SERVICIO
Use the sidewalk or parking lane for your business
A free, temporary Shared Spaces permit to use the sidewalk or parking lane for business operations, like seating, dining, or retail pickup.
Qué saber
Outdoor heating fixtures require an additional permit
Space heaters cannot be placed under overhead canopies. They must have a 5 foot clearance from any flammable materials.
Apply for an Operational Permit for an outdoor heating fixture with SF Fire.
6 foot-wide travel path required
You must keep a straight, clear travel path at least 6 feet wide.
If you do not have enough sidewalk space, you may apply to use a parking lane or open the entire street for business.
¿Qué hacer?
Read this content in Español or 中文 or Filipino
You may apply to use the sidewalk or parking lane.
For outdoor business, you cannot use a:
- Traffic lane (for bikes or cars)
- Bus stop
- Red or blue curb zone
You may apply to use outdoor space, and we will work with you to find a space near your business.
If you want to change an approved Shared Spaces permit, apply again. Tell us about your existing permit in your application.
You don’t need a Shared Spaces permit if you already have a permit for outdoor seating on the sidewalk. You don't need this permit if you have outdoor space like a yard or patio. Only apply if you want to use the parking lane or you need extra space.
1. Check our rules
Outdoor business use
You must follow City rules to use space in front of your business:
- Follow physical distancing protocols
- Display a copy of the permit during business hours
- Maintain a straight, clear travel path at least 6 feet (2 yards) wide across your entire sidewalk
- Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Keep curb ramps, doors, driveways, fire escapes, and Fire Department connections free of obstructions
- Keep furniture in the approved area
- Don’t place or store food trays or carts on the sidewalk or parking lane
- Keep the parking lane and sidewalk clean of trash, debris, and food waste at all times
- Don’t obstruct the sidewalk next to a bus stop, blue curb zone, white curb zone, bike rack or bike lane
- Follow the Shared Spaces Design Guidelines
Additional sidewalk rules
- Provide and use approved diverters
- Keep furniture and diverters clear and free of advertising
- Bring in furniture and diverters when you close every day
Additional parking lane seating rules
- Add approved traffic barriers
- Provide an ADA accessible table and route if another is not available
- Follow our rules to add a structure on the parking lane
2. Decide how to use your space
You can use the sidewalk or parking lane for:
- Physical distancing space for your customers to stand in line
- Seating or dining
- Retail use
If you want to use a parking lane, measure how many feet along the curb you want to use.
If there are metered parking spaces, count how many metered parking spaces you will use.
If you want to build a platform or other structure, follow the Shared Spaces design guidelines for structures in the parking lane.
3. Talk to your neighbors to use their space
If you want to use space in front of a neighboring property, you will need permission from the property owner or tenant.
If they agree, you will need to upload a screenshot or scan of their written permission with your application.
We will also need their name and location address.
4. Check your insurance coverage
You must have and maintain general commercial liability insurance coverage as long as you have your permit. Your coverage must be at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. Your insurance must respond claims made against the City and County of San Francisco, as an additional insured.
You must maintain workers compensation insurance in statutory amounts.
You are not required to submit insurance documents with your permit application. We may ask you to provide them in the future.
5. Apply
We will ask you about:
- Your contact information
- Your business location and information
- Your Business Account number
- How you will use the space
You will also agree to your responsibilities.
It will take about 15 minutes.
We will email you a copy of your application and information about what to do next.
6. After you apply
If you applied to use sidewalk space, you may start using this space in 2 business days. We will contact you if we find issues with your application or insurance documents. You must provide and use diverters.
If you applied to use a parking lane, we will email you within 3 business days with next steps.
After you get your permit, you must provide and use traffic barriers or diverters before using the outdoor space.
We may ask you to take a picture of your space and email it to us.
Learn what to expect after you apply to use the sidewalk or parking lane.
Información complementaria
Casos especiales
Serving alcohol
This permit does not allow you to serve alcohol outdoors.
If you want to serve alcohol in your outdoor space, check with the latest guidance from the California State Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
Entertainment or amplified sound outdoors
If you want to have entertainment or amplified sound outdoors, you will have to apply for a Just Add Music (JAM) permit for Shared Spaces, outdoor dining, small gatherings, outdoor fitness classes, farmer’s markets, and other activities held outside.
Business with multiple locations
If your business has more than one location, you must apply for each location individually.
Use street space
Use Port space
If you want to use space operated by the Port of San Francisco, apply for the Port's Shared Spaces program.
Use Park space
If you want to use space operated by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, submit your inquiry here.
Other public space for business activity
On June 15, 2020, we will open applications to use public space controlled by Recreation and Parks Department, the Port of San Francisco, and other City departments.
Why are we opening public spaces for businesses?
The City is making it easier for businesses to use outdoor space. It is safer to do business outside during the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses can reopen or expand into the sidewalk and parking lane while we keep our residents healthy and safe.
