Hosting Events at the Port

All events must follow the City’s zero-waste policy and have a sanitation plan.  

Site plans must include where dumpsters or trash receptables will be placed. 

Zero-Waste Policy:

• Color-coded and labeled bins for recyclables, compostables and landfill trash. 
• Events with street closures must have a recycling and compost plan. 
• Food must be served or sold using recyclable or compostable containers. 
• Bottled water under 1 liter cannot be distributed or sold (footraces and sporting events are exempt). 
• No plastic straws, stirrers, toothpicks, or coffee lid plugs. 
• Drink lids, cutlery and napkins are available at a self-service station or upon request. 
• Provide or promote at last 10% reusable drink containers for events with more than 100 attendees. 

For paid ticket events with more than 2,000 attendees or events operated by a local agency: 

• Unsold or surplus food must be donated or recovered. Event needs an agreement with a food recovery organization or service in place before the event starts. The contract must estimate how much surplus food will be collected. 

San Francisco Department of the Environment zero-waste guidance 

Zero Waste Checklist 

The Port does not allowed the following for events: 

• Ground stakes  
• Bounce Houses 
• Fasteners such as staples, nails, spray adhesives, or screws 
• Glitter 
• Spray paint  
• Glass (i.e. glassware, bottles, tables, etc.) 
• Balloons, rice, bird seed, confetti, floating/wishing lanterns, fire dancing, eggs 
• Live animal releases 

Large decorations over 5 Feet 9 inches, such as arches, trellises or trusses, must get a Port building permit. 

Even if a structure is exempt, other permits (fire, encroachment, or change of use) may still apply.

Tents

• 400 sq ft or smaller → no building permit
• Over 400 sq ft → building permit required
• Multiple tents must be 12 ft apart or they are counted together

Stages & platforms

• 30 inches high or less AND not for public assembly → exempt
• Over 30 inches high or used by the public → permit required

Other temporary structures

• Shorter than 5 ft 9 in → exempt
• 5 ft 9 in or taller → permit required

This height rule exists because taller objects can tip or fall onto people.

All events go through an environmental review. Some events may need CEQA and BCDC approvals. 

Disposal of ice must be on concrete or asphalt - never on plants, grass, or foliage 

Foraging is never allowed on Port property. 

All events must meet ADA requirements: 

• Site plans must mark the dimensions between structures, tents, tables and restrooms 
• Portable toilets and handwashing stations must meet ADA regulations. 
• Provide handrails, ramps and electrical cord coverings. Their locations must be marked in the site plan. 
• Events with sound must display how to request ALD or sign language interpreters.  
• An ADA accessible viewing area is required for concerts, speeches and viewable events. 

Citywide accessible event guidelines  

If you are selling food at your event, apply for a temporary food permit from the Department of Public Health.

If you are serving alcohol at your event, apply for an ABC license.

Apply for a noise permit through the SF Entertainment Commission.

All signage and marketing must be shared with the Port at least 30 days before the event.  

The Port must approve marketing materials for large events. 

Allowed signage: 

• A-frames 
• Freestanding signs  
• Signs on freestanding canopies, umbrellas, etc.  

The Port does not allow: 

• Wind signs 
• Revolving signs 
• Signs with blinking, flashing or intermittent lights 

Signs may be posted only for the duration and locations listed on the permit. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the event ends. 

Signage should focus on event information: 

• Organization names 
• Contact info – phone numbers, website 
• Ads or sponsors cannot cover more than 15% of the sign  

Signs must remain in good condition while posted and will be removed if defaced or damaged. 

Signs can only be posted within the permit location and placed facing towards the event. 

Signs cannot block windows, door or other openings. 

Events that load in or out overnight must provide security. 

Required for large scale events: 

• Magnetometers or hand wands are required 
• Security plan with comunications plan

Events impacting public streets, parking and public transit must submit to SFMTA a transportation plan at least 120 days before the event. 

Cell sites on wheels (COWs) may be required for large scale events. 

Large-scale events must submit a communications plan with radio channels.

For events with more than 1,000 attendees, a medical plan must be submitted 90 days before the event. Site plans must show where medical services are located. 

Wayfinding signage and communications must be easily accessible for attendees. 

Special events are not guaranteed parking. If you require parking, you will need to request the appropriate permits. (link) 

Street closures must be requested from the Port. Some closures must also be approved by SFMTA.