General Guidance

San Francisco is home to artistically diverse murals painted by famous artists, alongside creations by residents. Murals improve the visual quality and experience in our public spaces and are a platform for artists.

Below provides an outline of approvals and permits needed to implement a mural project. For all murals, the property owner must consent to installation. Additional considerations before implementing a mural project include: insurance / hold harmless release, art copyright authorization / release, community outreach, materials, and long term maintenance responsibilities.

Murals Permits + Permission

Residents

Mural Funding Source
Ownership
Private Funding
City Funding
Privately Owned Building
  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Get painting!
    1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
    2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process

Resources

Mural Planning
Time Out’s Best SF Murals for inspiration
Team Better Block / AARP Plywood Mural Ideas
SF Mural Arts
Paint the Void SF

Business + Property Owner

Mural Funding Source
Ownership
Private Funding
City Funding
Privately Owned Building Commercial 

  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Obtain SF Planning Sign Permit if mural contains commercial information
 Artistic

  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Get painting!
  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process
City Owned Building
  1. Obtain permission from City Agency
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process
  1. Obtain permission from City Agency
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process

Resources

Time Out’s Best SF Murals for inspiration
Building Neighborhood Support
Paint the Void SF

Public Space Stewards + Community Group

Mural Funding Source
Ownership
Private Funding
City Funding
Privately Owned Building
  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Get painting!
  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process
City Owned Building
  1. Obtain permission from Property Owner
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process
  1. Obtain Permission from City Agency
  2. Submit mural design for review through SFAC’s Mural Design Review Process

Resources

Mural Planning
Community Challenge Grants
StreetSmARTS Mural Program Artist Pool (SFAC)
Paint the Void SF