Small businesses are essential to our community. They help keep dollars local and contribute to the eclectic diversity in our neighborhoods that make San Francisco the unique and special place it is today. However, the process of establishing a new business in the City can often feel overwhelming and time consuming.

The Planning Department has assembled a designated staff to help navigate the application process. The Community Business Priority Processing Program (CB3P)* streamlines the Conditional Use review process for certain small and mid-sized business applications and provides a simplified and efficient system to get help you out the door faster and open your business sooner.

Projects that qualify for and enroll in the CB3P are guaranteed a Planning Commission hearing date within 90 days of filing a complete application, and placement on the Consent Calendar.

Applicants for the CB3P must:

• Complete a checklist documenting eligibility for participation.
• Complete the Conditional Use application and provide associated materials.
• Conduct a Pre-Application Meeting prior to filing.
• Provide interior and exterior photos, per Resolution #19323 that established the program.

Certain limitations do apply, and CB3P applications are subject to the same level of neighborhood notice, the same Planning Code provisions, and the same (if applicable) CEQA review requirements; and may still be shifted from Consent to Regular Calendar if requested by a Planning Commissioner or member of the public.

Please contact Planning Department staff at the Planning Information Center with any questions.

Planning Information Center (PIC)
1660 Mission Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.558.6378
pic@sfgov.org


*The CB3P program is the successor to the Small Business Priority Processing Pilot Program (SB4P).