Planning approval of restaurant/bar use at the address (zoning check, Prop H 30-day review or Conditional Use): San Francisco restaurant guide
SF Planning
What it is
SF Planning must confirm that your use — Limited Restaurant (no alcohol), Restaurant (beer & wine) or Bar (full liquor) — is permitted in the parcel's zoning district before DBI will issue a building permit. Under Prop H (2020), most restaurant uses in Neighborhood Commercial districts are principally permitted and get a 30-day review with no neighborhood notice.
When a restaurant needs it
Every new restaurant or bar, and every change from one use category to another (e.g. retail to restaurant, Limited Restaurant to Bar).
How to apply
Look the parcel up in the Property Information Map, then file the Planning review with your building permit (over-the-counter at the Planning counter or online for Prop H 30-day review); uses that are not principally permitted need a Conditional Use Authorization hearing.
Documents you’ll need
- Property Information Map zoning report
- Floor plan with seating and kitchen layout
- Description of operations, hours and alcohol
- Building permit application (Planning routes on it)
Good to know
Prop H did not change the Mission 24th St, Mission St or SoMa NCT districts; formula retail (11+ locations worldwide) always needs Conditional Use in Neighborhood Commercial districts. Confirm the use category before you sign the lease.
Official source
SF Planning — Prop H / Small Business Recovery Act · Property Information Map (zoning lookup)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.