This inspection confirms that the sidewalk and street next to your project still meet City standards and the Public Works Code after construction. If they do, Public Works can recommend early release of your building permit. Apply online.
This application covers the inspection only. It doesn't allow any sidewalk work or alterations, and it doesn't replace any other permits you may need for sidewalk or street improvements or encroachments.
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.
 TIP: We understand that "Encroachment" permits are a term commonly used by other local and state agencies to temporarily occupy public rights-of-way or complete excavation work on public roadways and sidewalks. That is not the case for our Minor Sidewalk Encroachment permit. |
Per Article 29 Section 2908 of the Police Code, no one is allowed to perform construction activities in the public right of way that exceed the ambient noise level by 5 dBA unless a Night Noise permit is previously approved by Public Works. (See Police Code for reference)
A Side Sewer Permit allows a licensed contractor to install a sewer lateral in the public right-of-way. It covers work from the property's sewer trap out to the City sewer main in the street.
For work between the building and the trap, you'll need a General Excavation Permit instead.
Your responsibility for the sidewalk
To empower San Francisco property owners with clear, accessible guidance on their responsibility to maintain safe, compliant sidewalks, promoting public safety, accessibility and community stewardship.
A Mobile Storage Container Permit is required to place a portable storage container (such as a moving or storage pod) on any part of the street or sidewalk. These permits are issued only to authorized container companies, not to the general public. If you're renting a container, your container company will get the permit. See Public Works Code, Article 15, Section 726.
What is a Street Improvement Permit?
A Street Improvement Permit may be required for work on sidewalk grading, curbs, curb ramps, gutters, driveway curb cuts, or the roadway. For repairs to the sidewalk surface only, see Voluntary Sidewalk Repair.
When Public Works determines you need one
A street space permit grants permission to temporarily occupy a portion of a public roadway or sidewalk for building construction and other construction related work.
A Surface-Mounted Facility (SMF) Permit is required for construction or installation of a SMF in any Public Right-of-Ways that are under the jurisdiction of Public Work. A SMF means any Utility facility (physical element or structure) that is installed, attached or affixed in the Public Right-of-Ways on a site that is above the surface of the street (except a utility pole or associated appurtenances) and that requires the Permittee to excavate in order to install the facility in the Public Right-of-Ways. SMFs do not include bus shelters and associated kiosks.
San Francisco Public Works
49 South Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94103
City and County of San Francisco
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