Ordinance amending the Public Works Code to authorize the Department of Public Works to determine the circumstances under which contractors performing excavation in the public right-of-way shall be required to obtain a pollution liability insurance policy; and affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act.

This ordinance (File No. 250925), sponsored by Mayor Lurie and Supervisor Mahmood, amends the Public Works Code to grant the Department of Public Works (DPW) the authority to determine when contractors performing excavation in the public right-of-way must obtain a pollution liability insurance policy. Previously, all excavators were required to carry this insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 limit per occurrence. This change is part of the "PermitSF" initiative, aiming to streamline permitting processes, support small businesses, and facilitate housing development. The Planning Department affirmed on October 3, 2025, that this action complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), determining it would not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment. The ordinance will become effective 30 days after its enactment.

This change could streamline permitting for excavation projects in public areas, potentially leading to faster infrastructure and development work in your neighborhood by reducing insurance requirements for some contractors.

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