City expands permit services to improve turnaround times for customers

San Francisco's permit services are set to improve significantly, as the city reported a notable increase in permit issuance for March 2025. The city issued 5,845 permits, marking an increase of about 1,000 over the counter permits compared to February, which had fewer working days. Additionally, in-house review permits doubled from 70 in February to 139 in March, indicating a robust recovery in permit activity.

This surge in permit issuance has not only returned to pre-pandemic levels but has also exceeded them, showcasing the city's commitment to facilitating construction and development. However, city officials acknowledged that customers are still facing delays, particularly with the over-the-counter plans process.

In response to these challenges, the city plans to expand its over-the-counter services starting May 10. This expansion will allow customers to meet directly with plan reviewers on the Second Floor of the permit center, a practice that was common before the pandemic. This change aims to streamline the permitting process, enabling customers to potentially walk out with their permits the same day or the next, provided no changes are needed.

The collaboration among various permitting departments, including planning, fire, and public utilities, will enhance the efficiency of the review process. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce turnaround times for over-the-counter projects, benefiting both customers and city staff.

As San Francisco continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of permit services, these improvements signal a positive step towards meeting the needs of the community and supporting local development efforts.