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SAN FRANCISCO BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION CODES
BUILDING CODE 2016 Edition
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
PREFACE
Chapter 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 1A SAN FRANCISCO ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2 DEFINITIONS
Chapter 3 USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
Chapter 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
Chapter 5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
Chapter 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
Chapter 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE
Chapter 8 INTERIOR FINISHES
Chapter 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Chapter 10 MEANS OF EGRESS
Chapter 10A SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 11 RESERVED
Chapter 11A HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
Chapter 11B ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLICLY FUNDED HOUSING
Chapter 11C RESERVED
Chapter 11D MANDATORY ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR BUILDINGS WITH A PLACE OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION
Chapter 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
Chapter 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Chapter 13A COMMERCIAL WATER CONSERVATION
Chapter 13B CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS RECOVERY PROGRAM
Chapter 13C [RESERVED]
Chapter 13D COMMERCIAL LIGHTING EFFICIENCY
Chapter 14 EXTERIOR WALLS
Chapter 15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
Chapter 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Chapter 16A STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Chapter 17 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
Chapter 17A SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
Chapter 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 18A SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 19 CONCRETE
Chapter 19A CONCRETE
Chapter 20 ALUMINUM
Chapter 21 MASONRY
Chapter 21A MASONRY
Chapter 22 STEEL
Chapter 22A STEEL
Chapter 23 WOOD
Chapter 24 GLASS AND GLAZING
Chapter 25 GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
Chapter 26 PLASTIC
Chapter 27 ELECTRICAL
Chapter 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Chapter 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Chapter 30 ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
Chapter 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 31A SYSTEMS FOR WINDOW CLEANING OR EXTERIOR BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Chapter 31B [DPH] PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
Chapter 31C [DPH] RADIATION
Chapter 31D [DPH] FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Chapter 31E RESERVED
Chapter 31F [SLC] MARINE OIL TERMINALS
Chapter 32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Chapter 33 SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 34 RESERVED
Chapter 34A EXISTING STRUCTURES
Chapter 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS
Chapter 36 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE (CRC)
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CBC) APPENDICES
ADMINISTRATIVE BULLETINS
ELECTRICAL CODE 2016 Edition
EXISTING BUILDING CODE 2016 Edition
GREEN BUILDING CODE 2016 Edition
HOUSING CODE 2016 Edition
MECHANICAL CODE 2016 Edition
PLUMBING CODE 2016 Edition
Table of Amendments

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TABLE 1A-E – ELECTRICAL PERMIT ISSUANCE AND INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE
 
A.   Permit applicants are required to itemize the proposed scope of work and select the appropriate category and fee amount.
B.   Separate permits are required for each structure, condominium unit, existing dwelling unit (except in R3 occupancies), common area, commercial office floor or individual tenant space.
C.   Standard hourly permit issuance and inspection rates shall apply for installations not covered by this fee schedule.
D.   Fees shall be paid in full prior to obtaining: occupancy approval, job card signature, permission to energize, or final signoff, as applicable.
E.   For the purpose of fee calculation: appliances and utilization equipment each count as one outlet or device in addition to receptacles, switches, and light outlets.
F.   All permit fees related to reviewing the installation of pedestrian level lighting are hereby waived for any permit issued for such activities for Small Business Enterprises during the month of May. For purposes of this Section, a Small Business Enterprise shall be a business that has 100 or fewer employees. The Planning Department and the Department of Building Inspection shall establish process by which those two departments will certify that an applicant is a Small Business Enterprise for the purpose of this Section and Section of the Planning Code.
   See Table 1A-R for refund policy.
   See Table 1A-J for permit extensions.
 
   Category 1
   General Wiring: Residential Buildings up to 10,000 sq. ft.
 
Up to 10 outlets and/or devices   $148.80
11 to 20 outlets and/or devices   $223.20
Up to 40 outlets and/or devices, includes up to 200 Amp service upgrade   $279.00
* More than 40 outlets and/or devices   $390.60
* Buildings of 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft.   $558.00
 
   Category 2
   General Wiring: Nonresidential Buildings & Residential Buildings over 10,000 sq. ft.
 
