Shared Spaces permit — parklet / parking-lane dining: San Francisco restaurant guide
SF Public Works / SFMTA / Planning (Shared Spaces program)
What it is
The permanent Shared Spaces program lets a restaurant build a public parklet or a movable or fixed commercial parklet in the parking lane; SFMTA and Public Works review the site plan and Public Works inspects the finished structure.
When a restaurant needs it
Any seating in the parking lane or curb lane.
How to apply
Submit the online application (about 20 minutes, cannot be saved) with a site plan, BAN, prior-year gross receipts, certificate of insurance, photos and neighbor consent; after conditional approval you have 60 days to build, then request the Public Works inspection and receive the permit PDF to post in your window.
Documents you’ll need
- Site plan (hand-drawn acceptable) with north arrow, utilities, hydrants and clearances
- Business Account Number
- Prior-year gross receipts
- Certificate of insurance
- Photos of the space
- Signed neighbor permission if the parklet fronts another business
Good to know
Pre-recorded music or TVs in the parklet need a Fixed Place Outdoor Amplified Sound permit; alcohol service in the parklet must be added to your ABC premises diagram. Contacts: sharedspaces@sfgov.org, inspections sharedspacespermit@sfdpw.org.
Official source
SF — apply for a Shared Spaces permit · Public Works permit fee schedule FY 2026-27
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.