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San Francisco, CA Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Admin. Code Ch. 19B
Non-City camera agreements
Sec. 19B.2(a)(4)-(5)
Board approval required
For new surveillance tech
Residential camera owners
Not directly regulated

Summary

SFPD may enter agreements with homeowners and businesses to receive footage from private security cameras, but citywide use of surveillance tech needs Board approval.

(a)(4) Entering into agreement with a non-City entity to acquire, share, or otherwise use Surveillance Technology; or (5) Entering into an oral or written agreement under which a non-City entity or individual regularly provides the Department with data or information acquired through the entity's use of Surveillance Technology.

Source: SF Surveillance Technology OrdinanceView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

San Francisco's Surveillance Technology Ordinance lets the Police Department strike agreements with non-City entities to acquire, share, or regularly receive data from private cameras -- the legal basis for programs pairing SFPD with Ring and other doorbell-camera owners. Chapter 19B otherwise requires Board of Supervisors approval by ordinance before a City department can acquire or use new surveillance technology, following a public COIT hearing.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 19B is enforced through Board oversight and reporting duties, not fines on residents; a City department that violates the chapter is subject to Sec. 19B.8 enforcement and required corrective action, not a criminal penalty on camera owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does San Francisco require residents to register home security cameras?
No. Chapter 19B governs City department use of surveillance technology, including agreements to receive private footage; it does not impose a registration duty on residents.
Can SFPD get footage from a resident's Ring camera?
Yes, if SFPD has an agreement with the camera owner or the owner voluntarily shares footage; Sec. 19B.2(k) says the chapter does not restrict receipt of information a non-City entity gathers and shares.

Sources & Official References

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