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
On Building / Fencing / Poles (on same property)
Street Trees (adjacent to property)
City Light Poles – Holiday Lights or Displays (or any other alternative lighting use)
Cantilevered between Buildings / Fencing / Poles to Another Parcel or over a Right-of-Way
Check out Street Lighting inspiration in Park Talk
