WHAT IS A SOIL BORING AND MONITORING WELL PERMIT?
A Soil Boring and Monitoring Well Permit allows a licensed contractor to drill a boring or install a monitoring well in the public right-of-way. Public Works reviews applications for roadway restoration requirements under Article 2.4 of the Public Works Code.
You will also need a separate permit from the Department of Public Health (DPH), which regulates the monitoring well itself.
PERMIT INFORMATION AND PROCEDURE
- A completed application. Fill out the Application For a Revocable Boring/ Monitoring Well.
- Proof of liability insurance. A certificate of liability insurance must be on file with Public Works Permits.
- A current Business Tax Registration Certificate from the San Francisco Tax Collector’s Office pursuant to Section 1003 of Part III of the San Francisco Municipal Code. This applies to the applicant or their authorized agent.
- A Street Excavation Bond of at least $25,000. The bond, filed with Public Works, guarantees maintenance of the pavement in the trench and roadway for 3 years after backfill
Payment of all fees. See the fee schedule.
RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS
All restoration must follow Article 2.4 of the Public Works Code and DPW Order 187,005.
A licensed paving contractor must perform all work, including cutting and removing sidewalk and pavement, lagging, excavation, backfill, and restoration. Work must meet the Public Works Bureau of Engineering Standard Specifications (July 1986 edition), Public Works Order Nos.
TOW-AWAY SIGN PROCEDURE
BEFORE YOU START YOUR WORK
After Public Works approves your permit, you'll also need to:
- Get a permit from the Department of Public Health (DPH). DPH regulates the monitoring well itself and issues its own permit.
- Call 811 before you dig. Contact Underground Service Alert (USA North) at 811 or 800-642-2444 at least 72 hours before any excavation so underground utilities can be marked.
- Check traffic restrictions with SFMTA. Construction must follow Article 11 of the Traffic Code. Contact the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency at (415) 701-4500 for restrictions that apply to your location before starting work.
Emergency trench restoration rules
Public Works Order No. 183,621 sets the trench restoration rules that apply if a catastrophic emergency occurs in San Francisco.
Schedule an inspection at least 10 days in advance. Contact the Street Improvement Section by emailing PublicWorksPermits@sfdpw.org or calling 628-271-2000.
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
