General Guidance
Decorative or seasonal string lighting along buildings, street trees and street light poles can add vibrancy to your neighborhood or commercial corridor. String lighting is a unique feature that not only promotes safety, but can beautify your block.
Below provides broad guidance for the main types of string lighting projects a resident or neighborhood group will undertake. For all string lighting, remember to install fixtures following San Francisco Electrical Code, choose the right lighting that can withstand the elements, secure to limit obstructions and at a height that does not impair or impede pedestrian traffic (13.5’ high at minimum), identify a secure power source and consider long term maintenance responsibilities. For projects that are a bit more complicated, with unique light fixtures that cantilever between multiple buildings and over right-of-ways, public outreach is necessary with impacted neighbors, along with early interface with Public Works, Fire Department and SFPUC for permitting and design guidance.
Permits + Permission
String Lighting Location | Permissions / Permitting / Process |
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On Building / Fencing / Poles (on same property) |
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Street Trees (adjacent to property) |
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City Light Poles – Holiday Lights or Displays (or any other alternative lighting use) |
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Cantilevered between Buildings / Fencing / Poles to Another Parcel or over a Right-of-Way |
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