The Port has many parks, open spaces and buildings ready to host parties and events of all sizes. Anyone interested in hosting an event at the Port must apply for a permit. Certain events may need licenses, approvals and permits from other City departments. The Port's Special Events staff can help you through the process.
All events at the Port need an event permit. Port tenants must apply for an event permit if their existing licenses or leases do not allow them. Past events that have happened at the Port include:
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City sponsored events held on Port property
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Bicycle, foot races and other athletic events
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Private or public events on Port property paid for by a sponsor
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Private events on Port property
To protect the health and enjoyment of our public spaces and buildings, we do not allow:
- Inflatable structures (I.e. bounce houses)
- Glitter
- Balloons
Rentable Locations
Events at Other Port Locations
Several waterfront businesses, including many restaurants and bay tour companies, are available to host events and gatherings. Please contact the facility directly to inquire about using the space for your upcoming event.
- Metro Events - Piers 27 & 35
- Pier 39
- The Exploratorium - Pier 15
- Ferry Building
- Pier 48 and Giants Parking Lot A
- Pier 70
Key Event Permit Information
120 CALENDAR DAYS
Special event applications must be submitted to the Port of San Francisco at least 120 calendar days prior to the event start date/occupancy to ensure adequate processing time.
45 DAY ADVANCE NOTICE
Events located within 100 feet of the shoreline of the Bay are under the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) jurisdiction and will require at least a 45 day advance notice for processing for the required BCDC permit.
15 DAY ADVANCE NOTICE
Applications to reserve street parking for special events must be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to the start date of enforcement for the requested zone.
Permit Process
Step 1 Event sponsors must complete an application for a License to Use Port Property. Complete a Special Event Application for a License to Use Port Property (Attachment II-A) for submittal to Port’s Real Estate or Maritime Division. See Section II.2 of the Guidelines and Application for Special Events for specific information required.
Step 2 Event sponsor must contact Port’s Real Estate or Maritime Division to initiate the Special Event process. Upon completing the required application forms noted above, contact Port’s Real Estate or Maritime Division to meet with a contact person and initiate the Special Event process. See II.2 and III.2 of the Guidelines and Application for Special Events for specific information on how to initiate the Special Event process.
Step 3 Event sponsors must complete a Mandatory Checklist for Special Event Building Permit Applications and obtain a Special Event Certificate of Approval. See Sections III and IV of the Guidelines and Application for Special Events for specific information on what types of events require a building permit, the requirements for a Special Event Certificate of Approval and the Mandatory Checklist for Special Event Building Permit Applications (Attachment III-B).
Step 4 For Special Events requiring a Port encroachment permit; event sponsors must complete and submit an application for a Port encroachment permit. See Section IV of the Guidelines and Application for Special Events for information on the encroachment permit process.
Step 5 A Temporary No-Stopping Permit is required for any street parking that will be reserved in association with a special event. Applications must be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to the start date of enforcement for the requested no-parking zone.
Step 6 Once all necessary approvals have been obtained and all required permits are issued and have been picked up by the event sponsor, work approved for the Special Event may begin. Building and encroachment permits are required to be posted at the construction site.
Step 7 Event sponsor must schedule all required inspections and obtain final approvals prior to proceeding with the event.
BCDC Permits
Special events that occur on The Embarcadero or piers will likely require a permit or approval from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC). Events that are located within 100 feet of the Bay shoreline are located within BCDC’s jurisdiction and will require at least a 45 day advance notice for processing for the required permit. The Port will assist event sponsors in identifying if a BCDC permit is necessary and advise on the process for obtaining a permit. However, if BCDC requires that a Special Event meet specified conditions, it is the sole responsibility of the Special Event sponsor to comply with those conditions.
Traffic Advisories
For additional notifications on events that may impact transit and traffic, please subscribe to notifications from Chase Center, Oracle Park and the SFMTA Transit and Traffic Advisory.