Local Rules Near San Francisco State University

Outdoor amplified music in San Francisco requires an Entertainment Commission Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit and must comply with Police Code Article 29 decibel limits. Block parties, festivals, and restaurant patios all need permits, with strict cutoff times of 10 p.m. weekdays.

San Francisco Police Code Section 2909 sets specific dBA limits at the property line: 55 daytime and 50 nighttime in residential zones, scaling up to 70/65 in heavy industrial. Any source exceeding ambient by more than 5 dBA is a violation.

Industrial noise in San Francisco is capped at 65-70 dBA at the property line under Police Code Article 29 and must not exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA. Fixed mechanical equipment, HVAC, and industrial operations are subject to stricter nighttime limits.

San Francisco restricts gas-powered leaf blowers under Police Code Article 29 and state AB 1346, which bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines statewide. SF Public Works and contractors have transitioned to electric blowers, and noise from any blower must comply with the SF Noise Ordinance decibel limits.

San Francisco Police Code Article 29 governs amplified music, setting fixed decibel limits at property lines and requiring Entertainment Commission permits for commercial venues. Residential amplified sound audible 50 feet from the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is presumed a violation.

San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Section 2909 sets a fixed-source interior limit of 45 dBA at night and 55 dBA during the day inside residential sleeping or living rooms. Outdoor residential noise from machines, devices, music, or entertainment cannot exceed the local ambient by more than 5 dBA at the property line. Construction noise generally cannot exceed 80 dBA at 100 feet (Sec. 2907) and is restricted between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. without a special permit. Report violations to SFPD non-emergency at (415) 553-0123.

San Francisco Health Code §41 defines a 'barking dog' as one that barks continuously for 10 minutes disturbing another person. Two unrelated residents within 300 feet may sign an affidavit requesting a police citation. Fines up to $500. Owner has a duty to abate the nuisance under §41.12.

San Francisco STR occupancy is governed by Housing Code maximum-occupancy rules plus Admin Code Chapter 41A. Generally 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, capped by square footage, and STRs cannot exceed the dwelling unit's legal occupancy.

San Francisco Admin Code Chapter 41A requires short-term rental hosts to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance or to rent exclusively through a platform (Airbnb, VRBO) that provides equivalent host-protection coverage.

San Francisco bars short-term rentals unless the unit is the host's primary residence. Hosts must occupy the home at least 275 nights per year and register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals before listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, or any platform.

San Francisco distinguishes hosted stays (host present overnight) from unhosted stays (host absent). Unhosted rentals are capped at 90 nights yearly while hosted stays have no annual cap, encouraging genuine home sharing over de facto hotels.

Airbnb, Vrbo, and any STR platform operating in San Francisco must verify each listing has a valid OSTR registration number before processing bookings. Platforms face direct fines for hosting unregistered listings, shifting enforcement burden from individual hosts.

Hosts cited three times within five years for Section 41A violations face permanent revocation of their STR registration and a lifetime ban from re-registering at any San Francisco address, alongside escalating fines on each strike.

San Francisco Admin Code Chapter 41A caps un-hosted (whole-unit) short-term rentals at 90 nights per calendar year. Hosted rentals with the permanent resident present have no night cap. Registration with the Office of Short-Term Rentals is mandatory.

San Francisco imposes a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on rental of accommodations for stays of fewer than 30 nights, collected from guests by the host or platform. Tourism Improvement District (TID) assessments add 2.25% (Zone 1) or 2.00% (Zone 2) on gross room revenue. STR registration with the Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR) requires a $250 fee (valid two years), and hosts must also obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Treasurer & Tax Collector. Hosts using Qualified Website Companies (Airbnb, misterb&b, Interval International) have TOT collected and remitted on their behalf.

Short-term rental guests in San Francisco must comply with the citywide noise ordinance under Police Code Article 29. Residential noise from amplified sound, voices, or activity may not exceed 5 dBA above ambient at the nearest property line, with a 45 dBA interior limit during the 10 p.m.-7 a.m. quiet period. STR hosts are responsible under Administrative Code Chapter 41A for guest conduct and must respond to neighbor complaints. A persistent pattern of nuisance noise can lead to OSTR enforcement and certificate revocation.

San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 41A does not impose dedicated parking requirements on short-term rentals, and the Planning Code does not require off-street parking specifically for STR use beyond what already applies to the underlying residential unit. STR guests parking on the street are subject to all standard SFMTA rules: posted Residential Permit Parking (RPP) time limits, street-cleaning restrictions, the 72-hour vehicle storage limit, and metered zones. RPP areas allow guests to park beyond posted limits only with a valid one-day visitor permit purchased by the host or guest.

San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 41A requires all STR hosts to register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals (OSTR) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Treasurer & Tax Collector. Primary residence only; host must occupy the unit at least 275 days per year. ADUs, BMR units, SROs, and dormitories are ineligible. Registration fee is $250 and certificates are valid for two years.

All short-term rentals in San Francisco must register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals under Admin Code Chapter 41A. Registration requires proof of permanent residency (275+ days/year), liability insurance, business registration, and a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate.

San Francisco has minimal designated State Responsibility Area wildfire hazard zones due to its dense urban character. Cal Fire Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps show only small areas near Mt. Davidson, Twin Peaks, and the Presidio edges as moderate/high wildfire risk. Defensible-space rules apply in those few zones.

