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San Francisco Overview
San Francisco Charter
San Francisco Administrative Code
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 2: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CHAPTER 2A: EXECUTIVE BRANCH
CHAPTER 2B: ASSESSMENT APPEALS BOARDS (TAX APPEAL BOARDS)
CHAPTER 3: BUDGET PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 4: CITY BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEHICLES
CHAPTER 5: COMMITTEES
CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 7: DISASTER COUNCIL
CHAPTER 8: DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND PUBLICATIONS
CHAPTER 9A: FARMERS' MARKET
CHAPTER 9B: FLEA MARKET
CHAPTER 10: FINANCE, TAXATION, AND OTHER FISCAL MATTERS
CHAPTER 10A: [REQUEST FOR SHERIFF’S SERVICES]*
CHAPTER 10B: SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
CHAPTER 10C: REIMBURSEMENT FOR TOWING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES
CHAPTER 10E: PLANNING MONITORING
CHAPTER 10F: 1660 MISSION STREET SURCHARGE
CHAPTER 10G: BOARD OF APPEALS SURCHARGE FOR PERMITS AND FEES
CHAPTER 10H: RECOVERY OF COSTS OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE
CHAPTER 11: FRANCHISES
CHAPTER 12: HOUSING AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 12A: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
CHAPTER 12D: MINORITY/WOMEN/LOCAL BUSINESS UTILIZATION
CHAPTER 12E: BAN ON CITY USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 12F: IMPLEMENTING THE MACBRIDE PRINCIPLES - NORTHERN IRELAND
CHAPTER 12G: PROHIBITION ON USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY RECIPIENTS OF CITY CONTRACTS, GRANTS, AND LOANS
CHAPTER 12H: IMMIGRATION STATUS
CHAPTER 12I: CIVIL IMMIGRATION DETAINERS
CHAPTER 12J: CITY BUSINESS WITH BURMA PROHIBITED
CHAPTER 12L: PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MEETINGS OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
CHAPTER 12M: PROTECTION OF PRIVATE INFORMATION*
CHAPTER 12N: LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER, AND QUESTIONING YOUTH: YOUTH SERVICES SENSITIVITY TRAINING
CHAPTER 12S: WORKING FAMILIES CREDIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 12Y: SAN FRANCISCO SLAVERY DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 13: JAILS AND PRISONERS
CHAPTER 14A: DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 14B: LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE UTILIZATION AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN CONTRACTING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 14C: [EXPIRED]
CHAPTER 15: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
CHAPTER 16: OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
CHAPTER 17: PUBLIC OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES
CHAPTER 18: PAYROLL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 19. PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 19A: PUBLIC HEALTH
CHAPTER 19B: ACQUISITION OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 20: SOCIAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 21: ACQUISITION OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21A: HEALTH-RELATED COMMODITIES AND SERVICES
CHAPTER 21B: COMMODITIES AND SERVICES RELATING TO PROJECTS ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
CHAPTER 21D: FOOD PURCHASES AT HOSPITALS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND JAILS OPERATED BY THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 21E: GOODS OR SERVICES CONTRACTS FOR INCARCERATED PERSONS
CHAPTER 21F: SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
CHAPTER 21G: GRANTS
CHAPTER 21H: PROCUREMENT OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
CHAPTER 22: RADIO COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22A: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22B: TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22C: PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
CHAPTER 22D: OPEN DATA POLICY
CHAPTER 22E: CITY-OWNED FIBER-OPTIC FACILITIES
CHAPTER 22G: OFFICE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
CHAPTER 22H: DESIGNATION UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)
CHAPTER 22I: OFFICE OF CYBER SECURITY AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
CHAPTER 22J: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
CHAPTER 23: REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
CHAPTER 23A: SURPLUS PUBLIC LANDS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CHAPTER 24A: ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE LOCAL RENT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM IN THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
CHAPTER 24B: RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
CHAPTER 25: STREET LIGHTING
CHAPTER 26. [RESERVED]
CHAPTER 27: HEALTHY NAIL SALON RECOGNITION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 28: ADMINISTRATIVE DEBARMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 29: FINDINGS OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FEASIBILITY
CHAPTER 29A: APPROVAL OF POWER PLANT; PLANNING CODE SEC. 303(q) CRITERIA
CHAPTER 29B: CHILD CARE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CITY AND CITY-FUNDED PROJECTS
CHAPTER 30: CENTRALIZATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 31: CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCEDURES AND FEES
CHAPTER 32: RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 33: COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
CHAPTER 33A: LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)*
CHAPTER 34: NOTIFICATION TO ASSESSOR CONCERNING ZONING RECLASSIFICATIONS OF PROPERTY, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES
CHAPTER 35: RESIDENTIAL, HOTEL, AND PDR COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER 36: COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS AREA PLANS AND PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 37: RESIDENTIAL RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 37A: RENT STABILIZATION AND ARBITRATION FEE
CHAPTER 37B: MIDTOWN PARK APARTMENTS
CHAPTER 37C: EVICTION PROTECTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL TENANTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
CHAPTER 38: COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS; ACCESS IMPROVEMENT OBLIGATIONS AND NOTICE TO SMALL BUSINESS TENANTS REGARDING DISABILITY ACCESS
CHAPTER 39: [RIGHT TO RETURN TO REVITALIZED PUBLIC HOUSING]
CHAPTER 40: HOUSING CODE ENFORCEMENT LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 41: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41A: RESIDENTIAL UNIT CONVERSION AND DEMOLITION
CHAPTER 41B: COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ACT
CHAPTER 41C: TIME-SHARE CONVERSION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41D: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL VISITOR POLICIES
CHAPTER 41E. RESIDENTIAL HOTEL MAIL RECEPTACLE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 41F: TOURIST HOTEL CONVERSION*
CHAPTER 41G: RESIDENTIAL HOTEL COVID-19 PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER 42: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 43: MUNICIPAL FINANCE LAW
CHAPTER 44: ADULT DAY HEALTH CARE PLANNING COUNCIL
CHAPTER 45: JURY FEES
CHAPTER 47: PREFERENCE IN CITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 48: RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
CHAPTER 49: SECURITY DEPOSITS FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY
CHAPTER 49A: RESIDENTIAL TENANT COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 49B: RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNITS: LOCK REPLACEMENTS BY LANDLORD WHEN TENANTS VACATE
CHAPTER 50: NONPROFIT PERFORMING ARTS LOAN PROGRAM
CHAPTER 51: VOLUNTARY ARTS CONTRIBUTIONS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 52: SAN FRANCISCO CARBON MITIGATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 53: URBAN AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 53A: URBAN AGRICULTURE INCENTIVE ZONES ACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 54: SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
CHAPTER 56: DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
CHAPTER 57: FILM COMMISSION
CHAPTER 58: RIGHT TO COUNSEL IN CIVIL MATTERS
CHAPTER 58A: RIGHT TO CIVIL COUNSEL FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CHAPTER 59: HEALTHY FOOD RETAILER ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 59A: FOOD SECURITY AND EQUITY REPORTS
CHAPTER 60: ASSISTED HOUSING PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 61: WATERFRONT LAND USE
CHAPTER 62: DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
CHAPTER 63: WATER EFFICIENT IRRIGATION ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 64: CITY EMPLOYEE AND CITY CONTRACTOR SAFETY AND HEALTH
CHAPTER 65: RENT REDUCTION AND RELOCATION PLAN FOR TENANTS INCONVENIENCED BY SEISMIC WORK PERFORMED PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 14 AND 15 OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BUILDING CODE
CHAPTER 65A: COMPENSATION, OR SUBSTITUTE HOUSING SERVICE, FOR TENANTS AFFECTED BY TEMPORARY SEVERANCE OF SPECIFIED HOUSING SERVICES DURING MANDATORY SEISMIC WORK REQUIRED BY BUILDING CODE CHAPTER 34B
CHAPTER 66: SEISMIC SAFETY RETROFIT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 67: THE SAN FRANCISCO SUNSHINE ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 67A: CELL PHONES, PAGERS AND SIMILAR SOUND-PRODUCING ELECTRICAL DEVICES
CHAPTER 67B: PARENTAL LEAVE AND TELECONFERENCING
CHAPTER 68: CULTURAL EQUITY ENDOWMENT FUND
CHAPTER 69: SAN FRANCISCO HEALTH AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 70: IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 71: MILLS ACT CONTRACT PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 72: RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR LEAD HAZARD REMEDIATION
CHAPTER 74: RENT ESCROW ACCOUNT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 77: BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION APPEALS
CHAPTER 78: DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION PERMIT TRACKING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 79: PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 79A: ADDITIONAL PREAPPROVAL NOTICE FOR CERTAIN CITY PROJECTS
CHAPTER 80: ANTI-BLIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 80A: ORDERS TO VACATE DUE TO HAZARDOUS HOUSING CONDITIONS
CHAPTER 82: LOCAL HIRING POLICY FOR CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 83: FIRST SOURCE HIRING PROGRAM
CHAPTER 84: SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTIAL RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FROM FEDERAL RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAMS BY THE FEDERAL QUALITY HOUSING AND WORK RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 1998 (QHWRA)
