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.
Free-standing ornaments and statuary in a private front, side, or rear yard are not regulated as structures by the SF Building Code if they are under 30 inches tall and not anchored. Larger items count as accessory structures under Planning Code 136(c)(25) — limited to 12 feet in height and outside required setbacks. Items in the front yard cannot encroach beyond the property line into the sidewalk under Public Works Code Section 723. Religious displays receive constitutional protection from content-based discrimination, but viewpoint-neutral size and setback rules apply. Political signs are limited by Planning Code 607.1 (no more than 16 sq ft per face, no commercial copy) and must be removed within 10 days of the election. HOAs and condo associations typically restrict lawn ornaments through CC&Rs, including architectural-review-board approval for permanent installations.
Encroachment into the public right-of-way under Public Works Code 723 carries removal orders and fines starting at $100. Oversized political signs are cited under Planning Code 607 with penalties up to $500. HOA enforcement is governed by association CC&Rs and is separate from city enforcement.
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See how San Francisco's lawn ornament rules rules stack up against other locations.
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