San Francisco Housing Code Section 1301 and California Health & Safety Code 13113.7 require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor. Hardwired with battery backup is required for new construction; 10-year sealed battery alarms acceptable for existing single-family homes.

San Francisco Police Code Article 9 and the SF Fire Code prohibit the sale, possession, and discharge of all fireworks within city limits, including state-approved Safe and Sane fireworks legal elsewhere in California.

San Francisco Fire Code Section 4906 requires defensible space and vegetation management on properties adjacent to wildland-urban interface zones, including Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, and Glen Canyon Park edges.

San Francisco Fire Code Section 307 and Bay Area Air Quality Management District rules ban open outdoor burning of yard waste, debris, and trash citywide. Recreational fire features have narrow exceptions under SFFD permit.

San Francisco Fire Code Chapter 61 limits residential propane (LPG) cylinder storage to small portable tanks for grills and patio heaters, with strict ventilation, distance, and quantity rules to prevent fire hazards.

Open burning is prohibited in San Francisco under Fire Code Section 307 and BAAQMD Regulation 5. Only contained recreational fires in approved appliances with clean fuel are allowed. Fire pits, chimineas, and propane heaters are regulated, and spare-the-air days ban all solid-fuel burning.

Outdoor fire pits burning wood or solid fuels are prohibited on Spare the Air Alert days under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. In the dense urban environment of San Francisco, open fires are effectively banned year-round by a combination of BAAQMD restrictions and SF Fire Code. Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed when not prohibited by building rules. Beach fires at Ocean Beach are banned by the National Park Service.

San Francisco enforces California Vehicle Code 22651(k) 72-hour parking limit citywide, plus local Residential Permit Parking in designated neighborhoods. No general overnight ban, but street-cleaning, commercial-vehicle, and oversized-vehicle rules apply, and vehicles longer than 22 feet or taller than 7 feet face overnight restrictions.

San Francisco Environment Code Chapter 22 and Building Code require EV-ready infrastructure in new construction. CA Civil Code 4745 protects condo EV-charger rights, and SF Planning Code allows curbside charging with SFMTA permits. Blocking an EV stall while not charging is a citable violation.

San Francisco explicitly prohibits using objects to claim on-street parking spaces. Space savers, cones, chairs, or other objects placed in public parking spots will be removed. The city enforces a 72-hour parking limit on all public streets without additional time restrictions.

San Francisco Transportation Code §7.2.54 restricts vehicles over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from overnight parking (12 AM–6 AM) in posted areas. Vehicular habitation is prohibited under Police Code §97. SFMTA approved major policy changes in October 2024 allowing towing of oversized vehicles after documented shelter refusal. A 2025 proposal would further limit RV parking to 2 hours citywide.

San Francisco Building Code Section 105 requires permits for any retaining wall over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing). Engineered design and structural drawings are required for walls over 4 feet or those supporting a surcharge. Steep SF topography means most lots need walls.

Pool fences in San Francisco must comply with California Health & Safety Code Sections 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and CBC Section 3109. Minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is required around any pool or spa over 18 inches deep.

Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administered by the San Francisco Planning Department. Within a required front setback, fences are generally limited to 3 feet in height. In required rear yards and side yards, fences may be erected up to 10 feet in height. Section 136 lists fences among the obstructions specifically permitted in yards subject to these limits. Additional Building Code permits apply to fences over 6 feet. Properties in historic districts or with conditional-use entitlements may face additional review. Contact Planning at (628) 652-7600.

San Francisco regulates fence materials through the Planning Code and building standards. Wood, wrought iron, and composite are common approved materials. Chain-link is restricted in most residential front yards. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential areas.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1 and state Fish & Game regulations prohibit feeding non-domestic wildlife including raccoons, skunks, coyotes, deer, and wild birds where it creates a nuisance. Pigeon feeding is banned on public property under Police Code Section 486.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1 Section 37 allows up to 4 small animals (chickens, ducks, rabbits) per household without a permit. Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be 20 feet from any dwelling, and larger livestock require a special permit.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1 requires dogs to be leashed in public spaces, with limited off-leash zones designated by Recreation and Parks Department in specific parks like Fort Funston and Crissy Field.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1 prohibits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits unless sourced from animal shelters or rescue organizations, making SF among the first US cities with such a ban.

San Francisco prohibits keeping wild and exotic animals as pets under SF Health Code Article 1, aligning with California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 restricted species list. Permits are rarely granted outside of education and research.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1, Section 43, requires mandatory spaying or neutering of all pit bull-type dogs over eight weeks of age, one of the first such breed-specific ordinances in California passed in 2005.

San Francisco permits residential beekeeping under SF Health Code Article 1 with hive registration, setback rules, and water-source requirements. The city encourages urban apiaries and hosts a thriving beekeeper community.

San Francisco Health Code Article 1 requires all dogs and cats impounded by Animal Care and Control to be microchipped before release, and licensing rules strongly encourage chipping for all pets.

California Civil Code 4735 preempts HOA bans on artificial turf, and San Francisco allows artificial turf in residential front and rear yards subject to Planning Code landscaping requirements. Permeability, heat-island, and microplastic concerns mean the city discourages synthetic turf in new construction.

San Francisco actively promotes rainwater harvesting through the SFPUC Non-Potable Water Program. Residential rain barrels are unregulated and encouraged with rebates. Larger cisterns and greywater systems require permits under the Plumbing Code and Non-Potable Water Ordinance.

