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Thursday, June 29, 2006

Parking problems when owning San Francisco Real Estate

A reader asks:

The parking in San Francisco has always been a problem for me as a renter and now as a potential homeowner. Is there a way to fix the problem of buying a home or condo that does not have a garage or parking space?

Our answer:


Many properties in San Francisco are older buildings constructed before cars were invented so they do not have parking. When you are considering purchasing a property you can think about adding a garage. This can be done by either raising the building or excavating, or a combination of both. Not only will this provide parking for you but will add value to your property.

In order to find out if it is either structurally or economically possible to add a garage, consult with a contractor who specializes in garage construction in San Francisco. (Add a Garage is just one of the contractors who tackle this type of project.) They can come out to the property and give you an estimate before you purchase the property. Also be aware there may be height restrictions for your particular area so check with the city and any neighborhood associations as well.

If you cannot add a garage either because of the physical qualities of the property or because it is too expensive, often you can rent a garage in the neighborhood. Depending on where you live, this can be a good way to have parking and pay monthly for it. Before trying to sell a house or condo that has no garage, we often counsel clients to obtain leased parking to make their properties more attractive.


If you do not mind parking on the street, you can obtain a residential parking permit issued by the City, which allows you to park in your neighborhood without getting a ticket for parking more than the time limits imposed by the city. Of course, you still have to find a parking place near your home, but if you do not use your car everyday this could be an option.

- Janis Stone, Mick Orton

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