Make an even longer lasting imprint on your neighborhood by constructing a brand-new retaining wall or staircase in the public right of way. Though these projects require much coordination and professional assistance to design and build, the end result will transform your neighborhood’s public spaces for generations to come.
Step One: Check if you're eligible
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Only the following types of organizations can apply:
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A nonprofit organization
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A community benefit district
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A merchants’ association
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An established community-based organization
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Your organization must have been in existence for a minimum of two years at the time of application submission.
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Your project must be located within the public right of way that is under Public Works’ jurisdiction.
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If your proposed project includes a tiled or painted mural on a newly-constructed retaining wall or staircase, your proposed design must be approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission. You will need your San Francisco Arts Commission resolution number and document packet in order to submit a Love Our Neighborhoods permit application.
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Check if your project can be safely placed within the desired area by reading the “General Placement Guide” on our Helpful Documents page. Every location is different, but this will help you get started.
Step Two: Gather your documents
We will ask for:
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Your name and contact information.
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Your organization’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or other proof your organization has existed for at least two calendar years. Documents that can be used to prove an organization’s existence include articles of incorporation, notes from past meetings, proof of past projects or events and financial statements.
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If your project has a sponsor, your sponsoring organization’s name and contact information.
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Your San Francisco Arts Commission document packet and resolution number if your project includes a mural.
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Your proposed project’s location.
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A general description of your proposed project.
You will need to upload:
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Your maintenance plan.
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Your construction plan and budget.
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A detailed site plan that follows these requirements:
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Be submitted in PDF format.
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Clearly indicate placement and dimensions of existing streets, rights of way, street trees and street structures.
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Clearly indicate where your proposed project will be within the site and its distance from existing elements.
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Stamped project drawings from a certified engineer.
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Please include information about any materials you plan on using on this project.
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If you are using a prefabricated or mass-manufactured product, much of this information will be included in the manufacturer’s specification sheet for that product. Please send in a copy of the specification sheet with your application.
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Photos of your proposed site. Please show the site’s dimensions on the photo and label existing structures.
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Step Three: Start your application
The application will take about 30 to 45 minutes to fill out.
What to expect after you apply
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Public Works will contact you for additional or clarifying information.
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For your project to be fully approved, Public Works will schedule a public hearing about its design and installation.
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Prior to the hearing, you will need to notify your neighbors of the upcoming hearing and planned project.
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Once your project is approved, you will need to provide a maintenance endowment.
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You will be required to sign a Maintenance and Liability Agreement for your project based on your Maintenance Plan.