San Francisco Planning Code Section 204.1 allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential zones with no permit if criteria are met. The business must be secondary to the dwelling, use no more than 1/3 of the unit, have no employees outside residents, and no customer visits or signage.

California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, AB 626) and the 2018 Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations law (MEHKO) allow limited home-based food businesses in San Francisco. SF has opted-in to MEHKO as of 2024, requiring a DPH permit for home kitchens selling meals.

San Francisco DBI requires a building permit and multiple inspections for any pool or spa installation, remodel, or significant repair under Building Code Chapter 1 and Plumbing Code Chapter 15. Plan review, structural design, and H&S Code 115920 barrier compliance are mandatory.

Swimming pools at private single-family homes in San Francisco must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sec. 115920-115929). When a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa, the property owner must install at least two of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. Compliance is verified at final inspection by the Department of Building Inspection. The California Building Code (CBC Sec. 3109) further governs pool barrier construction standards.

San Francisco allows tiny homes as Accessory Dwelling Units under state ADU law (Gov Code 65852.2) and SF Planning Code Section 207. Movable tiny homes on wheels qualify as ADUs under AB 2421 if permanently sited with utilities and permits. Standalone 'tiny house' residences are otherwise restricted.

San Francisco actively encourages Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under both a State Program (governed by Cal. Gov. Code 65852.2 / 65852.22) and a Local Program (Planning Code Sec. 207 / 209). State law mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) approval within 60 days. The City recognizes four ADU types: Converted, Attached, Detached, and Junior ADU (JADU, up to 500 sq ft within an existing single-family structure). ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals and generally cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling.

San Francisco prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) of newly built ADUs unless the ADU is the host's primary residence under Admin Code Chapter 41A (Short-Term Residential Rentals). Most ADUs are restricted to long-term tenancies of 30+ days, and many fall under the Rent Ordinance once first rented.

San Francisco waives most development impact fees for Accessory Dwelling Units smaller than 750 square feet under Planning Code Section 401 and Cal. Gov't Code 65852.2(f)(3)(A). ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees calculated on a proportional basis to the primary dwelling under state law.

San Francisco does NOT require owner occupancy for ADUs, consistent with California Government Code 65852.2(a)(8) which prohibits cities from imposing an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025, and was made permanent for most ADUs by AB 976 (2023). The owner can rent out both the primary unit and the ADU.

San Francisco permits Accessory Dwelling Units ministerially in every residential and most mixed-use zones under Planning Code Section 207(c)(4) (Local ADU) and Section 207(c)(6) (State ADU). Applications are filed with the Planning Department through SF Permit Center; the state-mandated track has a 60-day review clock, and most projects do not require a discretionary hearing or neighborhood notification.

San Francisco prohibits open-flame cooking devices including charcoal, propane, and pellet grills on combustible balconies, decks, or within 10 feet of any combustible construction in multi-family buildings under San Francisco Fire Code Section 308.1.4, adopted from the California Fire Code with amendments. Electric grills are permitted.

Backyard wood and pellet smokers in San Francisco are allowed at single-family and two-family homes but are governed by Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 6 (visible emissions) and SF Health Code Article 11 (nuisance smoke). On multi-family balconies, wood and pellet smokers are banned by SF Fire Code 308.1.4 along with all open-flame devices.

Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure under SF Building Code Section 106A and DBI Information Sheet G-15. A drop-in BBQ on a movable cart requires no permit; a permanent built-in island with gas service does.

San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceeds 12 feet in height (Planning Code 136 accessory-structure rule) or encroaches into the public right-of-way. Signs with messaging are governed by Planning Code Article 6 (605-608), and HOA architectural review still applies.

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 Planning Code 605 (signs) apply if displays include amplified music or large message boards. HOA covenants and the SF Health Code nuisance provisions are the most likely sources of restriction.

San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blowers, Planning Code 605 covers signage-style displays over 12 sq ft, and HOAs typically set the binding rules through CC&Rs. Lighted inflatables drawing on outdoor power must be on a GFCI circuit per SF Electrical Code.

Under California Air Resources Board rules enforced regionally by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, commercial motor vehicles over 10,000 pounds may not idle more than five minutes in San Francisco, with narrow exceptions.

San Francisco declared a climate emergency in 2019 and adopted a 2021 Climate Action Plan committing the city to net-zero emissions by 2040, ten years ahead of California's statewide target.

San Francisco's Better Roofs Ordinance requires most new buildings up to ten stories to dedicate 15-30% of roof area to solar PV, solar thermal, or a living (vegetated) roof, and applies cool-roof reflectivity standards citywide.

San Francisco bans the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers under Health Code Article 29 and aligns with California AB 1346, which phased out small off-road gasoline engines beginning in 2024.

San Francisco's Environment Code Chapters 2 and 7 require city departments to prefer environmentally preferable products and ban single-use plastic water bottles, plastic bags, and polystyrene foam in city operations and on city property.

San Francisco's mild marine climate keeps heat-island risk lower than inland cities, but the Climate Action Plan and Better Roofs program still drive cool-surface investments in the Mission, SoMa, and Bayview-Hunters Point.

San Francisco Public Works Code Article 4.2, Section 147 requires projects creating or replacing 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface in combined sewer areas (or 2,500+ sq ft in separate sewer areas) to install and maintain stormwater management controls. The Stormwater Management Ordinance aims to reduce volume entering the combined and separate sewer systems and protect receiving water quality.

