Project Review and Land Use - San Francisco

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

The primary purpose of the lands that we own is for the unimpeded operation and maintenance of our water, power, and sewer system, and goals set forth in our land use policies. Any entity, be they public or private, contemplating using, crossing, or affecting our lands and infrastructure in any way must apply for permission to do so. This includes those planning to conduct work above, under, or adjacent to major facilities. 

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

Questions?

Please contact SF Project Review 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. Send Completed applications to SFProjectReview@sfwater.org.

   In-City SFPUC Project Review and Land Use Application

2. Follow up.

   After the initial application, SF Project Review Committee staff may reach out to the applicant with questions and requests for follow up documentation. SFPUC staff will guide the applicant through review and the authorization process should additional authorizations from other departments be necessary.

3. Modifications and Entitlements

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

4. Project Review Committee Hearing.

   SF Project Review meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of the month. Generally, once the application package is received, it will be discussed by the SF Project Review Committee at the next scheduled meeting. 

5. Comment Period

   After the meeting, there is a two-week period for 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 SF 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 prior to project commencement. 

The SF Project Review Comment Letter is also required to obtain authorizations from Real Estate Services.