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Conditional Use Authorization (Planning Commission hearing): San Francisco restaurant guide

SF Planning — Planning Commission

What it is

A discretionary approval with a public hearing, needed when the use is only conditionally permitted at the address — typically a Bar (full liquor) use in many districts, formula retail (11+ outlets worldwide) in any Neighborhood Commercial district, or a restaurant in the Mission 24th St, Mission St or SoMa NCT districts that Prop H did not change.

When a restaurant needs it

When the Property Information Map / Planning counter says your use category needs 'C' (conditional) approval.

How to apply

File the Project Application (PRJ) with the Conditional Use supplemental (and the Formula Retail supplemental if applicable) with Planning, do the required community outreach, then attend the Planning Commission hearing.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Varies — Planning fees are based on project cost; use the Planning Fee Calculator (FY 2026-27 schedule)
Processing time
Several months including pre-application outreach, notice and the Commission hearing
Renewal
None; conditions of approval run with the use
Who files
Usually prepared by a land-use consultant or attorney with the architect.

Good to know

Conditional Use decisions can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors. If your concept is a full-liquor bar, check the district's Bar use control before leasing — a Restaurant use with a Type 47 license is treated differently from a Bar use.

Official source

SF Planning — small businesses (CUA process guide) · SF Planning — formula retail policy basis

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.