Grading and drainage work in San Francisco requires permits from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). The Public Works Code and Building Code regulate excavation, fill, and site drainage to prevent property damage and protect infrastructure.

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.

San Francisco requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction sites disturbing soil. The Building Code and Public Works Code mandate best management practices (BMPs) to prevent sediment discharge into the storm drain system and San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco has extensive shoreline regulations as a coastal city. Development along the waterfront is governed by the San Francisco Waterfront Special Area Plan, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), and the California Coastal Act. Most shoreline development requires multiple permits.

San Francisco participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) must comply with floodplain management requirements under SF Building Code Chapter 1A and Administrative Bulletin AB-077.

Police Code Article 16 and Planning Code Section 202.2 require cannabis retailers to maintain at least 600 feet from K-12 schools, mirroring California Business and Professions Code Section 26054 minimums, plus additional SF-specific separation rules.

SF Office of Cannabis administers a nation-leading Equity Program under Police Code Article 16 that grants licensing priority and incubator support to applicants harmed by cannabis prohibition, particularly residents of zip codes with disproportionate drug arrests.

Cannabis delivery in SF requires a state-issued Type 9 or Type 10 license with delivery endorsement plus an SF Office of Cannabis Permit, with vehicles and drivers subject to BCC regulations and SF-specific operational standards.

Adults 21 or older in SF may cultivate up to six cannabis plants per residence under Proposition 64 and Health and Safety Code Section 11362.2, with SF largely permitting indoor and limited outdoor cultivation subject to standard building and electrical codes.

Under California Proposition 64 and San Francisco Police Code Article 16, adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Plants must be grown indoors or in a secure, enclosed area not visible from a public place.

Cannabis retail dispensaries in San Francisco require both a state license and local authorization under Police Code Article 16. Dispensaries are subject to zoning restrictions including minimum distance requirements from schools and are limited to specific commercial and mixed-use zoning districts.

California Civil Code §714 (the Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively banning solar energy systems. Any restriction that increases cost by more than $1,000 or decreases efficiency by more than 10% is void and unenforceable in San Francisco and statewide.

San Francisco's Better Roofs Ordinance (Planning Code §427) requires new construction of 10+ stories or less to devote at least 15% of roof area to solar panels, living roofs, or a combination. A building permit from DBI is required for all solar panel installations.

Temporary signs advertising garage sales or yard sales are subject to San Francisco's general sign regulations under Planning Code Article 6. Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way or on city property.

Political signs in San Francisco are regulated under Planning Code Article 6. Temporary political signs related to elections are generally permitted on private property without a permit, consistent with First Amendment protections. Signs on public property or rights-of-way are prohibited.

Holiday displays and decorations on private property are generally permitted in San Francisco without a permit. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks, create traffic hazards, or violate electrical codes. The city does not regulate the content of private holiday displays.

San Francisco does not experience snowfall and has no snow removal ordinance. However, property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks in a clean and safe condition under Public Works Code Article 1, including removal of debris and hazards.

San Francisco requires proper storage and placement of trash, recycling, and composting bins under the Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance (Environment Code Chapter 19) and the Public Works Code. Bins must be stored on private property and placed curbside only on collection days.

Vacant lots in San Francisco must be maintained in a clean and safe condition under the Public Works Code and Health Code. Owners must prevent accumulation of debris, control weeds and vegetation, and secure the lot against unauthorized access.

San Francisco does not require a permit for residential garage sales or yard sales. Sales must be conducted on private property and must not obstruct sidewalks or public rights-of-way. General property maintenance standards apply.

San Francisco actively enforces property maintenance standards through the Housing Code, Building Code, and Health Code. Blighted properties with peeling paint, broken windows, overgrown vegetation, graffiti, or accumulated debris face code enforcement action from DBI and DPH.

Light trespass from one property onto another is addressed under San Francisco's nuisance provisions and Planning Code lighting requirements. New construction and renovations must direct outdoor lighting downward and away from adjacent properties.

San Francisco does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, but the Planning Code and Building Code regulate outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution and glare. The city's Green Building Code includes lighting efficiency standards that indirectly reduce sky glow.

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance lists a narrow set of no-fault eviction reasons including owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, capital improvements, and substantial rehabilitation. Each category triggers relocation payments and strict noticing rules under Chapter 37.

Landlords pursuing no-fault evictions must pay statutory relocation assistance per tenant, with elderly, disabled, and minor occupants receiving enhanced amounts. The Rent Board updates dollar figures annually for inflation under Administrative Code Section 37.9C.

Section 37.10B of the Rent Ordinance prohibits 16 categories of landlord harassment including utility shutoffs, threats, false eviction notices, and abusing buyout offers. Tenants may sue for treble damages and statutory penalties up to $1,000 per offense.

San Francisco regulates landlord buyout offers under Section 37.9E. Landlords must give tenants a written rights disclosure, a 45-day rescission window, and file completed buyouts with the Rent Board. Unfiled buyouts are voidable for two years.

San Francisco's Police Code Section 3304 bars landlords from refusing rental applicants because their income comes from Section 8, VASH, or other government subsidies. Refusing vouchers is treated as discrimination by the SF Human Rights Commission.

