Permit Center

A Building OTC permit focuses on physical work to a structure or site that does not require building plans. This includes work such as garage door replacement, re-roofing or updates to kitchens and bathrooms where no walls are being moved. 

A building permit focuses on the physical work done to a structure or site. It ensures that construction, installation of equipment, structural alterations, and site modifications meet building codes, safety standards, and technical requirements. In short, it governs how something is built.

The Fire Department handles two types of permits.

Fire Construction Permit

A fire construction permit focuses on the installation, modification, or removal of fire and life safety systems and equipment. It ensures that fire sprinklers, fire alarms, hazardous systems, and other fire protection features are designed and installed in accordance with fire codes and safety standards. In short, it governs how fire protection systems are constructed or modified.

Fire Operational Permit

A fire operational permit focuses on ongoing activities, processes, or occupancies that present fire or life safety risks. It authorizes the use, storage, handling, or operation of hazardous materials, equipment, or activities and verifies continued compliance with fire code requirements. In short, it governs how certain operations are conducted safely after construction is complete. Some projects require multiple permit types, depending on the scope of work. 

An engineering permit focuses on public infrastructure and site improvements that affect streets, utilities, drainage, grading, and other public works systems. It ensures that construction impacting public facilities complies with engineering standards, municipal requirements, and protects public safety and infrastructure. In short, it governs how development connects to and impacts public infrastructure.

A planning entitlement (or land‑use permit) governs how land may be used. It evaluates whether a proposed project aligns with zoning rules, land‑use policies, environmental considerations, and long‑term community planning goals. It determines whether something may be built or how a property may be used.

The Police Department handles private event permits, special event permits and Bingo permits.  

Permits to prune or remove trees can be applied for through the Parks and Recreation Department.

This category contains Animal Permits to house farm animals within the City of South San Francisco as well as Film Permits to film movies or videos within public areas of South San Francisco,