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CityRuleLookup

Business Licensing & Operations in San Francisco, CA (2026)

3 verified business licensing & operations rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Massage Establishments

Police Code Article 29 requires every massage establishment in San Francisco to obtain a permit from the Police Department, employ only state-certified practitioners, and meet specific facility, signage, and operating-hour standards.

Massage Establishment Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Tobacco Retail License

San Francisco caps tobacco retail permits per district, prohibits new permits within 500 feet of schools, and bans all flavored tobacco sales including menthol under Health Code Article 19Q and Article 19R.

Tobacco Sales Permit and Flavor Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Secondhand Dealers

Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in San Francisco must hold an SFPD permit, hold purchased goods for 30 days, and report all transactions daily to the state LEADS database under Business and Professions Code and Police Code Article 21.

Secondhand Dealer and Pawn Reporting

Some Restrictions