• Eagle Plaza Steward Proposal

• Non-Commercial Permit Application

A vendor under the Public Works Street Vendor Permit is a person or entity that vends merchandise, or pre-packaged food or drink, which may be sold from such structures as stands, tables, non-motorized carts or wagons and similar structures that are temporary and can be removed easily. Vendors may be stationary, meaning that they sell from one or more fixed location, or roaming, meaning that they move from place to place and stop only intermittently to complete a vending transaction.

Vending under the Public Works Street Vendor Permit does not include selling from motorized conveyances, or selling of food or drink that is not typically prepackaged. Vending of other food or drink falls under the Public Works Mobile Food Facility Permit governed by Article 5.8 of the Public Works Code
 

Street Vendor Brochure  (中文版)   (Versión en Español)

PROGRAM HISTORY

Vending of merchandise that is not for human consumption has historically been regulated by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) under the SFPD Peddler Permit. In March 2022, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed legislation adopting Article 5.9 of the Public Works Code regulating vending for both merchandise and prepackaged food or drink. Public Works issued subsequent guidelines under Order 206,887, which were approved by Board of Supervisors resolution in July 2022.
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A STREET VENDOR PERMIT

The City created an online portal for streamlined submissions and reviews of vendor applications. Applicants may visit this link to access the online application portal.
 

CHOOSING A LOCATION

Public Works encourages applicants to read through Public Works’ street vendor regulations outlined in Public Works Order 206,887. The following are key restrictions to consider in choosing a vending location to maintain the required clearances:
 

• A 6-foot unobstructed and accessible path of travel on the sidewalk, which may be increased in certain high pedestrian traffic areas 
• 8 feet from Arts Commission-approved Street Artist License holder locations 
• 7 feet from fire hydrants 
• 12 feet from bus zones or blue zones 
• 2 feet from the curb, when operating adjacent to existing on-street parallel parking 

Street Vendor permittees may not operate in the following areas without written permission from the Director of Public Works:

• Certified farmers markets or swap meets 
• UN Plaza or Hallidie Plaza 
• Areas covered by City-issued special event permits 

Street vendor permittees who are stationary, and not roaming, may not operate in exclusively residentially zoned areas.

Street vendor applicants seeking to operate in special jurisdictions, such property under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Golden Gate National Recreation Area or other areas outside of Public Works' jurisdiction may be subject to additional conditions or requirements.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PORT STREET VENDOR PERMIT 

Apply for a street vendor permit under the the Port of San Francisco's jurisdiction and learn more here.

HEALTH AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

Vendors selling prepackaged food or drink must also obtain appropriate permits from the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) for food vending and San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) when using an energy source, including but not limited to propane, butane or battery. Required health and/or fire permits must be obtained within 90 days after approval of a Public Works permit.

More information is available through the Public Health permit webpage and Fire Department permit webpage.
 

PERMIT FEES

Permit fees for the Street Vendor Permit are listed on the Public Works permit fee schedule.

Individuals applying for a permit may be eligible for an initial permit application fee waiver, and a 50% reduced renewal fee if their individual or family income is less than or equal to 200% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Poverty Guidelines.

Organizations classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code may be eligible for a 50% reduced initial application and renewal application fee if one of the following applies:

• The organization’s funding does not exceed $2.5 million annually
• The organization is a Community Benefit District (CBD) 
• The organization supports a cultural district
• The organization has a mission of supporting economic development or community vitalization.
   

APPEALS

Final decisions may be appealed to the City's Board of Appeals within 15 calendar days from the date of an approved or denied permit application. For further information, please contact the Board of Appeals in person at 49 South Van Ness, Suite 1475 or call (628) 652-1150.
 

CONTACT US

For additional questions regarding the Street Vendor Permit, we encourage you to reach out to our Street Vendor Permitting Team at StreetVendorPermit@sfdpw.org

THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO THE PERMITS

• Permits are valid for no longer than 180 days. The Public Works Director may grant up to two 90-day extensions.

• Permits authorize the testing of up to three autonomous delivery devices per permittee.

• No more than a total of nine autonomous delivery devices may be permitted at any time. 

