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Project Review and Land Use - San Francisco

Outlining the procedures for applicants seeking to utilize, cross, or affect SFPUC lands and infrastructure located within the City and County of San Francisco.

image of San Francisco street looking up towards Nob Hill

The primary use of SFPUC land is for the delivery, operation, maintenance and protection of its water, power, and sewer systems. Secondary uses of lands devoted to these purposes may be permitted if those uses do not in any way interfere with, endanger or damage existing or future operations or the security of those systems, and there is a benefit to the SFPUC in permitting that use.

Any person or public or private entity contemplating using, crossing, or affecting SFPUC lands and infrastructure in any way must apply for permission to do so. Permission is required for any person or entity planning to conduct work above, under, or adjacent to major facilities.

Depending upon the proposed project’s complexity, the project review process can take months. Please plan accordingly.

Questions?

Please contact SF Project Review team at sfprojectreview@sfwater.org.

Project Review Process

  1. San Francisco Project Review starts with an application.

    All requested supporting attachments – project description, maps, drawings, and /or plans must be submitted prior to being calendared for Project Review consideration.

    San Francisco Project Review and Land Use Application

  2. Follow up.

    After receiving the initial application, the San Francisco Project Review Committee staff may contact the applicant with questions and requests for follow-up documentation. SFPUC staff will guide the applicant through the review and the authorization process if additional authorizations from other departments are necessary.

  3. Modifications and Entitlements

    In order to protect existing SFPUC infrastructure and comply with SFPUC policies, applicants may be asked to modify their proposed projects. In addition, applicants may need additional entitlements, i.e. permits or leases, from the SFPUC Real Estate Services Division, which could require approval by the SFPUC Commission or the Board of Supervisors. Therefore, please submit an application at your earliest opportunity to avoid any delay to your project.

  4. Project Review Committee Hearing.

    San Francisco Project Review Committee meetings are scheduled for every first and third Tuesday of the month. Generally, once the SFPUC receives an application package, the San Francisco Project Review Committee will discuss the application at the next scheduled meeting.

  5. Comment Period

    After the meeting, there is a two-week period for the SFPUC enterprises to submit comments, and then an additional week for review before a Comment Letter is issued.

  6. SF Project Review Comment Letter

    Following the San Francisco Project Review meeting, the Committee will issue a Comment Letter that will outline required project compliance and protection measures that need to be coordinated and completed by the applicant prior to the project commencement. 

    An San Francisco Project Review Comment Letter is also required to obtain authorizations from the Real Estate Services Division.

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