APPLICATION PACKET FOR
Street Light Pole
Alternate Use
Street Light Pole Use Public Information Sheet
What is the SFPUC Street Light Pole Use Policy?
The San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC) Pole Use Policy is the policy that
governs municipal and non-profit use of City-owned street light poles. The policy creates a
comprehensive framework for administrative review of street light pole use requests from
applicants such as city agencies, community groups, business districts and other non-profit
entities.
Why does the policy exist?
The SFPUC established the Street Light Pole Use Policy via Resolution 12-0066 to
streamline the regulation the use of City-owned street light poles in San Francisco, and to
codify light street pole use priorities. Street lighting is the most important use of street light
poles. No other street light pole use may compromise street lighting operations and
maintenance. The policy lists pole use priorities in the following order.
1. SFPUC use for street lighting;
2. Use by other city agencies for utility or other municipal purposes;
3. Decorative use by city agencies or community groups; and
4. Temporary event or holiday use by city agencies or community groups.
What are the steps in the application review process?
Prior to beginning the pole use application process, the applicant should confirm ownership
of the street light poles by contacting 311. The applicant then submits by mail all required
documentation to SFPUC Power Enterprise Utility Services, 651 Bryant Street, San
Francisco, CA, 94107. The SFPUC will acknowledge receipt of the application and confirm
that all necessary information is included with the application. Following submittal of a
complete application package, the SFPUC will consider the request based upon predetermined criteria. The review criteria includes structural impact on street light pole,
physical impact on lighting performance and communication infrastructure, existing and
proposed pole uses, electrical load, public support, and public benefit. The applicants will be
notified in writing of the outcome of the application review within fifteen business days of
receiving a complete application. Before issuing a license, the applicant is required to
demonstrate compliance with other city regulating agencies. A license will be issued for a
maximum duration of 1 year, renewable for up to 8 years.
Street Light Pole Use Application, 12.21.2012
APPLICATION PACKET FOR
Street Light Pole
Alternate Use
The review process for City agencies is similar to the process described above. An
application and supporting documentation should be submitted to Utility Services Division
for review. Rather than issuing a license for street light pole use, the SFPUC and the other
City department will enter into a memorandum of understanding to outline the
responsibilities of each department as they relate to the alternate pole use.
What are the responsibilities of the SFPUC?
1. To review applications in a timely manner.
2. To issue a license to applicants to use street light poles that conforms to the Street Light
Pole Use Policy and complies with other city agency requirements.
3. To pay for energy usage associated with community use of the street light poles.
What are the responsibilities of the applicant?
1. Prior to submitting an application, confirm that the street light is SFPUC owned by calling
311.
2. To fully complete the application, and provide all of the supporting information necessary
for SFPUC staff to process the application and perform a thorough review.
3. To pay all costs associated with the purchase, installation, maintenance and removal of
appurtenance allowed by the license or MOU.
4. To maintain liability insurance for the duration of the installation.
5. To obtain all other necessary permits/approvals required by other City agencies.
What does the applicant need to submit for review?
1. Complete application form
2. Plan showing pole locations
3. Drawings of connection or mounting details of attachments
4. Specification, catalog or cut sheet
5. Electrical calculations
6. Structural calculations may be required. The necessity for structural requirements will be
determined by the SFPUC after the applicant submits items 1-5 above. Structural
calculations shall be stamped and signed by a licensed professional structural engineer.
APPLICATION PACKET FOR
Street Light Pole
Alternate Use
What is the cost for the license?
There is no cost for the SFPUC pole use license. The SFPUC performs the pole use review
free of charge as a community benefit. The applicant is financially responsible for all costs
associated with their project, including engineering, materials, installation, removal and
damages to the street light pole.
License Conditions:
Prior to issuance of a license, the project applicant must demonstrate compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and applicable San Francisco Planning
Department Code regulations and obtain an Encroachment Permit from the Department of
Public Works, if required under the Public Works Code.
The SFPUC will also seek to hold the project sponsor responsible for any damage to the
poles as well as any other damage caused by their uses, consistent with the requirements
established in consultation with the City Risk Manager.
Exclusions from the Street Light Pole Use Policy
1. The Street Light Pole Use Policy does not address banner installation which is currently
regulated by the Department of Public Works under authority provided by San Francisco
Public Works Code, Article 5.7, Section 184.78.
2. Revenue generating street light pole uses are excluded from the purview of the policy.
The Street Light Pole Use Policy applies only to municipal and non-profit use of street
light poles. For-profit entities must seek and obtain SFPUC Commission approval to use
a street light pole in any way. Inquiries regarding private use of street light poles can be
emailed to: [email protected].
3. Pacific Gas &Electric (PG&E) owns more than 19,000 street lights in San Francisco. The
SFPUC does not have jurisdiction over the light owned by PG&E, and therefore this
policy applies only to SFPUC-owned street lights poles. Contact 311 to learn whether
PG&E or SFPUC owns a street light pole.
4. SFPUC will not permit the installation of electrical outlets on existing street light poles.
APPLICATION FOR
Street Light Pole
Alternate Use
1. Sponsoring Organization Information
Organization Name:
Telephone:
Organization Address:
Zip Code:
Contact for Application:
Email Address:
Contact Address:
Zip Code:
Contact Telephone:
2. Location
Street Name/s where street light poles are located:
Cross Streets:
Street Light Pole Numbers:
3. General Description of Pole Use
Description:
Benefit to the Community:
Duration of Installation:
SEMIPERMANENT
Street Light Pole Use Application, 12.21.2012
Installation Date:
TEMPORARY
Removal Date:
4. Pole Attachments
What will be attached to the pole? Provide details of drawings.
What is the cumulative weight of all the items that will be
attached to each pole?
What are the dimensions of the item that will be
attached?
How will the items be attached to the pole? Provide product specifications and details.
5. Power Use
Note: SFPUC permits connection using the NEMA 3R twist-lock power tap devices on a street light
fixture for temporary holiday lighting use only. Specifications and methods of installation shall be
approved by SFPUC Utility Services. Ancillary power tap devices must meet the minimum requirements
of ANSI 136.10 and ANSI 136.24 Standards. Fill in the attached spreadsheet for electrical calculations.
Does the Alternate Use Require Power?
YES
NO
How much energy (kW-hr) will the project use per day?
6. Installation
Who will install the proposed items? Provide name, address, and telephone number.
Installer’s Contractor’s License No.
Electrical Contractor’s License No.
7. Submittal Checklist
Materials Required with Application:
1.
Application, with all blanks completed
Yes
No
2.
Plan showing effected poles
Yes
No
3.
Drawings or details of attached items
Yes
No
4.
Attachment details or cut sheets
Yes
No
5.
Electrical calculations
Yes
No
6.
Product specifications
Yes
No
Materials that May Be Required Prior to Issuance of a License:
1.
CEQA Exemption
Yes
No
2.
Other Applicable Permits
Yes
No
3.
Structural Calculations
Yes
No
Street Light Pole Use Application, 12.21.2012