City of San Bruno
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Building Permits

Almost every construction project requires a permit, although the Building Code allows some exceptions.  Repairs, conversions, demolitions, changes in occupancy, additions and alterations require a building permit. That includes plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural changes.  Permits are also required for smaller projects such as roofs, sewer lines, and water heaters.  If you’re not sure if you need a permit, contact the Building Division at 616-7076.

You can submit the Building Permit Application at the Community Development counter, located at City Hall.  The requirements for permits vary based on the size and type of project.  If you are proposing changes to a structure, you will be required to submit drawn plans. 

Additional information about the requirements for different types of permits can be found HERE.

In general, you will have to submit three sets of plans and pay the plan check fee, which covers the cost of reviewing the plans for compliance with the Building Code.  About 2-3 weeks after you submit plans, our staff will contact you with any comments / corrections on your plans.  The plans may have to be resubmitted with those changes.  When the plans are approved, staff will contact you and let you know that the permit is ready to be issued.