INFO PAGE
About the visibility of exterior building characteristics
Examples that SF Planning considers “visible from the street.”
The look of our buildings contribute to the visual character of San Francisco, especially historic buildings. If any proposed building work can be seen by the general public, City planners may need to review the project.
We call this being “visible from the street,” but it includes visibility from any public right-of-way, such as a:
- Street
- Alley
- Park
When you want to do exterior building work, walk around your building and take pictures of the façade you want to alter. You may need to upload those images when applying for permits. If possible, the photos should not have anything blocking the view, so we can see what you want to change.
Blocked by landscaping is still “visible from the street”
The following image indicates a window that would still be considered visible from the street, despite vegetation preventing people on the street from seeing it. Vegetation can always be trimmed or removed.
Not street-facing could still be “visible from the street”
The following image indicates windows that would still be considered visible from the street, despite it not directly facing the street. It can still be seen by people walking past.
Facing a public alley or park is still “visible from the street”
The following image is of a façade that would still be considered “visible from the street,” because it faces a public park.
The back of the building could still be “visible from the street”
The following image is of a façade that would still be considered visible from the street. Even though it’s of the back of the building, people can still see it through backyards a block away.
An example of façades not visible from the street
The following image indicates façades where other buildings block public view from all sides. The only way to confirm is to walk around the block and check the view from all streets and corners.
