Guide to hosting a street and sidewalk event

Before you decide on an event location, talk with community stakeholders about what you plan to do and why. Getting support from the surrounding neighborhood (merchant groups, neighbors, cultural district leaders, etc.) prior to the event is important.   

• For an event on public park property, find out about guidelines through SF Recreation and Parks 

• For an event at a Pier or the Ferry Building, find out more about holding special events at the Port of San Francisco  

• To close a street on a recurring basis (either weekly or monthly), apply for a Shared Spaces Permit 

• For any other street closure, including a festival, street fair, farmers market, etc. apply for a Special Event Street Closure at least 30 days in advance. This includes events that may close multiple blocks and intersections, may impact Muni service, and may include the sale of goods and services.  

  • Check for upcoming street closures to help select an appropriate date/place

  • Review the conditions that will apply to your permit

  • Note: Street fair applications are due at least 90 days in advance of the event 

  • Note: Non-profit service providers holding a non-commercial event may be eligible for a fee discount. Merchant groups/associations are not eligible for this discount. Email specialevents@sfmta.com  

  • If you want to discuss your idea with SFMTA Special Events staff, email SpecialEvents@sfmta.com

Start the application process early. The earlier you apply, the cheaper the application fees. 

All Special Event Street Closure applications are reviewed by the Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT) which is made up of representatives from various City Departments that regulate events. ISCOTT meets twice a month to review applications, and public hearings must be noticed to the public ahead of time.  

• Read about the ISCOTT application process 
• Submit your application online
• A hearing date will be scheduled to review your application. You may be asked to post public notices about the hearing 10 days in advance
• Attend the hearing to answer questions about your event
• You should receive your permit 7-10 days after the hearing 

Once your application is approved, the ISCOTT process will guide you through the different permits you need. Do not contact individual Departments about permitting prior to getting an ISCOTT permit.  

At the ISCOTT hearing, applicants describe their event purpose, location, and activities, and then respond to any questions from the Committee and the public. Consider the following questions to determine what special permits you may need: 

• Will there be a stage, large tent, bleachers, carnival rides? 
• Will there be outdoor entertainment requiring amplified sound?  
  • Find out what permits you may need from the Entertainment Commission 
• Will food be sold or served? Will there be multiple food vendors?  
  • Find out what permits you may need from the Department of Public Health 
  • If your organization is a non-profit and all of your food or beverages are donated by a permitted food facility (such as a local restaurant or a market), you may need to complete this form. 
• Will alcoholic beverages be sold or served? 
  • If so, permits from the CA Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) are necessary. Read about the ABC application process and you will need to work with your local Police District Station.  
• Will any activities or food vendors require propane or butane, open flame, combustible liquids, air-inflated structures, stages, etc.?  
  • Find out what permits you may need from the Fire Department 

Have a trash management strategy. Check with SF Environment for detailed information on holding zero-waste events. 

For most events, and particularly larger events and events with alcohol, you will be required to contact the special events officer at the district police station for the location of the event at least one month before the event, if possible.

Request 'No Parking' signs from SFMTA if necessary.