Security Gates for Businesses

Install or legalize a security gate

This page will help you understand the steps to safely and legally install a security for your business in San Francisco.

Small businesses can get one-on-one permitting help through the Office of Small Business.

General rules for security gates

Security gates must be recessed within or even with the building's facade.
Gates may be hand-crank or push-up operated. You can't use gates with motors or chain operated.
Security gates may generally be 100% solid material. For historic buildings, they must be at least 75% transparent (see below).
Security gates are not permitted on businesses with Place of Public Assembly permits.

Security gates on historic buildings

Find out if your business is in a historic building by looking up your address on the San Francisco Property Information Map. The building will be noted as "Category A" on the Historic Preservation tab.

If your business is located in a historic building, your proposed gate will need to be reviewed by a Preservation Planner at the Permit Center.

Scissor gates are typically recommended for historic buildings.

Rules for roll-down gates

If you want to install a roll-up gate:

It must be covered with a coil hood and a sloped awning. Awnings cannot be square shaped. (See image below)
If your space has transom windows above the storefront, they cannot be covered by a coil hood or awning. (See image below)

Install a new security gate

Get a building permit

Visit the Permit Center at 49 South Van Ness to submit plans and documents. Most security gates can be processed as Over-the-Counter permits. Plans for your security gate will need to be prepared by a licensed contractor or design professional.

Graphic of a roll-down gate, showing an awning concealing the gate

Legalize your existing, unpermitted security gate

Check if your gate is eligible to be legalized

You may be able to legalize your existing security gate if:

The business is open and operational
The security gate is only used when the business is closed to the public
The security gate existed as of August 20, 2023
Where two or more exits or access to exits are required in a building, no more than half of exits can have security gates
Security gates at main exits must be openable from the inside without use of a key

If your gate can't be legalized, you will need to follow the process above to install a new gate.

Legalize your gate

Bring the following documents to the Permit Center or submit them electronically to dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org with the subject "Security Gate Amnesty:"

Form 3/8 Building Permit Application
- If you come to the Permit Center, the Office of Small Business can help you fill out the application in person
- If you bring it pre-filled, it needs to be on legal sized paper
- Note if you are addressing a specific complaint or violation number
Affidavit - Self Certification for Security Gate Installation
Property owner disclosure form (if you are not the property owner)

After a permit is paid for and issued, call 628-652-3401 to schedule a final inspection. You will need your permit number.

A Building Inspector will come to inspect your gate to make sure it was installed safely and per the requirements of the building code.

If it has, your permit will be approved and any violations will be abated.