Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $350–$850 estimated combined fees (plan check + permit) for a permitted shed in San Francisco; sheds 120 sq ft and under with no utility work are generally building-permit-exempt under CRC R105.2, but SF Planning Code rear-yard and lot-coverage rules still apply
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DBI plan check fee (sheds over 120 sq ft) | $200–$500 (estimated) | SF DBI fees are based on project valuation. A simple shed in the 120–400 sq ft range typically falls in this window. Larger or more complex sheds cost more. Verify at sf.gov/information/building-permit-fees. |
| Building permit / issuance fee | $150–$350 (estimated) | Paid after plan check approval. Combined plan check and permit fee for a typical permitted shed runs $350–$850. |
| Electrical / plumbing / mechanical trade permits | $100–$300 each (estimated) | Each utility trade in a shed triggers a separate DBI permit and inspection, even when the shed itself is building-permit-exempt. |
| State SMIP surcharge | 0.013% of permit valuation | California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program surcharge applies to all California building permits. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- Under California Residential Code (CRC) Section R105.2, one-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds with a floor area of 120 square feet or less are generally exempt from the DBI building permit requirement. Larger sheds, multi-story structures, and sheds with utility work require a permit.
- Even when a shed qualifies for the 120-square-foot CRC building-permit exemption, SF Planning Code zoning rules still apply. The SF Planning Code governs accessory structure setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage for all residential districts. Planning Department over-the-counter (OTC) review — or a formal Zoning Certificate — may be required before placing a shed, even an exempt-sized one, in certain locations or districts.
- San Francisco's SF Planning Code Sections 136 and 242 (and related district regulations) set rear yard requirements and lot coverage limits that constrain where a shed can be sited. Most accessory structures in SF residential zones must be placed in the rear yard and comply with rear yard open-space minimums.
- Electrical work, plumbing, and mechanical work each require separate DBI trade permits regardless of shed size. A shed that is building-permit-exempt still needs an electrical permit if wiring is added.
- San Francisco is in Seismic Design Category D. Permitted sheds must include CBC-compliant seismic design — footing reinforcement, anchor bolts, and lateral connections appropriate for SDC D. Sheds on hillside lots or in geological hazard zones may additionally require a soils or geotechnical report under SFBC Appendix R (Hillside Construction).
- Properties on the SF Historic Resource Inventory or in a designated historic district may require review by the SF Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) before installing a shed that is visible from a public right-of-way. A Categorical Exemption or Certificate of Appropriateness from the SF Planning Department may be required.
- Prefabricated and site-built sheds follow the same CRC 120-square-foot permit threshold. SF Planning Code setbacks and rear-yard requirements apply to both. Verify parcel-specific limits using the SF Property Information Map at sfplanninggis.org before ordering a prefab unit.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- SF DBI permit application submitted through the DBI Online Permit Application (OPA) portal at aca-prod.accela.com/SFDBI or in person at 49 South Van Ness Avenue for any shed exceeding the 120 sq ft exemption or requiring structural review.
- Scaled site plan showing property lines, existing structures, rear yard dimensions, and the proposed shed location, footprint, and dimensions — required to confirm Planning Code rear-yard and lot-coverage compliance.
- Floor plan and elevations showing shed dimensions, wall heights, roof pitch, door and window openings, and intended use.
- Foundation details appropriate to shed size and site conditions — slab, concrete piers, or wood runners — demonstrating CBC SDC D seismic compliance (anchor bolts, hold-downs) for sheds over 120 sq ft.
- Structural drawings or calculations for sheds over 120 sq ft, addressing seismic lateral loads under CBC SDC D requirements.
- Soils or geotechnical report for hillside lots, landslide-prone parcels, or properties subject to SFBC Appendix R (Hillside Construction).
- Manufacturer's installation instructions and specifications for prefabricated shed kits when applicable.
- SF Planning Department OTC review or Zoning Certificate confirming rear-yard setbacks and lot coverage compliance, where required.
- Historic Preservation Commission Categorical Exemption or Certificate of Appropriateness if the shed is on a parcel listed on the SF Historic Resource Inventory or in a designated historic district.
- Trade drawings and load schedules for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work if utilities are being added to the shed.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Apply the 120-square-foot CRC exemption as the first filter Under CRC Section R105.2, a one-story storage or tool shed at 120 square feet or less is generally exempt from the DBI building permit requirement. Larger sheds, multi-story structures, and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work require a permit. Even exempt-sized sheds must comply with SF Planning Code rear-yard, setback, and lot-coverage requirements.
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Confirm Planning Code rear-yard and lot-coverage limits Use the SF Property Information Map at sfplanninggis.org to identify your parcel's zoning district, rear yard requirement, and any historic or Special Use District overlay. SF Planning Code Sections 136 and 242 require that most residential lots preserve a minimum rear yard — a shed must fit within the rear yard without eliminating required open space. Contact the SF Planning Department OTC counter at sfplanning.org to confirm placement compliance before purchasing or building.
