San Francisco's most common code violations include unpermitted construction, illegal unit conversions, tenant harassment through construction, substandard housing conditions, and work beyond permit scope. DBI enforces the SF Building Code and Housing Code.
The most frequently cited code violations in San Francisco include: unpermitted construction or demolition (especially in residential properties), illegal unit conversions and unauthorized dwelling units, tenant harassment through unnecessary or disruptive construction, substandard housing conditions (lack of heat, plumbing failures, mold, pest infestation), work performed beyond the scope of issued permits, and fire safety violations. San Francisco is particularly strict about unpermitted work — DBI conducts routine surveys and responds to complaints aggressively. The city requires permits for most exterior work including decks, fences, and even some window replacements. SF Building Code and Housing Code are the primary enforcement tools. DBI's Complaint Tracking System is publicly searchable. The city also enforces seismic retrofit requirements for soft-story buildings.
Daily penalties for open NOVs. Unpermitted work: fines up to 9x the permit fee. City Attorney prosecution for egregious cases.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's common violations rules stack up against other locations.
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