Overview
The process for obtaining permits for any work on streets and sidewalks varies depending on the scale and scope of your project.
Smaller Projects
For smaller projects that front a single property and involve a single type of improvements, such as a street tree or outdoor seating, the process is relatively simple:
- Fill out the appropriate permit
- Submit supplementary documentation (such as plans)
- Pay required fees
- The City will review the permit and may request changes
- Once any requested changes have been made, the project can move forward
Larger Projects
For larger projects that involve numerous streetscape elements or front multiple properties, the process is more complex. Typically, DPW will combine required permits into a single permit. Additionally, some projects may require legislative approval (see Permit Process by Project Type).
For more complex projects, the project sponsor should set up an appointment with a DPW plan checker early on to map out the process and requirements. Holding this meeting early on can help you identify potential design issues and expedite the process—saving time and reducing costs.
Maintenance and Liability
Maintenance requirements are typically part of any street permit. As part of the permit, you must agree to a maintenance strategy for the long-term upkeep of the street or sidewalk improvements. Considering project maintenance early on can save time and reduce permitting costs.
Street permits typically include language stating that the applicant agrees to hold the City harmless in case of any liability that stems from keeping the improvement in an unsafe condition. In some cases, this may mean taking out a special insurance policy to insure the permit holder against liability claims.
To learn more about who is responsible for maintaining street and sidewalk features, see Maintenance.
Permit Process by Project Type
Depending on the proposed type of street improvements, you may need permits and approvals from one or more City agencies. See below and Permit Summary Table
Sidewalk and Streetscape Improvements
The Department of Public Works (DPW) reviews permit applications for various sidewalk and roadway uses, and encroachments, including:
- Street Trees
- Landscaping
- Stormwater management facilities
- Paving
- Street furniture (e.g. benches, news racks, parklets, etc.)
- Utilities and other sidewalk encroachments
- Curb lines
Traffic and Parking Changes
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) approves changes to roadway configuration. This includes changes to:
- Curb-color designation
- Lane striping
- Speed limits
- Bicycle parking
- Traffic calming
- Pedestrian and traffic signals
- Traffic and parking signage
- Transit shelters
Some of these changes may be approved administratively by SFMTA staff. Others require a review and approval process involving a combination of the following steps:
- Internal Review by SFMTA staff
- Recommendation for approval by Transportation Advisory Staff Committee (TASC), a multi-agency review body
- Public Hearing with an SFMTA Hearing Officer
- Approval by SFMTA board
Sidewalk Curb Lines
Official sidewalk curb lines are established by Board of Supervisors Ordinance #1061, “Regulating the Width of Sidewalks.”
Bulb-outs or sidewalk widening on one block or less can be administratively approved by DPW, with input from other agencies. Projects involving bulb-outs or sidewalk widening on more than one block require legislative approval by the Board of Supervisors.
If the project will only change the radius of the curb (without bulb-out or extension), it does not require legislative action.
Street and Pedestrian Lighting
Most street lighting in San Francisco is owned and managed by either SFPUC or PG&E.
These agencies do not own or manage pedestrian-specific lighting. Pedestrian lighting is typically installed in project-specific instances by city agencies, private developers or community organizations, and typically requires a special agreement with the SFPUC.
Public Art
Public art is approved and managed by the San Francisco Arts Commission. If you are required or propose to install public art, you will need SFAC approval.
Temporary Street and Sidewalk Use and Programming
- DPW permits temporary or intermittent use of public rights-of-way (café seating, street food vendors, and merchandise displays)
- Events that temporarily close a street to vehicles ( e.g. block parties, street fairs, farmers markets etc.) must obtain a permit from the Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT). ISCOTT meets twice a month to discuss approval of these events at a public hearing.
- Street artists are approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
For a complete list of project types and corresponding permit requirements, see Permit Summary Table.
Permit Process by Project Sponsor
This section describes the general process for each of the following:
Individuals (property owners, residents, or business owners) »
Community or business organization »
Private developer »
City-sponsored project »
Individuals (Property Owners, Residents, or Business Owners)
There are many ways for community members to green their streets, organize events, or add street furnishings and other amenities to beautify and enliven their ‘public front yard.’
For individuals seeking to make improvements in front of their building only, the permitting process is relatively straight forward. Installing certain features such as street trees, sidewalk landscaping or café tables and chairs require specific permits. Other projects require a more generalized permit. DPW will help you decide which permit is appropriate for your project. See the Permit Summary Table.