Up to 5 outlets and/or devices   $223.20
6 to 20 outlets and/or devices   $334.80
* Areas up to 2,500 sq. ft.   $446.40
* 2,501 to 5,000 sq. ft.   $669.60
* 5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft.   $1,116.00
* 10,001 to 30,000 sq. ft.   $2,232.00
* 30,001 to 50,000 sq. ft.   $4,464.00
* 50.001 to 100,000 sq. ft.   $6,696.00
* 100,001 to 500,000 sq. ft.   $13,392.00
* 500,001 to 1,000,000 sq. ft.   $30,132.00
* More than 1,000,000 sq. ft.   $60,264.00
* Includes Category 3 & 4 installations in new buildings or major remodel work   
 
   Category 3
   Service Distribution and Utilization Equipment
   Includes: Generators, UPS, Transformers and Fire Pumps
   (Use Category 3 for installations separate from the scope of work in Categories 1 or 2)
 
225 amps rating or less   $223.20
250 to 500 amps   $334.80
600 to 1000 amps   $446.40
1,200 to 2,000 amps   $669.60
More than 2,000 amps   $892.80
600 volts or more   $892.80
150 kva or less   $223.20
151 kva or more   $334.80
Fire Pump installations   $446.40
 
   Category 4
   Installations of Fire Warning and Controlled Devices
   (Use Category 4 for installations separate from the scope of work in Categories 1 or 2)
 
Up to 2,500 sq. ft.   $223.20
2,501 to 5,000 sq. ft.   $334.80
5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft.   $669.60
10,001 to 30,000 sq. ft.   $1,116.00
30,001 to 50,000 sq. ft.   $2,232.00
50,001 to 100,000 sq. ft.   $4,464.00
100,001 to 500,000 sq. ft.   $6,696.00
500,001 to 1,000,000 sq. ft.   $15,066.00
More than 1,000,000 sq. ft.   $30,132.00
 
   Fire Warning and Controlled Devices (Retrofit Systems)
 
Buildings of not more than 6 dwelling units   $334.80
Buildings of not more than 12 dwelling units   $446.40
Buildings with more than 12 dwelling units and non-residential occupancy
   Building up to 3 floors   $669.60
   4-9 floors   $1,339.20
   10-20 floors   $2,232.00
   21-30 floors   $4,464.00
   More than 30 floors   $6,696.00
 
   Category 5
   Miscellaneous Installations
Installation of EV Charging Station    Same fee as is applicable for Category 3 –
   Service Distribution and Utilization
   Equipment.
Remodel/Upgrade of Existing Hotel Guest/SRO Rooms
Up to 6 rooms   $279.00
Each additional group of 3 rooms   $139.50
 
Data, Communications, and Wireless Systems
10 cables or less   Exempt
11 to 500 cables   $158.10
Each additional group of 100 cables   $23.25
 
Security Systems, 10 components or less   $158.10
Each additional group of 10 components   $9.30
Includes installations and devices that interface with life safety systems; excludes installations in R3 Occupancies
 
Office Workstations, 5 or less   $158.10
Each additional group of 10 workstations   $46.50
 
Temporary Exhibition Wiring, 1 to 100 booths (1 inspection)   $223.20
Each additional group of 10 booths   $23.25
 
Exterior Electrical Sign   $158.10
Interior Electrical Sign   $158.10
Each Additional Sign, at the same address   $37.20
Garage Door Operator (Requiring receptacle installation)   $158.10
 
Quarterly Permits   $348.75
   Maximum five outlets in any one location
 
Survey, per hour or fraction thereof   $158.10
Survey, Research, and Report preparation, per hour or fraction thereof   $279.00
 
Witness Testing: life safety, fire warning, emergency, and energy management systems
Hourly Rate   $158.10
Additional hourly rate   $158.10
Off-hour inspections: (two hour minimum)   $316.20
Additional off-hourly rate   $237.15
 
Energy Management, HVAC Controls, and Low-Voltage Wiring Systems
1-10 floors (3 inspections)   $446.40
Each additional floor   $46.50
 
