Do you need a permit? (the 60-second answer)
No permit needed: heaters plugged into existing outdoor outlets; portable UL/ETL equipment; sidewalk tables and chairs are registration-only since Aug 2025 (no permit or fee).
Permit required: new 120V/240V circuits, outlets, conduit, or panel capacity; hardwiring any heater or equipment; a parklet in the parking lane; propane heaters (SFFD operational permit); a patio cover or enclosure; alcohol service in a new patio area (ABC change).
The four San Francisco patio permits
- Electrical — SF DBI: Only a C-10 contractor registered with SF DBI can pull the permit — owners cannot pull an electrical permit themselves. We verify CSLB/DBI registration and workers' comp. Multiple heater circuits can go on one application. Typical fee $200–$600+. DBI inspects and signs the job card.
- Shared Spaces — SF Public Works / SFMTA: parklets and street closures. Parklet fees range $0–$7,500. The job card goes to Shared Spaces after electrical sign-off.
- SFFD operational permit: required for propane heaters in Shared Spaces. Electric heaters avoid it, though hardwired electric still needs a DBI electrical permit.
- Building permit — SF DBI / Planning: covers, enclosures, permanent structures, and accessibility.
Filing process
- Site check — panel capacity, load calculation, layout.
- Applications filed.
- Work + inspection — job card signed off.
- Docs on site — permit, job card, licenses, listings, manufacturer instructions.
SF filing starts at $125. Call (888) 907-9511 and we will confirm exactly which permits your patio needs. Permits filed by PermitsPros; installations performed by your licensed contractor.