110 local rules on file · Pop. 873,965 · San Francisco County
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
Mobile food facilities in San Francisco require permits from multiple agencies under Public Works Code Article 5.8. Operators need a Mobile Food Facility Permit from DPW, a health permit from DPH, and a business registration certificate from the Treasurer/Tax Collector.
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.
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.
Recreational drone use in San Francisco is heavily restricted. SF Park Code Section 3.09 prohibits drone operations in all city parks without prior authorization from the Recreation and Park Department. FAA regulations and no-fly zones cover much of the city due to proximity to SFO and Oakland airports.
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 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).
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.
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'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 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.
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.
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 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's Urban Forestry Ordinance provides enhanced protection for landmark and significant trees. Trees may be designated as landmark trees based on age, size, species rarity, historical significance, or aesthetic value. The city maintains a registry of notable trees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.