Permits

Permitting can initially be a daunting process, but it is the first step in officially claiming stewardship for your space and bringing your project to fruition.

The permitting process for any public space intervention is determined by (1) the agency that has jurisdiction over the land; and (2) the type of project you want to implement. The resources below are intended to help determine who you should contact to get permission for your project. Permit Type by Location details contacts for jurisdictions overseeing the majority of plazas, parks and public spaces in the City. For most projects, they will be located on a City sidewalk or street. You can also refer to Permit Type by Project Type to view permits needed based on your proposed project type.

If you need help determining the correct jurisdiction to permit your project, please reach out to the San Francisco Parks Alliance by phone, at (415) 621-3260, or email at media@sfparksalliance.org.

Permit Type

Location

You have a great idea to improve a public space but not sure who to contact first? The spreadsheet below has contacts for agencies and public space managers in charge of both long and short term activations.

View Spreadsheet

Project

If you have a specific project or activity to bring to life, the spreadsheet below summarizes the permits required to execute your potential project or activity  on the majority of City streets, sidewalks, vacant properties and buildings in San Francisco.

View Spreadsheet