San Francisco's Better Roofs Ordinance (Planning Code §427) requires new construction of 10+ stories or less to devote at least 15% of roof area to solar panels, living roofs, or a combination. A building permit from DBI is required for all solar panel installations.
The Better Roofs Ordinance applies to new buildings with 10 or fewer occupied floors. Projects may satisfy the requirement with photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, or living (green) roofs. DBI issues permits for residential and commercial solar installations, with an expedited over-the-counter permit process for standard residential rooftop systems. California Solar Mandate (Title 24) also requires solar on new residential construction statewide. SF's requirements go beyond the state mandate for commercial buildings.
Failure to comply with the Better Roofs Ordinance can result in denial of building permits or certificates of occupancy. Unpermitted solar installations may require removal or retrofit and are subject to code enforcement penalties.
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 panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.