Before You Build in San Francisco, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

San Francisco Building Code Section 105 requires permits for any retaining wall over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing). Engineered design and structural drawings are required for walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge. Steep SF topography means most lots need walls.

Pool fences in San Francisco must comply with California Health & Safety Code Sections 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and CBC Section 3109. Minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is required around any pool or spa over 18 inches deep.

Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administered by the San Francisco Planning Department. Within a required front setback, fences are generally limited to 3 feet in height. In required rear yards and side yards, fences may be erected up to 10 feet in height. Section 136 lists fences among the obstructions specifically permitted in yards subject to these limits. Additional Building Code permits apply to fences over 6 feet. Properties in historic districts or with conditional-use entitlements may face additional review. Contact Planning at (628) 652-7600.

San Francisco DBI requires a building permit and multiple inspections for any pool or spa installation, remodel, or significant repair under Building Code Chapter 1 and Plumbing Code Chapter 15. Plan review, structural design, and H&S Code 115920 barrier compliance are mandatory.

Swimming pools at private single-family homes in San Francisco must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sec. 115920-115929). When a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa, the property owner must install at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. Compliance is verified at final inspection by the Department of Building Inspection. The California Building Code (CBC Sec. 3109) further governs pool barrier construction standards.

San Francisco actively encourages Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under both a State Program (governed by Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2 / 65852.22) and a Local Program (Planning Code Sec. 207 / 209). State law mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) approval within 60 days. The City recognizes four ADU types: Converted, Attached, Detached, and Junior ADU (JADU, up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family structure). ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals and generally cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling.

San Francisco allows tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units under state ADU law (Gov Code 65852.2) and SF Planning Code Section 207. Movable tiny homes on wheels qualify as ADUs under AB 2421 if permanently sited with utilities and permits. Standalone 'tiny house' residences are otherwise restricted.

San Francisco Fire Code Section 307 and Bay Area Air Quality Management District rules ban open outdoor burning of yard waste, debris, and trash citywide. Recreational fire features have narrow exceptions under SFFD permit.

Outdoor fire pits burning wood or solid fuels are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. In the dense urban environment of San Francisco, open fires are effectively banned year-round by a combination of BAAQMD restrictions and SF Fire Code. Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed when not prohibited by building rules. Beach fires at Ocean Beach are banned by the National Park Service.