Sidewalk widths in San Francisco are guided by design recommendations that vary significantly based on the street type, ensuring adequate space for pedestrians and urban activities. While actual widths can sometimes vary, these guidelines establish target dimensions.
Recommended Sidewalk Widths by Street Type
San Francisco's urban design guidelines outline specific recommended widths to accommodate different environments and pedestrian volumes. These recommendations aim to create functional and comfortable public spaces.
Here are the recommended sidewalk widths for various street categories:
| Street Type | Recommended Width |
|---|---|
| RESIDENTIAL | |
| Downtown residential | 15 feet |
| Residential throughway | 15 feet |
| Neighborhood residential | 12 feet |
| OTHER | |
| Industrial | 10 feet |
These recommendations emphasize the importance of wider sidewalks in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as downtown and residential throughways, to facilitate movement and enhance the urban experience. Even in less busy neighborhood residential areas, a substantial 12-foot width is recommended, promoting walkability. Industrial areas typically have the narrowest recommended widths, balancing utility with pedestrian access.