Solar Photovoltaic Systems
10 KW rating or less   $158.10
Each additional 10 KW rating   $93.00
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate   See Table 1A-D
(Amended by Ord. 3-19, File No. 180090, App. 1/25/2019, Eff. 2/25/2019)
Editor's Note:
   Ordinance 146-15 provides in part as follows:
Notwithstanding any provision of the Building Code, including the fee schedules of Tables 1A-A and 1A-E, the Plan Review Fee related to reviewing permit applications, or a portion of a permit application, seeking to legalize existing dwelling units that were constructed without the required permits is hereby waived for any permit issued for such activities prior to January 1, 2020; provided that other fees, including but not limited to fees for applications to undertake structural work or excavation [activities] or any fees required by State law, shall not be waived.
See Section 2(b) of Ord. 146-15, File No. 150571, App. 8/6/2015, Eff. 9/5/2015.
TABLE 1A-F – SPECIALTY PERMIT FEES
 
1.   Bleachers Permit Fee:
See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
2.   Chimney and Flue Permit Fee:
See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
3.   Demolition Permit Fee:
See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
4.   Extra Permit Work:
(exceeding scope)
2 times the standard fees for work remaining to be done or not covered in original permit scope
5.   Garage Door Permit Fee:
Each garage door in an existing building
$148.80
6.   Grading Permit Fee:
See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
7.   House Moving Permit Fee:
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate - Minimum 3 Hours
8.   Recommencement of Work Not Completed:
Standard Inspection Fee per Table 1A-G; See also Table 1A-B– Commencement of Work Not Started
9.   Reroofing Permit Fee:
$148.80 for Single-Family homes and duplexes
$223.20 for all others
10.   Strong Motion Instrumentation Program Fee:
 
   Group R Occupancies of 3 stories or less, except hotels and motels
0.00013 times the valuation
   Hotels and motels, all buildings greater than 3 stories, all occupancies other than Group R
0.00024 times the valuation
   Minimum fee
$1.60
11.   Subsidewalk Construction Permit Fee:
 
   Construction
See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
12.   Construction of impervious surface in the required front and setback area
$148.80
 
TABLE 1A-G – INSPECTIONS, SURVEYS AND REPORTS
 
1.    Standard Hourly Rate
2.    Off-hours inspection
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate - Minimum Two Hours plus permit fee
3.    Pre-application inspection
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate - Minimum Two  Hours
4.    Re-inspection fee
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate
5.    Report of residential records (3R)
$148.80
6.   Survey of nonresidential buildings:
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate - Minimum Two Hours
7.    Survey of residential buildings for any purpose or Condo Conversions:
 
   Single unit
$1,627.50
   Two to four units
$2,139.00
   Five + units
$2,139.00 plus Standard Hourly Inspection Rate
   Hotels:
 
      Includes 10 guestrooms
$1,627.50
      11 +  guestrooms
$2,139.00 plus $39.53 per guestroom over 11
8.    Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Standard Hourly Inspection Rate - Minimum Two Hours
 
TABLE 1A-H – SIGN PERMIT FEES
 
Nonelectric and electric sign permit fee– See Table 1A-A for New Construction Fees
NOTE: See also Table 1A-E for required Electrical Sign Permits and Inspections
 
TABLE 1A-I – RESERVED
 
TABLE 1A-J – MISCELLANEOUS FEES
 
1.    Central Permit Bureau Processing Fee for Miscellaneous Permits from other disciplines
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
2.    Building numbers (each entrance)
$96.72 NEW ADDRESSES
$195.30 CHANGE OF EXISTING ADDRESS OR LOT NUMBER
3.    Extension of time: application cancellation and permit expiration:
 
   Each application extension (in plan review)
$148.80 plus 20% of All Plan Review Fees
   Each permit extension
$148.80 plus 10% of All Permit Issuance Fees
4.    Product approvals:
 
   General approval - initial or reinstatement
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Three Hours
   General approval - modification or revision
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Three Hours
   General approval - biannual renewal
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Three Hours
5.    California Building Standards Commission Fee
Pursuant to the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Sections 18930.5, 18931.6, 18931.7 and 18938.39
6.    Vacant building - Initial and annual registration fee
Standard Inspection Hourly Rate - Minimum Four and One-Half Hours
 
