Temporary Occupancy

Anyone who intends to temporarily occupy a portion of the public roadway and/or sidewalk is required to obtain either a Street Space Permit or a Temporary Occupancy Permit: Article 15, Section 724 Public Works Code. Temporary Occupancy Permits are generally issued for short duration activities requiring occupation of the public right of way to perform the work, typically less than 7 days. Excavation work is not allowed under the Temporary Occupancy Permit, a separate permit will be required.
 

A TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY PERMIT IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED FOR:

• Cranes 

• Lift equipment (i.e. Boom lift and scissor lift equipment)

• Tree trimming trucks, equipment and facilities (i.e. Chippers) 

• Refrigerated shipping/Storage containers

• Debris box (for short duration)

• Monitoring Well sampling work 

• Working in and around any manhole (no excavation)

• Street closures and other public events and venues that require semi-large to large structures (i.e. Carnival rides, Large media equipment, Stages, Large tents, etc.)

• Mobile Food Facility for a single day private event, see section below

• All other temporary facilities, equipment and material not covered above

EXCEPTION: Mobile storage containers in the public right of way will require a Mobile Storage Container Permit, click here for more information.
 

WHERE TO GET A TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY PERMIT

Alternatively, if you have an account with Public Works-BSM you may apply online by clicking here.                    NOTE: Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY PERMIT

To apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit, submit to Public Works the following:

1. Application – Temporary Occupancy Permit Application.  

2. Site Plan – If occupying the sidewalk and/or when required by Public Works, submit a detailed layout plan of the area and the proposed occupying elements. Show on the plan that a minimum 4-foot clear path of travel will be provided for pedestrians, in commercial/retail areas provide a minimum 6-foot path of travel. 

3. Certificate of Insurance (COI) – Submit a COI as evidence of general commercial liability coverage and language that complies with Public Works-BSM’s requirements as identified in the Sample COI. 

4. Payment of Fees – The permit will not be approved until all fees have been paid. The fee is calculated on  per-block face, per-day basis and includes SFMTA parking meter fees when applicable.
   See the San Francisco Public Works Fee Schedule. 

          Additional approvals/documents may be required based on the proposed occupancy

• Special Traffic Permits may also be required: See SFMTA Blue Book for requirements. All submitted plans, applications and attachments shall comply with all rules, regulations and guidelines set forth by DPW Order No. 165,716.

• For night time occupancy, see section on Nighttime Work below.

• If the occupancy is in the parking lane, the permit will need to be approved and the “no parking” signs will need to be registered a minimum of 72 hours in advance in order to have towing privileges at the subject site.
   

FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND STREET CLOSURES

When a Special Event or a Street Closure Event has been approved by SFMTA through Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT), a Temporary Occupancy Permit may be required by the Street Closure Permit. A Temporary Occupancy Permit will be required if any large elements (i.e. Carnival Rides, Large Media Equipment, Stages, Large Tents, etc.) are proposed to occupy the public right of way.

For information about special events and street closures, please contact SFMTA-Traffic Engineering at (415) 701-4500 or visit the webpage: https://www.sfmta.com/services/streets-sidewalks/apply-street-closure
 

NIGHTTIME WORK

A Night Noise Permit may be required in conjunction with other Public Works permits for work taking place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (See Police Code, Section 2908/Night Noise Requirements)
 

SINGLE DAY USE FOR MOBILE FOOD FACILITY

In situations where a mobile food facility is requested for a private catering event, a Temporary Occupancy Permit can be issued. No monetary transactions in the public right of way will be permitted under this permit.

Recommend applying for this permit a minimum of 4 business days prior to the event date (permit date). The "No Parking" signs will need to be posted at the site and activated a minimum of 72 hours prior to the permit date.
No exceptions will be granted.

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Application: Temporary Occupancy Permit Application. The permit applicant may be either the event sponsor or food truck owner who will be accepting responsibility for the occupied space and the conditions of the permit. 
    
2. Authorization Letter
   • If the food truck vendor is applying for the permit, provide a written authorization letter from the event sponsor/fronting property owner stating the nature of the request, name of the truck(s), date, time, location and statement that there will be no cash transactions and the mobile food facility will only service event patrons.
      
   • Alternatively, if the event sponsor is applying for the permit, provide a written authorization letter from the food truck vendor stating nature of the request, name of the truck(s), date, time, location and statement that there will be no cash transactions and the mobile food facility will only service event patrons.
      
3. Certificate of Insurance (COI): The applicant for the permit must submit a COI as evidence of general commercial liability coverage and language that complies with Public Works-BSM’s requirements as identified in the Sample COI.
    
4. Food Truck Documents: Submit current copies of the following documents for the food truck(s):
   • Department of Public Health's Certificate of Sanitation and Decal
   • San Francisco Fire Department Permit and Decal
   • San Francisco Business Certificate
   • DMV Registration
      

   TOW-AWAY SIGN INFORMATION

   All Tow-Away Signs are provided and installed by the permittee. Tow-Away (no parking) Signs must be posted and registered at least 72 hours in advance. For additional information, see links below:

   • DPW Order 183160
   • Tow-Away User Guide
   • Tow-Away FAQ
   • Tow-Away Sign Template

    
    

   TOWING A VEHICLE

   Contact the SFMTA Tow Desk at (415) 553-1200. 
    

   VIOLATIONS

   Violations of this Permit and/or the Public Works Code may result in the imposition of a financial penalty of up to $1,000 per day. Nonconformance to any related City regulation may result in the revocation of the Temporary Occupancy Permit. 
    

   FOR MORE INFORMATION

   For more information or clarification on any of the permit requirements, 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

   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