Entertainment Commission outlines JAM‑to‑BAM transition and application timeline

The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Tuesday detailed its plan to shift businesses from temporary Just Add Music (JAM) pandemic permits to permanent brick‑and‑mortar permits, a move staff said is intended to preserve outdoor entertainment while bringing permitting back to pre‑emergency standards.

Deputy Director Azevedo and staff explained that JAM permits and the shared spaces pandemic program are scheduled to expire on March 31, 2023, and that businesses wishing to continue ongoing outdoor entertainment must complete property approvals and apply for permanent permits. Staff urged JAM holders to seek property approvals — parklet, private property, or roadway closure permits — by Jan. 15 to avoid gaps in operations.

As of Dec. 15, staff reported 276 JAM permits with ongoing activity across all property types (82% parklets, 13% private property, 5% roadway closures). They also said the office has issued 387 one‑time JAM permits, totaling 663 JAM permits to date. The Department of Public Works had received 460 permanent parklet applications; staff said only 22% of those applications were from JAM holders. Within that subset, one parklet had been approved with modifications, five were awaiting final inspection, and four had been closed or denied, staff said.

To manage volume, the commission previewed a new digital brick‑and‑mortar application expected to launch Jan. 1 that will let applicants apply for multiple permit types through a single workflow. Staff also proposed instructional videos, FAQs, special hearings as needed, and possible fee waivers that would cover application fees and the first annual license fee for JAM‑to‑BAM applicants.

Key dates announced: Jan. 1 — digital application launch; Jan. 9 — relaunch of one‑time outdoor event permits for events after March 31; Jan. 15 — target deadline for property approvals (parklets and shared spaces); March 31 — JAM and shared spaces pandemic permits expire; May 30 — final wind‑down date for JAMs in good standing. Staff said they will continue coordinated outreach with shared spaces and DPW and will track application data to adapt messaging.

Commissioners asked staff to expand outreach to merchant groups and community stakeholders and requested webinars or recorded sessions to assist businesses through the transition. Staff said outreach has included e‑blasts, social media, a dedicated FAQ, and targeted guidance for private‑property JAMs.