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WHAT IS A MAJOR ENCROACHMENT PERMIT?

A Major Encroachment Permit is required for any structure or feature built on or under a public sidewalk or street that isn't already allowed by the San Francisco Building Code, Administrative Code, Public Works Code, or Police Code. These permits are revocable and must be approved by a resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
 

HOW TO APPLY

Submit the permit application package as described below to Public Works Permits at PublicWorksPermits@sfdpw.org: 

  1. Letter of Permit Request.  This letter is in lieu of an application form. 

  1. One set of plans (PDF) showing the design, location, and nature of encroachment and other pertinent information sufficient for various city agencies to evaluate how the encroachment affects their facility, rules and regulations. 

  1. General Plan Referral (GPR) and Fee.  If the GPR application and the associated fee submit directly to Planning Department at CPC.General.Plan.Referrals@sfgov.org, please provide a written documentation of the submittal. 

  1. Permit Application Fee.  A non-refundable fee payment (see fee schedule) to cover the cost investigating and process the permit application. 

Additional Permit Requirements

The following items are required and to be submitted upon request by the permit reviewer. 

  1. Notification Package for the public hearing.  

  2. A 300-foot radius map showing the area around the proposed encroachment. 

  3. A list of property owners within 300 feet of the proposed encroachment. 

  4. A signed Affidavit for Radius Maps confirming the mailing date of the hearing notice. 

  5. Street Encroachment Agreement. Submit the signed and notarized Street Encroachment Agreement/Maintenance Agreement, which releases the City from liability and commits you to its conditions. 

  6. A minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance certificate.  Additional coverage may be required depending on the scope of the encroachments.  The insurance is required for as long as the encroachment exists, covering the City against claims or losses from installing or maintaining it. 

  7. Construction inspection fee & Bond.  Inspection fee is based on 7.5% of the construction cost. This fee is non refundable.  In addition to the inspection fee, a bond may also be required before the construction permit is issued. 

  8. Recording fee.This fee is required by the County Recorder’s Office for recording the Board resolution and your Street Encroachment Agreement. 


THE PROCESS

  1. City agency review. Public Works refers the plans and other relevant information to internal Public Works groups and other city agencies to review for impact to their facilities.  These agencies include but not limit to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Planning Department, MunicipalTransportation Agencies (MTA).  The application will also be referred to Transportation Advisory Staff Committee (TASC) via MTA.  Applicant is responsible for any fees, documents, or reports these agencies require for their review.
  2. Public Works hearing. After the agencies complete their review and have no further comment and the city attorney accepts the final draft of the street encroachment agreement, Public Works holds a public hearing to consider the agencies' reports and hear comments from the public. 
  3. Recommendation to the Board. Within 30 days after the hearing closes, Public Works sends a resolution to the Board of Supervisors recommending that your encroachment be approved, denied, or modified. 
  4. Board of Supervisors hearings. The proposal is heard by a Board committee and then by the full Board. 
  5. Permit issuance.  After the encroachment is approved by the full Board, Public Works prepare and forward the permit package to the applicant.  Applicant records the permit along with the associated resolution and encroachment agreement.   
  6. Construction of the encroachment.  The Resolution granted by the Board of Supervisors only constitutes a variance (i.e. a Major Encroachment) and does not allow the applicant or his/her contractor to perform the work unless prior arrangements have been made with the Department of Public Works. To construct/install the proposed encroachment, the applicant shall submit a bond and inspection fee to the Department based on the total cost estimate of the work to be performed. The San Francisco Public Works will then issue a construction permit, pursuant to approved Resolution. 

 

Applicant and/or his/her authorized representative must attend all hearings conducted by the Department of Public Works, the appropriate Committee of the Board of Supervisors, and the full Board of Supervisors, to explain the proposed encroachment(s) or to discuss possible modifications thereto.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, please contact us at:
San Francisco Public Works • Permits
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 300 • San Francisco, CA 94103 
Email: PublicWorksPermits@sfdpw.org 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