San Francisco Dumpster Permit Guide

It depends on where the container sits. A dumpster placed entirely on private property, such as a driveway, garage apron that is part of the lot, or a fenced job site, does not need a city permit. A dumpster placed on the street, in a parking space or on the sidewalk does.

Two sets of rules matter for most projects. The first is the street space permit, which covers the physical placement of the container on a public street. The second is San Francisco’s construction and demolition debris ordinance, which controls who may haul C&D debris and where it must go.

Your building permit, if you have one, is separate. It covers the work itself, but it does not authorize a dumpster on the street.

When you book a street placement in San Francisco, tell us the address and the spot in front of the property. We prepare and file the street space request with Public Works, schedule delivery to match the permit, and place the container within the permitted area. You do not need to visit a city office or create a city account.

As a registered transporter we take C&D loads to approved processing facilities and can share disposal tickets for your diversion records.

Book as early as you can, because the permit must be in place before delivery. Check for street cleaning days, tow-away zones and driveway curb cuts at the spot, and let neighbors know the parking space will be in use. Keep the container’s lid area clear and avoid filling above the rails, since an overloaded box on a city street can be cited.