The San Francisco County government meeting on July 29, 2025, introduced a significant new ordinance aimed at modernizing building permits to enhance housing and small business projects. The ordinance seeks to address concerns raised by homeowners, small businesses, and developers regarding the current permit rules, which have been criticized for slowing progress, increasing costs, and discouraging project initiation.

The proposed legislation aims to streamline the building permit process by updating the timelines for permit expiration. Currently, permits for smaller projects expire after 12 months and larger projects after 48 months, regardless of the project's progress. This rigid system often forces builders to seek extensions due to supply chain issues or other delays, adding unnecessary costs and administrative work.

Under the new ordinance, permits will expire 365 days after issuance but can be automatically renewed as long as there is ongoing activity or inspections logged with the Department of Building Inspection. This change allows projects to remain active even if construction is slow, which is common for smaller renovations or larger multi-phase developments. Additionally, renewal fees and extension paperwork will only be required if a project has been completely inactive for a full year.

By aligning San Francisco's permit expiration rules with those of the state and other major California cities, the ordinance aims to simplify the process for developers and homeowners, reducing administrative burdens and costs. This initiative is seen as a crucial step toward fostering a more efficient and supportive environment for construction and development in the city.