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Awning types

Learn the differences between an awning, a canopy, and a marquee.

All types of awnings can be used to provide sun and rain protection, or add embellishment to the outside of a building.

Use these definitions to help complete the awning permit.

Awnings

Awnings are:

  • Light, roof-like structures over doors or windows.
  • Only attached to the outside wall of a building
  • Made of a frame covered by cloth, plastic or metal
Multiple dark green fabric awnings above the windows of a retail store, supported only by the metal structures against the building.

Canopy

Canopies are:

  • Light, roof-like structures over front entrances of buildings
  • Supported by columns attached to the ground, and sometimes to the outside wall of a building
  • Made of a frame covered by cloth, plastic, or metal
A curved fabric canopy over the front entrance of a hotel, with its support columns covered by holiday garlands.

Marquee

Marquees are:

  • Permanent roofed structures
  • Only attached to the building
  • Not used for storage or occupancy
A permanent triangular marquee over an entrance of a storefront, showing no supporting columns.

More details

Refer to SF Planning Code Sec 136.1 for more details about dimensional requirements for awnings, canopies, and marquees.