TABLE 1A-K – PENALTIES, HEARINGS, CODE ENFORCEMENT ASSESSMENTS
 
1.    Abatement Appeals Board hearing, filing fee
$158.10 per case
2.    Board of Examiners filing fees:
 
   Each appeal for variance from interpretation of code requirements
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours
   Each appeal for approval of substitute materials or methods of construction
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Four Hours
3.    Building Official’s abatement order hearing
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours
4.    Emergency order
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours
5.    Exceeding the scope of the approved permit
2 times the issuance fee
6.    Access Appeals Commission:
 
   Filing fee
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours per appeal
   Request for a rehearing
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours
7.    Lien recordation charges
$173.91 or 10 percent of the amount of the unpaid balance, including interest, whichever is greater
8.    Work without permit:  investigation fee:
 
9 times the Permit Issuance Fee plus the original permit fee
9.    Building Inspection Commission hearing fees:
 
   Notice of appeal
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Four Hours
   Request for jurisdiction
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Four Hours
   Request for rehearing
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Two Hours
10.    Additional hearings required by Code
Standard Hourly Plan Review Rate - Minimum Four Hours
11.    Violation monitoring fee (in-house)
Standard Administration Hourly Rate– Minimum One- Half Hour Monthly
12.   Failure to register vacant commercial storefront
4 times the registration fee
(Amended by Ord. 52-19, File No. 181213, App. 3/22/2019, Eff. 4/22/2019)
TABLE 1A-L – PUBLIC INFORMATION
 
1.    Public notification and record keeping fees:
 
   Structural addition notice
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
   Affidavit record maintenance
$15.00
   Posting of notices (change of use)
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
   Requesting notice of permit issuance (each address) per year
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
   30-inch by 30-inch (762 mm by 762 mm) sign
$15.00
2.    Demolition:
 
   Notice of application and permit issuance by area/interested parties:
 
      1 area (1 area = 2 blocks)
$96.72 per annum per each area
3.    Notices:
 
   300-foot (91.44 m) notification letters
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One and One-Half Hour
   Residential tenants notification
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
4.    Reproduction and dissemination of public information:
 
   Certification of copies:
 
      1 to 10 pages
$15.00
      Each additional 10 pages or fraction thereof
$3.50
   Electrostatic reproduction:
 
      Each page photocopy
$0.10
      35 mm duplicards from microfilm rolls (Diazo card)
$3.50
   Hard copy prints:
 
      8 1/2 inch by 11 inch copy from microfilm roll
$0.10
      11 inch by 17 inch copy of plans
$0.10
      8 1/2 inch by 11 inch copy from aperture cards or from electronic copies of building records (scanned or computer generated)
$0.10
5.   Replacement of approved construction documents:
 
      Each sheet of plans (Larger than 11 × 17)
ACTUAL COST CHARGED BY VENDOR
6.   Records Retention Fee
 
      Each page of plans per page of plans
$3.00
      Each page of supporting documentation (e.g., soil reports, structural calculations, acoustical reports, energy calculations, etc.) per page of documentation
$0.10
 
TABLE 1A-M – BOILER FEES
 
 
Permit to install or replace
See Table 1A-C - Category 8
Permit to operate (certificate issued)
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
Renew permit to operate (certificate issued)
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
Replacement of issued permit to operate
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
Connection to utility company provided steam (includes permit to operate)
Standard Administration Hourly Rate - Minimum One- Half Hour
Boiler Maintenance Program
$48.36
 
Renewal required:
1.   Low-pressure boilers every 12 months. (See definition of low-pressure boilers in Chapter 2.)
2.   Water heaters when alteration or replacement permits are issued.
TABLE 1A-N – ENERGY CONSERVATION
 
 
INITIAL INSPECTION
COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
Single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings
$158.10
$79.05
Apartment houses and residential hotels:
   Up to 20 rooms
$237.15
$118.58
   Each additional 10 rooms or portion thereof
$79.05
$48.36
Energy reports and certificates:
$48.36
Filing fee for appeals:
$96.72
Certification of qualified energy inspector:
$186.00
 
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