What to do
1. Follow permit application steps
If you're applying for a brick-and-mortar permit, make sure you've already checked with the Entertainment Commission before paying.
2. Check permit fees
Visit our permit fees page.
We collect your permit application fee. Fees are updated every July.
If you are applying for a permit for a business establishment, the Treasurer and Tax Collector bills you separately for the annual license fee.
3. Pay your permit application fee
By mail:
We accept checks or money orders by mail. Make payable to “City and County of San Francisco.” Do not send cash.
In-person:
Coming soon!
Entertainment Commission
49 South Van NessSuite 1482
San Francisco, CA 94103
This is our office but it's not open to the public. The Permit Center is accepting walk-ins.
4. Save your receipt
You will get a receipt by email or in-person depending on how you paid.
Special cases
Inspection fees
Inspection fees
If you are applying for a permit for a business establishment, you may be required to pay inspection fees from other City departments. Check inspection fees.
Fee waivers for event permits
Fee waivers for event permits
Based on certain criteria, community-based organizations and individuals declaring financial hardship may request their permit fees waived for some permits:
You will need to follow the instructions in the specific permit application to request the fee waiver.
Who is eligible to apply?
You can apply for a fee waiver if:
- Your event received a grant from the City and County of San Francisco
- You (the organizer) get some kind of public assistance, or
- Paying the fee would not leave you enough money to live on
You can also apply for a fee waiver if ALL of the following applies to your event:
- the event is free and open to the public
- the event is run by a nonprofit organization, neighborhood association, or similar community-based group
- the permit fee is more than 25% of the total budget for the event
Get help
Entertainment Commission
49 South Van NessSuite 1482
San Francisco, CA 94103
Mon to Fri,
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed on public holidays
Phone
Last updated April 26, 2023