CHAPTER 85: THE HOUSING INNOVATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 86: CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FIRST COMMISSION
CHAPTER 87: FAIR HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 88: PERFORMANCE AND REVIEW ORDINANCE OF 1999
CHAPTER 89: DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
CHAPTER 90: ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION
CHAPTER 90A: PROMOTING AND SUSTAINING MUSIC AND CULTURE
CHAPTER 91: LANGUAGE ACCESS
CHAPTER 92: REAL ESTATE LOAN COUNSELING AND EDUCATION
CHAPTER 93: PREGNANCY INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND PROTECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 94: THE SAN FRANCISCO PLAZA PROGRAM
CHAPTER 94A: THE SAN FRANCISCO SHARED SPACES PROGRAM
CHAPTER 94B: ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
CHAPTER 94D: GREATER DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT MASTER PERMITTING FOR ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 95: IDENTIFICATION CARDS
CHAPTER 96: COORDINATION BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY
CHAPTER 96A: LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 96B: POLICY MAKING MARIJUANA OFFENSES THE LOWEST LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITY
CHAPTER 96C: POLICE INTERROGATION OF YOUTH - JEFF ADACHI YOUTH RIGHTS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 96D: PRESENTATION OF YOUTH CASES
CHAPTER 96E [DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DATA REPORTING]*
CHAPTER 96F: COMMUNITY POLICING PLANS
CHAPTER 96G: LIMITS ON POLICE DEPARTMENT USE AND STORAGE OF DNA PROFILES
CHAPTER 96H: LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT POLICIES
CHAPTER 96I: POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 96J: PROTECTING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
CHAPTER 97: HEALTHCARE IMPACT REPORTS
CHAPTER 98: THE BETTER STREETS POLICY
CHAPTER 99: PUBLIC POWER IN NEW CITY DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER 100: PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE IMPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
CHAPTER 101: RESTRICTING THE PURCHASE, SALE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES BY OR FOR THE CITY
CHAPTER 102: OUR CHILDREN, OUR FAMILIES COUNCIL
CHAPTER 103: NON-COOPERATION WITH IDENTITY-BASED REGISTRY ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 104: COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA
CHAPTER 105: CIGARETTE LITTER ABATEMENT FEE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 106: CITY NAVIGATION CENTERS
CHAPTER 107: CULTURAL DISTRICTS
CHAPTER 107A: AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107B: CASTRO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER (LGBTQ) CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107C: AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 107D: SUNSET CHINESE CULTURAL DISTRICT
CHAPTER 109: PRIORITIZING 100% AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CHAPTER 110: FORGIVABLE LOAN FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
CHAPTER 111: HOUSING REPORTS FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
CHAPTER 115: AUTOMATED POINT OF SALE STATION REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 116: COMPATIBILITY AND PROTECTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES AND PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT
CHAPTER 117: COOPERATIVE LIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
CHAPTER 118: PLACE FOR ALL PROGRAM
CHAPTER 119: SAFE PARKING PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 120: ADMINISTRATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDS
CHAPTER 121: CLOSURE OF JUVENILE HALL
CHAPTER 122: CLOSURE OF COUNTY JAIL 4
CHAPTER 123: LIBRARY LAUREATE PROGRAMS
CHAPTER 123A: LIBRARY READ TO RECOVERY PROGRAM
APPENDIX: Table of Initiative Ordinances and Policy Declarations
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code
BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE BUSINESS AND TAX REGULATIONS CODE
ARTICLE 1: PERMIT PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 2: LICENSE FEES
ARTICLE 3: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 4: [RESERVED]
ARTICLE 5: ELECTRICAL MUSICAL DEVICES
ARTICLE 6: COMMON ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 7: TAX ON TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL ROOMS
ARTICLE 8: SUGARY DRINKS DISTRIBUTOR TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 9: TAX ON OCCUPANCY OF PARKING SPACE IN PARKING STATIONS
ARTICLE 10: UTILITY USERS TAX
ARTICLE 10B: ACCESS LINE TAX
ARTICLE 11: STADIUM OPERATOR ADMISSION TAX
ARTICLE 12: BUSINESS REGISTRATION
ARTICLE 12-A: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12-A-1: GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 12-B: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 12B-1: NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION AND GRAFFITI CLEAN-UP FUND TAX OPTION
ARTICLE 12-C: REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
ARTICLE 12-D: UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
ARTICLE 13: CONNECTIONS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TERMINAL ALARM PANEL
ARTICLE 14: TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
ARTICLE 15: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 15A: PUBLIC REALM LANDSCAPING, IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS ("GREEN BENEFIT DISTRICTS")
ARTICLE 16: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 17: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 20: FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 21: EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COMMERCIAL RENTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 22: PARKING STATIONS; REVENUE CONTROL EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 23: VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE EXPENDITURE PLAN
ARTICLE 28: HOMELESSNESS GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29: VACANCY TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 29A: EMPTY HOMES TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 30: CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
ARTICLE 32: TRAFFIC CONGESTION MITIGATION TAX
ARTICLE 33: OVERPAID EXECUTIVE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX
ARTICLE 36: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 37: FAIR WAGES FOR EDUCATORS PARCEL TAX ORDINANCE
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code
San Francisco Environment Code
ENVIRONMENT CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE ENVIRONMENT CODE
CHAPTER 1: PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE POLICY STATEMENT
CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 3: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CHAPTER 4: HEALTHY AIR AND CLEAN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
CHAPTER 5: RESOURCE CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 7: MUNICIPAL GREEN BUILDING REQUIREMENTS*
CHAPTER 8: TROPICAL HARDWOOD AND VIRGIN REDWOOD BAN
CHAPTER 9: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TARGETS AND DEPARTMENTAL ACTION PLANS
CHAPTER 10: TRANSPORTATION OF AGGREGATE MATERIALS
CHAPTER 11: CELL PHONE DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 12: URBAN FORESTRY COUNCIL
CHAPTER 13: ARSENIC-TREATED WOOD
CHAPTER 14: CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS RECOVERY ORDINANCE*
CHAPTER 15: GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM
CHAPTER 16: FOOD SERVICE AND PACKAGING WASTE REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 17: PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 18: SOLAR ENERGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM
CHAPTER 19: MANDATORY RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
CHAPTER 20: EXISTING BUILDINGS ENERGY PERFORMANCE
CHAPTER 21: CLEAN ENERGY FULL DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 22: SAFE DRUG DISPOSAL
CHAPTER 23: DRINK TAP ORDINANCE
CHAPTER 24: BOTTLED DRINKING WATER
CHAPTER 25: CLEAN CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS
CHAPTER 26: BETTER ROOF REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 27: ANTIBIOTIC USE IN FOOD ANIMALS
CHAPTER 28: FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICALS IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND JUVENILE PRODUCTS
CHAPTER 29: ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS IMPLEMENTATION*
CHAPTER 30: RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
CHAPTER 31: ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND CHARGING IN COMMERCIAL PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES*
CHAPTER 32: MANDATORY EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Fire Code
San Francisco Health Code
HEALTH CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE HEALTH CODE
ARTICLE 1: ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1A: ANIMAL SACRIFICE
ARTICLE 1B: PERFORMANCE OF WILD OR EXOTIC ANIMALS FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT OR AMUSEMENT
ARTICLE 1C: SALE OF ANIMALS
ARTICLE 1D: ANIMAL FUR PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 2: COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
ARTICLE 3: HOSPITALS
ARTICLE 4: DECEASED PERSONS
ARTICLE 5: PUBLIC HEALTH - GENERAL
ARTICLE 6: GARBAGE AND REFUSE
ARTICLE 7: LAUNDRIES
ARTICLE 8: FOOD AND FOOD PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 8A: CANNABIS CONSUMPTION PERMITS
ARTICLE 9: DAIRY AND MILK CODE
ARTICLE 10: MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 11: NUISANCES
ARTICLE 11A: BED BUG INFESTATION PREVENTION, TREATMENT, DISCLOSURE, AND REPORTING
ARTICLE 11B: HEALTHY BUILDINGS
ARTICLE 12: SANITATION - GENERAL
ARTICLE 12A: BACKFLOW PREVENTION
ARTICLE 12B: SOIL BORING AND WELL REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 12C: ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NON-POTABLE APPLICATIONS
ARTICLE 14: AMBULANCES AND ROUTINE MEDICAL TRANSPORT VEHICLES
ARTICLE 15: PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATING THE USE OF 'ECONOMIC POISONS'
ARTICLE 17: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY AT SAN FRANCISCO GENERAL HOSPITAL
ARTICLE 18: PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE OF CITATIONS TO VIOLATORS
ARTICLE 19: SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL
ARTICLE 19A: REGULATING SMOKING IN EATING ESTABLISHMENTS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19B: REGULATING SMOKING IN SHARED OFFICE WORKPLACE [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19C: REGULATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND IN HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL AND CHILD CARE FACILITIES [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19D: PROHIBITING CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES
ARTICLE 19E: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT AND CERTAIN SPORTS ARENAS [SUSPENDED]
