Permits - Additional Resources and Requirements

Additional Resources

• Check for Street and Sidewalk work on your street
• Department of Building Inspection 
• Five Year Plan (requires password)
• Inspection Services, DBI 
• License 123 - Find Out Which Permits & Licenses Your Business Needs
• Municipal Codes
• Street Closure, Special Events, Parades 
• SFMTA - Parking and Traffic

Additional Permit Requirements 

• $25,000 Street Excavation Bond
• Certificate of Insurance
• Certification of Authorized Agent
• Conditional Building Permit / Application Release Letter
• Commemorative Plaque Encroachment
• DPT Special Traffic Permit Application 
• Mailing and Posting Requirements
• New Upgrade Utility Lines
• Request to Excavate a Moratorium Street
• Shoring for Excavation
• Street Improvement Bond

For additional information, contact us at:

Department of Public Works
Bureau of Street use and Mapping
1155 Market Street, 3rd Floor (Map)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 554-5810

Penalties / Inspections

If you occupy the public right-of-way or complete work without a permit, you may be subject to fines of up to $1,000 per day. All permits issued by DPW are revocable at the will of the Director of the Public Works. All permits issued are subject to inspection and shall be constructed per approved plans and to City specifications. All encroachments and constructions shall be maintained by the permittee and/or the owner of the fronting property. More...

Hold Harmless Clause

Permittee agrees on their behalf and that of any successor or assignee to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the City and County of San Francisco. The Hold Harmless Clause is included in every permit issued by DPW.

Accessibility

Under the general requirements of any Street Use Permit, the permittee must maintain a safe pedestrian walkway with a minimum width of four feet clear at all times. A greater walkway width may be required in areas with greater pedestrian traffic and for non-residential areas.