Neighborhood commercial streets are the heart of, and serve the daily needs of San Francisco’s many neighborhoods

Neighborhood commercial streets, such as Clement, Taraval, Valencia, Polk, and Leland Avenue, include many of San Francisco’s most vibrant streets, handling continuous activity throughout the day. They are the streets where San Francisco residents do their daily errands, meet with friends, and shop and play on the weekends.

Short-term parking for customers and space for loading facilities are essential components of commercial districts. However, parking and loading facilities often compete for the same space as desired features such as corner bulbouts or pedestrian plazas. Managing parking and loading facilities efficiently and effectively can serve both the needs of local businesses while enabling improvements to the public realm.

 

Polk Street as an example of a neighborhood commercial streetPolk Street Typical Neighborhood Commercial SectionTypical Neighborhood Commercial Section

 

Considerations

  • High levels of pedestrian activity
  • Desire for generous pedestrian environment and public realm
  • Important transit functions
  • Access needs for local businesses

Additional Guidelines

  • Tree grates should be considered in high pedestrian volume areas, or where capital and maintenance budgets allow.
  • For specific stormwater control measures, see Stormwater Overview.

 

Standard Improvements

Click for more details about each standard improvement

 

Case by Case Additions

Click for more details about each case by case addition. Numbers correspond with typical plan below.

Perpendicular or Angled Parking9. Perpendicular or Angled Parking

 

Typical Neighborhood Commercial Street PlanTypical Neighborhood Commercial Street Plan (See above for Case by Case Additions)