Street Lighting
Street lighting brightens a space, making residents and visitors feel more welcome and safe.
Street lighting brightens a space, making residents and visitors feel more welcome and safe.
Decorative or seasonal string lighting along buildings, trees and street light poles can add vibrancy to your neighborhood or commercial corridor. String lighting is unique in its ability to promote safety while beautifying your block.
Below, you can find general guidance for the main types of string lighting projects that a resident or neighborhood group can undertake. With all string lighting, you will need permission from the Department of Public Works (DPW) via an authorization or a permit before beginning your project.
When envisioning your project, remember that all fixtures must follow the San Francisco Electrical Code, withstand the elements, and be secured in a way that limits obstructions and does not impair or impede pedestrian traffic (13.5′ high at minimum). You will also need to identify a secure power source and consider a plan for long term maintenance responsibilities. Early communication will help the Department of Public Works to provide permitting and design guidance.
To contact the Department of Public Works about a lighting project, email bsmpermitdivision@sfdpw.org.
Location
Permissions / Permitting / Process
On Building / Fencing / Poles (on same property)
- Obtain permission from Department of Public Works
- Obtain permission from Property Owner
Street Trees (adjacent to property)
- Obtain permission from Department of Public Works
- Review and follow DPW’s guidelines for Street Tree Guidelines
- Provide DPW contact info and a signed agreement of understanding regarding hardware maintenance / tree protection
- Pay for any and all costs associated with delivery of lights
City Light Poles – Holiday Lights or Displays (or any other alternative lighting use)
- Obtain permission from Department of Public Works
- Receive permission for holiday / alternative lights and pay for costs associated with the supply and delivery of lights
Cantilevered between Buildings / Fencing / Poles to Another Parcel or over a Right-of-Way
- Obtain permission from Department of Public Works
- Obtain permission from Property Owners, for any building where attachments may be made to secure lighting
- Review designs and obtain relevant permits from with SF Fire Department and Department of Building Inspection
