San Francisco County

Home permits and project costs in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco sits in San Francisco County, California. Seismic bracing, energy-code (Title 24) compliance and coastal exposure all factor into permit scope and material selection. Work outside city limits is permitted by the county building department rather than the city.

Verified August 2026

Local cost index

+37%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+57%

vs national baseline

Population

808,437

Homeownership

Do you need a permit in San Francisco?

For most structural work, yes

San Francisco enforces california residential code (title 24, part 2.5) plus the title 24 energy standards through San Francisco County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in San Francisco

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$15,500 – $52,300	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$7,800 – $23,100	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$3,500 – $16,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,800 – $8,300	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$59,700 – $180,800	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$11,700 – $53,000	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$3,000 – $10,600	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$10,100 – $34,100	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$21,900 – $70,200	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$25,100 – $128,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$12,700 – $59,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$6,200 – $28,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$5,000 – $22,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$8,400 – $42,800	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$2,600 – $17,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$7,000 – $25,000	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$1,200 – $6,400	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$5,200 – $29,200	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$14,400 – $67,200	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$11,900 – $44,500	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$14,400 – $67,000	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$1,400 – $10,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$2,200 – $11,900	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$12,300 – $58,300	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$1,300 – $22,700	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$2,800 – $16,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$1,200 – $9,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$600 – $7,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$9,700 – $45,400	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,600 – $9,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$3,700 – $17,900	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$3,600 – $18,700	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$3,400 – $27,300	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$2,500 – $22,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$2,200 – $13,700	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$4,000 – $21,400	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$500 – $6,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$6,300 – $27,800	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,900 – $15,900	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$5,200 – $24,000	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$1,200 – $9,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$3,100 – $14,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$700 – $8,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$8,900 – $66,900	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$13,100 – $155,300	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$14,700 – $139,000	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$8,700 – $39,600	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$2,300 – $22,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,800 – $9,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$72,900 – $453,600	required	Cost·Permit

San Francisco permitting basics

Jurisdiction	San Francisco, San Francisco County
Building department	Confirm with the city or county
Permit portal	No verified online portal on file
Owner-builder permits	Owner-builder permits allowed, with strict limits when the home is sold within a year
Contractor verification	Verify any license with California Building Standards Commission before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

California Building Standards Commission

Last verified August 2026. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing — they are not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.