When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in San Francisco?

A surface more than 30 in above the ground needs a permit. Walks, patios, and driveways 30 in or less above the ground need no building permit in San Francisco.

Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in San Francisco?

Apply through Check if your project needs a permit (sf.gov), or call (628) 652-3200.

Do you need a permit for a patio, walkway, or driveway in San Francisco, CA?

It depends on the details of your project.

Walks, patios, and driveways up to 30 in above the ground need no building permit.

At least 20% of a required front setback must stay unpaved and planted, and 50% must be permeable.

A new driveway across the sidewalk needs a Public Works curb-cut permit.

A person last checked these rules on October 22, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with San Francisco before you build.

Permits a patio, walkway, or driveway can need in San Francisco

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	A surface more than 30 in above the ground needs a permit.
Public Works driveway (curb cut) permit	A new or widened driveway that crosses the sidewalk needs a Public Works permit to install the curb cut.Medium confidence
Floodplain development permit	Paving and fill in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a floodplain permit.

Limits that apply citywide

Front setback paving	At least 20% unpaved and planted; at least 50% permeableMedium confidence
Front setback parking	No vehicle may be parked or stored in the required front setbackMedium confidence

Local details

The exemption does not cover a walk or platform that is part of an exit, sits over a basement or story below, or is on a required accessible route.
Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.

How to apply

Check if your project needs a permit (sf.gov)
SF Property Information Map
Phone: (628) 652-3200

Common questions

When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in San Francisco?: A surface more than 30 in above the ground needs a permit. Walks, patios, and driveways 30 in or less above the ground need no building permit in San Francisco.
Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in San Francisco?: Apply through Check if your project needs a permit (sf.gov), or call (628) 652-3200.

Sources

sf.gov, Check if your construction project needs a permit (other items). Checked 2026-10-22
Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids... Platforms, sidewalks, walks and driveways when not part …
SF Public Works, Driveway/Curb Cut permit application (rev. 02.05.2025). Checked 2026-10-22
[A permit is required] to occupy a portion of public right of way for the purpose of installing an auto runway [new, modified, or existing overwide driveways]
44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
San Francisco Planning Code § 132, front setback areas (GoCodebook copy, current through Ord. 10-26). Checked 2026-10-22
No motor vehicle, trailer, boat or other vehicle shall be parked or stored within any such area... in every case not less than 20% of the required setback area shall be and remain unpaved and devoted to plant material... The front setback area shall be at l…