When does a pergola, play set, or carport need a building permit in San Francisco?

San Francisco's building department requires a permit for pergolas, cabanas, and sunshades over 60 sq ft, over 8 ft tall, or more than 50% enclosed. Carports are not on the exempt list. Play equipment not on a fixed foundation, and an open detached pergola up to 60 sq ft and 8 ft tall, need no building permit.

Where do I apply for a pergola, play set, or carport 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 pergola, play set, or carport in San Francisco, CA?

It depends on the details of your project.

Pergolas and gazebos over 60 sq ft or 8 ft tall need a building permit.

A structure more than half enclosed by walls needs a building permit.

Play equipment not on a fixed foundation needs no 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 pergola, play set, or carport can need in San Francisco

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	San Francisco's building department requires a permit for pergolas, cabanas, and sunshades over 60 sq ft, over 8 ft tall, or more than 50% enclosed. Carports are not on the exempt list.Medium confidence
Electrical permit	Lights, fans or outlets need an electrical permit.Medium confidence
Floodplain development permit	Structures in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a floodplain permit.

Limits that apply citywide

Garden structures in the required rear yard	Up to 8 ft tall and 60 sq ft, walls on no more than half the perimeterMedium confidence
Other detached structures in the rear yard	Up to 10 ft tall, 120 sq ft combined (plus 1 ft of eave)Medium confidence

Local details

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 pergola, play set, or carport need a building permit in San Francisco?: San Francisco's building department requires a permit for pergolas, cabanas, and sunshades over 60 sq ft, over 8 ft tall, or more than 50% enclosed. Carports are not on the exempt list. Play equipment not on a fixed foundation, and an open detached pergola up to 60 sq ft and 8 ft tall, need no building permit.
Where do I apply for a pergola, play set, or carport permit in San Francisco?: Apply through Check if your project needs a permit (sf.gov), or call (628) 652-3200.

Sources

SF DBI, Storage Sheds Exempt from Permit (FAQ, 10/24/2025). Checked 2026-10-23
provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet... is 1 story and not more than 10 feet measured from the grade of the yard... Only one storage shed exempt from permit is allowed per lot or yard... a building permit is required to install a storage …
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 …
2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
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 § 136(c)(22)-(23), permitted obstructions in required yards (American Legal, current through Ord. 10-26, eff. 3/16/2026). Checked 2026-10-23
[Permitted in required Yards] (22) Garden structures enclosed by walls on no more than 50 percent of their perimeter, such as gazebos and sunshades, if no more than eight feet in height above grade and covering no more than 60 square feet of land; (23) One …
San Francisco Planning Code § 136(c) (GoCodebook copy, current through Ord. 10-26, effective 3/16/2026). Checked 2026-10-22
(16) Decorative railings and decorative grille work, other than wire mesh, at least 75 percent open to perpendicular view [and] no more than six feet in height above grade... (13) Retaining walls that are necessary to maintain approximately the grade existi…