Units exempt from SF Chapter 37 rent control may still fall under California's AB 1482 statewide cap. Landlords must provide a written notice citing the 5% plus CPI cap or claim a statutory exemption such as single-family-home with corporate-ownership disclosure.

San Francisco's COVID-era eviction moratorium under Ordinance 68-20 ended September 2022 but left lasting protections including back-rent repayment plans, no-fault eviction limits, and prohibitions on using pandemic arrears to break tenancies under Chapter 37.

San Francisco's Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance (Administrative Code Chapter 37) applies to most rental units built before June 13, 1979. Annual rent increases are limited to a percentage set by the Rent Board, which was 1.4% for March 2025 through February 2026.

San Francisco's Rent Ordinance (Admin Code Chapter 37) requires landlords to have one of 16 legally recognized just causes to evict a tenant. This protection applies to nearly all rental units in the city, including those not subject to rent increase limits.

All landlords with units subject to the Rent Ordinance must register with the San Francisco Rent Board and pay an annual fee per unit. The fee funds the Rent Board's operations including dispute resolution, counseling, and enforcement.

San Francisco's Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance (Environment Code Chapter 19, enacted 2009) was the first in the U.S. to require all residents and businesses to recycle and compost. Compliance is mandatory for every person and business in the city.

Trash, recycling, and compost bins must be stored on private property and placed at the curb or designated collection point only on scheduled collection days. Bins left on sidewalks outside collection times are a Public Works Code violation.

San Francisco's Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance (Environment Code Chapter 19) requires all residents and businesses to separate waste into three streams: recyclables, compostables, and trash. Recology provides exclusive collection service citywide.

San Francisco residents can schedule free bulky item pickups through Recology for large items like furniture, appliances, and mattresses. Each household receives a limited number of free pickups per year. Illegal dumping is aggressively enforced.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Commission prohibits drones in all city parks, recreation areas, and beaches under the SF Park Code and Commission Resolution. Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field (NPS), and Presidio are all closed to drone takeoff and landing. SFPD enforces the rule with citations starting at $192.

Commercial drone operations in San Francisco require FAA Part 107 certification and compliance with local filming permit requirements. SF Film Commission review is required for commercial drone filming in the city. Park Code Section 3.09 requires Rec & Park Department authorization for park operations.

San Francisco bans drone takeoff and landing in all city parks under SF Park Code 3.10. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5/3 years), pass the TRUST test, fly below 400 feet AGL, and keep the aircraft in line of sight. Most of the city sits under SFO Class B airspace requiring LAANC authorization.

San Francisco requires a Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permit from SF Public Works (~$8,500 first-year application + hearing fees) plus a SF Department of Public Health health permit (~$886/year). Each vending location requires its own permit under SF Public Works Code Article 5.8, with 75-day public hearing process and 75-ft buffer from brick-and-mortar restaurants.

San Francisco designates specific vending zones for mobile food facilities through DPW permits. Food trucks must operate in permitted locations and comply with spacing requirements from restaurants and other vendors. The city has streamlined permitting to support street food culture.

San Francisco regulates door-to-door solicitation under the Police Code. Commercial solicitors must comply with registration and identification requirements. The city respects First Amendment protections for political, religious, and nonprofit canvassing.

San Francisco residents may post no-solicitation or no-knock signs to deter unwanted door-to-door visits. Solicitors who ignore posted signs may face citations under the Police Code. First Amendment-protected activities (political, religious canvassing) may not be restricted by municipal ordinance.

San Francisco parks are closed to the public from midnight to 5 AM under SF Park Code regulations, unless otherwise posted or authorized by the Recreation and Park Department. Specific parks may have different posted hours.

San Francisco Police Code Section 539 establishes a curfew for minors under 18. Minors may not be in public places during curfew hours without a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. The curfew applies from 10 PM to 5 AM on school nights and midnight to 5 AM on weekends.

San Francisco Planning Code establishes height limits for every parcel in the city through zoning height and bulk districts. Heights range from 26 feet in RH-1(S) single-family areas to over 400 feet in parts of downtown and South of Market.

San Francisco Planning Code regulates lot coverage primarily through rear yard and open space requirements rather than a direct lot coverage percentage. The required open space and rear yard effectively limit the building footprint on each lot.

San Francisco Planning Code establishes setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Residential districts (RH, RM, RC) require rear yard setbacks of 25-45% of lot depth. Front setbacks are based on the prevailing pattern of the blockface. Side setbacks apply in some districts.

San Francisco has the lowest tree canopy of any major California city at roughly 14 percent. The 2014 Urban Forest Plan and 2017 StreetTreeSF program invest public funds to grow canopy, prioritizing low-canopy neighborhoods like Bayview, Visitacion Valley, and the Excelsior.

San Francisco's Urban Forestry Ordinance (Public Works Code Article 16) requires permits for the removal of street trees and significant trees on private property. The Bureau of Urban Forestry (BUF) within DPW reviews all tree removal requests.

When tree removal is approved in San Francisco, replacement planting is typically required under the Urban Forestry Ordinance. Development projects must plant new street trees at a ratio specified by the Bureau of Urban Forestry, generally one or more replacement trees per tree removed.

San Francisco has some of California's strictest tree protections under Public Works Code Article 16 (Section 806 et seq.). Removal or significant pruning of Street Trees, Significant Trees, and Landmark Trees requires a permit from the Bureau of Urban Forestry, with fines up to $2,487 per violation plus restitution.