• No permittee may hold more than one permit at any time; provided that a permittee may apply for a second permit, if after six months have elapsed from the effective date of this ordinance, no more than two prospective permittees have applied for an Autonomous Delivery Device Testing permit. If a permittee has received a second permit under this provision, that second permit shall not be eligible for a 90-day extension.

• Testing shall be within zoning district designated as Production, Design and Repair (“PDR”).

• Testing shall not take place within a Vision Zero San Francisco high-injury corridor.

• A human operator shall remain within 30 feet of the Autonomous Delivery Device for the entire duration of testing.
   

APPLICATION

 To apply for an Autonomous Delivery Device permit, fill out the permit application and prepare a submittal package that includes all required information found on the application checklist.

AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY DEVICE RESOURCES

• Autonomous Delivery Device Legislation 

• Public Works Order for Autonomous Delivery Devices

• San Francisco Zoning Map 

• Vision Zero High Injury Network Map

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Coming Soon

• Online Comment Form: Coming Soon

• Director’s Hearing Notice: Coming Soon

• Submitted Applications: Coming Soon
   

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
•Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays

A banner permit grants permission to temporarily occupy any City-owned utility poles (primarily poles with streetlights but no utility wires) for the purpose of providing notice to residents and visitors of San Francisco about City-sponsored, City-funded, City-wide special events and locations of the City's diverse neighborhoods. Article 5.7 Section 184.78 (PWC) 

New Banner Bracket Requirements (see Letter)
 

APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

1.  Requests to install vertical banners on City-owned utility poles shall include the following:
   • A Banner Permit Application stating the name of the applicant, the name and address of the organization requesting the permit, streets and number of poles to be used, the name and date(s) of the event, date(s) of banner installation and removal, size, design (or logo) and description of hardware and material of banner, and method of attachment to the pole(s). See Public Works Order 175,208.
   • A fully dimensioned plan indicating street name(s), location of poles, size, detail and design/logo of banner, and method of attachment to the pole(s).
   • A Certificate of Insurance naming the City and County of San Francisco as additional insured, with general liability coverage of not less than $2 million.
   • A processing fee, payable to San Francisco Public Works. Fee Schedule
2. If the application meets all design guidelines, we will issue a permit.
3. If the application does not meet guidelines.
   • Applicant may revise application and plan in order to meet guidelines.
   • Applicant may request an exception to said guidelines:

     • An additional processing fee shall be submitted

     • Application will require further review by Public Works, Bureau of Light, Heat & Power (BLHP) and/or MUNI

     • Requests for exception to guidelines must be submitted at least six (6) weeks from intended date of installation.

If Public Works, BLHP and/or MUNI approve exception, refer to Paragraph "B" above. If exception to guidelines is not granted, application will be denied.

GUIDELINES FOR APPROVAL

1. Any non-profit, cultural, promotional or civic organization located in San Francisco may submit a request to install vertical banners.    

2. Request for banners may be made either for all poles within a specific district or for selected poles within a district. The applicant shall be responsible for determining whether a pole is under the jurisdiction of Bureau of Light, Heat and Power, MUNI and/or PG&E.    

3. Banners may advertise an event, and shall not advertise any business or product.    

4. Standard banner dimensions shall not exceed 36 inches in width by 72 inches in length. See Figure One below.

5. Effective Monday, January 25, 2016, banners exceeding 18 inches in width and 36 inch in height or the cumulative surface area of all signs and banners on a pole exceed 15 square feet shall utilize appropriate collapsible and flexible brackets in order to be collapsible and flexible. 

6. The top bracket of the banner shall be a minimum of 2 feet below a riser or guy wire; such as, on MUNI poles. See Figure Two below.

7. The bottom bracket of the banner shall be at a minimum height of 14 feet from the street level and 12 feet from the sidewalk level. See Figure Three below.

8. Should an organization identify sponsor(s) on the banners, all logos should be no more than 15 percent of the overall size of the banner. Sponsors will be restricted to their logo or company name only in the bottom 15 percent of the banner and shall not include any advertisement or slogan. See Figure One below.

