Encroachment permit applications may be submitted by Port licensees, tenants and subtenants, utility agencies, or other City Departments. An authorized agent working on these parties’ behalf may also submit an application.
Film productions requesting to close Port streets or sidewalks must have a permit from the SF Film Commission.
An encroachment permit is required for work affecting public sidewalks and streets (the public right-of-way):
- Temporary occupancy of sidewalks and streets
- Sidewalk replacement
- General or utility excavations
- Vaults
- Wireless services facilities
Request a Street Parking Permit if your project affects street parking, to reserve parking or implement no-stopping zones.
The Port issues Building Permits for construction outside the public right-of-way.
Your project may require approval from additional City agencies. The Port can provide instructions if additional permits are needed. This may include:
- Impacts to vehicular or pedestrian traffic: Special Traffic Permit from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Apply for a Special Traffic Permit if your project cannot comply with regulations in the Blue Book.
- Impacts to City infrastructure: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
- Removal of trees: San Francisco Public Works, Bureau of Urban Forestry
Costs
Port Encroachment Permit fees are based on the current San Francisco Public Works fee schedule.
- San Francisco Fire Department Fee Schedule
- DBI Cost Schedule of Building Valuation Data - refer to sections on Fire Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarm Systems when calculating SFFD fees
Public Works Code
The Port adopts the San Francisco Public Works Code for all work in the public right-of-way.
Apply for an Encroachment Permit
- Complete the Encroachment Permit Application Form and email to permit-desk@sfport.com. You will receive a confirmation and a link to upload your files.
- Upload project files. Plans must comply with the minimum submittal guidelines outlined in the CCSF Electronic Plan Review (EPR) Applicant Procedure.
- Pay fee and begin review. The Port will begin review and may ask you to revise your submission or upload other files.
- An invoice will be emailed to you. Pay by credit card following the instructions on the invoice, or by check at the Permit Desk during drop-in hours.
- Review comments are posted on Bluebeam.
- Check your application status on Acela.
- Permit is issued. You will get a copy of the permit by email. Approved plans will be available in SharePoint.
Additional Forms and Special Cases
These forms are not mandatory for every project. Contact the Port Permit Desk with questions about what forms apply to your project.
- Encroachment Permit Time Extension Request
- Excavation Bond Form - required for any encroachment permit where excavation is proposed
- Night Noise Authorization Form - required for any encroachment permit construction work between 8 pm and 7 am
Encroachment Permit Inspections
Port Construction Inspectors perform inspections of encroachment permit construction work. Inspections are performed to verify that the work follows approved plans and SF Public Works code requirements for restoration of City streets and sidewalks.
Encroachment Inspections
Email epermitins@sfport.com to request an inspection.
Minimum 48 hours' notice of planned inspection date. Include a work commencement notification with your request.
Special Inspections
Some encroachment permit projects such as underground vaults or pole foundations require Special Inspections on the project plans. Where Special Inspections are required in an encroachment permit, the project must follow the Port of San Francisco’s requirements and procedures.
Contact Us
Building Permit Desk Drop-in Hours: 8:30am - 11:30am, Monday - Friday. Located at Pier 1 on The Embarcadero.
Appointments are not required. Applications may be submitted by email to permit-desk@sfport.com or in person on a USB flash drive to the Permit Desk.