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

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

Key Facts

Enforcing agency
Dept. of Public Works
Permission required
Yes, before obstructing
Violation treated as
Public nuisance
Covers
Sidewalks, alleys, streets

Summary

It is unlawful in San Francisco to obstruct or place obstructions on any public sidewalk or right-of-way without Public Works Department permission, and violations are treated as a public nuisance.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, without permission from the Department of Public Works ("the Department")... to pile, cap, or otherwise obstruct or place obstructions or encroachments upon, above, or below, any public right-of-way, whether the same be graded or not.

View 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

Public Works Code Sec. 723 bars any person, firm, or corporation from piling, capping, or otherwise obstructing or placing obstructions or encroachments upon, above, or below any public right-of-way -- including dedicated sidewalks, alleys, and streets -- without permission from the Department of Public Works. Any placement of obstructions must still comply with federal, state, and local disability and accessibility laws.

Violations & Fines

A violation of Sec. 723 or of a related encroachment permit is deemed a public nuisance, enforceable under Administrative Code Chapters 100 and 80 and Police Code Sec. 39-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place items on the sidewalk in front of my San Francisco property?
Not without Public Works permission -- Sec. 723 bars obstructing or encroaching on any public right-of-way without a permit.
What happens if I obstruct a sidewalk without a permit?
It is deemed a public nuisance under Sec. 723(c), enforceable through Administrative Code Chapters 100 and 80 and Police Code Sec. 39-1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsEncroachment PermitsSignificant RestrictionsSidewalk RepairSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

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