9. Only stainless steel bands shall be placed with protective material (neoprene) to protect the surfaces of the poles. 

10. The banner shall not obstruct in any way the public's view of traffic signals, street signs or any other City approved sign.

11. The banner shall not be hung in any manner from the arm of the pole.    

12. Banners shall not be installed on lamp posts on Market Street's "Path of Gold" located at 1 thru 2470 Market Street; Market Street between Steuart and Castro Streets. Article 5.7, Section 184.78(f) PWC.

13. Upon conclusion of the event or promotion, the banner(s) and all attachments must be removed within five (5) business days.

BANNER MANUFACTURER COMPANIES

This list is provided for the convenience of the recipient only; no recommendation is inferred or implied. The following is a sample listing of a few manufacturers that have compliant collapsible banner brackets. Referral to this list does not constitute an endorsement by the City or its personnel, and the user is encouraged to find other vendors, whether listed here or elsewhere, that meet City standards.

• Ameron
• Banner Flex Hardware
• Valmont - Model A, Model B

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays

A Mobile Food Facility is any vehicle or pushcart used in conjunction with a commissary or other permanent food facility upon which food is sold or distributed at retail in a static location. The Department of Public Health and    San Francisco Fire Department continue to enforce public safety regulations, while location permitting was transferred from the Police Department to Public Works.

Like many major cities across the country, mobile food facilities have become an increasingly significant feature of the streetscape in San Francisco. In order to address this growing trend, the Board of Supervisors adopted ordinance 119-13 (Public Works Code, Article 5.8), regulating Mobile Food Facilities in December of 2010, followed by Public Works guidelines (Public Works Order No. 179,044), approved February 25, 2011.

On July 28, 2013, the Board of Supervisors amended Public Works Code, Article 5.8 to address various location and noticing requirements concerning mobile food facilities accompanied by Public Works guidelines (Order 182,101). The new legislation streamlines the rules and regulations for mobile food vending, making it accessible and affordable to be a legal street-food vendor in San Francisco.

If you have any questions, please email us at mobilefood@sfdpw.org

Call 311 to report a problem or complete a Request for Service online.

Interactive Flowchart

RESEARCH/VISIT OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS

• The Office of Small Business functions as the City's central point of information and referral for entrepreneurs and small businesses located in San Francisco, providing one on one case management. Services are available by phone, walk-in and by appointment.

• Read over Public Works Code, Article 5.8 and Public Works Order 182,101.

• Gather information/requirements for the Department of Public Health and San Francisco Fire Department.

• Public Works Fee Schedule (Mobile Food Fee Details)
   

CHOOSING OF LOCATION

When choosing a location, please be aware that the majority of trucks provide service on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Truck/ trailers shall:

Be located on the street in a legal parking space

Not be parked against the flow of traffic

Occupy parallel parking stalls

All Mobile Food Facilities must maintain minimum clearances of:

75’ from existing restaurant primary entrances              8’ from Street Artists

5’ from Curb Returns                                                          6’ Path of Travel

6’ from Street Furniture                                                     7’ from Fire Hydrants

12’ from Bus Zones                                                             12’ from Blue Zones

500' from public middle or junior high schools between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

1000 feet from most public high schools between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

See DPW Order 182,101 for more complete list of requirements.

Please note that Department of Public Health requires Restroom Verification (a property owner/business within 200’ of the mobile food facility must consent in writing to use of restroom facilities for your employees).
 

VERIFY REQUIREMENTS WITH

SAMPLE DRAWING

• Provide a diagram of the proposed location showing everything located on the sidewalk/street showing the location of the mobile food facility with distance dimensions. See Sample Drawing. Drawing is not required to be drafted by a computer or to scale but must be with a ruler and legible.

• Represent dimensions between Mobile Food Facility and obstructions including, but not limited to, trees, newspaper racks, bike racks signs, parking meters, hydrants, payphones, lights, SFFD Alarms, etc.

• Dimension the length and width of the Mobile Food Facility. 

• Provide width of the sidewalk. 

• Provide property line, street names, North arrow.
   

