Online/Zoom: Public Works Permits Portal (Phase 1): Walkthrough and Practitioner Feedback - COPY
This program will provide an overview and live walkthrough of the new San Francisco Public Works Permits Portal, launched as Phase 1 of the City’s broader PermitSF reform effort. Amanda Johnson will present the portal’s current functionality, including online application workflow, user account setup, fee payment procedures, and changes to the over-the-counter permit process.
The session will focus on permit types currently included in the portal, such as street space, temporary occupancy, sidewalk repair, and right-of-way conformity inspection. The presentation will also address changes to the permitting workflow, including intake fees, final fee payment, queueing, print center steps, and the elimination of certain prior requirements such as parking plans.
Following the presentation, San Francisco Public Works staff, including permit managers, will join a more conversational discussion and Q&A addressing the broader DPW permitting process, project coordination, and areas where practitioners are encountering friction or recurring difficulties. The session is intended both to give architects and related practitioners clearer insight into the City’s revised permitting system and to create a direct channel for practitioner feedback as future phases of the portal and related process improvements are developed.
Amanda Johnson, Strategic Programs Manager, City and County of San Francisco — Presentation / portal walkthrough
Annie Yalon, Deputy Director of Policy and Communications, San Francisco Public Works — Discussion participant / DPW coordination
DPW Permit Managers — Q&A / discussion participants
Howard Blecher, AIA, NCARB, AIASF Small Firms KC Chair — Host / opening and closing remarks
9:00am: Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:10am-9:30am: Public Works Permits Portal presentation / demo
9:30am-10:00am: Discussion and Q&A with DPW permit managers
10:00am-10:15am: Closing remarks
1 LU pending approval:
After attending this program, participants will be able to:
- Describe the permit types and applicant processes currently included in Phase 1 of the San Francisco Public Works Permits Portal.
- Identify key changes to the over-the-counter permitting workflow, including account setup, fee payment, queueing, and print center steps.
- Explain how the revised portal and related DPW permitting processes affect project coordination and day-to-day permitting practice for architects and related practitioners.
- Summarize common practitioner questions and process issues that may inform future portal development and broader permitting improvements.