General Loading Zones

General Loading Zones

General loading zones provide short-term access to the curb for people to pick up or drop off goods in their personal vehicles. They generally operate during business hours and revert back to adjacent parking regulations at all other times. They are not for exclusive use by one business or their patrons and will be sited by the Color Curb team for maximum utility and visibility. In some cases general loading zones may not be sited right at the applicant's front door.

These zones are meant to be shared by visitors to multiple businesses on a block. Any vehicle parked for more than five minutes in a general loading zone is subject to citation and towing. 

Eligibility 

General loading zones are designed for businesses or a collection of businesses that generate a significant amount of pickups or drop-offs, typically 10 or more per hour. They are not designed for residential blocks or blocks with a small number of businesses on them. The most common businesses that are eligible are restaurants or any business that has high pickup or drop-off volume and very quick customer transactions. In addition, businesses (such as passenger or freight delivery companies) that make pickups or drop-offs to a commercial area may be eligible to apply and be approved for a general loading zone. Please consult with the Color Curb team to assess your eligibility before paying the application fee as it is non-refundable.

You may be eligible if your business:

• Generates a minimum of 10 delivery orders and/or pickups per hour (can be combined with neighboring businesses to meet minimum)

• Is located on a block that has high commercial activity

• Is not located on a residential, mostly residential block or industrial block

• Is not located along red curb, a blue zone, a bus zone or peak tow away zone

• Does not have off-street parking associated with your business

*Some limited exceptions may apply. Please contact us to assess your eligibility if you are unsure whether you qualify at ccp@sfmta.com

Fees  

A non-refundable application fee is required for general loading zones. If approved, general loading zones are required to be renewed, with a renewal fee, every two years. 

The application fee is due with the application for general loading zones. Government agencies providing public services, and non-profits that provide free services exclusively to seniors and people with disabilities are the only entities exempt from fees. 

The installation fee is due only if and when the application has been approved and should not be combined with the application fee. 

APPLICATION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE. Consult with the Color Curb team to review your eligibility before paying the application fee. You may also consider other types of color curbs as they may be a better fit for your business.

Apply for a general loading zone.