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 permits front yard vegetable gardens on residential properties. California Assembly Bill 2561 (2022) protects the right to cultivate food on residential property. San Francisco actively supports urban agriculture through the Urban Agriculture Program and SF Environment. The city allows sidewalk gardens in the public right-of-way through the Sidewalk Landscaping Permit program, subject to DPW approval. Front yard gardens must not obstruct pedestrian access on sidewalks or create sight-line hazards. Raised beds do not require permits unless they are permanent masonry structures. San Francisco allows beekeeping and limited small animal husbandry (chickens) on residential lots. The city's composting program (Recology) provides compost to urban gardeners.
No penalties for maintained gardens. Gardens blocking sidewalk access may receive DPW notice.
San Francisco, CA
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See how San Francisco's front yard gardens rules stack up against other locations.
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