San Francisco moved reroofing permits online through its PermitSF portal. The timeline depends on the building and the scope of work. The steps below follow SF.gov’s reroofing permit page.
How quickly is the permit issued?
| Project | How it is issued | Timing (per SF.gov) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-historic residential reroof, no plans, no structural replacement | Online, by a licensed C-39 contractor | Issued right away if the contractor authorization record was submitted at least two business days in advance; otherwise processed manually |
| Historic residential or any commercial reroof | Online, with staff review | Goal of approval within two business days |
| Work that needs plans, or replaces framing or decking/sheathing | Over-the-counter (OTC) building permit | Depends on plan review |
What are the steps?
- Apply. Only a licensed C-39 roofing contractor can apply online. The application asks for occupancy, construction type and number of stories, whether the change is visible from the street, the existing and proposed roof material, whether the roof is flat or pitched, other items being replaced (such as skylights or solar panels), whether hot work is involved, street space needs and the project value.
- Pay. SF.gov lists fees starting at $514 for single-family homes and duplexes and $714 for other buildings, with additional fees depending on the project. The street space permit fee is included.
- Get street space. After the reroof permit is issued, apply to Public Works for the street space permit and parking signs for the debris box and materials.
- Inspections. Inspections are requested online from the PermitSF dashboard.
What can slow it down?
- A landmark historic building, which needs a Planning approval letter (or Planning’s confirmation that none is needed) and photos of the existing roof. See reroofing a historic building.
- Rotted sheathing or framing that has to be replaced, which moves the job to an OTC permit.
- Commercial projects replacing more than half the roof or 2,000 sq ft, which must provide cool roof information. See cool roof rules in San Francisco.
We pull the permit in our name (CSLB #1148511), list the permit fee on the written estimate, book the inspections and close the permit at final. For the whole project timeline, see how long a roof replacement takes, and for what needs a permit at all, see do I need a permit to replace my roof in San Francisco.
Request a free inspection and written estimate or call (415) 410-7917.
Sources: SF.gov: apply for a reroofing permit.
Related services and local pages
- Roof Replacement
- San Francisco roofing contractor
- Roofing Permits in the Bay Area — How We Handle Yours
Official sources
Rules and maps change; confirm requirements for your address with your city or county building department.
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