Jose, for example, requires a reroof permit once 25% or more of a roof is reroofed within 12 months. See the 25% rule for roofing and our roofing permits guide.
Why does the permit matter?
A permit means an inspector checks the work, and the finaled permit is on record when you sell. Unpermitted roof work can come up in a buyer’s inspection or disclosures. We pull permits in our own name as the licensed contractor (CSLB #1148511), list the fee on the written estimate and close the permit at final inspection.
Request a free inspection and written estimate or call (415) 410-7917.
Sources: SF.gov: apply for a reroofing permit; SF.gov: check if your project needs a permit.
Related services and local pages
- Roof Replacement
- San Francisco roofing contractor
- Roofing Permits in the Bay Area — How We Handle Yours
Official sources
- SF.gov: apply for a reroofing permit
- SF.gov: check if your project needs a permit
- San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
Rules and maps change; confirm requirements for your address with your city or county building department.
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