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Debris Box Permit

 

   Important Note: Please keep in mind that the mixed construction and demolition debris (mixed C&D debris) transporter permits issued by the San Francisco Department of the Environment pertain to the transport of mixed C&D debris only. A separate permit issued by Public Works is required to place a debris box within the public right of way fronting a specific property.

    If you are seeking a permit to occupy space within the public right of way for a previously registered debris box, please visit our Temporary Occupancy webpage (recommended for short term occupancy of only a few days) or Street Space webpage (recommended for longer term occupancy related to construction work) for additional details on how to obtain your permit.



WHAT IS A DEBRIS BOX?

A debris box is a portable non-vehicular container used by a debris box company to dispose of waste materials derived from the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of real property structures. The materials are placed into the debris box and transported through the streets of San Francisco.
 

MIXED C&D DEBRIS BOX PERMIT INFORMATION

Effective January 1, 2022, any debris box company that transports mixed construction and demolition debris (mixed C&D debris) generated in San Francisco must obtain an annual or temporary 7-day permit from the San Francisco Environment Department for each debris box used to transport mixed C&D debris (Ordinance No. 144-21). Mixed C&D permits must be obtained for any debris box that is used to transport mixed C&D debris generated in San Francisco, regardless of whether the debris box will be placed on private property or within the Public Rights of Way. This new mixed C&D debris permit requirement from the Environment Department replaces the previous debris box permit requirement from Public Works.

To apply for either an annual mixed C&D permit or temporary 7-day mixed C&D debris permit, please email a completed C&D debris permit application to DebrisRecovery@sfgov.org. For additional information about the new mixed C&D debris permit requirement for debris boxes, please refer to the Environment Department’s website, email DebrisRecovery@sfgov.org or call 415-355-3799.
 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

  • No debris box shall be placed on the sidewalk without prior permission from Public Works.

  • Four reflective type warning devices, each having a red reflecting area of at least 3-inches in diameter shall be installed on the exterior ends of each box. The reflective device shall be placed so that one device shall be located near each edge that abuts the side of the box and shall be no less than 24-inches or more than 45-inches from the ground level. Both ends of each box shall be painted entirely in 4-inch wide alternate diagonal stripings with color approved by Public Works.

  • The owner's name, address, telephone number and debris box identification number shall be clearly printed on both sides of each box.

  • Full debris boxes shall be removed within (2) business days    
     

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  1. Debris box placement shall be governed by traffic and parking regulations including but not limited to: tow-a-way zones, accessibility curb ramps, bus stops, handicapped parking zones and fire hydrants. If the SFMTA Blue Book requirements cannot be satisfied, you will need to obtain a SFMTA Special Traffic Permit. SFMTA is located at 1 South Van Ness Ave., San Francisco.     

  2. Upon registration with Public Works, the registrant(s) and all agents of the debris box company are bound by the Public Works Code and all other applicable laws, codes and ordinances.

  3. Property Owner shall apply for a Street Space Permit (allocating at least 10-Business Days for permit verification) from the Department of Building Inspection at 1660 Mission Street, 5th Floor and post "No Parking" signs at least 72-Hours in advance.
     

VIOLATIONS

Failure to comply with the rules and regulations are deemed as violations and may be subject to the issuance of Notice of Violations and associated penalties. A Notice of Violation shall be issued for the following:

  1. Placement of debris box in restricted traffic street zones.

  2. Placement of debris box on sidewalk area without special permits.

  3. No permit, registration number or other required information on the debris box.

  4. Failure to remove full debris box within (2) business days.

  5. Damaged or missing reflectors or safety stripings.

Any debris box placed in the Public Right of Way in violation of the debris box requirements can be removed by Public Works. Removal shall take place no earlier than 48-hours after notice is given describing the violation. The Director of Public Works can authorize the immediate removal of a debris box when it constitutes a safety hazard or public nuisance or when the presence of an emergency requires the removal of that box. All costs related to the removal of the debris box will be paid for by the owner of the debris box.
 

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