ARTICLE 19F: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN ENCLOSED AREAS, CERTAIN UNENCLOSED AREAS, AND SPORTS STADIUMS
ARTICLE 19G: ENFORCEMENT OF SMOKING PROHIBITIONS
ARTICLE 19H: PERMITS FOR THE SALE OF TOBACCO
ARTICLE 19I: PROHIBITING SMOKING IN CITY PARK AND RECREATIONAL AREAS AND FARMERS' MARKETS
ARTICLE 19J: PROHIBITING PHARMACIES FROM SELLING TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19K: PROHIBITING SALES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON PROPERTY OWNED BY OR UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 19L: PROHIBITING SMOKING AT CERTAIN OUTDOOR EVENTS
ARTICLE 19M: DISCLOSURE TO PROSPECTIVE RESIDENTIAL TENANTS OF WHETHER A UNIT IS SMOKE FREE OR SMOKING OPTIONAL, AND INFORMING EXISTING RESIDENTIAL TENANTS WHERE SMOKING IS OPTIONAL
ARTICLE 19N: ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES - RESTRICTIONS ON SALE AND USE
ARTICLE 19O: [SMOKELESS TOBACCO - USE PROHIBITED AT ATHLETIC VENUES]
ARTICLE 19P: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS AGED 18, 19, OR 20
ARTICLE 19Q: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS
ARTICLE 19R: PROHIBITING THE SALE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES LACKING FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION PREMARKET APPROVAL
ARTICLE 19S: PROHIBITING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN SAN FRANCISCO
ARTICLE 20: ALKYL NITRITES
ARTICLE 21: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ARTICLE 21A: RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 22: HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 22A: ANALYZING SOILS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE
ARTICLE 22B: CONSTRUCTION DUST CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 23: VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINAL WORKER SAFETY
ARTICLE 24: CHLOROFLUOROCARBON RECOVERY AND RECYCLING
ARTICLE 25: MEDICAL WASTE GENERATOR REGISTRATION, PERMITTING, INSPECTIONS AND FEES
ARTICLE 26: COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD POISONING INVESTIGATION, MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
ARTICLE 27: HEALTH SERVICE SYSTEM AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 28: MEDICAL CANNABIS USER AND PRIMARY CAREGIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS
ARTICLE 29: LICENSING AND REGULATION OF MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS AND MASSAGE BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 30: REGULATION OF DIESEL BACKUP GENERATORS
ARTICLE 31: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 32: DISEASE PREVENTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
ARTICLE 34: HEALTHY PRODUCTS, HEALTHY CHILDREN ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 35: BIOLOGICAL AGENT DETECTORS
ARTICLE 36: CHILD COUGH AND COLD MEDICINE WARNING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 37: TRANS FAT FREE RESTAURANT PROGRAM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: ENHANCED VENTILATION REQUIRED FOR URBAN INFILL SENSITIVE USE DEVELOPMENTS
ARTICLE 39: COMMERCIAL DOG WALKING
ARTICLE 40: SAFE BODY ART
ARTICLE 41: MENTAL HEALTH
ARTICLE 42: [REPEALED]
ARTICLE 43: SURPLUS MEDICATION REPOSITORY AND DISTRIBUTION
ARTICLE 45: CITY-OPERATED ADULT RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
ARTICLE 46:
ARTICLE 47: ADULT SEX VENUES
ARTICLE 48: REQUIRING RETAIL PHARMACIES TO STOCK OPIOID ANTAGONISTS AND BUPRENORPHINE
ARTICLE 49: SPECIMEN TEST COLLECTION SITES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Municipal Elections Code
San Francisco Labor and Employment Code
San Francisco Park Code
San Francisco Planning Code
PLANNING CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE PLANNING CODE
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL ZONING PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 1.2: DIMENSIONS, AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES
ARTICLE 1.5: TRANSPORTATION, OFF-STREET PARKING, AND LOADING
ARTICLE 1.7: COMPLIANCE
ARTICLE 2: USE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 2.5: HEIGHT AND BULK DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 3: ZONING PROCEDURES
ARTICLE 3.5: FEES
ARTICLE 4: DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT REQUIREMENTS THAT AUTHORIZE THE PAYMENT OF IN-LIEU FEES
ARTICLE 6: SIGNS
SEC. 601. PURPOSES OF SIGN CONTROLS.
SEC. 602. SIGN DEFINITIONS.
SEC. 603. EXEMPTED SIGNS.
SEC. 604. PERMITS AND CONFORMITY REQUIRED.
SEC. 604.1. INFORMATION REQUIRED ON ADVERTISING SIGNS.
SEC. 604.2. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN INVENTORIES.
SEC. 605. PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 606. RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ENCLAVE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 607. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
SEC. 607.1. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
SEC. 607.2. MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 607.3. [REPEALED.]
SEC. 607.4. [REPEALED.]
SEC. 608. SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS AND SIGNS IN SPECIAL USE DISTRICTS.
SEC. 608.1. NEAR R DISTRICTS.
SEC. 608.2. NEAR SCHOOLS, PARKS, AND RECREATION FACILITIES.
SEC. 608.3. CIVIC CENTER SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS.
SEC. 608.4. TRANSIT CENTER SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.4A. [REPEALED.]
SEC. 608.5. NEAR FREEWAYS.
SEC. 608.6. NEAR CERTAIN SCENIC STREETS.
SEC. 608.7. NEAR RAPID TRANSIT ROUTES.
SEC. 608.8. MARKET STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.9. JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.10. STONESTOWN SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.11. HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS IN R DISTRICTS ADJACENT TO OR CROSS THE STREET FROM NC, C OR M DISTRICTS.
SEC. 608.12. 555 9TH STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.13. IN THE RINCON HILL DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.14. VINTAGE SIGNS.
SEC. 608.15. NORTHEAST WATERFRONT SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.16. CITY CENTER SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 608.17. 2301 CHESTNUT STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 609. AMORTIZATION PERIODS.
SEC. 609.1. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS LOCATED IN R DISTRICTS.
SEC. 609.2. [REPEALED.]
SEC. 609.3. WITHIN CIVIC CENTER SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS.
SEC. 609.4. SIGNS NEAR NONLANDSCAPED FREEWAYS.
SEC. 609.5. SIGNS NEAR LANDSCAPED FREEWAYS.
SEC. 609.6. SIGNS NEAR CERTAIN SCENIC STREETS.
SEC. 609.7. WIND SIGNS.
SEC. 609.8. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE STATION SIGNS IN R DISTRICTS.
SEC. 609.9. SIGNS NEAR RAPID TRANSIT ROUTES.
SEC. 609.10. IN THE MARKET STREET SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 609.11. IN THE JACKSON SQUARE SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 609.12. ON AND NEAR MARKET STREET FROM THE CENTRAL SKYWAY OVERPASS TO DIAMOND STREET.
SEC. 609.13. NONCONFORMING GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS IN NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
SEC. 609.14. IN THE NORTHEAST WATERFRONT SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT.
SEC. 610. VIOLATION OF GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN REQUIREMENTS.
SEC. 611. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGNS PROHIBITED.
ARTICLE 7: NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 8: MIXED USE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 9: MISSION BAY DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 10: PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURAL AND AESTHETIC LANDMARKS
ARTICLE 11: PRESERVATION OF BUILDINGS AND DISTRICTS OF ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND AESTHETIC IMPORTANCE IN THE C-3 DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 12: [RESERVED]
PLANNING CODE - INTERPRETATIONS
ZONING MAPS
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Zoning Maps
San Francisco Police Code
POLICE CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 1: PUBLIC NUISANCES
ARTICLE 1.1: REGULATING THE USE OF VEHICLES FOR HUMAN HABITATION
ARTICLE 1.2 DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN
ARTICLE 1.3: TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON RENTAL INCREASES RENT ROLLBACK BASED UPON APRIL 15, 1979, RENTAL RATES AND REFUNDING ANY RENT INCREASES
ARTICLE 1.5: DISPLAY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY CONSERVATION DECALS
ARTICLE 2: DISORDERLY CONDUCT
ARTICLE 3: GAMES OF CHANCE
ARTICLE 4: PARADES
ARTICLE 4.5: FUNERAL PROCESSION ESCORTS
ARTICLE 5: OFFENSIVE POWDERS
ARTICLE 6: FRAUD AND DECEIT
ARTICLE 7: ANIMALS AND BIRDS
ARTICLE 7.1: HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES
ARTICLE 8: MINORS
ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS CONDUCT REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 9.5: PROHIBITING OF PROFESSIONAL STRIKEBREAKERS
ARTICLE 9.6: REGULATIONS FOR SOLICITATION FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES
ARTICLE 10: REGULATIONS FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 10.1: REGULATING EXPOSURE OF PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS OR DRAWINGS ON NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 10.2: REGULATION OF COMPUTER RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 11: REGULATIONS FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 11.1: COMMERCIAL DISPLAY OF DEAD HUMAN BODIES
ARTICLE 11.2: REGULATIONS FOR ADULT THEATERS AND ADULT BOOKSTORES PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 12: REGULATIONS FOR AUTOMOBILES
ARTICLE 13: MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS FOR PROFESSIONS AND TRADES
ARTICLE 13.1: JUNK DEALERS - PERMIT AND REGULATION
ARTICLE 13.2 BICYCLE MESSENGER BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.3: CAR RENTAL BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 13.4: REDUCING RENTAL-CAR BURGLARIES
ARTICLE 14: LICENSES FOR ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 15: LICENSES FOR AMUSEMENTS
ARTICLE 15.1: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 15.2: ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS FOR EXTENDED-HOURS PREMISES
ARTICLE 15.3: PROHIBITING NUDE PERFORMERS, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES
ARTICLE 15.4: ENCOUNTER STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.5: NUDE MODELS IN PUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS
ARTICLE 15.6: ESCORT SERVICES
ARTICLE 15.7: EVENT PROMOTERS
ARTICLE 16: REGULATION OF CANNABIS
ARTICLE 17: MISCELLANEOUS LICENSE REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 17.1: REGULATIONS FOR FORTUNETELLING; PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 18: SAN FRANCISCO POLICE PISTOL RANGE
ARTICLE 19: DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
