San Francisco, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

The Board of Supervisors by resolution may approve, conditionally approve, or deny applications for a street encroachment permit, also known as a major encroachment permit, to occupy the public right-of-way, as defined in Section 2.4.4 , after the Public Works Director processes the permit application in accordance with the requirements of Sections 786 et seq. The Director’s processing of permits shall include a recommendation on the application to the Board of Supervisors. The street encroachment permit shall contain an encroachment agreement that provides additional detail on the permittee’s rights and obligations under the permit, including maintenance of the encroachment, and establishes the regulatory relationship between Public Works and the permittee for implementation of the permit. The encroachment agreement also shall include a permittee maintenance monitoring and reporting program for Public Works’ use in determining compliance with the permit terms. There is no appeal of the Board of Supervisors decision on such permits.