Learn the rules for displaying merchandise on the sidewalk outside your business

The basics

• You can only display merchandise that is comparable to what you sell inside your business. You can’t display other people’s merchandise.
• You cannot have raw meat, raw fish, cut fruit, dried fruit, or shelled nuts as part of your sidewalk merchandise.
• Food on display needs to be prepackaged. It can’t be food that needs to stay refrigerated.

Setup rules

• Keep your point of sale inside: you cannot accept payment outside your business.
• Deliveries before 10am: you cannot have deliveries to your sidewalk display after 10am daily.
• No trash cans: you can’t store garbage in your sidewalk display area. The only garbage on the sidewalk we allow is for nightly, before your regular Recology pick-up.
• Wash your sidewalk daily: If you display food, be sure your storefront, exterior walls, and gutter are cleaned every day.

Nothing permanent

• You cannot permanently attach anything to the sidewalk or building.
• All displays must be removable and brought inside whenever your business is closed.

Where you can display merchandise

Merchandise can only be displayed directly in front of your business, right at your property line.

Diagram of Merchandise Display Area. Click here to enlarge

Size and space requirements

Size

• Displays can be up to 2 feet deep from the property line.
• The top of the display needs to be between 30-45 inches above the sidewalk.

Materials

• Displays need to be made from materials that are smooth, nonabsorbent, and cleanable.

Stay within your area

• All of your displays should stay within the sidewalk directly in front of your business.
• You can’t display merchandise along the curb.

Keep the walkway clear

• 6 feet minimum: You must always leave at least 6 feet of clear sidewalk space for people to walk. This is to comply with accessibility laws.
  
  6 feet is measured from the edge of the furniture to the nearest sidewalk obstruction. This could be a tree well, parking meter, bike rack, or similar.
  
• More space may be required: We may require more than 6 feet depending on how busy the sidewalk gets.

Stay away from corners

• Corner clearance: Keep your seating area away from street corners to maintain clear "corner zones."
• 6 feet from driveways: Stay at least 6 feet away from driveways and wheelchair ramps.

Don’t block important areas

• Don't block building entrances or exits.
• Don’t block power door actuators used by individuals with disabilities.

Keep room for Fire and emergency access

• At least 4 feet in the area beneath a fire escape ladder
• At least 3 feet around Fire Department connections

Follow all accessibility laws

• Your setup must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.
• Follow California Building Code and San Francisco Better Streets Plan guidelines.

Remember that people with disabilities have the same right to use sidewalks as everyone else.

Have an awning to cover fresh produce

• If you have fruit or vegetables along the sidewalk, you need an awning to protect it.
• Learn more about how get an awning for your business.

Have liability insurance

• Your business is liable for any damages, claims, or liability related to our sidewalk seating area.
• Learn more about insurance for small businesses.

Key Reminders

• Daily setup/takedown: You're responsible for setting up and removing your displays daily.
• Stay within boundaries: Everything must stay within your approved area during operation.
• Maintain clear walkways: Always keep the required pedestrian space clear.
• Keep it clean: Maintain your area and display furniture in good condition.

Next Steps

Register your business's display merchandise with Public Works

Contact SharedSpacesPermit@sfdpw.org with questions