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Sidewalk tables & chairs registration (no permit or fee since August 2025): San Francisco restaurant guide

SF Public Works (Shared Spaces)

What it is

Since August 2025 small businesses no longer need a permit or pay a fee for tables, chairs or merchandise displays on the sidewalk — you register the furniture with Public Works, which checks the location against the clearance rules.

When a restaurant needs it

Any café seating on the public sidewalk.

How to apply

Register the sidewalk tables and chairs with Public Works (sharedspaces@sfgov.org / the Shared Spaces application page); staff review the location for compliance.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
No permit or fee required (as of August 2025); the former annual Tables and Chairs license fee is on the Prop M elimination list
Processing time
Registration review by staff
Renewal
None
Who files
The business registers its own furniture.

Good to know

Keep at least 6 ft of clear sidewalk, 6 ft from corners, driveways and curb ramps, 5 ft around hydrants, 4 ft under fire-escape ladders and 3 ft around Fire Department connections (Public Works Order 212739).

Official source

SF — rules for sidewalk tables and chairs · Shared Spaces fees (notes the August 2025 change)

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