San Francisco protects Significant Trees and Landmark Trees on private property under Public Works Code Article 16. Significant Trees are 20+ inch DBH within 10 feet of public right-of-way. Landmark Trees are nominated through public hearing. Removal requires Public Works permit, public posting, and 30-day appeal window.

San Francisco does not impose specific frequency limits on residential garage sales. However, frequent or regular sales may be classified as commercial activity requiring a business registration certificate and compliance with home business zoning rules.

San Francisco does not require a permit for residential garage sales or yard sales. Occasional personal sales of used household items do not require a business license. Items must be sold on private property.

San Francisco does not set specific hours for residential garage sales beyond general noise ordinance compliance. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours to avoid violating the Police Code noise provisions (Article 29).

California HOA board meetings are governed by the Davis-Stirling Open Meeting Act (Civil Code 4900-4955). All board meetings must be open to members with at least 4 days advance notice for regular meetings and 2 days for executive sessions. Agendas must be posted and no action may be taken on items not listed.

California HOAs may require architectural review for exterior modifications under CC&R provisions. The Davis-Stirling Act requires written standards, consistent application, and a 60-day response deadline. Solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations cannot be unreasonably restricted under Civil Code 714 and 4745.

California HOAs must follow strict assessment rules under the Davis-Stirling Act. Regular assessments require annual budget approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budget need membership approval. The HOA must provide a 30-day notice before recording an assessment lien.

California requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation under the Davis-Stirling Act. Either party may request IDR under Civil Code 5900-5920, and ADR is mandatory before filing certain lawsuits (Civil Code 5925-5965).

California HOA CC&R enforcement is governed by the Davis-Stirling Act. AB 130 (2025) caps fines at $100 per violation. Boards must provide notice, a hearing opportunity, and follow documented procedures. Selective enforcement is prohibited, and certain restrictions on solar, EV charging, and flags are void under state law.

California law requires seismic gas shutoff valves on new construction and major renovations. San Francisco follows state requirements under California Health and Safety Code Sections 19200-19204. Valves automatically close the gas supply during earthquakes to prevent fires.

San Francisco's Mandatory Seismic Retrofit Program (Ordinance 66-13, signed April 2013) requires seismic strengthening of wood-frame soft-story buildings with 5+ units built before 1978. All building tiers had compliance deadlines that passed by September 2021. Non-compliant buildings face escalating penalties.

San Francisco Ordinance 225-92 mandated seismic retrofit of approximately 2,000 unreinforced masonry buildings. Voters approved $350 million in bonds for low-interest loans to building owners. Over 95% of identified UMBs have been retrofit or demolished as of 2014.

San Francisco encourages foundation anchoring (bolting) for older wood-frame homes to prevent earthquake damage. Foundation bolts anchor the wooden structure to its concrete foundation, and cripple wall bracing prevents collapse. The city offers expedited permit processing for voluntary seismic upgrades.

San Francisco distinguishes between merchandise carts (Article 5.9) and mobile food facilities (Article 5.8). Food carts must comply with DPH health permits, fire safety requirements, and Public Works siting rules. All carts must be non-motorized, temporary, and easily removable.

San Francisco requires a Street Vendor Permit from the Department of Public Works for selling merchandise or prepackaged food from temporary structures on sidewalks. Annual permit fee is $484 plus an $11 Board of Appeals surcharge. Vendors must maintain a 6-foot pedestrian path.

San Francisco restricts where street vendors may operate based on zoning, sidewalk width, and proximity to transit stops and building entrances. Stationary vendors are prohibited in residential zones and must maintain minimum clearances from bus stops, fire hydrants, and crosswalks.

All commercial film, video, and photo production in San Francisco requires a permit from Film SF, part of the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Applications must be submitted at least 4 business days before the shoot. Permits cover filming hours of 7 AM to 10 PM, with extended hours available.

Film production in San Francisco must comply with the City Noise Ordinance (Police Code Article 29). Standard filming hours are 7 AM to 10 PM. Extended-hour filming requires additional community notification and approval from Film SF. Generators must meet decibel limits.

Film productions requiring street or lane closures in San Francisco must coordinate with both Film SF and SFMTA. Applications need 5-10 additional business days beyond the standard 4-day lead time. 48-hour advance notice must be posted at the closure site. SFMTA permits all street and lane closures.

San Francisco Building Code Chapter 9 and Fire Code Chapter 9 require automatic fire sprinkler systems in nearly all new buildings, major renovations, and multi-unit residential structures, exceeding California state baseline rules.

San Francisco Building Code Chapter 13C, the SF Green Building Ordinance, requires LEED Gold or GreenPoint Rated certification for most new construction and major renovations, the strictest local green standard in California.

San Francisco Planning Code Section 317 restricts demolition of sound housing and oversized residential expansions, preserving neighborhood scale and protecting rental stock from teardown-rebuild mansionization projects.

San Francisco Building Code and Health Code impose facility, fire, and licensing requirements on commercial childcare centers, layered with California Title 22 state licensing through Community Care Licensing Division.

San Francisco Building Code Chapter 10 and Fire Code Chapter 10 regulate egress door hardware in residential and commercial buildings, requiring single-action unlocking, panic hardware, and accessible operation under ADA standards.

