Development along San Francisco's Bay and Ocean shorelines is subject to oversight by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) for Bay-side projects and the California Coastal Commission for Ocean Beach areas. The city's General Plan includes policies for coastal zone protection.
BCDC has jurisdiction over the first 100 feet inland from the Bay shoreline. A BCDC permit is required for any fill, extraction, or development within this zone. Ocean Beach falls under the California Coastal Act, and a Coastal Development Permit from the Coastal Commission is required for most development. The SF Planning Code also imposes special use districts and height restrictions along the waterfront.
Unpermitted coastal development can result in cease-and-desist orders, restoration requirements, and administrative penalties up to $15,000/day under the Coastal Act. BCDC violations carry similar enforcement authority.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.