Wireless Providers

If you are planning to install or modify a wireless service facility, you may need one or more land use approvals from the City, in addition to building permits. If your project requires a licensed design professional (architect or engineer) for the preparation of your building permit documents, then the same licensed professional must prepare the plans used for your planning application. To determine if your building permit plans require preparation by an architect or engineer, please contact the Department of Building Inspection at dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org. 

Depending on the size, location, and zoning district of the property, your project will likely require a multi-step review process, including staff review steps and one or more public hearings.

There are several steps required for a wireless project approval in San Francisco:

The City’s Zoning Ordinance describes what type of wireless facilities are allowed in each zoning district. For any location at which you plan to install or modify a wireless facility, you should first determine whether the facility is Principally Permitted (P) or Conditionally Permitted (C) based on the zoning controls.

To find out the zoning of the project, visit San Francisco’s Planning Information Map, type in the subject address in the search bar, and select the “Zoning Information” tab on the left. Select the zoning link and a new window will open. In the new window, locate the Zoning Control Table and scroll down to “Wireless Telecommunications Services Facility” (WTS).

In addition, a Letter of Determination (LOD) may  be necessary if a proposed wireless facility is not easily categorized as one of the following: Micro, Macro, Temporary, or a Right-of-Way (ROW) installation. A LOD offers you guidance as to whether a proposed project conforms to the Planning Code. Once a LOD is issued, you still must obtain all applicable required building permits and/or certificates before a wireless use can begin, or a facility can be built. 

CEQA for poles, or other instructions related to facilities in the public right-of-way, please email CPC.Wireless@sfgov.org 

Visit San Francisco’s Property Information Map to determine if the location of the proposed wireless facilities is located within an Article 10 or 11 District or on a landmark.

If the proposed facility is located within an Article 10 District or an Article 10 Landmark, you are required to submit a Project Application and an Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness supplemental application to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org before filing a building permit.

If the proposed facility is located within an Article 11 District or an Article 11 Landmark, you are required to submit a Project Application and a Minor Permit to Alter supplemental application to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org before filing a building permit.

If you're looking to file a building permit application for a wireless facility, applicants can now drop off Building Permit Applications at the San Francisco Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applicants do not need an appointment for the drop-off service. Upon arriving to the Permit Center, you will be directed to the info desk for address validation and then to the intake desk where staff will place the application in the drop box. The Supplemental Planning materials (PRJ application, plans, photo simulations, RF report, DPH approval letter, coverage maps, written 6409 request if applicable, etc.) must be included with your drop-off. Once the permit application is filed, it will be processed as an Over-the-Counter with plans project.

For questions on wireless facilities, please contact CPC.Wireless@sfgov.org.

Process for Obtaining a Conditional Use Authorization for a Wireless Facility

1. Complete the intake appointment form and CUA application with associated supplemental materials .
2. Contact intake coordinator to schedule an appointment at CPC.Intake@sfgov.org
3. After formal submittal, the project will be assigned and comments will be provided within 30 days upon after staff has deemed a complete submittal.
4. Applications submitted via email outside of business hours/days will be considered submitted the next business day.
5. Once staff reviews the application and deems all materials complete, the project will be scheduled for a hearing before the Planning Commission and public notice will be required.

Visit San Francisco’s Property Information Map to determine if the location of the proposed wireless facilities is located within an Article 10 or 11 District or on a landmark. Please note that temporary facilities must meet Planning Code Section 205.2(d).

If the proposed facility is located within an Article 10 District or an Article 10 Landmark, you are required to submit a Project Application and an Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness supplemental application to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org before filing a building permit.

If the proposed facility is located within an Article 11 District or an Article 11 Landmark, you are required to submit a Project Application and a Minor Permit to Alter supplemental application to CPC.Intake@sfgov.org before filing a building permit.

If you're looking to file a building permit application for a wireless facility, applicants can now drop off Building Permit Applications at the San Francisco Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applicants do not need an appointment for the drop-off service. Upon arriving to the Permit Center, you will be directed to the info desk for address validation and then to the intake desk where staff will place the application in the drop box. The Supplemental Planning materials (PRJ application, plans, photo simulations, RF report, DPH approval letter, coverage maps, written 6409 request if applicable, etc.) must be included with your drop-off. Once the permit application is filed, it will be processed as an Over-the-Counter with plans project.

For questions on wireless facilities, please contact CPC.Wireless@sfgov.org.

Provided below are the most common handouts and applications that will get you started on your project.