Getting a building permit in the Bay Area can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years. In San Francisco, even small remodels often face long review times, while Marin County approvals are usually faster but vary by city. Learn what affects your timeline, how to plan ahead, and tips to keep your project moving.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
If you’re thinking about remodeling or adding onto your home, the question that always comes up early is: How long will it take to get a permit? The answer depends entirely on where you live, and in the Bay Area, the difference between San Francisco and Marin can be dramatic.
San Francisco: A Lesson in Patience
In San Francisco, even small projects can take months, while larger remodels or additions can stretch into years.
Permits are handled by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), often in coordination with the Planning Department, Public Works, and Fire Department. Each of these agencies reviews plans for different compliance requirements, zoning, design, structural safety, and neighborhood impact.
Common timelines:
- Simple projects: 1–3 months, depending on complexity and whether an over-the-counter permit is possible.
- Additions or major remodels requiring neighborhood notification or design review: 18–24+ months.
- Projects in historic or complex zoning districts (e.g., RH-2, RH-3, or mixed-use lots): potentially 2+ years.
Beyond complexity, staffing shortages and review backlogs can significantly delay approvals. In some cases, applicants spend more time waiting for review assignments than revising plans. It’s why many homeowners rely on permit expediters, professionals who know how to navigate the city’s internal workflow.
Marin County: Generally Faster, but It Varies
Marin’s permitting process is decentralized. Each town, like San Rafael, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Novato, Fairfax, and unincorporated Marin, manages its own review process. That means timelines vary widely.
In general:
- Smaller interior remodels: 2–8 weeks.
- Additions or exterior changes: 2–4 months.
- Projects requiring design review or environmental review: 4–12 months, depending on location and complexity. I have done a yard remodel in Marin that took a year to get approved, so this timing depends.
For example, a kitchen remodel in San Rafael might be permitted in under a month, while a hillside addition in Mill Valley requiring design review could take the better part of a year.
That said, Marin’s planning departments tend to be smaller, more responsive, and less bureaucratic than San Francisco’s, so communication and transparency are often much better.
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How to Keep Your Project Moving
While you can’t control every delay, there are ways to shorten your timeline:
- Hire professionals familiar with your city’s staff. Local architects and contractors know exactly what each reviewer looks for.
- Start with a complete set of drawings. Missing details are the #1 cause of “return for correction” delays. Each time you go back and forth can often add on a week.
- Understand zoning early. Don’t assume what you can build, confirm lot coverage, setbacks, and height limits first.
- Submit online and track progress. Most jurisdictions offer digital portals that allow real-time tracking.
- Expect revisions. Plan check comments are part of the process, factor in time to respond quickly.
🕰️ Bottom Line
|
Location |
Typical Permit Time |
Complexity Range |
|
San Francisco |
6 months to 2 years |
Heavy reviews, multiple agencies |
|
Marin County |
2 weeks to 6 months |
Depends on city, design review, zoning |
If you’re remodeling in San Francisco, plan for a long runway, start early, hire an architect who’s been through the process, and prepare for multiple rounds of revisions. In Marin, your path is usually smoother, but local design and environmental rules can still add time.
Whether you’re modernizing a kitchen or planning a full addition, knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
Need help understanding how permitting timelines might affect your home’s value or renovation strategy?
Contact me — I can connect you with trusted local professionals and help you plan around your city’s process.
Oliver Burgelman
Vanguard Properties
DRE #01388135
📍 San Francisco & Marin County, CA
