Apply for a permit

End your Shared Space

Use other kinds of space

Report a problem

Stay up to date

Contact us

What to do

Track applications

Media resources

Program resources

Watch a video of a recent in-person workshop to learn about the legislated permit application process and program resources. <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Shared%20Spaces%20App%20and%20Site%20Plan%20Training%20Training%2020221004%20%281%29.pdf">See training slide deck</a>.

Application and site plan workshop recording

Watch a 2-min video to learn why it is important to <a href="https://sf.gov/information/make-your-shared-space-accessible">make your Shared Spaces safe and accessible.</a> You will see a few examples of how to make your site visually accessible and how much space you'll need for emergency access gap.

Safety and accessibility is important

Shared spaces have transformed San Francisco's streets and sidewalks local business communities are more resilient and our neighborhood centers are more vibrant and lively sidewalks and parking lanes can be used for outdoor seating dining merchandising and other community activities.
We're counting on operators of shared spaces to ensure their sites are safe and accessible for all.
When paramedics firefighters and other first responders arrive at a scene they need clear visual access to see the building entrances exits and storefront windows from the street that means park glitch should be transparent in the areas above 42 inches above the sidewalk level.
It's best if these areas are totally unobstructed but transparent materials may be okay. You can check with fire department staff to make sure your site meets visibility requirements.
Emergency response crews and their equipment also need to move easily between street sidewalk and buildings especially when they are using medical gurneys ladders and other firefighting tools that means that parklet structures need a three foot wide emergency access gap every twenty feet as well as a setback of three feet from the ends of marked parking spaces.
Emergency access gaps need to be open to the sky without obstructions like canopies roofs or cables and should always be clear of tables, chairs, planters and other furnishings.
Emergency responders need to use ladders to reach windows and roofs of buildings and the ladders need uninstructed overhead clearance and room to be placed at a 72 degree angle against the building. Clearance is also needed around these ladders to move equipment and people safely up and down so not all parklets can have roofs and canopies depending or the width of the sidewalk in your area
Please make sure that your electrical cables are hung so that they're out of the way and have strung from the building to the shared space structure they can easily be pulled down by firefighters.
Cable connections need to be powered from an outdoor rated receptacle in the building facade because hardwired connections are much more difficult to disconnect quickly
These updates to the shared spaces program will help to ensure safety and accessibility for everyone so we can all enjoy these public spaces
More information is available at sf.gov/sharedspaces

Apply

<ul>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/apply-shared-spaces-permit-sidewalk-or-parking-lane">Apply for a permit</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/close-street-traffic-recurring-event">Close the street to traffic for a recurring event</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/step-by-step/decide-if-shared-spaces-permit-works-your-space">Learn about your options if you are a new applicant</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/reports/august-2022/shared-spaces-application-worksheet">Check what you need to apply </a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/reports/november-2022/fees-your-shared-spaces-permit">Check permit fees</a></li>
</ul>

Evaluate

<ul>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/information/make-your-shared-space-accessible">Learn how to make your Shared Spaces accessible</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/shared-spaces-public-service-announcements">Watch our design guideline videos</a></li>
</ul>

Evaluate 

Design and Build

<ul>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/reports/november-2022/shared-spaces-contractors-and-designers">Contact city-trained designers and contractors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sf.gov/shared-spaces-manual">Read the Shared Spaces manual</a></li>
<li><a href="https://url.avanan.click/v2/___https:/survey.alchemer.com/s3/7611716/Shared-Spaces-Inspection-Request-Form___.YXAzOnNmZHQyOmE6bzoyY2ZlZjk5MTM1Y2ZlZGUwYjFiMmFmZTEzYzY2NTAxZjo2OjE5NWE6NGJiYTYzMjUwYTUzNjNkMTcyZWEzOGIxMjdlNmVlMDc3ZDVkYjhmZGNlODE4M2Y1Y2I0YTNkZDE0MWUxOWJiNTpoOlQ">Request an inspection</a> to receive your permit after application has been approved and parklet built</li>
</ul>

Resources

Mayor London Breed served as the 45th Mayor of San Francisco from 2018 until January 2025.

Office of Former Mayor London Breed

The SFMTA manages Muni, walking, bicycling, parking, driving, paratransit, and taxis.

Municipal Transportation Agency

Under the direction of the Planning Commission, we work to help guide the growth and development of our City.

SF Planning

We are one of the largest and most complex municipal operations in the City, with a 1,600-member workforce and a $384 million annual operating budget.

Public Works

OEWD strives to create a thriving and resilient economy, where barriers to economic and workforce opportunities are removed, and ​prosperity is shared equitably by all.​

Office of Economic and Workforce Development

SFFD protects San Franciscans from fires and natural disasters, through education and emergency services.

Fire Department

We provide drinking water and wastewater services to San Francisco and hydroelectric and solar power to municipal departments.

Public Utilities Commission

We permit and regulate entertainment for venues and events in San Francisco.

Entertainment Commission

We help San Francisco residents, visitors, and businesses access City services and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, web, and mobile. We offer assistance in over 160 languages over the phone and our mobile app is available in Chinese, Filipino, Spanish, and English.

311 Customer Service Center

Shared Spaces is a program that reimagines how sidewalks, streets, and outdoor areas can be used, offering a more dynamic and flexible approach to public space.

3-Feet Emergency Access Gap

Shared Spaces 

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

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.

Shared Spaces

Shared Spaces

Shared Spaces

Resources

What to do

Apply for a permit

End your Shared Space

Use other kinds of space

Report a problem

Stay up to date

Contact us

Program resources

Program manual

About

Partner agencies