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL

• Completed Public Works Mobile Food Facility application

• Two (2) photographs of the permit applicant(s) for ID cards (i.e. passport size)

• Site plan

• A sample menu or itemized list

• Fees: Half of processing, notification and inspection fees. (Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued verbatim per city code Article 5.8 Section 184.83)

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION (NOTICE OF INTENT)

The mandatory public notification comprises of a mailing and posting at the proposed location. The duration of the notification period is 30 days, with a 10-day physical posting at the proposed location within the 30 day notification period to allow the public to submit comments on the application.

After review of the application package and after the requirements of  Public Works Code Article 5.8 and Public Works Order 182,101 are met, an applicant can then proceed to obtain and submit a notification package from a notification service. 

• Signed affidavit 
• Notification area map
• Mailing list depending on hours of operation. Please refer to Public Works Code Article 5.8 and Public Works Order 182,101.
• Mailing labels
• Postage
• Public Works will provide the notices and the envelopes.

• Online: Public Comment Form. Enter the permit application # on the notice.
• E-mail: mobilefood@sfdpw.org. Please reference the permit application # in the subject line.
• Mail: San Francisco Public Works, Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping, ATTN: MOBILE FOOD, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Please include the permit number and location, the reasons for your objection and your contact information. 

Notices of Intent List

PUBLIC HEARING

If at least 1 unresolved objection is received, a public hearing will be scheduled to hear the matter and gather facts. After the hearing, the hearing officer will consider the objective facts and make a recommendation to the Director of Public Works. Ultimately, a Director’s Decision will either Approve or Deny the hearing officer’s recommendation.
 

TENTATIVE APPROVAL

Should the Director’s Decision approve the recommendation to approve an application, or if there are no concerns and/or objections, the applicant will be issued a 90-day tentative approval letter to obtain:

• San Francisco Business Registration
• Liability Insurance, listing the City and County of San Francisco, its officers, employees and agents as an additional insured, with a General Liability Policy no less than $2,000,000.
• DMV Registration (for trucks and trailers, not push carts)
• Certificate of Sanitation (Department of Public Health)
• San Francisco Fire Department certificate
• Remit the balance of the fees.
   

FINAL APPROVAL

Once all the items in the tentative approval letter are received, Public Works will review the documents for approval.
 

APPEAL

Final decisions may be appealed to the Board of Appeals within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of an approved or denied permit application. For further information, please contact the Board of Appeals in person at 49 South Van Ness, Suite 1475 or call (628) 652-1150.
 

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

Every person or entity doing business in the City and County of San Francisco must possess a valid Business Registration Certificate from the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, as stated in Article 12A of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code. This code also applies to businesses located outside of San Francisco that perform business transactions or services in San Francisco.
 

SINGLE DAY USE FOR AN EVENT

(Issued as a Temporary Occupancy Permit)

In situations where a mobile food facility is requested for a private catering event, a Temporary Occupancy Permit can be issued. No monetary transactions in the public right-of-way will be permitted under this permit.

It is recommended to apply for this permit a minimum of 5 business days prior to the event date (permit date).  The "No Parking" signs will need to be posted at the site and activated a minimum of 72 hours prior to the permit date.
No exceptions will be granted.

• Application: Temporary Occupancy Permit Application. The permit applicant may be either the event sponsor or food truck owner who will be accepting responsibility for the occupied space and the conditions of the permit. 
   
• Authorization Letter
  • If the food truck vendor is applying for the permit, provide a written authorization letter from the event sponsor/fronting property owner stating the nature of the request, name of the truck(s), date, time, location, and statement that there will be no cash transactions and the mobile food facility will only service event patrons.
     
  • Alternatively, if the event sponsor is applying for the permit, provide a written authorization letter from the food truck vendor stating nature of the request, name of the truck(s), date, time, location, and statement that there will be no cash transactions and the mobile food facility will only service event patrons.
     
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): The applicant for the permit must submit a COI as evidence of general commercial liability coverage and language that complies with Public Works-BSM’s requirements as identified in the Sample COI.
   
