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Find and work commercial jobs
Finding commercial work before it's bid, and the permit rules that decide how fast it moves.
- San Francisco: the commercial over-the-counter permit path
An example of how one commercial permit moves in San Francisco, using the city's own step-by-step page for over-the-counter (OTC) commercial projects. Stages differ by permit type and by city, so treat this as the San Francisco example, not a rule for anywhere else.
About 3 min readSan Francisco - When a San Francisco permit runs out
Permit expiration rules are set city by city, so this card covers one city: San Francisco, for applications filed on or after June 21, 2026. If you work somewhere else, find your own city's rule. Don't carry these numbers over.
About 2 min readSan Francisco - How to find commercial electrical and HVAC work in SF and San José before it's bid
Reading building permits for tenant improvements a small shop can still bid, with real examples.
GuideSF and San José - Search past commercial permits
Commercial building permits from 18 Bay Area cities and counties, by city and trade, two weeks and older.
Free tool - Address lookup
Every commercial permit a city has on file at one address.
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Other things to learn
Educational only; not legal, tax or financial advice. City and agency rules differ and change; check each official source before you act. Last checked against the sources October 22, 2026.