ARTICLE 20: REPRODUCING AND FURNISHING REPORTS
ARTICLE 21: BAN ON PUBLIC USE OF GAS-POWERED LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
ARTICLE 22: CITATIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HEALTH CODE AND POLICE CODE
ARTICLE 23: REGULATIONS FOR PORT AREA*
ARTICLE 24: REGULATING STREET ARTISTS*
ARTICLE 25: REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE PROTECTION AND SECURITY SERVICES*
ARTICLE 26: REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC BATH HOUSES
ARTICLE 27: REGULATIONS FOR MORTGAGE MODIFICATION CONSULTANTS
ARTICLE 28: REGULATIONS FOR PAWNBROKERS PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 29: REGULATION OF NOISE
ARTICLE 30: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR DRIVERS
ARTICLE 30.1: PERMITS FOR TOW CAR FIRMS
ARTICLE 31: REGULATIONS FOR TEMPORARY HELIPORTS AND PERMIT PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 32: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING BINGO GAMES
ARTICLE 32A: REGULATIONS FOR CONDUCTING POKER GAMES
ARTICLE 33: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, ANCESTRY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PLACE OF BIRTH, SEX, AGE, RELIGION, CREED, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, WEIGHT, OR HEIGHT
ARTICLE 33B: PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE NOT DISTINCTLY PRIVATE
ARTICLE 33K: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33L: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 33M: [EXPIRED]
ARTICLE 34: REGULATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS - PERMIT AND LICENSE PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 35: FIREARM STRICT LIABILITY ACT
ARTICLE 36: PROHIBITING THE CARRYING OF A FIREARM WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OR DRUG, OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM WHILE UPON PUBLIC PREMISES SELLING OR SERVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ARTICLE 36A: [SALE, MANUFACTURE, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION; POSSESSION OF HANDGUNS]
ARTICLE 36B: STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE 36C: PROHIBITION OF FIREARMS AT PUBLIC GATHERINGS
ARTICLE 36D: GUN VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDERS
ARTICLE 37: POLICE EMERGENCY ALARM ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 38: PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 39: PEDICABS
ARTICLE 41: PROHIBITING THE SALE OR POSSESSION OF REPLICA HYPODERMIC NEEDLES OR SYRINGES
ARTICLE 42: SALE AND DISPLAY OF AEROSOL PAINT CONTAINERS AND MARKER PENS
ARTICLE 42A: COLOR TIRES
ARTICLE 42B: MERCURY THERMOMETERS
ARTICLE 42D: SALE AND DISPLAY OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING HYDROFLUORIC ACID
ARTICLE 43: ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 44: CLOSED CAPTIONS ACTIVATION REQUIREMENT ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 45: FIREARMS AND WEAPONS VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 46: PROHIBITING SELF-SERVICE MERCHANDISING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS EXCEPT IN PLACES TO WHICH MINORS HAVE NO ACCESS
ARTICLE 47: PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
ARTICLE 48: LASER POINTERS
ARTICLE 49: PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS AND RELATED INFORMATION IN EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING DECISIONS
ARTICLE 50: CRIMINAL HISTORY IN ADMISSION TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
ARTICLE 51: STORMWATER FLOOD RISK DISCLOSURE
ARTICLE 52: OCCUPANT'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE A COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER
ARTICLE 53: REGULATION OF THIRD-PARTY FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
ARTICLE 55: ACCEPTANCE OF CASH BY BRICK-AND-MORTAR BUSINESSES
ARTICLE 56: VEHICLE SIDESHOWS
ARTICLE 57: SUPERMARKET CLOSURE ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 58: TENDERLOIN RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT PILOT PROGRAM
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Port Code
San Francisco Public Works Code
PUBLIC WORKS CODE
THE SAN FRANCISCO CODES
PREFACE TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CODE
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
ARTICLE 2: PUBLIC CONTRACT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 2.1: PERMIT FEES AND OCCUPANCY ASSESSMENTS
ARTICLE 2.3: HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD
ARTICLE 2.4: EXCAVATION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
ARTICLE 3: REGULATIONS IN REGARD TO WORKING CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 4: SEWERS
ARTICLE 4.1: INDUSTRIAL WASTE
ARTICLE 4.2. SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE 4.3: SEWERS
ARTICLE 5: STREET FLOWER MARKETS
ARTICLE 5.1: ANTI-LITTER RECEPTACLES
ARTICLE 5.2: TABLES AND CHAIRS IN PUBLIC SIDEWALK OR ROADWAY AREAS
ARTICLE 5.3: DISPLAY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OR NONFOOD MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 5.4: REGULATION OF NEWSRACKS
ARTICLE 5.5: DISTRIBUTION OF FREE SAMPLE MERCHANDISE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
ARTICLE 5.6: POSTING OF SIGNS ON CITY-OWNED LAMP POSTS OR UTILITY POLES
ARTICLE 5.7: HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION ON PRIVATE PREMISES; DISPLAY OF BANNERS
ARTICLE 5.8: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE FOOD FACILITIES CONCERNING PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
ARTICLE 5.9: PERMIT REGULATIONS FOR VENDORS
ARTICLE 6: STREET IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
ARTICLE 6.1: IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE CODE
ARTICLE 7: MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS
ARTICLE 9: UNACCEPTED STREETS
ARTICLE 11: SPUR TRACKS
ARTICLE 13: ENGINEERING INSPECTION
ARTICLE 14: UNDERGROUND PIPES, WIRES AND CONDUITS
ARTICLE 15: MISCELLANEOUS
ARTICLE 16: URBAN FORESTRY ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 16.1: TREE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
ARTICLE 17: CONTROL OF DUMPS DISPOSING OF MATERIALS FROM CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION
ARTICLE 18: UTILITY FACILITIES
ARTICLE 19: PUBLIC TELEPHONE BOOTHS ON PUBLIC SIDEWALKS
ARTICLE 20: PROHIBITED BICYCLE ACTIONS AND TRANSACTIONS
ARTICLE 21: RESTRICTION OF USE OF POTABLE WATER FOR SOIL COMPACTION AND DUST CONTROL ACTIVITIES
ARTICLE 22: RECLAIMED WATER USE
ARTICLE 23: GRAFFITI REMOVAL AND ABATEMENT
ARTICLE 24: SHOPPING CARTS
ARTICLE 25: PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES
ARTICLE 26*: ILLEGAL DUMPING
ARTICLE 27: SURFACE-MOUNTED FACILITIES
References to Ordinances
San Francisco Subdivision Code
San Francisco Transportation Code
Comprehensive Ordinance List
San Francisco Building Inspection Commission (BIC) Codes
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SEC. 604.1. INFORMATION REQUIRED ON ADVERTISING SIGNS.
   (a)   Information Required on General Advertising Signs. Each general advertising sign authorized by this Code shall bear the following information:
      (1)   an imprint identifying the name of the sign company;
      (2)   the permit number; and
      (3)   the permitted sign dimensions.
      This information shall be imprinted and maintained on the face or edge of the sign. Electric signs may have an approved metal tag attached to them instead of imprinted characters. See also requirements specified in Section 3102F.2 of the San Francisco Building Code.
      The required text size shall be:
      (i)   a minimum of 2 inches in height for general advertising signs of 100 square feet or less;
      (ii)   a minimum of 4 inches in height for general advertising signs of 101 square feet to 500 square feet; and
      (iii)   a minimum of 8 inches in height for general advertising signs of over 500 square feet.
   (b)   New Signs; When Required. The information required by Subsection (a) shall be provided on each new general advertising sign or whenever a new permit is required, and must be kept accurate and maintained regardless of change of text or graphics.
   (c)   Existing Signs; When Required. The information required by Subsection (a) shall be included on each existing general advertising sign within twelve months of the effective date of this legislation. If no permit can be located within the 12-month period, the Director of Planning shall grant one six-month extension to allow the owner of the sign to apply for and obtain the in-lieu identifying number referred to below in this Subsection (c).
      Where no permit can be located for a general advertising sign but the Director of the Planning Department concludes, based on evidence submitted to or possessed by the Planning Department, that the sign likely was legally authorized at the time it was installed at its current location, the Department shall issue an identifying number in lieu of a permit number and the sign shall be considered a lawful nonconforming use under Section 604(h) of this Code. This identifying number shall be imprinted and maintained on the sign in lieu of the permit number required by Subsection 604.1(a) above. The Director's conclusion concerning the legality or illegality of the sign and the rationale supporting that conclusion shall be set forth in writing and mailed to the applicant.
   (d)   Violations; Additional Penalty. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be deemed to be a violation of Article 6 and subject to the penalties for violation set forth in this Article 6 or elsewhere in this Code. If the Director of Planning determines that the information provided on the sign, as required by Subsection (a), is knowingly false, inaccurate or misleading, an additional penalty of $1,000.00 a day may be imposed by the Director on the sign company in addition to the other penalties set forth in this Article 6 or elsewhere in this Code.
(Added by Ord. 73-01, File No. 002196, App. 5/18/2001; amended by Ord. 232-02, File No. 021727, App. 12/20/2002)
SEC. 604.2. GENERAL ADVERTISING SIGN INVENTORIES.
   (a)   Submission of Initial Sign Inventory. Within 60 days of the effective date of this Section, any general advertising sign company that owns a general advertising sign located in the City shall submit to the Department a current, accurate, and complete inventory of its general advertising signs together with the inventory processing fee required by subsection (f) below. Any general advertising company that commences ownership of one or more general advertising signs located in the City after the effective date of this Section shall submit an inventory together with the inventory processing fee within 60 days after its commences such ownership whether or not the signs on the inventory have previously been reviewed by the Department in its review of the inventory of a previous owner.
