Get help paying for your Shared Space improvements

Fill out our application for a grant.

You must tell us how you will use the money. 

Your new space must be in compliance with our guidelines to get a grant. See all requirements in the Shared Spaces Manual.

Review this list of common problems. When you apply for a grant, you will choose which kinds of projects you intend to do.

Enclosures

• Enclosure, structure and materials: If you have a Shared Space in the parking lane, ensure your enclosure, structure, or platform is stable and sturdy. Use durable materials which can withstand the outdoors. 
• Drainage: Provide 6-inch wide by 6-inch high minimum clear gutter space along the entire length of the curb. 

Traffic 

• Traffic safety: Maintain at least 20 feet from an approaching intersection and 8 feet when exiting an intersection
• Nighttime visibility: Install reflective tape at appropriate spots on corners of Shared Space structure 

ADA safety 

• Sidewalk diverters: Place diverters to help people who are blind or have low-vision understand  and navigate the space around them.
• Equivalent facility: You must provide 5% but not less than one (1) accessible table available for wheelchair users. Accessible dining surfaces shall be dispersed throughout each Shared Space for each type of seating in a functional area. (Design details vary based on purpose of the Shared Space. See requirements in the Shared Spaces Manual.)   

Other safety

• Emergency access: Provide adequate access for emergency responders like a 3-foot gap with vertical clearance, open to the sky, with removable bars.
• Sightlines: Provide clear sightlines into and through the Shared Space. You cannot use opaque walls above 42 inches.
• Electrical safety: Lights and electrical components must comply to updated requirements. For example, you cannot use of extension cords for permanent wiring, power cords or cable ramps cannot impede emergency access, and cords or cables must easily detachable in emergency.
• Address visibility: Numbers of your street address must be posted with visible, highly contrasting colors, at least 6-inch lettering.  

If your project does not fall into any of these categories, we will ask you to describe your project. 

You must be approved for a legislated Shared Spaces permit to get paid. Prepare your documents in advance of applying with our application checklist.

The Shared Spaces Team will review your legislated permit application and proposed site plan and let you know if you need to make modifications to your structure. To ensure that your application is processed faster, please ensure that your site plan meets the up-to-date design guidelines in the Shared Spaces Manual.  

You will be given time to make modifications to your existing structure or install a new structure that matches the approved site plan as well as the requirements and design guidelines in the Shared Spaces Manual. After construction and/or remodel is complete, you must follow up with Department of Public Works (sharedspacespermit@sfdpw.org) to schedule a final site visit to verify that your Shared Space is compliant. 

Complete any projects required to bring your Shared Space into compliance with our requirements.

Please wait before making major alterations intended to establish compliance until you have been directed to do so by the Shared Spaces Team.

You must complete this work before we reimburse you. 

Scan receipts and invoices

Gather documentation of payment associated with the work done to bring your Shared Space into compliance like receipts or invoices. Scan or take pictures of them. You will share these materials with us. 

Complete and sign a W9

We need a completed, signed, and up-to-date W9 if you are selected for an award.

Here is a blank W9 form (PDF). Complete and sign it.

If you are selected for a grant award, we will email you.  

You must complete the work and get a legislated Shared Spaces permit before we give you grant money. 

We will email you a link to submit required materials for award payment, such as receipts and a completed and signed W9.

You must upload required materials before we can pay you.