Establishing Street Names

Street names are typically established during the development or subdivision of land.  Renaming streets can be initiated by members of the public or the Board of Supervisors. 

If a member of the public initiates the request, they must present their petition to Public Works with signatures from property owners whose lots abut the subject street. The number of signatures must indicate a very strong majority in favor of the change.  If the proposed name change affects a private street, the Home Owner’s Association (if applicable) may require pre-approval in accordance with their own by-laws.  

Upon receipt of a request, Public Works will conduct a thorough review and investigation of the proposal, including but not limited to, mailing an inquiry to all owners of record on the street for an official response to the proposed name change, and soliciting comments from various City Agencies such as Planning Department, Department of Building Inspection, and the Fire and Police Departments. If all indicators are positive, a resolution will be prepared and submitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. 

For information on fees associated with this process, please contact subdivision.mapping@sfdpw.org. The fees are based on processing time, materials, and costs, so will vary depending on the project.

Process for Changing a Street Name

Changing the name of a street requires:

• The resolution referred to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors 
• A Public Hearing at the Land Use and Economic Development Committee
• Board of Supervisors approval                                                                                                                                                    
• Mayor’s signature

The Clerk of the Board sends the approved resolution back to the County Clerk and the County Surveyor at Public Works where the approved name change is added to the “Official City Map.”  The name changing process for other jurisdictions, such as the Port or Recreation and Park Department may vary.                                                                                                                               

Once a street name has been officially changed, the street signs must contain both names for a five-year period.          

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about establishing street names or renaming streets, 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