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Environmental Health

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Important Note: The City cannot pigeon-proof nor remove the pigeon droppings and feathers from private residences and buildings. This is the responsibility of the property owners. In addition the City cannot reimburse owners for costs incurred to resolve the problem.

Vector Control Program Home

Director's Rule on Vector Control

Make a Complaint

San Francisco Police Code, Article 7, Section 486

San Francisco Health Code, Article 1, Section 37

Program Contact

Luisa Garfil

Office: (415) 252-3805

Vector Control: Pigeon Nuisance

Feeding birds encourages pigeons to roost in the immediate vicinity, causing property damage, unsanitary conditions and a potential health hazard. Nests, feathers and bird waste can cause human disease. Bird feed is also a source of food for rodents. All of this constitutes a public nuisance to the community. The Department of Public Health recognizes that pigeons create problems for the citizens of the City and County of San Francisco. However, the City does not have a program addressing the nesting and roosting of pigeons.

Environmental Health Public Services section responds to citizen complaints regarding the nesting and roosting of pigeons and restricts the feeding of pigeons to designated areas of the City. Our response includes an investigation of the property in question and requirement for appropriate corrective action by the property owner. These corrective actions may include an order to cease the feeding of pigeons,  removal of pigeon droppings and in some cases, installation of pigeon proofing materials to eliminate the nesting and roosting of pigeons.

If a complaint regarding a violation of one of the codes listed in the 'Helpful Links' is verified, property owners will be billed for the costs of future visits required to verify correction made UNLESS:

  1. The person who made the complaint contacts us before reinspection is made to report that conditions are satisfactory OR
  2. Acceptable proof of compliance is presented to this office before a reinspection is made, such as a film-dated photograph or an invoice for work performed.

What you can do:
  1. Remove all FOOD SOURCES from the property
  2. Remove all BIRD WASTE, feathers and abandoned nesting materials
  3. Discourage ROOSTING by means of wire or nylon mesh, or other means, if needed
  4. Maintain property in a clean, nuisance-free condition at all times

Please note: Always check with the San Francisco Fire Department before installing netting or making other structural modifications to be sure that it will no impede access during an emergency.