• Food Truck Documents: Submit current copies of the following documents for the food truck(s):

INFORMATION LINKS

• Affidavit 
• Board of Appeals 
• Department of Public Health 
• Map
• Public Works Order 182,101 
• Public Works Fee Schedule
• Mobile Food Facilities Fees 
• Fire Department 
• SF Data 
• Notice of Intent (NOI)
• Permit Applications 
• Public Works Code Article 5.8 
• Register Your Business 
• Sample Drawing (pdf)

PERMIT APPLICATIONS (REQUIRED)

• Public Works 
• Fire Department 
• Public Health 
   

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• City Planning (Food Trucks/Open Air Sales – Temporary Use)
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)
• Permit Maps
• Port of San Francisco 
• Recreation and Park

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays

WHAT IS CONSIDERED FREE SAMPLE MERCHANDISE?

A Free Sample Merchandise (FSM) Permit is the distribution of free sample goods for the purpose of promoting any merchandise, commodity, property, trade, business, service, art or skill, on any street, sidewalk or public right-of-way in the City and County of San Francisco. SF Public Works will evaluate the application as it relates to Article 5.5 of the Public Works Code.  

Please note that for FSM that include distribution of food, drink, or any other consumable items, the monitoring and issuance of permits for consumable items is regulated by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and will require a separate permit. 

This permit does not include the occupancy of the right of way with street furniture; including but not limited to the following items: 

• Tables 

• Canopies/Tents 

• Wagons 

• Carts, whether mobile or stationary 

• Pushcarts 

It may be possible to apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit for the use of these items in conjunction with the Free Sample Merchandise permit.
 

PERMIT INFORMATION AND PROCEDURE

• All applicants must complete an Application to Distribute Free Sample Merchandise 

• The Permittee shall post a $500 performance bond to ensure that public property is restored and cleaned of litter 

• Payment of in the form of Credit Card/Check/Cash (Fee Schedule)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays

In order to enhance the viability of retail establishments in commercial districts, the City of San Francisco has developed a process that allows retail business owners to display some of their merchandise on a portion of the sidewalk in front of their business under Public Works Code, Article 5.3 and Public Works Order 166,458.

Starting in September 2021, the Display Merchandise Program is accepting applications through the San Francisco Shared Spaces online application portal. To submit an application, you may visit the online application portal here.

To balance safety and accessibility with commercial prosperity, the City has established the following requirements for all business owners who wish to obtain a revocable street-use permit to display merchandise on the sidewalk in front of their retail business establishment. 

Display Merchandise Brochure  (中文版)   (Versión en Español)

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW PERMIT APPLICATION

Submit the following to Public Works Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping:

1. Permit Application. An application submitted through the online Shared Spaces Application Portal.
2. SF Business Registration Certificate. As part of the permit application submittal process, your business registration status will be verified.
3. Photos. Images of the sidewalk or roadway fronting the business where the display will be proposed.
4. Site Plan showing
   1. Entrance to business and adjacent building entrances.
   2. Property lines, sidewalk width, and any existing sidewalk obstructions within 15 feet of occupied area (e.g. fire hydrants, tree wells, street lights, parking meters, etc.).
   3. Length and width of occupied area, full dimensions of the display stands and awnings and the exact width of the pedestrian clear zone.  
   4. See sample diagram. NOTE: Hand drawn plans can be accepted.
5. Permit Application Fee.  A non-refundable processing fee payable to Public Works. See the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule. NOTE: There will be an Assessment Fee, calculated from the approved Site Plan.
6. Copy of Valid Certificate of Insurance (COI). The COI is evidence of general commercial liability coverage with language that must comply with Public Works BSM’s requirements as identified in the Sample COI. 

PERMIT REVIEW PROCESS

The permit approval process may take approximately 2 to 6 months, depending on site conditions and other considerations.

