To learn the rules for displaying merchandise on the sidewalk outside your business and to register, please visit:

Learn the rules for displaying merchandise on the sidewalk outside your business | SF.gov

WHAT IS CONSIDERED FREE SAMPLE MERCHANDISE?

A Free Sample Merchandise (FSM) Permit lets you hand out free samples on San Francisco streets, sidewalks, or other public right-of-way to promote a product, service, business, or skill. Public Works reviews applications under Article 5.5 of the Public Works Code.  

A Mobile Food Facility (MFF) is a food truck or pushcart that sells food from a fixed spot and works out of a commissary or other permanent food facility. Public Works permits where MFFs can operate, while the Department of Public Health and the the San Francisco Fire Department continue to enforce public safety regulations.

To learn the rules and application process for parklets and to close a street for a recurring event, please visit:

Shared Spaces | SF.gov

Thank you for your interest in planting a street tree and beautifying San Francisco. There is no fee required for a Tree Planting Permit, however, the permit is necessary to ensure that street trees do not impact infrastructure and are appropriately planted so that they thrive and become a neighborhood asset.

We issue low-cost permits for sidewalk landscaping so property owners can convert a portion of their sidewalk into an attractive landscaped area. Our staff ensures that landscaping on sidewalks is properly constructed and maintained to protect public safety, ensure pedestrian access and protect City infrastructure.  Landscaped sidewalks look great, provide wildlife habitat, reduce flooding and increase property values!

To apply for permits please complete an online permit application and email to BSMPermitdivision@sfdpw.org.