The San Francisco Commission held a meeting on July 4, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the city’s instant online permitting system for kitchen and bathroom remodels. This initiative aims to streamline the permitting process for licensed contractors, allowing them to obtain necessary permits without the need for detailed plans, thereby reducing wait times and improving efficiency.

Deputy Director of Permit Services, Neville Pereira, provided an update on the program, which began in October 2020 with roofing permits and expanded to kitchen and bath remodels in 2021. Currently, the online service is available exclusively to licensed contractors, as the city aims to maintain quality control and ensure compliance with building codes. This restriction has raised questions among commissioners about the potential for extending the service to homeowners and small landlords, particularly in light of the complexities often faced in the permitting process.

In 2023, the city issued a total of 6,245 permits that did not require plans, with approximately 824 of these being processed online. This represents about 13% of all no-plan permits, indicating a growing acceptance of the online system among contractors. However, many still prefer the traditional in-person method, which raises concerns about the need for further outreach and education regarding the benefits of the online process.

Commissioners expressed a desire to expand the program to include small multi-family units, as many landlords face challenges navigating the current permitting landscape. Pereira acknowledged these concerns and indicated that the city is working towards making the online permitting process more accessible to a broader audience, including homeowners and small landlords.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance communication efforts to inform the public about the online permitting options available, as well as a recognition of the need for ongoing improvements to the city’s permitting system. As San Francisco continues to adapt its services, the focus remains on facilitating easier access to necessary permits, ultimately benefiting the community by encouraging home improvements and renovations.