   (b)   All Signs to be Included in the Inventory; Inclusion Not Evidence of Legality. The inventory shall identify all general advertising signs located within the City that the general advertising company owns and/or operates under a lease, license or other agreement whether or not those signs can be proved to be lawfully existing. Inclusion of a sign on the inventory shall not be considered evidence that a sign is lawfully existing.
      For purposes of this Section, a "general advertising sign company" shall mean an entity that owns a general advertising sign structure, as distinguished from the person or entity that owns the property on which the sign is located.
   (c)   The initial sign inventory required by subsection (a) above shall include a site map that shows the location of all signs identified in the inventory, and shall provide the following information for each sign:
      (1)   The location of the sign by street address, by block and lot, and by nearest intersection;
      (2)   A photograph of the sign in its existing location on the lot, specifically identifying the sign;
      (3)   The date of original erection or installation of the sign, if known;
      (4)   The permit number or in-lieu identifying number issued by the Department pursuant to Section 604.1(c) of this Code;
      (5)   The approved and existing area, dimensions, height, and any other special features of the sign such as illumination or movement;
      (6)   The type of sign, as defined in Section 602 of this Code;
      (7)   Evidence that the sign has not been removed and still exists at the authorized location, and that the sign company is the owner of the sign structure;
      (8)   Permit number and, in the case of subsequent modifications of the sign, including, but not limited to, illumination, permit application number or permit number;
      (9)   Evidence that the sign still is in use for general advertising; and
      (10)   Information, if known, whether the sign had a prior use as a non-general advertising sign, including, but not limited to, a business sign or exempt sign, and the duration of such prior use.
   (d)   Affidavit. The general advertising sign company shall submit with the inventory an affidavit signed under penalty of perjury by a duly authorized officer or owner of the sign company stating that:
      (1)   The sign inventory and site map are current, accurate, and complete to the best of his or her knowledge;
      (2)   The officer or owner believes, after the exercise of reasonable and prudent inquiry, that all signs on the inventory have been erected or installed with an appropriate City permit or have an in-lieu identifying number granted by the Director of Planning;
      (3)   The general advertising sign company is the owner of all sign structures listed on the inventory.
   (e)   Inventory Update. Any general advertising sign company that has submitted an initial sign inventory pursuant to subsection (a) above shall be responsible for keeping its inventory updated by reporting in writing to the Department the sale or removal of any general advertising sign identified in the inventory, the purchase of a sign from another sign company or owner, or the relocation of a sign pursuant to a Relocation Agreement and conditional use authorization. Such reporting to the Department shall be made within 30 days of the actual sale, removal, purchase, or relocation of the sign. The fee charged to a sign company for an update to its initial sign inventory shall be the fee per sign structure set forth in Section 358 of this Code.
   (f)   Inventory Processing Fee. With the submission of the initial sign inventory required by subsection (a) above, the general advertising sign company shall pay the inventory processing fee set forth in Section 358 of this Code. After payment of this initial inventory processing fee, the general advertising sign company shall annually pay an inventory maintenance fee as set forth in Section 358. The Department shall use the inventory processing fee solely for the following purposes:
      (1)   To compensate the Department for its costs in verifying that the signs identified in the corresponding inventory are lawfully existing;
      (2)   To obtain removal, through abatement actions or other Code enforcement activities, of any signs included on the inventory that the Department determines to be existing illegally.
   (g)   Departmental Notification of Failure to Submit Complete Inventories. The Department shall notify in writing those sign companies that have not submitted or have submitted incomplete sign inventories, or have not timely submitted an inventory update.
      (1)   Within 30 days of the date of notification provided under Subsection (g), the sign company shall submit a complete inventory with the inventory processing fee and a penalty of $580.00 per sign for those signs that were not identified or those improperly identified.
      (2)   If the sign company fails to submit the complete inventory with the processing fee and full penalty amount provided in Subsection (g)(1), then, within 60 days of the date of notification provided under Subsection (g), the penalty will increase to $1,160.00 per sign for those signs that were not identified or those improperly identified.
      (3)   Any penalties assessed pursuant to Subsections (g)(1) and (2) above, are appealable to the Board of Appeals.
      (4)   The Board of Appeals, in reviewing the appeal of the penalty assessed may reduce the amount of the penalty if the Board of Appeals finds that the sign owner: (i) was not properly notified or (ii) had previously submitted a sign inventory that included the signs for which the penalty was assessed. The Board of Appeals also may reduce the amount of the penalty if it finds that any action on the part of the Department resulted an improper assessment of the penalty charge.
      (5)   If the sign company fails to submit the full penalty amount assessed pursuant to Subsections (g)(1) and (2) or as modified by the Board of Appeals pursuant to Subsections (g)(3) and (4), the Planning Department shall request the City's Treasurer/Tax Collector to pursue the outstanding penalties after 90 days of the date of notification provided under Subsection (g).
      (6)   All penalty revenues received shall be deposited in the Code Enforcement Fund.
   (h)   The Department shall submit to the Commission and the Board of Supervisors an annual report that includes: (i) annual revenues from the inventory processing fee, annual inventory maintenance fee, in-lieu application fee, and the relocation agreement application fee, (ii) annual expenditures for the sign inventory program, and (iii) a progress report on the number of general advertising signs verified in the sign inventory; in-lieu requests; and Code enforcement actions for general advertising signs processing, backlog, and abatement actions.
(Added by Ord. 140-06, File 052921, App. 6/22/2006; Ord. 200-06, File No. 060849, App. 7/21/2006)
SEC. 605. PUBLIC USE DISTRICTS.
   Business signs in P Districts shall be subject to the controls of this Article 6 for the zoning district nearest the location of the proposed sign, other than Public Districts or Residential Districts. No general advertising sign, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be permitted.
(Added by Ord. 263-65, App. 10/22/65; amended by Ord. 285-94, App. 8/2/94; Ord. 80-14 , File No. 140062, App. 6/13/2014, Eff. 7/13/2014)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Section amended; Ord. 80-14 , Eff. 7/13/2014.
SEC. 606. RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ENCLAVE DISTRICTS.
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
   Signs in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:
   (a)   General Provisions for All Signs. 
      (1)   No sign shall project beyond a street property line or legislated setback line, or into a required front setback area.
      (2)   No sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating or otherwise animated part, or (if permitted to be illuminated) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light.
      (3)   No roof sign, wind sign, or general advertising sign shall be permitted.
      (4)   No sign shall extend above the roofline of a building to which it is attached, or above a height of 12 feet, except as permitted below.
   (b)   Signs for Uses Permitted in Residential and Residential Enclave Districts. The following types of signs, subject to the limitations prescribed for them, shall be the only signs permitted for uses authorized as principal or conditional uses in R and RED Districts, except that signs for any commercial establishments shall be subject to the limitations of Paragraph (c) below.
      (1)   One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated nameplate for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and having an area not exceeding one square foot in RH Districts or two square feet in RM or RED Districts.
      (2)   One identifying sign for each street frontage of the lot, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, and meeting the following additional requirements:
         (A)   In RH Districts: nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated only; maximum area 12 square feet;
         (B)   In RM, RTO or RED Districts: maximum area eight square feet if directly illuminated, and 20 square feet if nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (3)   Sale or Lease Signs. One temporary nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sale or lease sign for each street frontage of the total parcel involved, not exceeding a height of 24 feet if freestanding and not above the roofline if attached to a building, and having an area not exceeding six square feet for each lot or for each 3,000 square feet in such total parcel, whichever ratio permits the larger area, provided that no such sign shall exceed 50 square feet in area and any such sign exceeding 18 square feet in area shall be set back at least 25 feet from all street property lines. Any sale or lease sign shall be removed within seven days following removal of the property from the market.
      (4)   Construction Signs. Temporary nonilluminated signs of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, giving their names and information pertinent to the project, not exceeding a height of 12 feet, with the combined area of all such signs not to exceed 10 square feet for each street frontage of the project.
   (c)   Business Signs for Limited Commercial Uses. For Limited Commercial Uses, as described in Section 186 of this Code, and for Limited Corner Commercial Uses, as permitted by Section 231, the following controls shall apply:
      (1)   Wall Signs. One wall sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by the use, placed flat against the wall that faces such street and not located above the ground floor. Such sign shall not exceed an area of one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage occupied by the building or part thereof that is devoted to the commercial use or 50 square feet per street frontage, whichever is less. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (2)   Window Signs. Window signs, limited to signs painted or similarly applied directly on the surface of the window glass, are permitted. The total area of all window signs, as defined in Section 602.1(b), shall not exceed one-quarter the area of the window on which the signs are located. Such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (3)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting signs shall not exceed one per business. The area of such sign, as defined in Section 602.1(a), shall not exceed six square feet. The height of such sign shall not exceed 14 feet, or the height of the lowest residential windowsill above the commercial use, whichever is lower. No part of the sign shall project more than 75 percent of the horizontal distance from the street property line to the curbline, or four feet, whichever is less. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (4)   Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted awnings in lieu of wall signs and projecting signs. The area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602.1(c) shall not exceed 20 square feet per business. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (5)   Illumination. Any illumination permitted for signs covered by this Subsection (c) shall be extinguished at all times when the commercial use is not open for business.
   (d)   Signs for Other Nonconforming Uses. Any illumination permitted for signs covered by this Subsection (d) shall be extinguished at all times when the nonconforming use is not open for business.