1. The permit application will be assigned to a staff member to review for completeness.
2. The Site Plan will be reviewed to determine conformance with design requirements.
3. After the Site Plan is approved and when the business is either open or nearly ready to open, a Public Notice will be provided for posting at the business in a conspicuous location fronting the public sidewalk.
4. The Public Notice will remain in a readily visible place on the front of the business for ten (10) calendar days.
5. If there are no objections from the public during the notification period, the application will be approved and a revocable Display Merchandise Permit will be issued; OR
6. If there are unresolved objections from the public during the notification period, a Public Hearing will be scheduled. Following the Public Hearing, the Public Works Director will issue a decision to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the permit application.
7. In the event of a denial, the applicant may appeal the decision to the San Francisco Board of Appeals within 15 calendar days of the decision.
8. A copy of the approved permit must be displayed at the place of business in a location that is visible to the public and readily available upon request.

WHERE TO APPLY

Starting in September 2021, the Display Merchandise Program is accepting applications through the San Francisco Shared Spaces online application portal. To submit an application, you may visit the online application portal here.

HOW TO RENEW AN EXISTING PERMIT

For Display Merchandise permits applied for under the Shared Spaces Program, you will be provided with renewal instructions via email before your renewal date. To renew a past Display Merchandise permit already on file issued before the Shared Spaces program, you may email us at commercialpermitrenewals@sfdpw.org for assistance.

HOW TO MODIFY AN EXISTING PERMIT

Modifications to an existing permit will require a new permit application as described in the section on How to Apply for a New Permit Application.

FEES

Permit Application Fees are described in the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule and listed below for reference:

• New Application: The fees for processing a new permit application or modification to an existing permit.
• Renewal: The fee for processing the renewal of the permit, which is the same as the fee for processing a new permit application.
• Assessment: The fee based on the area of the public right-of-way being occupied. Paid on an annual basis.
   

Permit Fee Schedule Brochure

SITE PLAN DESIGN GUIDELINES

Display Merchandise Guidelines have been established in Public Works Code, Article 5.3 and Public Works Order 166,458 to maintain a balance of safety and accessibility with commercial prosperity.

General Guidelines:

Display merchandise can be placed only on the sidewalk in front of the retail establishment applying for a permit.

When feasible, the sidewalk in front of the business must be wide enough to allow for a minimum of 8 feet wide unobstructed pedestrian through path of travel around the proposed display area. In cases where an eight-foot path of travel is not feasible due to the sidewalk width or obstructions on the sidewalk, a narrower pedestrian path of travel as low as six feet may be considered on a case by case basis.

Placement of display merchandise on the sidewalk must not in any way interfere with curb ramps, access to the building, driveways or access to any fire escape or Fire Department connection.

Outdoor displays shall have overhead protection that extends over all food items.

Placement of display merchandise on the sidewalk must conform to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Placement of display merchandise on the sidewalk must conform to the following design guidelines:

The area of display must be contiguous to the business establishment applying for or in possession of the permit.

The display, including stand and merchandise, shall be a minimum of 2’-6” and a maximum of 3’-10” above the sidewalk, and shall extend onto the sidewalk no more than 2 feet from the front of the building or 25% of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.

Displays must be constructed of materials that are smooth, nonabsorbent and cleanable.

Only pre-packaged, non-potentially hazardous foods or uncut produce may be displayed in the public right of way.

Food items shall remain under the control of the permit holder.

PERMIT HOLDER RESPONSIBILITIES

In order to maintain this Revocable Street-Use Permit, the permit holder must comply with all applicable rules and regulations which include the following:

1. Permit holder is responsible for making sure that all displays on the sidewalk stay within the approved area.
2. Merchandise displayed in sidewalk area shall be representative of the merchandise displayed inside the retail establishment.
3. All transactions shall occur only inside the retail establishment.
4. All raw meat/fish, cut fruit, dried fruit and shelled nuts are not allowed for display in the sidewalk area.
5. All display stands shall be promptly removed from the sidewalk in accordance with approved hours of operation each and every day.
6. Permit holder shall maintain the storefront, exterior walls, sidewalk and gutter in a clean condition at all times. Sidewalks shall be washed daily at locations with food displays and as needed at others.
7. Shopping carts are not allowed in the sidewalk area except at locations where the sidewalk clearance is 8 feet or more.
8. Active deliveries are not allowed in the sidewalk area after 10:00 AM.
9. No garbage may be stored on any portion of the sidewalk. Garbage receptacles, which must be tightly closed, may be placed on sidewalk for pick-up after 6:00 PM on the day prior to pick-up.
10. Sidewalk areas may not be painted, landscaped or altered in any way without prior approval of Public Works.
11. Permit holder must keep in force the liability insurance in which the City and County of San Francisco is named as additional insured as long as the permit is in effect.
12. Permit holder must display a copy of the approved permit visibly for public view during business hours.
13. All permit holders must request for renewal no later than 30 days prior to the expiration date of this revocable street-use permit.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

