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Shared Spaces

3-Feet Emergency Access Gap

Shared Spaces

Important Changes As of August 2025, small businesses no longer need a permit or have to pay a fee to set up tables, chairs, or merchandise displays on the sidewalk.Learn more and register your business today!

Resources

An adult man and woman look at the camera and smile

How to apply

Apply for a permit
Close street to traffic for recurring event
Info for new applicants
Check what you need to apply 
Check permit fees
Image of people sitting and eating at a parklet in San Francisco

Evaluate your Shared Space

Make your Shared Spaces accessible
Watch our design guideline videos
A Black man shakes wearing a blue safety hat and neon yellow vest shakes the hand of someone who is out of frame.

Design and build

Read the Shared Spaces manual
Request an inspection
Designers and contractors list

Learn More

Application and site plan workshop recording

Watch a video of a recent in-person workshop to learn about the legislated permit application process and program resources. See training slide deck.

Show transcript
View full transcript
Cover for the Shared Spaces Manual showing an illustration of a street in San Francisco with different activations of the public space: parklets, roadway closures, sidewalk tables, chairs, and benches, and lot activations.

Program manual

See our manual to understand how to build or change your Shared Space to make it safe and accessible.See the manual

About

Businesses can apply for Shared Spaces, a program for more flexible use of sidewalks, streets, and other outdoor spaces.

Partner agencies

Municipal Transportation Agency
SF Planning
Public Works
Office of Economic and Workforce Development
Fire Department
Public Utilities Commission
Entertainment Commission
311 Customer Service Center

Contact information

Email