      (1)   Automobile Service Stations. The following business signs are permitted for an automobile service station. Any such signs may be nonilluminated or indirectly or directly illuminated. Directly illuminated signs may be illuminated only during open business hours.
         (A)   A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 24 feet if freestanding. The area of any such sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a sign or signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. The areas of other permanent and temporary signs as covered in Subparagraph 606(d)(1)(B) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this Subparagraph.
          (B)   Other Permanent and Temporary Signs Customarily Incidental to the Service Station Business. No such sign shall extend above the roofline if attached to a building, or exceed a height of 12 feet if freestanding. The area of such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet for each such sign or a total of 80 square feet for all such signs on the premises.
      (2)   Open Land Uses. If there is no building with more than 50 square feet of floor area involved in the use, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by such use, not exceeding a height of 12 feet and having an area not exceeding one square foot for each foot of such street frontage. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 50 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (3)   Other Uses. For a use not listed in Subsections 606(c) or 606(d) above, one business sign is permitted for each street frontage occupied by the use, placed flat against the wall that faces such street and not located above the ground floor. Such sign shall not exceed an area of one square feet for each foot of street frontage occupied by the building or part thereof that is devoted to the nonconforming use. The total area of all signs for such a use shall not exceed 100 square feet. Any such sign may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
(Amended by Ord. 443-78, App. 10/6/78; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 72-08, File No. 071157, App. 4/3/2008; Ord. 56-13 , File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (b)(2)(B) amended; Ord. 56-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Introductory paragraph and divisions (b) and (b)(2)(B) amended; former division (b)(2)(C) deleted; divisions (b)(3) and (b)(4) amended; new division (c) added and former division (c) redesignated as (d) and amended; divisions (d)(1), (d)(1)(A), and (d)(3) amended; Ord. 22-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Section header and division (a)(4) amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015.
SEC. 607. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
   Signs in C, M, and PDR Districts, other than those Signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall conform to the following provisions:
   (a)   General Advertising Signs. No General Advertising Sign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District.
   (b)   Roof Signs. Except for Historic Signs and Vintage Signs, Roof Signs are not permitted in C, M, and PDR Districts.
   (c)   Wind Signs. No Wind Sign shall be permitted in any C, M, or PDR District.
   (d)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the area of the window or clear door on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
   (e)   Moving Parts. No Sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part (as distinguished from lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking or fluctuating), except as follows:
      (1)   Moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts may be used for the rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature.
      (2)   Notwithstanding the type of Signs permissible under subsection (e), a Video Sign is prohibited.
   (f)   Illumination. Any Sign may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly or Directly Illuminated. Signs in PDR, C-3, and M-2 Districts shall not be limited in any manner as to type of illumination, but no Sign in a C-2 or M-1 District shall have or consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except as specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, described in Section 608 of this Code, in the C-2 area consisting of five blocks in the vicinity of Fisherman’s Wharf. Notwithstanding the type of Signs permissible under subsection (f), a Video Sign is prohibited in the district.
   (g)   Projection. Except for Historic Signs, Vintage Signs, Historic Theater Marquees, and Historic Theater Projecting Signs, no Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline and in no case shall a Sign project more than six feet beyond the Street Property Line or building setback line.
   (h)   Height and Extension Above Roofline.
      (1)   Signs Attached to Buildings. Except as provided in Section 260 for Historic Signs, in Section 608.14 for Vintage Signs, and in Section 188(e) for Historic Movie Theater Marquees and Historic Movie Theater Projecting Signs, no Sign Attached to a Building shall extend or be located above the Roofline of the building to which it is attached. In addition, no Sign Attached to a Building shall under any circumstances exceed a maximum height of:
         In C-3: 100 feet;
         In all other C, M, and PDR Districts: 60 feet.
         Such Signs may contain letters, numbers, a logo, service mark and/or trademark and may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated.
      (2)   Freestanding Signs. The maximum height for Freestanding Signs shall be as follows:
         In C-2: 36 feet;
         In all other C, M, and PDR Districts: 40 feet.
   (i)   Special Standards for Automotive Service Stations. For Automotive Service Stations, only the following Signs are permitted, subject to the standards in this subsection (i) and to all other standards in this Section 607.
      (1)   A maximum of two oil company Signs, which shall not extend above the Roofline if Attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for Freestanding Signs in the same district if Freestanding. The Area of any such Sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage all parts of such a Sign or Signs that are within 10 feet of the street property line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such Sign shall project more than five feet beyond any Street Property Line or building setback line. The areas of other permanent and temporary Signs as covered in subsection (i)(2) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this subsection (i)(1).
      (2)   Other permanent and temporary Business Signs, not to exceed 30 square feet in Area for each such Sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such Signs on the premises. No such Sign shall extend above the Roofline if Attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any Street Property Line or building setback line.
(Amended by Ord. 64-77, App. 2/18/77; Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 134-97, App. 4/25/97; Ord. 276-98, App. 8/28/98; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 56-13 , File No. 130062, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Divisions (b), (d)(2), and (g)(1) amended; Ord. 56-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Divisions (a), (b), (c), (d)(2), and (e) amended; former divisions (e)(1) and (e)(4) merged into division (e) and amended; former divisions (e)(2) and (e)(3) deleted; divsions (f), (g)(1), (g)(2), and (h)(1) amended; Ord. 20-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Divisions (a), (b), and (c) amended; former divisions (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), (d)(2), (d)(4), and (h)(3) deleted; division (d) added; former divisions (d), (d)(1), and (d)(3) amended and redesignated as divisions (e), (e)(1), and (e)(2); former divisions (e)–(h)(2) amended and redesignated as divisions (f)–(i)(2); Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016.
SEC. 607.1. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
New Ordinance Notice
Publisher's Note: This section has been AMENDED by new legislation (Ord. 294-24 , approved 12/19/2024, effective 1/19/2025). The text of the amendment will be incorporated under the new section number when the amending legislation is operative.
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
   Signs located in Neighborhood Commercial Districts shall be regulated as provided herein, except for those signs which are exempted by Section 603 of this Code or as more specifically regulated in a Special Sign District under Sections 608 et seq. In the event of conflict between the provisions of Section 607.1 and other provisions of Article 6, the provisions of Section 607.1 shall prevail in Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts.
   In each such Special Sign District, signs, other than those signs exempted by Section 603 of this Code, shall be subject to the special controls in Sections 608.1 through 608.16, respectively, in addition to all other or, if so expressly specified in those Sections, in lieu of other applicable sign provisions of this Code. In the event of inconsistency with any other provision of Article 6, the most restrictive provision shall prevail unless this Code specifically provides otherwise.
   (a)   Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for regulations and provide guidance for their application.
      (1)   As Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts change, they need to maintain their attractiveness to residents, customers and potential new businesses alike. Physical amenities and a pleasant appearance will profit both existing and new enterprises.
      (2)   The character of signs and other features projecting from buildings is an important part of the visual appeal of a street and the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to street design and building design. These regulations establish a framework that will contribute toward a coherent appearance of Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts.
      (3)   Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts are typically mixed use areas with commercial units on the ground or lower stories and residential uses on upper stories. Although signs are essential to a vital commercial district, they should not be allowed to interfere with or diminish the livability of residential units within a Neighborhood Commercial District or in adjacent residential districts.
      (4)   The scale of most Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts as characterized by building height, bulk, and appearance, and the width of streets and sidewalks differs from that of other commercial and industrial districts. Sign sizes should relate and be compatible with the surrounding district scale.
   (b)   Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in NC and RC Districts. Roof Signs as defined in Section 602, Wind Signs as defined in Section 602, and Signs on Canopies, as defined in Section 136.1(b) of this Code, are not permitted in NC and RC Districts. No Sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking, or fluctuating, except as permitted by Section 607.1(i) of this Code. In addition, all Signs or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section 607.1 shall be prohibited.
   (c)   Identifying Signs. Identifying Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall be permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
      (1)   One Sign per lot shall be permitted and such Sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The sign may be a Freestanding sSign,1 if the building is recessed from the Street Property Line, or may be a Wall Sign or a projecting Sign. The existence of a Freestanding Identifying Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Business Sign on the same lot. A Wall Sign or projecting Sign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a Freestanding Sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such Sign may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
      (2)   One Sign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be permitted subject to the conditions in subsection (c)(1), but shall not exceed 30 square feet in area. Any sign identifying a permitted Commercial Use in an NC District shall be considered a Business Sign and subject to Section 607.1(f) of this Code. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the shopping center or shopping mall.
   (d)   Nameplates. One Nameplate, as defined in Section 602, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each noncommercial use in NC Districts.
   (e)   General Advertising Signs. General Advertising Signs, as defined in Section 602, are not permitted in Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts.
   (f)   Business Signs. Business Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall be permitted in all Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
      (1)   Cole Valley, Lakeside Village, NC-1 and NCT-1 Districts.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed one square foot per square foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
         (C)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business. The Area of such Sign, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 24 square feet. The Height of such Sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. The Sign may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated, or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
         (D)   Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings in addition to Wall Signs and projecting Signs. The Area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602 shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated.