• Public Works Codes
• Public Works Order 166,458
• San Francisco Better Streets

PERMIT DOCUMENT LINKS

• Sample Drawing
• San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule
• Sample COI

VIOLATIONS

The City and business owners must work together to maintain a balance between the City's obligation to protect the safety of the public and preserve commercial prosperity. Businesses that are found to be non-compliant with the provisions and conditions of this permit will be issued a citation in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Public Works Code.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays

A restaurant or café that wants to apply for outdoor seating on the sidewalk in front of their business can apply for the Revocable Café Tables and Chairs Permit at San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping (BSM). 

The City of San Francisco has established Public Works Code, Article 5.2 and Public Works Order 183,188 to allow restaurants and cafes to utilize the public sidewalks and in some cases the roadway to provide customers with outdoor seating. This permit has been developed to enhance the charm and uniqueness for which San Francisco is world famous. 

Starting in September 2021, the Café Table and Chair Program is accepting applications through the San Francisco Shared Spaces online application portal. To submit an application, you may visit the online application portal here.

Café Tables and Chairs Brochure  (中文版)   (Versión en Español)

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW PERMIT APPLICATION

Submit the following to Public Works Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping:

1. Permit Application. An application submitted through the online Shared Spaces Application Portal.
2. SF Business Registration Certificate.As part of the permit application submittal process, your business registration status will be verified.
3. Photos. Images of the sidewalk or roadway fronting the business where the outdoor seating will be proposed.
4. Site Plan. A computer generated drawing showing the proposed outdoor seating layout and the facilities fronting the business. See the Design Guidelines section below for details and a Sample Diagram.   
   NOTE: Hand drawn plans will not be accepted.
5. Permit Application Fee. See the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule.   
   NOTE: There will be an Assessment Fee, calculated from the approved Site Plan.
6. Copy of Valid Certificate of Insurance (COI). The COI is evidence of general commercial liability coverage with language that must comply with Public Works BSM’s requirements as identified in the Sample COI. 

PERMIT REVIEW PROCESS

The permit approval process may take approximately 2 months to 6 months depending on site conditions and other considerations

1. The permit application will be assigned to a staff member to review for completeness.
2. The Site Plan will be reviewed to determine conformance with design requirements.
3. After the Site Plan is approved and when the business is either open or nearly ready to open, a Public Notice will be provided for posting at the business in a conspicuous location fronting the public sidewalk.
4. The Public Notice will remain in a readily visible place on the front of the business for ten calendar days.
5. If there are no objections from the public during the notification period, the application will be approved and a revocable Café Tables & Chairs Permit will be issued; OR
6. If there are unresolved objections from the public during the notification period, a Public Hearing will be scheduled. Following the Public Hearing, the Public Works Director will issue a decision to approve, conditionally approve or deny the permit application.
7. In the event of a denial, the applicant may appeal the decision to the San Francisco Board of Appeals within 15 calendar days of the decision.
8. A copy of the approved permit must be displayed at the place of business in a location visible to the public and readily available upon request.

WHERE TO APPLY

Starting in September 2021, the Café Table and Chair Program is accepting applications through the San Francisco Shared Spaces online application portal. To submit an application, you may visit the online application portal here.

HOW TO RENEW AN EXISTING PERMIT

For Café Table and Chair permits applied for under the Shared Spaces Program, you will be provided with renewal instructions via email before your renewal date. To renew a past Table and Chair permit already on file issued before the Shared Spaces program, you may email us at commercialpermitrenewals@sfdpw.org for assistance.

