What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
Verify your panel capacity with an electrician
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
electrical permit
As of 2026-05-31, electrical service panel upgrades in San Francisco require an electrical permit from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), filed via the Electrical Permitting and Inspection Scheduling system by a licensed C-10 electrical contractor registered with the City of San Francisco. SF DBI's published residential electrical fee schedule includes a line for general wiring up to 40 outlets/devices including a service upgrade up to 200 A. Plan review is typically more thorough than other Bay Area jurisdictions, and panel upgrades that increase service ampacity or relocate the service mast require parallel coordination with PG&E under their service interconnection process. Verify the current permit scope, required documentation, and PG&E coordination steps with DBI before scheduling the upgrade.