Restaurants across SF are switching to electric, but many get stuck in the complexity of permitting. This guide helps you skip that.

Transitioning your restaurant from propane to electric heating can save thousands in fuel costs and eliminate compliance risk, but only if you navigate permits the right way. This guide breaks down exactly what the City of San Francisco requires.

The best part? If you don’t need to rewire, Focal heaters are plug-and-play and don’t require a permit. See below for details.

Download our San Francisco Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)

Parklets

Many restaurant owners assume parklet heaters are banned outright in San Francisco, but that’s not the case.

The city allows electric heaters (like Focal’s heaters) in shared spaces as long as they meet clearance, electrical, and accessibility standards set by Public Works and the Department of Building Inspection (DBI).

Why it matters:

Parklet regulations change often, and many older propane installations are now out of compliance.

Knowing what’s permitted can help restaurants avoid costly violations, failed inspections, or having to remove equipment during renewals.

What San Francisco requires:

• Propane heaters: Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) heaters are not permitted on the sidewalk in the pedestrian path of travel. SFFD LPG heater permits will not be renewed and/or issued for Sidewalk Shared Spaces. (San Francisco Shared Spaces Manual, Section S2)
  
• Electric heaters:
  No permit needed if you are using an existing circuit to wire electric Focal heaters.
  
  • Focal heaters plug into a standard 120V outlet, eliminating the need for extensive rewiring and meeting permit exception criteria. (San Francisco Department of Building Inspection Code, Section 89.121(B))
  • Permit required if you are upgrading or adding a circuit, a permit from the Department of Building Inspection for an exterior mounted weatherproof electrical outlet. (San Francisco Shared Spaces Manual, Section S2)
    
    • To apply, you need your business license number and your contractor must be licensed with the state board. Focal can recommend certified electricians in your area with pre-negotiated rates. To learn more:
      Download our San Francisco Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)
      
• Fire safety: Any use of a portable heater, portable generator, candles, open flame or any activity regulated by Fire Code must be approved and permitted by the San Francisco Fire Department separately from the provisional permit. (San Francisco Shared Spaces Manual, Section S2)
• Accessibility: Heaters and cords must not obstruct the pedestrian path of travel. Shared spaces must maintain ADA-compliant clearances.
• Permits: A successful permit application requires a job card from the Department of Building Inspection and business license.

Common Parklet Permit Questions

Q: Can I keep my propane heaters if they're already installed? No. SFFD will not renew permits for propane heaters in shared spaces. You'll need to switch to electric or remove them before your next renewal.

Q: What if my parklet doesn't have outdoor outlets? You'll need to add them. This requires an electrical permit and a licensed contractor. Focal can coordinate this for you with pre-approved partners.

Q: Do I need separate permits for the parklet and the heaters? The parklet itself is covered by your Shared Spaces permit. Electric heaters using existing circuits need no additional permit. New electrical circuits require a DBI electrical permit.

Q: What happens during inspection? Inspectors check:

• GFCI protection on all outdoor circuits
• Proper clearances from combustibles
• ADA-compliant path width
• Equipment UL listing
• Secure cord management

San Francisco Electrical Permits for Patio Heaters

If you're adding new circuits or upgrading your electrical panel to support patio heaters, you'll need to work with a licensed electrician who can handle DBI permits.

When You Need an Electrical Permit

Permit required if:

• Adding new 120V or 240V circuits
• Upgrading electrical panel or adding sub-panel
• Installing new outdoor outlets
• Hard-wiring any equipment
• Increasing electrical load beyond current panel capacity
• No permit needed if:
  
  • Plugging into existing outdoor outlets
  • Using portable equipment (no hardwiring)
  • No changes to electrical infrastructure
• Source: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection

Who Can Pull Electrical Permits

Only California licensed electrical contractors (C-10) can apply for electrical permits in San Francisco.

What to verify:

• Current California contractor license
• Active registration with SF DBI
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Good standing with Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

How to check: Search the DBI Licensed Contractor Database using their license number.

Focal can recommend certified electricians in your area.

Download our San Francisco Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)

What the Permit Process Involves

Your electrician will handle the permit process:

1. Site Assessment

• Evaluate your current electrical panel
• Calculate load requirements for new heaters
• Determine if panel has available capacity
• Identify optimal circuit routing

2. Permit Application

• Submit application through SF DBI online portal
• Provide load calculations and site plans
• Specify scope of work
• Pay applicable permit fees

3. Electrical Work

• Install new circuits and outlets per code
• Use appropriate wire gauge and conduit
• Install GFCI protection (required for outdoor circuits)
• Mount weatherproof outlet boxes

4. Inspection

• Schedule inspection with DBI after work is complete
• Inspector verifies code compliance
• Job card is issued upon approval

Electrical Requirements for Patio Heaters

Typical specifications:

• Most electric patio heaters: 120V / 15-20A
• Commercial infrared heaters: 120V or 240V / 15-30A
• Multiple heaters: Dedicated circuit per heater recommended

Safety requirements:

• GFCI protection (mandatory for all outdoor circuits)
• Weatherproof outlet covers (WP rating)
• Proper wire gauge for load and distance
• Compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC)

What If Your Panel Needs Upgrading?

If your electrical panel doesn't have available capacity for additional circuits, you may need:

• Panel upgrade: Replace existing panel with higher-capacity panel (e.g., 100A → 200A)
• Sub-panel addition: Add secondary panel for outdoor circuits
• Your electrician will identify this during the initial assessment.

Focal can coordinate with electricians who specialize in commercial panel work.

Common Electrical Permit Questions

Q: Can I do the electrical work myself? No. Only licensed C-10 contractors can pull electrical permits and perform commercial electrical work in San Francisco.

Q: How do I find a licensed electrician? Search the DBI Licensed Contractor Database or contact Focal for recommended partners who specialize in restaurant electrification.

Q: What if the inspection doesn't pass? Your contractor will correct any issues identified by the inspector and schedule a re-inspection.

Q: Do I need separate permits for each heater? No. Multiple circuits can typically be covered under a single electrical permit application.

Q: What documentation do I need to keep? Keep copies of:

• Approved permit and job card
• Contractor's license information
• Equipment UL/ETL listings
• Manufacturer installation instructions

Q: How much do electrical permits cost? Permit fees are based on project value and scope. Your contractor will include these fees in their project quote. Typical range: $200-$600+

Source: SF DBI Fee Schedule

How Focal Simplifies Electrical Permitting

Focal coordinates directly with licensed electricians to:

• Provide pre-calculated electrical specifications
• Supply detailed installation drawings
• Ensure equipment meets SF code requirements
• Coordinate permit applications and inspections

You focus on running your restaurant. We handle the technical coordination.

Download our San Francisco Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)