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Screen for hillside, geologic hazard, and historic overlays Check the SF Seismic Hazard Zones map and DBI hillside resources to determine if SFBC Appendix R applies. If so, a soils report and geotechnical review are required. For properties on the SF Historic Resource Inventory or in a historic district, contact Planning's Historic Preservation staff to determine if a Categorical Exemption or Certificate of Appropriateness is needed before installing the shed.
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Identify utility scope and trade permit needs Decide whether the shed will have electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Each utility trade requires a separate DBI permit and inspection regardless of shed size. Plan for trade permits even when the shed itself is building-permit-exempt under CRC R105.2.
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Prepare plans and CBC SDC D details for permitted sheds For sheds over 120 sq ft, prepare a site plan, floor plan, elevations, and foundation details. Seismic SDC D requirements apply — anchor bolts, hold-downs, and lateral bracing must be addressed. Prefab sheds should include manufacturer installation documents showing anchorage methods. Hillside sites should engage a licensed geotechnical engineer.
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Submit through the DBI OPA portal or at 49 South Van Ness Apply at aca-prod.accela.com/SFDBI or in person at DBI, 49 South Van Ness Avenue. Simple shed projects that qualify for over-the-counter approval can receive same-day issuance. Standard applications are reviewed through DBI's electronic plan check queue.
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Clear plan check corrections, pay fees, and complete inspections DBI plan checkers verify rear-yard compliance, structural/seismic design, and trade coordination. After approval, pay fees and keep the permit accessible on site. Schedule inspections through the DBI inspection system. Typical shed inspections include a footing inspection, framing inspection, and final. Trade inspections are scheduled separately.
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-18.
California Residential Code (CRC) Section R105.2 (work exempt from permit — one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 sq ft) as adopted under the San Francisco Building Code (SFBC); SF Planning Code Sections 136 and 242 and district-specific accessory structure regulations (rear yard, lot coverage, height limits); 2022 California Building Code (CBC) Title 24 for structural and seismic requirements (Seismic Design Category D); SFBC Appendix R (Hillside Construction) for hillside and landslide-zone parcels.
If you skip the permit
- SF DBI can issue a stop-work order if a shed that needed a permit is built without one.
- A shed placed in a required rear yard or violating lot coverage limits can trigger a Planning Code enforcement action requiring relocation or removal.
- After-the-fact DBI review can require opening walls or exposing the foundation to verify structural and seismic compliance.
- Unpermitted electrical work in a shed creates fire and shock hazards that go unverified without DBI trade inspections.
- Historic preservation violations in San Francisco trigger enforcement separate from building-code issues and can require restoration at the owner's expense.
- California real estate law requires disclosure of unpermitted improvements — an unpermitted shed larger than the exemption threshold must be disclosed in a sale.
FAQ
Common San Francisco shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in San Francisco, CA?
Usually not if the shed is 120 square feet or less. Under California Residential Code Section R105.2, a one-story detached storage or tool shed with a floor area not exceeding 120 square feet is generally exempt from the DBI building permit requirement. Larger sheds, multi-story structures, and any shed with utility work require a permit. But note: the building-permit exemption does not eliminate SF Planning Code compliance — rear-yard setbacks, lot coverage limits, and open-space requirements still apply.
What is the largest shed I can build without a permit in San Francisco?
The California CRC exemption threshold is 120 square feet for a one-story detached accessory structure. That threshold applies in San Francisco under the SFBC. But San Francisco Planning Code requirements — rear yard, lot coverage, and height limits — apply to all sheds regardless of size. Confirm Planning Code compliance at sfplanning.org or the SF Property Information Map before ordering a prefab or pouring footings.
Does SF's seismic zone affect shed permitting?
Yes. San Francisco is in Seismic Design Category D. For permitted sheds, structural drawings must address seismic lateral loads — anchor bolts, hold-downs, and lateral bracing per 2022 CBC requirements. Small exempt-sized sheds are not subject to DBI plan check, but permitted sheds must have foundations and framing designed for SDC D.
Does my SF hillside lot affect shed permitting?
Yes. Hillside properties and parcels in mapped landslide hazard zones are subject to SFBC Appendix R (Hillside Construction). Even a small shed on a hillside lot may require a geotechnical soils report before DBI will issue a permit, depending on slope, soil conditions, and foundation type. Check your property's hazard zone status using the SF Property Information Map at sfplanninggis.org.
Does adding electricity to my SF shed require a permit?
Yes. Adding wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel to a shed requires a separate DBI electrical permit and inspection, even when the shed itself is 120 square feet or under and otherwise building-permit-exempt under CRC R105.2.
How much does an SF shed permit cost?
For a shed requiring DBI review, expect roughly $350–$850 in combined plan check and permit fees depending on size and scope. Sheds within the 120 sq ft CRC exemption with no utility work incur no building permit fee. Verify current fee amounts at sf.gov/information/building-permit-fees.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with San Francisco permitting staff before you build.