Thank you

We are one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget.

Public Works

We will ask you for information about:
<ul>
 <li>How to get in touch with you</li>
 <li>Your business (like your Business Account Number or BAN)</li>
 <li>How you will use the sidewalk</li>
 <li>Your hours of operation</li>
 </ul>

This registration form will take about 10 minutes.

Get permission to use the sidewalk for your business

About you

Your BAN is a 7-digit number. If you don't know it, <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Economy-and-Community/Registered-Business-Locations-San-Francisco/g8m3-pdis/data" target=_new>you can find your BAN</a>.

<div role="alert" class="d-flex flex-items-center bg-green-1 p-3 mt-5 mb-4">
 
 We found the business for your BAN.
</div>

<div role="alert" class="d-flex flex-items-center bg-blue-1 p-3 mt-5 mb-4">
 
 We found the business for your BAN but your business has more than 1 address.
</div>

<div role="alert" class="d-flex flex-items-center bg-red-1 p-3 mt-5 mb-4">
 
 We cannot find that BAN. <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Economy-and-Community/Registered-Business-Locations-San-Francisco/g8m3-pdis/data" target=_new>Find your BAN</a>.
</div>

About your business

This helps us check if your use leaves enough clear space for pedestrians. You can check sidewalk width using <a href="https://data.sfgov.org/Transportation/Map-of-Sidewalk-Widths/ygcm-bt3x" target="_blank">this map of sidewalk widths from 2014</a>. Some streets may be missing or have outdated measurements. If the map doesn’t have data for your block or the measurement seems incorrect, you can measure the sidewalk yourself or make your best estimate.

You must leave at least 6 feet of clear sidewalk space. A narrow sidewalk may limit the space available for tables, chairs, or displays. Learn more about the rules for <a href="https://www.sf.gov/learn-the-rules-for-having-tables-and-chairs-on-the-sidewalk-outside-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sidewalk seating areas</a> and <a href="https://www.sf.gov/learn-the-rules-for-displaying-merchandise-on-the-sidewalk-outside-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">displaying merchandise</a>.

This is most commonly used by eating establishments like restaurants and cafes. Learn more about the rules for <a href="https://www.sf.gov/learn-the-rules-for-having-tables-and-chairs-on-the-sidewalk-outside-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sidewalk seating areas</a>.

Your sidewalk is likely too narrow to place tables and chairs while keeping 6 feet of clear space for pedestrians. Most setups need at least 10 feet of total sidewalk width to safely fit a table and 2 chairs.

Your sidewalk might work for 2-top tables. Keep in mind you'll still need to keep 6 feet clear for people walking by, avoiding obstacles like tree wells or utility boxes. At least one table must be wheelchair accessible with 30 inches by 48 inches of clear space underneath.

Your sidewalk might work for 4-top tables. Keep in mind you'll still need to keep 6 feet clear for people walking by, avoiding obstacles like tree wells or utility boxes. At least one table must be wheelchair accessible with 30 inches by 48 inches of clear space underneath.

This is most commonly used by retail businesses like bookstores or grocery stores. Learn more about the rules for <a href="https://www.sf.gov/learn-the-rules-for-displaying-merchandise-on-the-sidewalk-outside-your-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">displaying merchandise</a>.

Your sidewalk is 6 feet wide or narrower, which likely doesn't leave enough space to display merchandise while keeping 6 feet clear for pedestrians. Most businesses with sidewalks this narrow are not eligible for display merchandise.

Merchandise must be between 2.5 and 6 feet high, and can extend into the sidewalk by up to {{ Math.min(24, data.swUse_sidewalkWidth * 12 * 0.25, (data.swUse_sidewalkWidth - 6) * 12).toFixed(0) }} inches, based on your sidewalk width of {{ data.swUse_sidewalkWidth }} feet. You must leave at least 6 feet of clear sidewalk space.

Count all tables you will place on the sidewalk.

Count all chairs you will place on the sidewalk.

What items will you place outside? For example: clothing racks, shelves of plants, small boxes of books.

For example: 'Tables will be placed directly against the building, on either side of the main entrance.' Try to include distances or landmarks. Make sure to leave at least 6 feet of clear walkway space and avoid blocking corners, driveways, or fire safety features.

Upload a photo showing where you want to use the sidewalk, and/or a simple sketch of your layout. The image should help us understand how you’ll set up tables, chairs, or displays. You can draw the layout by hand or mark up a photo.

Sidewalk use

Make sure you do not place any furniture under the fire escape that could block its use in an emergency.

Do not block access to fire hydrants, FDCs, or utility covers. Your setup must maintain clear access at all times.

Your tables, chairs, and displays must stay at least 6 feet away from driveways and ramps.

Your sidewalk setup must not block the corner area or reduce visibility for drivers and pedestrians.

Trees and tree wells count as obstructions and must be outside the required 6-foot clear path. You cannot place furniture inside a tree well, attach anything to a tree, or surround the tree with tables, chairs, or displays.

Safety and setup checklist

<h4>What days and times will you be open? *</h4>