Info Page
Guide to permits for exterior commercial holiday decorations
This page is to help guide you through the basics of when and what permits you need for your business's exterior holiday decorations - like window painting, wreaths, ribbons, or lighting.
Permit Specialists can help!
For concierge support for your exterior holiday decorations:
What permits are for
Electrical safety
Things like installing a new outdoor outlet or altering existing electrical systems requires a permit to make sure they comply with electrical safety codes.
Structural safety
A Sign Permit ensures structures like large lighted displays are secure. Large, heavy displays, rooftop or façade inflatables may need a structural permit to ensure safety and stability.
Fire safety
Fire permits are needed for structures the use electrical power or generators, or that involve cooking/heat.
Temporary Occupancy
These are permits for when you need to use sidewalk or street temporarily. This could be to install decorations, platforms, staging, or other equipment.
Public Right of Way
Public Works permits ensure there remains enough space for pedestrians and vehicles. This is for decorations over sidewalks, streets or the public right of way.
What to consider
Attach it securely
We may require permits to make sure items won’t tip, fall, or blow over. This is especially important to anything attached to a building’s façade, balcony, or roof.
Maintain egress and emergency access
Holiday decorations must never block, narrow or obscure any building entrances, exits, emergency escapes or fire escapes.
Keep clear pathways
If decorations overhang or sit near public pedestrian pathways, we typically require at least 6 ft of unobstructed sidewalk for pedestrian and ADA accessibility.
When no sign permit is needed
- Copy changes on signs that involve frequent copy changes (theater marquee).
- Structural sign that is already permitted, but the vinyl decal name is being swapped.
- Signs painted on doors or windows. This also includes signs applied as vinyl decals.
- Lightweight signage on building such as vinyl that is temporarily installed.
- Installing a temporary sign that meets the rules for permanent signage.
When a permit is required
- Most temporary heavy sign and holiday decorations will require a Sign Permit from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
- Illuminated signs or decorations will need an Electrical Permit from DBI.
- If you need to block the sidewalk and path of travel to install your decorations (e.g., over sidewalks, streets, or alleys) you’ll need authorization from Public Works. If the sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate the equipment/machinery, you’ll need a Temporary Occupancy Permit. If the equipment/machinery will be placed on the street, you’ll need a Public Works Street Space Permit (this permit includes with No Parking signs).
- Using machinery on the street (e.g. a scissor lift) for an installation will require a SFMTA Special Traffic Permit.
- To hang string lights hung across a street in a commercial corridor, you’ll need a Public Works permit through the Love Our Neighborhood program.