January 18, 2026
Attention SFMTA:
See conditions for this past weekend:
Friday January 16, 2026
Saturday January 17, 2026
This marks Week 58 of documented noncompliance on the 400 block of Hayes Street and Week 8 under the renewed permit term (Permit No. 1316522). During both closure days, no material permit conditions were met. Observed conditions remained unchanged from prior weeks and included continued unpermitted commercial activity, prohibited uses within the closure area, absence of on-site management, and no visible enforcement or corrective action. The repeated presence and operation of the Signature-branded commercial tent has been documented, reported, and cited in numerous weekly submissions; to date, SFMTA has provided no response, clarification, or enforcement rationale regarding this unauthorized activity. The continued silence on this specific and recurring violation is conspicuous and incompatible with any claim of active oversight.
At this point we reiterate, the issue is no longer permit holder noncompliance. It is SFMTA’s failure to enforce, correct, or explain why this permit remains active despite a sustained and well-documented record of violations. This closure occupies a public right-of-way, is administered by a private nonprofit, and persists under City authorization, the public and the taxpayer are entitled to a clear explanation as to why this permit has not been revoked. The absence of any response or corrective action constitutes agency acquiescence, not oversight.
Prolonged agency inaction has produced direct consequences for the community. In the absence of enforcement or corrective action by SFMTA, residents and small businesses documenting permit violations are exposed to conflict and retaliation for undertaking functions that properly belong to the City. This outcome reflects a breakdown in administration, not isolated conduct, and underscores the risks created when oversight responsibilities are effectively displaced onto private individuals. Moreover, this failure has been compounded by a lack of engagement. Despite extensive documentation and public testimony, SFMTA has not initiated any discussion with affected residents or small businesses regarding revocation of the permit or the continued authorization of the closure.
After 58 consecutive weeks of noncompliance the continuation of this closure is indefensible. The City’s obligation is clear. Its response remains absent. We again urge SFMTA to revoke Permit No. 1316522 immediately and restore Hayes Street to its intended, lawful use.
This correspondence has been edited for clarity and conciseness. Routine greetings and contact details have been omitted; the substance of the communication remains unchanged.