San Francisco Building Code Section 327 requires strict work practices for any disturbance or removal of paint on buildings built before 1979. Lead is presumed present on all pre-1979 buildings. Prohibited methods include uncontrolled hydroblasting, open flame torching, and dry scraping without HEPA containment.

San Francisco Housing Code requires property owners to keep buildings free from infestation by rodents, insects, and other pests. Landlords must provide pest control in rental properties. The city's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program governs pest control on city-owned properties.

San Francisco follows Cal/OSHA scaffold safety regulations (Title 8 CCR) and SFBC requirements for scaffolding on construction projects. Sidewalk sheds are required when scaffolding is erected over public walkways. Permits are required for all scaffolding on public right-of-way.

All elevators serving the public in San Francisco must pass annual inspection by Cal/OSHA DOSH Elevator Unit and hold a valid Conveyance Permit. Full maintenance service contracts requiring monthly service visits are mandatory. California Labor Code Division 5 governs all conveyance safety.

San Francisco requires a Neighborhood Block Party Street Closure Application through SFMTA for any residential street closure. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance. Applicants must be residents of the block. Barricades and insurance may be required.

Events on San Francisco park property require permits from the Recreation and Parks Department under Park Code Section 7.15. Permits are required for events open to the public. Fees vary by park, event size, and commercial vs. non-profit status.

San Francisco's Shared Spaces program allows businesses to use sidewalks and parking lanes for outdoor dining and commercial activities. As of 2025, small businesses can set up tables and chairs on sidewalks without a permit or fee. Larger parklet structures require permits with design standards.

SF DBI Code Enforcement prioritizes by severity. Emergency life-safety complaints receive same-day response. Standard building code violations are typically inspected within 5-15 business days. Complex cases may take longer due to high volume.

San Francisco accepts code violation reports through SF 311 by phone (dial 311 or 415-701-2311), online at sf311.org, or via the SF311 mobile app. DBI Code Enforcement handles building and housing complaints. Reports can be filed anonymously.

San Francisco's most common code violations include unpermitted construction, illegal unit conversions, tenant harassment through construction, substandard housing conditions, and work beyond permit scope. DBI enforces the SF Building Code and Housing Code.

San Francisco allows front yard vegetable gardens. California AB 2561 protects the right to grow food on residential property. SF encourages urban agriculture. Gardens must not obstruct sidewalks or create safety hazards.

San Francisco does not have a specific ordinance banning bamboo. Running bamboo that spreads may be addressed as a nuisance under city code. Property owners are responsible for controlling invasive growth. California law does not regulate bamboo.

San Francisco follows Cal-IPC guidance and the SF Urban Forest Plan. Prohibited species for city planting include pampas grass, English ivy, and Scotch broom. The city actively removes invasive species from parks and natural areas.

San Francisco has additional surveillance oversight beyond state law. The 2019 Surveillance Technology Ordinance bans city agencies from using facial recognition. Private cameras are legal but California's two-party audio consent law (PC §632) applies.

California is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording private conversations without all parties' consent is a criminal offense under CA Penal Code §632. Video in public is legal. SF has additional surveillance oversight laws.

San Francisco allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit from DBI. Section 311 neighborhood notification may apply to fence permits in some cases.

San Francisco requires permits for most accessory structures including sheds. The 120 sq ft exemption common in other cities is more limited in SF. DBI and Planning review may both be required. Permit fees vary by valuation.

San Francisco requires permits for fences over 6 feet. Fences 6 feet and under in rear/side yards generally do not need a building permit but must comply with Planning Code. Section 311 notification may apply.

San Francisco requires building permits for most decks. New decks and deck enlargements trigger Section 311 neighborhood notification. Neighbors within 150 feet are notified and can appeal. DBI considers decks horizontal enlargements.

San Francisco requires permits for most renovation work beyond cosmetic changes. DBI and SF Planning both review permits. The process is complex and often requires professional help. Penalties for unpermitted work are up to 9x the permit fee.

SF Health Code Article 19Q bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, and flavored cigars, upheld by voters in 2018 Proposition E and reinforced by California Senate Bill 793.

SF Health Code Article 19R suspends the sale of e-cigarettes that lack FDA premarket authorization, effectively halting most vape sales in 2019, while flavored vape products remain prohibited under Article 19Q regardless of FDA status.

San Francisco was the first US city to raise tobacco purchase age to 21 (2016) and the first to ban sales of flavored tobacco (Prop E, 2018). Federal T21 and CA SB 793 now reinforce both. All tobacco products including vapes require buyer to be 21+ with valid ID. E-cigarette sales further restricted under SF Health Code Article 19Q.

SF Environment Code Chapter 16 prohibits expanded polystyrene foam food containers, packing peanuts, coolers, and dock floats, expanded in 2017 to one of the most comprehensive municipal foam bans in the country.

San Francisco became the first U.S. city to ban single-use plastic checkout bags in 2007 (grocers) and expanded the ban citywide to all retailers and restaurants in 2012. The minimum charge per compliant paper or reusable bag is 25 cents — the highest in California. SB 1053 phases out thicker plastic reusables January 1, 2026.

San Francisco's local minimum wage is approximately $19.18 per hour for 2026, indexed to CPI under Administrative Code Chapter 12R. It applies to anyone working at least two hours per week within city limits.

