Much of San Francisco’s housing is a century old, and some buildings are designated landmarks. A reroof on those buildings follows the same online permit process as any other, with a few extra requirements listed on SF.gov’s reroofing permit page.
What does the city ask for?
- A Planning Approval Letter, or confirmation from SF Planning that none is required, for landmark historic buildings.
- Photos of the existing roof, also required for landmark historic buildings.
- Whether the change is visible from the street. Every reroof application asks this, along with the existing and proposed roof material.
How long does the review take?
Non-historic residential reroof permits can be issued online right away. Historic residential and commercial projects need staff review, and the city’s stated goal is approval within two business days. Build the Planning step into your schedule before booking a start date.
How do you keep a historic roof looking right?
- Reuse sound tile or slate. The California Residential Code (R908.5) allows existing slate, clay or cement tile to be reinstalled, but not pieces that are damaged, cracked or broken.
- Match what the street sees. On many Victorians and Edwardians the visible part is a front slope, a bay or a turret, while the main roof is flat behind a parapet. The visible areas are where material, color and profile matter most.
- Rebuild flashings properly. The same code section requires rusted, damaged or deteriorated flashings to be replaced, and R908.6 requires flashings to be rebuilt to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Document everything. We photograph every job in CompanyCam, before, during and after, which also gives you the existing-roof photos the permit asks for.
The current rules are in San Francisco reroof permit requirements and how long an SF reroof permit takes. Local context: roofing in San Francisco.
Request a free inspection and written estimate or call (415) 410-7917.
Sources: SF.gov: apply for a reroofing permit; 2025 California Residential Code R908, reroofing (GoCodebook).
Related services and local pages
- Roof Replacement
- Shingle, Tile, Metal & Flat Roof Systems
- San Francisco roofing contractor
- Roofing Permits in the Bay Area — How We Handle Yours
Sources
- SF.gov: apply for a reroofing permit
- 2025 California Residential Code R908, reroofing (code text on GoCodebook)
Rules and maps change; confirm requirements for your address with your city or county building department.
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