      (2)   RC, NC-2, NCT-2, NC-S, Inner Balboa Street, Outer Balboa Street, Broadway, Castro Street, Inner Clement Street, Outer Clement Street, Cortland Avenue, Divisadero Street, Excelsior Outer Mission Street, Fillmore Street, Upper Fillmore Street, Folsom Street, Glen Park, Inner Sunset, Irving Street, Haight Street, Lower Haight Street, Hayes-Gough, Japantown, Judah Street, Upper Market Street, Noriega Street, North Beach, Ocean Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Polk Street, Regional Commercial District, Sacramento Street, San Bruno Avenue, SoMa, Taraval Street, Inner Taraval Street, Union Street, Valencia Street, 24th Street-Mission, 24th Street-Noe Valley, and West Portal Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed two square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which it is attached, whichever is lower. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
            Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, a Wall Sign for a Movie Theater located within the Japantown NCD (i) shall not be higher than the height of the wall to which it is attached, (ii) shall have an area not to exceed 150 square feet, if it is located at a height of 30 feet or lower, (iii) shall have an area not to exceed 70 square feet, if it is located at a height of greater than 30 feet, and (iv) may be located on any building face so long as the total number of such Signs does not exceed the total number of streets on which the parcel containing the Movie Theater has frontage.
         (C)   Projecting Signs.
            (i)   The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business.
            (ii)   No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less.
            (iii)   Except as provided for in subsection (v) below, such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
            (iv)   Except as provided for in subsection (v) below, the Area of such Sign, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 24 square feet. The Height of such Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lowest.
            (v)   Within the Fillmore Street Neighborhood Commercial Transit District, one projecting Business Sign per building may exceed the size and height limits specified in subsection (iv) above, provided all of the following criteria are met:
               a.   The Area of the Sign, as defined in Section 602, does not exceed 125 square feet.
               b.   The Height of the Sign does not exceed the lowest of the following:
                  1.   60 feet;
                  2.   the height of the wall to which it is attached;
                  3.   the height of the lowest residential windowsill on the wall to which it is attached; or
                  4.   the lowest portion of any architectural feature located along the roofline, such as a cornice.
               c.   The sign is for the primary occupant of the building.
               d.   The sign employs a remote transformer.
               e.   The sign is designed with a minimum profile to be as narrow as is structurally feasible.
               f.   Any illumination of the sign is indirect, such as by the use of halo-lit lettering, and such illumination is used only during business hours.
               g.   The lettering or other inscription is arranged in a vertical manner.
               h.   The sign does not alter, cover, or obscure any architectural features of the subject building, such as cornice lines or belt courses.
               i.   The sign is attached in a reversible manner, such that no damage or destruction to any exterior features or cladding materials shall occur as part of the sign’s installation or removal.
         (D)   Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings or Marquees in addition to projecting Signs. The Area of such sign copy as defined in Section 602 shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on Marquees for Movie Theaters or places of Entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
         (E)   Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of Automotive Service Stations, which are regulated under Section 607.1(f)(4), one Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting Sign, if the building or buildings are recessed from the Street Property Line. The existence of a Freestanding Business Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Identifying Sign on the same lot. The Area of such Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the Height of the Sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
      (3)   Bayview, Geary Boulevard, Mission Bernal, Mission Street 2 Lower Polk Street, NCT, NC-3, and NCT-3 Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total area of all Window Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs. The area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (C)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business. The Area of such Sign, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 32 square feet. The Height of the Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (D)   Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings or Marquees in addition to projecting Signs. The Area of such Sign copy, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on Marquees for Movie Theaters or places of Entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
         (E)   Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. With the exception of Automotive Service Stations, which are regulated under Section 607.1(f)(4) of this Code, one Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting Sign if the building or buildings are recessed from the Street Property Line. The existence of a Freestanding Business Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Identifying Sign on the same lot. The Area of such Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower, as defined in Section 602, shall not exceed 30 square feet nor shall the Height of the Sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated, or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
      (4)   Special Standards for Automotive Service Stations. For Automotive Service Stations in Neighborhood Commercial Districts, only the following Signs are permitted, subject to the standards in this subsection (f)(4) and to all other standards in this Section 607.1.
         (A)   A maximum of two oil company signs, which shall not extend above the Roofline if attached to a building, or exceed the maximum height permitted for Freestanding Signs in the same district if Freestanding. The Area of any such Sign shall not exceed 180 square feet, and along each street frontage, all parts of such a Sign or Signs that are within 10 feet of the Street Property Line shall not exceed 80 square feet in area. No such Sign shall project more than five feet beyond any Street Property Line. The areas of other permanent and temporary Signs as covered in paragraph (B) below shall not be included in the calculation of the areas specified in this paragraph A.
         (B)   Other permanent and temporary Business Signs, not to exceed 30 square feet in Area for each such Sign or a total of 180 square feet for all such Signs on the premises. No such Sign shall extend above the Roofline if attached to a building, or in any case project beyond any Street Property Line or building setback line.
   (g)   Temporary Signs. One temporary nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sale or lease sign or nonilluminated sign of persons and firms connected with work on buildings under actual construction or alteration, giving their names and information pertinent to the project per lot, shall be permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 50 square feet and shall conform to all regulations of Subsection 607.1(f) for business signs in the respective NC District in which the sign is to be located. All temporary signs shall be promptly removed upon completion of the activity to which they pertain.
   (h)   Special Sign Districts. Additional controls apply to certain Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts that are designated as Special Sign Districts. Special Sign Districts are described within Sections 608.1 through 608.16 of this Code and with the exception of Sections 608.1, 608.2 and 608.11, their designations, locations and boundaries are provided on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.
   (i)   Restrictions on Illumination. Signs in Neighborhood Commercial and Residential-Commercial Districts shall not have nor consist of any flashing, blinking, fluctuating or otherwise animated light except those moving or rotating or otherwise physically animated parts used for rotation of barber poles and the indication of time of day and temperature, and in the following special districts, all specifically designated as “Special Districts for Sign Illumination” on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco.
      (1)   Broadway Neighborhood Commercial District. Along the main commercial frontage of Broadway between west of Columbus Avenue and Osgood Place.
      (2)   NC-3. NC-3 District along Lombard Street from Van Ness Avenue to Broderick Street.
      (3)   Notwithstanding the type of signs permissible under subparagraph (i), a video sign is prohibited in the districts described in subparagraphs (1) and (2).
(Added by Ord. 69-87, App. 3/13/87; amended by Ord. 445-87, App. 11/12/87; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 262-00, File No. 001426, App. 11/17/2000; Ord. 28-02, File No. 011962, App. 3/15/2002; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 61-09, File No. 090181, App. 4/17/2009; Ord. 140-11, File No. 110482, App. 7/5/2011, Eff. 8/4/2011; Ord. 195-11 , File No. 110448, App. 10/4/2011, Eff. 11/3/2011; Ord. 35-12 , File No. 111305, App. 2/21/2012, Eff. 3/22/2012; Ord. 42-13 , File No. 130002, App. 3/28/2013, Eff. 4/27/2013; Ord. 261-13 , File No. 130084, App. 11/27/2013, Eff. 12/27/2013; Ord. 227-14 , File No. 120796, App. 11/13/2014, Eff. 12/13/2014; Ord. 228-14 , File No. 120814, App. 11/13/2014, Eff. 12/13/2014; Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 229-15 , File No. 151126, App. 12/22/2015, Eff. 1/21/2016; Ord. 30-16 , File No. 151004, App. 3/11/2016, Eff. 4/10/2016; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 129-17, File No. 170203, App. 6/30/2017, Eff. 7/30/2017; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020; Ord. 223-21, File No. 210810, App. 12/17/2021, Eff. 1/17/2022; Ord. 68-24, File No. 240070, App. 4/4/2024, Eff. 5/5/2024)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Division (f)(2) amended; Ord. 140-11, Eff. 8/4/2011. Undesignated introductory material and division (h) amended; Ord. 195-11, Eff. 11/3/2011. Division (f)(2) amended; Ord. 35-12 , Eff. 3/22/2012. Division (f)(2) amended; Ord. 42-13 , Eff. 4/27/2013. Section header and divisions (f), (f)(2), and (f)(4)(A) amended; Ord. 261-13 , Eff. 12/27/2013. Divisions (e), [former] (e)(1), [former] (e)(2), and (f)(2) amended; Ord. 227-14 , Eff. 12/13/2014. Divisions (e), [former] (e)(1), [former] (e)(2), and (f)(2) amended; Ord. 228-14 , Eff. 12/13/2014. Undesignated introductory material and divisions (a), (a)(1)-(4), (b), (c), and (e) amended; former divisions (e)(1) and (e)(2) deleted; divisions (h), (i), and (j) amended; former divisions (j)(1) and (j)(2) deleted and former divisions (j)(3) and (j)(4) redesignated as (j)(1) and (j)(2); Ord. 22-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Division (f)(2) amended; Ord. 229-15 , Eff. 1/21/2016. Division (f)(2)(C) amended and divided into subdivisions (i)-(iii); new divisions (f)(2)(C)(iv) and (v) added; Ord. 30-16 , Eff. 4/10/2016. Divisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) amended; former divisions (j)–(j)(2) deleted; Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016. Division (c)(2) amended; Ord. 129-17, Eff. 7/30/2017. Division (f)(1)(D) amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Divisions (f), (f)(1), (f)(1)(D), (f)(2), (f)(2)(D), (f)(3), and (f)(3)(D) amended; Ord. 223-21, Eff. 1/17/2022. Division (f)(2)(B) amended; Ord. 68-24, Eff. 5/5/2024.
CODIFICATION NOTES
1.   So in Ord. 217-16.
2.   So in Ord. 223-21.
SEC. 607.2. MIXED USE DISTRICTS.
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
   Signs located in Mixed Use Districts shall be regulated as provided herein, except for signs in Residential Enclave Districts, which are regulated by Section 606, and those signs which are exempted by Section 603. Signs not specifically regulated in this Section 607.2 shall be prohibited. In the event of conflict between the provisions of Section 607.2 and other provisions of Article 6, the provisions of Section 607.2 shall prevail in Mixed Use Districts.
