Hanging string lighting in your neighborhood’s public spaces is a simple but very effective way to make your neighborhood’s streets, alleys and pedestrian pathways safer and more inviting. It’s amazing what a few simple bulbs set up in a strategic way can do to enhance a neighborhood’s appeal!
Depending on their location and layout, string lighting projects can either be considered Tier 2 or Tier 3 Love Our Neighborhoods Projects. Tier 2 string lighting may follow any sidewalk; Tier 3 string lighting is only eligible across a commercial corridor as defined by San Francisco’s Planning Code. They have the following permitting requirements.
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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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 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 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, TIF or JPG format.
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Clearly indicate where your proposed project will be within the site. For string lighting, this should be done in both an overhead and a side elevation or sectional view.
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Clearly indicate existing streets and buildings, rights of way, street trees, street structures and shared spaces and the distance your lights will be from all existing elements.
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For more complex projects that require excavation, construction or structural work, detailed civil engineering drawings may be required.
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Information about any materials you plan on using for this project.
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If you are using a prefabricated or mass-manufactured product, please include the specific product’s name as well as the manufacturer’s specification sheet for that product.
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Images of your proposed site. Please show the site’s dimensions on the photo and label any existing structures.
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Copies of Department of Building Inspection building and/or electrical permits, Public Utilities Commission or SFMTA pole use permissions, and others if required. If you are unsure about what is required, please reach out to Love Our Neighborhoods staff.
Step Three: Start your application
Your application will take 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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If your string lighting project falls under Tier 3, there are a few additional steps you must take after you’ve submitted your application, including:
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Public Works will schedule a public hearing about your project’s 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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You will need to provide a maintenance endowment once your project is approved.
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For both Tier 2 and Tier 3 string lighting projects, you will be asked to sign a Maintenance and Liability form based on your Maintenance Plan