Merchants, Residents or Businesses who want to perform work on city streets or sidewalks should get a permit from DPW first. DPW issues permits to construct, improve, work on or occupy the city's sidewalks and roadways. DPW's permit types include permits for banners, tree planting and removal, driveway cuts, general excavation, landscaping and others.
Permits for Merchants, Businesses & Residents
Permits for Contractors and Builders
New Guidelines
Other Resources and Requirements
Permit Applications are available online, by fax, by mail and others are available only over the counter at:
Department of Public Works
Bureau of Street Use and Mapping
1155 Market Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103 Map
(415) 554-5810
Penalties/Inspections
If you occupy the public right-of-way or complete work without a permit, you will be subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day. All permits issued by DPW are revocable at the will of the Director of the Public Works. All permits issued are subject to inspection and shall be constructed per approved plans and to City specifications. All encroachments and constructions shall be maintained by the permittee and/or the owner of the fronting property.
Hold Harmless Clause
Permittee agrees on their behalf and that of any successor or assignee to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the City and County of San Francisco. The Hold Harmless Clause is included in every permit issued by DPW.
Accessibility
Under the general requirements of any Street Use Permit, the permittee must maintain a safe pedestrian walkway with a minimum width of four feet clear at all times. A greater walkway width may be required in areas with greater pedestrian traffic and for non-residential areas.