Typical projects installed or requested by individual residents or businesses include:
- Sidewalk landscaping
- Street trees
- Special sidewalk paving
- Outdoor café seating
- Sidewalk merchandise displays
- Bicycle racks
- Parklets
Applicants are required to submit the relevant permit request/application to the appropriate City department along with any relevant documentation and/or fees specified in the permit. Once the permit is approved, construction can begin.
Public Process
Property owners, residents, or business owners may obtain permits to make changes to the street or sidewalk directly in front of their property: however, it is important to consider that this is public space, and other people may have thoughts or concerns about your proposed project. Many permits either require a public notification or a public hearing, or may be appealed.
Prospective permit applicants are strongly encouraged to talk and reach out to neighboring property owners, residents, and business owners about their project in the early stages.
See Building Neighborhood Support.
Maintenance
Individual property owners, tenants, or merchants are responsible for the on-going maintenance of any permitted street and sidewalk changes for the area of the street or sidewalk fronting their property, as well as many standard sidewalk features.
To learn more about who is responsible for maintaining street and sidewalk features, see Maintenance.
Community Organizations
Some street improvement projects go beyond the scope of an individual fronting property. These types of projects are typically sponsored by community organizations such as neighborhood groups, merchant associations, or community benefit districts.
Typical projects installed or requested by community organizations include:
- Neighborhood-wide traffic calming
- Corridor-wide improvements along a neighborhood business district
- Stormwater management strategies that are more complex than sidewalk landscaping in front of a single home
Public Process
For neighborhood or corridor-wide street improvement projects, the project sponsor must undertake greater coordination and community input during project planning and design than it typically would for projects sponsored by individual property owners. This may involve one or more community meetings.
See Building Neighborhood Support
Maintenance
For neighborhood- or corridor-wide street or sidewalk improvements, the sponsoring organization must have an agreed upon maintenance plan that spells out maintenance responsibilities. This is typically determined during the permit process. Project sponsors are strongly advised to meet with a DPW permit plan checker early on to discuss maintenance strategies.
To learn more about who is responsible for maintaining street and sidewalk features, see Maintenance.
Private Developer
As part of development approvals, private developers may choose to or be required to provide street and sidewalk improvements, which may include street trees, stormwater management facilities, and other streetscape and pedestrian features.
Developer-sponsored streets and sidewalk improvements must obtain appropriate City permits before construction can begin – this may be tied to the ability to begin construction or to receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
In many cases, DPW can simplify and streamline the permitting process by combining several required permits into one general permit. Project sponsors are strongly advised to meet with a DPW permit plan checker early on to discuss permitting strategies.
For more information about street improvements that may be required of new development, see Developer Requirements.
Public Process
For developer-sponsored street improvement projects, the project typically requires greater coordination and community input during project planning and design than it would for projects sponsored by individual property owners. This may involve one or more community meetings.
See Building Neighborhood Support
Maintenance
The city requires a signed maintenance agreement for all improvements made by private developers to the public realm. This is typically determined during the permit process. Project sponsors are strongly advised to meet with a DPW permit plan checker early on to discuss maintenance strategies.
To learn more about who is responsible for maintaining street and sidewalk features, see Maintenance.
City-Sponsored Street & Sidewalk Improvements
The City performs street and sidewalk improvements as part of its overall efforts to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure. Street improvement projects may be funded through a variety of sources, and involve one or more city departments. City installations can vary from small landscaping or streetscape installations to the redesign and reconstruction of an entire street.
City-sponsored projects must receive appropriate City permits and approvals. City project managers should identify opportunities for collaboration and areas of overlap by coordinating with other agencies early on to find out what other projects are planned for the project area.
Public Process
City-sponsored projects generally involve significant public outreach, including community meetings, web-based information, and public hearings. As with other project sponsors, City project managers should work with affected communities to inform design proposals.
See Building Neighborhood Support
Maintenance
City-sponsored projects must consider the long-term maintenance of their project over time. For non-standard street improvements, the project manager should work with DPW and other City agencies to develop a long-term maintenance strategy for the project. Project sponsors are encouraged to involve DPW staff early on to work out a maintenance agreement and help expedite design and approvals for your project.
To learn more about who is responsible for maintaining street and sidewalk features, see Maintenance.
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