San Francisco layers three local paid-leave mandates: Paid Sick Leave (Admin Code Ch. 12W), Paid Parental Leave (Ch. 12T), and Health Care Security Ordinance (Ch. 14). All exceed California state minimums and apply to most employers.

Police Code Article 33N requires San Francisco employers to provide nursing employees a private lactation space, breaks, and a written policy. It exceeds state law by mandating a sink and refrigerator nearby.

San Francisco's Formula Retail Employee Rights Ordinances (Police Code Art. 33G/33H, Ord. 270-14) require chain retailers and food-service formula businesses to post schedules 14 days in advance and pay predictability premiums for changes.

Administrative Code Chapters 12H and 12I prohibit San Francisco employees and resources from helping federal immigration enforcement, restrict ICE detainer compliance, and bar information-sharing absent specific exceptions, codifying the city's longstanding sanctuary status.

San Francisco's Civil Sidewalks law, passed by voters in November 2010 as Proposition L, prohibits sitting or lying on public sidewalks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. The Police Code Section 168 measure carries a warning then escalating fines.

San Francisco's Healthy Streets Operations Center coordinates encampment cleanups under Public Works Code Section 723. Crews must give 72-hour notice, store seized property for 90 days, and offer shelter referrals during each sweep operation.

San Francisco operates 16 navigation centers and bridge-housing sites under Department of Homelessness rules allowing pets, partners, and possessions plus 24/7 access. Stays target 30-90 days while case managers secure permanent placements under Care Not Cash.

San Francisco's Vision Zero policy and Better Streets Plan commit SFMTA to building protected bike lanes on the city's High Injury Network. Motor vehicles may not stop, stand, park, or drive in a marked bike lane except briefly to enter a driveway.

Shared electric scooters in San Francisco operate only under SFMTA's Powered Scooter Share Permit Program. Riders must be 18 or older, use bike lanes where available, and avoid sidewalks; companies are capped citywide.

SFMTA manages every linear foot of curb under Transportation Code Article 7 and the 2020 Curb Management Strategy, allocating space to passenger loading, freight, transit stops, accessible parking, parklets, and shared mobility corrals.

San Francisco's Non-Potable Water Ordinance (Health Code Article 12C) requires new buildings of 100,000 square feet or larger to install onsite water reuse systems for toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission limits outdoor irrigation to between 8 PM and 10 AM, prohibits runoff onto pavement, and tightens rules during state-declared drought emergencies through its Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

San Francisco residents and businesses can report water leaks, broken mains, and hydrant problems to SFPUC 24/7. Customer-side leaks must be repaired promptly, and SFPUC offers leak-adjustment credits for documented bills.

San Francisco offers density and height bonuses to projects that include affordable housing through the local HOME-SF program (Planning Code 206.3) and the California State Density Bonus Law, with stacked incentives possible.

San Francisco's transit-oriented framework leverages California SB 35 streamlining and local Planning Code reforms to expedite mid-rise housing on parcels within a half mile of major bus, rail, or BART stations.

SF Health Code Articles 11 and 26 require property owners to keep premises free of rats and mice, and the Department of Public Health may issue abatement orders or perform work and lien costs to the property.

SF DPH operates one of the nation's largest syringe services programs under California Health and Safety Code 121349, distributing free sharps containers and operating drop boxes citywide to reduce improper disposal.

San Francisco Department of Public Health inspects food facilities at least twice yearly and posts inspection results online, though SF uses numeric scoring rather than letter grades like LA County.

California Civil Code Section 1954.603 plus SF Health Code habitability rules require landlords to disclose known bed bug infestations, prohibit retaliation, and respond to tenant reports with licensed professional treatment.

SF Administrative Code Chapter 59 created the Healthy Food Retailer Initiative, providing financial assistance and technical help for corner stores in food-access-vulnerable neighborhoods to stock fresh produce and reduce tobacco and alcohol footprint.

Chain restaurants in SF with 20 or more locations must post calorie counts on menus and menu boards under federal FDA rules adopted in 2018, with California enforcement through Health and Safety Code Section 114094.

California Senate Bill 602 requires all SF food employees to obtain a state-approved Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire, and at least one Certified Food Protection Manager must be on staff per facility under Health and Safety Code 113947.

San Francisco imposes a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days, plus tourism assessment surcharges. Hotels and short-term rental hosts must collect and remit monthly to the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

When a San Francisco hotel changes ownership or operator, the new employer must retain existing service workers for a 90-day transition period under Police Code Article 33F, evaluating performance only at the end.

Administrative Code Chapter 12P (the Minimum Compensation Ordinance) requires city contractors and tenants on city property, including airport and convention hotels, to pay covered employees a living wage indexed annually well above the state minimum.

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.

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.

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.

San Francisco Police Code Section 120-2 prohibits aggressive solicitation — touching, blocking, threatening, or following — and bans solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining at any time of day.

Health Code Article 19F bans smoking and vaping in nearly all outdoor public spaces in San Francisco, including parks, plazas, transit stops, dining areas, common areas of multi-unit housing, and within 15 feet of any business entrance.

Police Code Section 49 lets SFPD declare a gathering loud and unruly, post a warning, and impose response-cost fees on hosts and property owners for any return call within 12 hours.

Proposition M (2022), codified at Business and Tax Regulations Code Article 29A, imposes an annual Empty Homes Tax on residential units in buildings with three or more units that sit vacant more than 182 days per year, with rates rising the longer they stay empty.