Parking on the sidewalk - SF

[OVerLoRDI]

I have heard from a number of motorcyclists in the city that parking on the sidewalk in residential areas was all good (as long as you don't block the sidewalk). The explanation I heard was that right out front the building is technically private property.

Well after parking outside my building for about a year, I finally got a ticket today. I'm a little confused, so I figured I'd see if what I've heard is completely false and I've just been lucky for the last year or if I have grounds to fight the ticket. Especially since my street has weekly street cleaning, you'd think that every week when the ticket dudes come rolling around before the street cleaners show up, they'd have written me up by now if it was an issue.

 

[matty]

That was my understanding too, that first square, closest to the property, was the property owners. I never found specific evidence this was the case, and I looked. Granted it's been like 5 years since I've lived in SF. Anecdotally, my land lord, back in SF, had to pay to have to have those squares closest to his property replaced, when they were re-doing the sidewalks due to root cracks and it being uneven. :dunno

 

[1085One]

Look up the section you were in violation of for clarification.

 

[NudeMischief]

I park on the curb in SF everytime, however I do tend to stay near my bike, and watch over it wherever I go.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I've done a bit of research. I have two arguments I can present. The first is the strongest.

1. I'll call "The Street Use and Mapping section of the Bureau of the Department of Public Works" on Monday (415-554-5810). They can tell you exactly where the property line starts for the parcel of land in question. The sidewalk is defined as the space between the property line and the outside edge of the curb. If the property line is in a favorable position, then bike was within the property line and on private property, I wasn't technically on the sidewalk.

2. Using the DPT's definition of public setback as an argument. "DPT has informed us that they determine what this public setback is by looking down the entire block and noting the furthest permanent projection of private property on the block, e.g. stairs, permanent landscaping, lions, etc. This line is then drawn for the entire block, and that defines the public setback. If your vehicle infringes over this line, you may get a ticket." There is a planter connected to the front of the next door building that protrudes farther than my bike does into the sidewalk and I can document this with pictures.

We'll see how it goes.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

That was my understanding too, that first square, closest to the property, was the property owners. I never found specific evidence this was the case, and I looked. Granted it's been like 5 years since I've lived in SF. Anecdotally, my land lord, back in SF, had to pay to have to have those squares closest to his property replaced, when they were re-doing the sidewalks due to root cracks and it being uneven. :dunno

Sadly the fact that the property owner has to repair the sidewalk doesn't define the location of the property line. You are legally required to repair the entire sidewalk out front your property, even if it extends beyond your property line. It is just one of those stupid things.

 

[dare]

I feel like getting a sidewalk ticket once a year is cheaper than getting you bike knocked over.

 

[EastBayDave]

I feel like getting a sidewalk ticket once a year is cheaper than getting you bike knocked over.

Likely true...

When I worked in the 10-story building at 9th & Market, I parked on the 9th side every day against the building. There are columns every ~15 foot, so it's out of the way of pedestrians. There was no other parking nearby, so I parked there, & got a ticket about once a year. Just paid it & move on...:thumbdown :x

 

[fawndog]

Number 2 is correct, and and encroachment into that area (even 2") is thier payday.

 

[Shaggy]

Gotfsw

 

[mototireguy]

Parking motor vehicles on the sidewalk is a technical no no, even if you're not blocking pedestrian access or other rationales.

You can get away with it in some areas at some times but there's no guarantees. All depends on luck and the attitude of your local parking enforcement personnel.

 

[monkeythumpa]

The property line goes to the curb. It is all private property. The road is public. The sidewalk is an easement. An agreement to let people come and go. That is why sidewalk repair is the responsibility of the property owner. If you have grass, a driveway, a fenced area or sometimes a "nook" you can park there, otherwise from the building to the curb is considered sidewalk.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Well I sent my written response with pictures and such, using the dpt public setback definition. Sfmta usually takes about 2 months to respond. So I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[togo]

Well I sent my written response with pictures and such, using the dpt public setback definition. Sfmta usually takes about 2 months to respond. So I'll let you guys know how it goes.

How did it go?