   (a)   Purposes and Findings. In addition to the purposes stated in Sections 101 and 601 of this Code, the following purposes apply to Mixed Use Districts. These purposes constitute findings that form a basis for regulations and provide guidance for their application.
      (1)   As Mixed Use Districts change, they need to maintain their attractiveness to customers and potential new businesses alike. Physical amenities and a pleasant appearance will profit both existing and new enterprises.
      (2)   The character of signs and other features projecting from buildings is an important part of the visual appeal of a street and the general quality and economic stability of the area. Opportunities exist to relate these signs and projections more effectively to street design and building design. These regulations establish a framework that will contribute toward a coherent appearance of Mixed Use Districts.
      (3)   Mixed Use Districts are typically mixed use areas with commercial units on the ground or lower stories and residential uses on upper stories or have housing and commercial and industrial activities interspersed. Although signs and other advertising devices are essential to a vital commercial district, they should not be allowed to interfere with or diminish the livability of residential units within a Mixed Use District or in adjacent residential districts.
      (4)   The scale of most Mixed Use Districts as characterized by building height, bulk, and appearance, and the width of streets and sidewalks differs from that of other commercial and industrial districts. Sign sizes should relate and be compatible with the surrounding district scale.
   (b)   Signs or Sign Features Not Permitted in Mixed Use Districts. General Advertising Signs are not permitted in Mixed Use districts. Roof Signs as defined in Section 602, Wind Signs as defined in Section 602, and Signs on Canopies, as defined in Section 136.1(b) of this Code, are not permitted in Mixed Use Districts. No Sign shall have or consist of any moving, rotating, or otherwise physically animated part, or lights that give the appearance of animation by flashing, blinking, or fluctuating. In addition, all Signs or sign features not otherwise specifically regulated in this Section 607.2 shall be prohibited.
   (c)   Identifying Signs. Identifying Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall be permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
      (1)   One Sign per lot shall be permitted and such Sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The Sign may be a Freestanding Sign, if the building is recessed from the Street Property Line, or may be a Wall Sign or a projecting Sign. The existence of a Freestanding Identifying Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Business Sign on the same lot. A Wall Sign or projecting Sign shall be mounted on the first-story level; a Freestanding Sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
      (2)   One Sign identifying a shopping center or shopping mall shall be permitted subject to the conditions in subsection (c)(1), but shall not exceed 30 square feet in area. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated during the hours of operation of the businesses in the shopping center or shopping mall.
   (d)   Nameplate. One nonilluminated or directly illuminated Nameplate, as defined in Section 602 of this Code, not exceeding an area of two square feet, shall be permitted for each noncommercial use in Mixed Use Districts.
   (e)   General Advertising Signs. General Advertising Signs, as defined in Section 602, are not permitted in Mixed Use Districts.
   (f)   Business Signs. Business Signs, as defined in Section 602, shall be permitted in all Mixed Use Districts subject to the limits set forth below.
      (1)   Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed one square foot per foot of street frontage occupied by the business measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 50 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less; provided, however, that in no case shall the Wall Sign or combination of Wall Signs cover more than 75% of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
         (C)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business. The Area of such Sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. The Height of such Sign shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the wall to which it is attached. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. The Sign may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated, or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
         (D)   Signs on Awnings. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings in addition to Wall Signs and projecting Signs. The area of such sign copy shall not exceed 20 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated.
      (2)   Chinatown Visitor Retail District.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed two square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 100 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (C)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business. The Area of such Sign shall not exceed 24 square feet. The Height of such Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
         (D)   Signs on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings or Marquees in addition to projecting Signs. The area of such sign copy shall not exceed 30 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated, except that sign copy on Marquees for Movie Theaters or places of Entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
         (E)   Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. One Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting Sign, if the building or buildings are recessed from the Street Property Line. The existence of a Freestanding Business Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Identifying Sign on the same lot. The area of such Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower shall not exceed 20 square feet nor shall the Height of the Sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated; or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
      (3)   Chinatown Community Business District, Eastern Neighborhoods, South of Market Mixed Use Mixed Use Districts, and the Downtown Residential Districts.
         (A)   Window Signs. The total Area of all Window Signs shall not exceed one-third the area of the window on or in which the Signs are located. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (B)   Wall Signs.
            (i)   In districts other than the Urban Mixed Use District. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached, or 150 square feet for each street frontage, whichever is less; provided, however, that in no case shall the Wall Sign or combination of Wall Signs cover more than 75% of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
            (ii)   In the Urban Mixed Use District. The Area of all Wall Signs shall not exceed three square feet per foot of street frontage occupied by the use measured along the wall to which the Signs are attached for up to 50 feet of street frontage, and an additional one square foot per foot of street frontage thereafter; provided, however, that in no case shall the Wall Sign or combination of Wall Signs cover more than 75% of the surface of any wall, excluding openings. The Height of any Wall Sign shall not exceed 60 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (C)   Projecting Signs. The number of projecting Signs shall not exceed one per business. The Area of such sign or Signs combined when there are multiple Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet. The Height of the Sign shall not exceed 24 feet, or the height of the wall to which it is attached, or the height of the lowest of any residential windowsill on the wall to which the Sign is attached, whichever is lower. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet six inches, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated, Indirectly Illuminated, or Directly Illuminated.
         (D)   Sign Copy on Awnings and Marquees. Sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings or Marquees in lieu of projecting Signs, except that in the Chinatown Community Business District, sign copy may be located on permitted Awnings or Marquees in addition to projecting Signs. The area of such sign copy shall not exceed 40 square feet. Such sign copy may be nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated; except that sign copy on Marquees for Movie Theaters or places of Entertainment may be directly illuminated during business hours.
         (E)   Freestanding Signs and Sign Towers. One Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower per lot shall be permitted in lieu of a projecting sign if the building or buildings are recessed from the Street Property Line. The existence of a Freestanding Business Sign shall preclude the erection of a Freestanding Identifying Sign on the same lot. The Area of such Freestanding Sign or Sign Tower shall not exceed 30 square feet nor shall the Height of the Sign exceed 24 feet. No part of the Sign shall project more than 75% of the horizontal distance from the Street Property Line to the curbline, or six feet, whichever is less. Such Signs may be Nonilluminated or Indirectly Illuminated, or during business hours, may be Directly Illuminated.
   (g)   Special Sign Districts. Additional controls apply within certain Mixed Use Districts that are designated as Special Sign Districts. The designations, locations, and boundaries of these Special Sign Districts are provided on Sectional Map SSD of the Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, and are described within Sections 608.1 through 608.16 of this Code.
   (h)   Other Sign Requirements. Within Mixed Use Districts, the following additional requirements shall apply:
      (1)   Temporary Signs. The provisions of Section 607.1(g) of this Code shall apply.
      (2)   Special Standards for Automotive Gas and Service Stations. The provisions of Section 607.1(f)(4) of this Code shall apply.
(Added by Ord. 131-87, App. 4/24/87; amended by Ord. 115-90, App. 4/6/90; Ord. 219-94, App. 6/3/94; Ord. 74-01, File No. 002218, App. 5/18/2001; Ord. 298-08, File No. 081153, App. 12/19/2008; Ord. 196-11 , File No. 110786, App. 10/4/2011, Eff. 11/3/2011; Ord. 20-15, File No. 110548, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015; Ord. 188-15 , File No. 150871, App. 11/4/2015, Eff. 12/4/2015; Ord. 217-16, File No. 160424, App. 11/10/2016, Eff. 12/10/2016; Ord. 63-20, File No. 200077, App. 4/24/2020, Eff. 5/25/2020; Ord. 223-21, File No. 210810, App. 12/17/2021, Eff. 1/17/2022; Ord. 240-24, File No. 240438, App. 10/18/2024, Eff. 11/18/2024)
AMENDMENT HISTORY
Divisions (e) and (f)(3) amended; former division (f)(3)(B) redesignated as (f)(3)(B)(i) and header added; division (f)(3)(B)(ii) added; Ord. 196-11 , Eff. 11/3/2011. Introductory material amended; former divisions (h), (i)(1), and (i)(2) deleted and former divisions (i), (i)(3), and (i)(4) redesignated as (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) respectively; Ord. 20-15, Eff. 3/22/2015. Divisions (d) and (f)(1)(C) amended; Ord. 188-15 , Eff. 12/4/2015. Divisions (d) and (f)(1)(C) amended; Ord. 188-15, Eff. 12/4/2015. Divisions (b), (c)–(c)(2), (d), (e), and (f)–(f)(3)(E) amended; former divisions (e)(1)–(e)(3) deleted; Ord. 217-16, Eff. 12/10/2016. Divisions (f)(2)(B), (f)(2)(C), (f)(2)(E), and (f)(3)(E) amended; Ord. 63-20, Eff. 5/25/2020. Divisions (f), (f)(1)(D), (f)(2)(D), and (f)(3)(D) amended; Ord. 223-21, Eff. 1/17/2022. Division (g) amended; Ord. 240-24, Eff. 11/18/2024.
SEC. 607.3. [REPEALED.]
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
(Added by Ord. 537-88, App. 12/16/88; amended by Ord. 79-89, App. 3/24/89; Ord. 327-96, App. 8/21/96; repealed by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015)
SEC. 607.4. [REPEALED.]
(See Interpretations related to this Section.)
(Added by Ord. 345-87, App. 8/21/87; repealed by Ord. 22-15, File No. 141253, App. 2/20/2015, Eff. 3/22/2015)
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