sfbetterstreets.org

SAN FRANCISCO – Businesses and individuals wanting to install bike racks, benches or public art in their neighborhood streets have a new tool, www.sfbetterstreets.org, a comprehensive ‘how-to’ site that walks users through the process.

Developed by the City’s Planning Department, Department of Public Works, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, it combines all the City’s guidelines, permit requirements, and resources for public space development onto one site, giving the user a handy step-by-step approach toward improving San Francisco’s streets.

“This new site showcases our commitment to making government more accessible and demonstrates why we are the ‘Innovation Capital of the World,’” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “This resource will help create Better Streets throughout the diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco.”

“By providing the public with better information, we hope to see further street enhancements – resulting in safer, greener, and more inviting streets,” said Planning Director, John Rahaim.

With over 100 pages on landscaping, bicycle parking, traffic calming, and other enhancements, the site lists information on permits, maintenance, codes and guidelines for each type of streetscape element.

Said the Department of Public Works Director, Mohammed Nuru, “Public Works is committed to creating open spaces that revitalize and beautify our streetscapes. The new Better Streets web portal will go a long way in helping residents and businesses learn more about the many creative ways and opportunities to green our public realm so everyone can enjoy its benefits.”

“The creation of this centralized website as a consolidated, concise portal will make understanding the options and navigating the process much easier for all users, not only developers and professionals but also individuals and community groups,” said Jane Martin, Director of Plant*SF and Principal of Shift Design Studio.

The new website is an initiative under the Better Streets Plan, adopted in December 2010. The plan prioritizes the needs of walking, bicycling, transit use, and the use of streets as public spaces for social interaction and community life, following San Francisco’s General Plan, Transit-First Policy, and Better Streets Policy.

The Better Streets Plan aims to help keep families in San Francisco, support the City’s Transit First policy, reduce stormwater runoff into the City’s combined sewer system, improve pedestrian safety, increase accessibility for all street users, and enhance the quality of life for San Francisco’s residents.