The Port manages the leasing and development of waterfront properties.
Port properties include:
- Industrial space, storage and surface parking lots
- Offices, retail spaces and restaurants
- Museums
- Maritime facilities
- Open land and public spaces
The Port supports all types of small business owners. Read our goals for diverse local businesses (Port’s Racial Equity Plan).
Featured Properties
Master Leased Properties
The Port master leases several properties. Contact their leasing offices for inquiries about these locations:
Key Leasing Information
Retail Leases
“Retail opportunities” include:
- All restaurants and retail locations
- Entertainment venues
- Long-term event spaces
- Cultural institutions (i.e. museums)
Maritime Leases
The Port issues maritime leases for:
- Commercial fishing
- Fish processing
- Harbor services
- Bay excursions
- Cargo terminals, berthing and apron use
The Port sets a parameter rental rate schedule for maritime uses based on a comprehensive market review to determine the minimum rent based on facility, use and location.
Maritime rates are also set by the Port Tariff.
Prospective tenants should complete a lease inquiry first and then submit a lease application for their desired space.
Retail leases require solicitation and are available to the public to bid.
The Port may post Request for Proposals (RFP) for retail sites. The RFP lists the requirements necessary to be considered for the lease. The Port may also competitively solicit retail opportunities through a managed broker process.
Prospective applicants must submit:
- Forecasted financial projections
- Capital to be invested
- Proposed business terms that exceed the minimum and financial statements of the entities
The Port is committed to equitable opportunity and welcomes applications from local and minority business enterprises.
RFPs are reviewed and scored by an independent panel. The final scores are publicly available and presented at the Port Commission. The Port Commission selects a finalist and directs the Port to prepare a lease for approvals where needed.
Locations available for development are offered through a competitive bid process. Bids are posted on the website and shared with community groups and trade organizations.
Applications are reviewed and scored by an independent panel. The final scores are presented at the Port Commission. The Port Commission selects a finalist and directs the Port to prepare an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the selected developer.
The Port and development partners are required to reach out to community groups, stakeholders and regulatory partners for input throughout any proposed development. Proposals may need approvals from:
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
- US Army Corp of Engineers
- Port Commission
- Board of Supervisors
Future development opportunities are listed on our website and the City’s website.
It may take between 2-7 years for a development project to be approved.
The Port sets a rental rate schedule for its properties based on a comprehensive market review to determine the minimum rent based on facility, use, condition and location.
The Port prefers lease terms between 3 to 5 years. Shorter terms are considered in special cases. Longer terms are considered if needed to amortize substantial improvements or infrastructure repairs paid for by the tenant.
The Port may offer limited rent abatement to offset the costs of construction that improves Port facilities or extends the life of infrastructure. The Port may also allow tenants early entry to the property for construction before the rental term begins. These terms must be pre-approved.
The Port staff is authorized to approve leases that meet the following criteria:
- Space used for office, industrial, warehouse, storage space and land use
- Rental rates that are at or above parameter rates
- The total lease value over the full term is under $1 million
- The lease term is 1 to 9.5 years
Average time frame for approvals is 60-90 days.
Certain leases require approval from the Port Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
The Port Commission must approve leases that meet any of the following criteria:
- The lease is for retail use
- Rent is below parameter rates or below Fair Market Value
- Total lease value over term is more than $1 million
- Total term of the lease including any options is 10 or more years
Average time frame for approvals is 90-180 days.
The Board of Supervisors must approve leases with the following criteria:
- Lease is for retail use
- Total lease value over term is over $1 million
- Lease duration is 10 or more years, including any options to renew
Average time frame for approvals is 90-180 days after Port Commission approval.
The Port uses a standard lease form. Leases must remain compliant with local ordinances and laws and the Port’s land use plan.
Historic buildings must follow standards for historic properties. (add link).
Any changes to the form lease must be approved by the City Attorney.
Tenants are responsible for getting other permits needed to operate their business. This may include:
- Building permits
- Entertainment Permit
- Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License
- Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) permits
- Permits from other City agencies