HOW TO MODIFY AN EXISTING PERMIT

Modifications to an existing permit will require a new permit application as described in the section on How to Apply for a New Permit Application.

FEES

Permit Application Fees are described in the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule and listed below for reference:

• New Application: The fees for processing a new permit application or modification to an existing permit.
• Renewal: The fee for processing the renewal of the permit.
• Renewal with Department Action: The renewal and assessment fee when the permit conditions have been violated during the past year.
• Assessment: The fee based on the area of the public right-of-way being occupied. Paid on an annual basis.
   

Permit Fee Schedule Brochure

SITE PLAN DESIGN GUIDELINES

Café Tables and Chairs Guidelines have been established in Public Works Order 183,188 and the Public Works Code to maintain a balance of safety and accessibility with commercial prosperity.

General Guidelines:

When feasible, the sidewalk in front of the business must be wide enough to allow for a minimum of 8 feet wide unobstructed pedestrian through path of travel around the proposed outside seating area. In cases where an eight-foot path of travel is not feasible due to the sidewalk width or obstructions on the sidewalk, a narrower pedestrian path of travel as low as six feet may be considered on a case by case basis.

Placement of tables and chairs on the sidewalk must not in any way interfere with curb ramps, access to the building, driveways or access to any fire escape or Fire Department connection.

All elements of the proposed seating area such as tables, chairs, benches and umbrellas must be designed to fit and remain within the proposed permitted area at all times including while being used. a) Umbrellas or canopies that are greater than 84 inches above the surface may extend beyond the permitted area, if necessary.

Receptacles for Trash, Recycling and Compost (3 receptacles) must be provided within the permit area.

Placement of tables and chairs on the sidewalk must conform to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Placement of tables and chairs on the sidewalk must include the installation of diverters at each end to guide pedestrians away from the occupied area of the sidewalk. Diverters must conform to the following design guidelines:

Diverters must be flush with building at approximately 90 degrees.

Diverters must be sturdy, stable and have sufficient weight so that they cannot tip over or be blown away by the wind.

Diverters must be at least 30 inches high and must be solid within 24 inches of the ground.

Diverters must have contrasting colors so that they are distinctly visible to the visually impaired.

Diverters must be removable at the end of business hours.

PERMIT HOLDER RESPONSIBILITIES

The permit holder is responsible for ensuring the outside seating complies with all applicable rules and regulations, including the following:

1. All activities and furnishings related to the permitted outside seating must remain within the approved area.
2. Only approved diverters, which may not have protruding legs or supports, shall be used at all times.
3. Diverters, tables and chairs in the sidewalk area must be kept free of advertising, litter and other debris at all times.
4. Receptacles for Trash, Recycling and Compost (3 receptacles) must be provided within the permit area at all times.
5. Food trays or carts, receptacles for dirty dishes etc. shall not be placed or stored on any portion of the sidewalk or roadway area of a public street.
6. All tables, chairs, diverters etc. must be promptly removed daily from the sidewalk area in accordance with the permitted hours of operation.
7. General liability insurance must be maintained in full force and effect in compliance San Francisco Public Works requirements.
8. A copy of the valid permit must be displayed in a location visible to the public during business hours.
9. All permit holders must request a renewal no later than 30 days prior to the expiration date of the Revocable Street-Use Permit.

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

• Public Works Codes
• Public Works Order 183,188
• Refuse Receptacles and Service Requirements
• San Francisco Better Streets
• California Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC)

PERMIT DOCUMENT LINKS

• Sample Drawing
• San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule
• Sample COI
• Guidelines for Café Tables and Chairs Permit

VIOLATIONS

Businesses that are found to be non-compliant with the provisions and conditions of this permit will be issued
a citation. Multiple citations will result in increased renewal fees and / or revocation of the permit.
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Bureau of Street-Use & Mapping 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Phone : (628) 271-2000

San Francisco Public Works • Permit Center 
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 200 • San Francisco, CA 94103 • Map

Processing Hours:
• Please visit https://sf.gov/location/permit-center for operating hours of the Permit Center. 
• Closed on official holidays