Obtener ayuda
Shared Spaces
sharedspaces@sfgov.orgAgencias asociadas
Qué saber
Outdoor heating fixtures require an additional permit
Space heaters cannot be placed under overhead canopies. They must have a 5 foot clearance from any flammable materials.
Apply for an Operational Permit for an outdoor heating fixture with SF Fire.
6 foot-wide travel path required
You must keep a straight, clear travel path at least 6 feet wide.
If you do not have enough sidewalk space, you may apply to use a parking lane or open the entire street for business.
¿Qué hacer?
Read this content in Español or 中文 or Filipino
You may apply to use the sidewalk or parking lane.
For outdoor business, you cannot use a:
- Traffic lane (for bikes or cars)
- Bus stop
- Red or blue curb zone
You may apply to use outdoor space, and we will work with you to find a space near your business.
If you want to change an approved Shared Spaces permit, apply again. Tell us about your existing permit in your application.
You don’t need a Shared Spaces permit if you already have a permit for outdoor seating on the sidewalk. You don't need this permit if you have outdoor space like a yard or patio. Only apply if you want to use the parking lane or you need extra space.
1. Check our rules
Outdoor business use
You must follow City rules to use space in front of your business:
- Follow physical distancing protocols
- Display a copy of the permit during business hours
- Maintain a straight, clear travel path at least 6 feet (2 yards) wide across your entire sidewalk
- Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Keep curb ramps, doors, driveways, fire escapes, and Fire Department connections free of obstructions
- Keep furniture in the approved area
- Don’t place or store food trays or carts on the sidewalk or parking lane
- Keep the parking lane and sidewalk clean of trash, debris, and food waste at all times
- Don’t obstruct the sidewalk next to a bus stop, blue curb zone, white curb zone, bike rack or bike lane
- Follow the Shared Spaces Design Guidelines
Additional sidewalk rules
- Provide and use approved diverters
- Keep furniture and diverters clear and free of advertising
- Bring in furniture and diverters when you close every day
Additional parking lane seating rules
- Add approved traffic barriers
- Provide an ADA accessible table and route if another is not available
- Follow our rules to add a structure on the parking lane
2. Decide how to use your space
You can use the sidewalk or parking lane for:
- Physical distancing space for your customers to stand in line
- Seating or dining
- Retail use
If you want to use a parking lane, measure how many feet along the curb you want to use.
If there are metered parking spaces, count how many metered parking spaces you will use.
If you want to build a platform or other structure, follow the Shared Spaces design guidelines for structures in the parking lane.
3. Talk to your neighbors to use their space
If you want to use space in front of a neighboring property, you will need permission from the property owner or tenant.
If they agree, you will need to upload a screenshot or scan of their written permission with your application.
We will also need their name and location address.
4. Check your insurance coverage
You must have and maintain general commercial liability insurance coverage as long as you have your permit. Your coverage must be at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. Your insurance must respond claims made against the City and County of San Francisco, as an additional insured.
You must maintain workers compensation insurance in statutory amounts.
You are not required to submit insurance documents with your permit application. We may ask you to provide them in the future.
5. Apply
We will ask you about:
- Your contact information
- Your business location and information
- Your Business Account number
- How you will use the space
You will also agree to your responsibilities.
It will take about 15 minutes.
We will email you a copy of your application and information about what to do next.
6. After you apply
If you applied to use sidewalk space, you may start using this space in 2 business days. We will contact you if we find issues with your application or insurance documents. You must provide and use diverters.
If you applied to use a parking lane, we will email you within 3 business days with next steps.
After you get your permit, you must provide and use traffic barriers or diverters before using the outdoor space.
We may ask you to take a picture of your space and email it to us.
Learn what to expect after you apply to use the sidewalk or parking lane.
Información complementaria
Casos especiales
Serving alcohol
This permit does not allow you to serve alcohol outdoors.
If you want to serve alcohol in your outdoor space, check with the latest guidance from the California State Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
Entertainment or amplified sound outdoors
If you want to have entertainment or amplified sound outdoors, you will have to apply for a Just Add Music (JAM) permit for Shared Spaces, outdoor dining, small gatherings, outdoor fitness classes, farmer’s markets, and other activities held outside.
Business with multiple locations
If your business has more than one location, you must apply for each location individually.
Use street space
Use Port space
If you want to use space operated by the Port of San Francisco, apply for the Port's Shared Spaces program.
Use Park space
If you want to use space operated by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, submit your inquiry here.
Other public space for business activity
On June 15, 2020, we will open applications to use public space controlled by Recreation and Parks Department, the Port of San Francisco, and other City departments.
Why are we opening public spaces for businesses?
The City is making it easier for businesses to use outdoor space. It is safer to do business outside during the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses can reopen or expand into the sidewalk and parking lane while we keep our residents healthy and safe.
Obtener ayuda
Shared Spaces
sharedspaces@sfgov.org