There are some weird laws in San Francisco. But, let’s face it, San Francisco can definitely be a bit weird. OK, a lot weird, and plenty crazy, too. And, let’s admit it, so can the legal system. Blend the two together and you’ve got some extremely weird laws in San Francisco that involve how to legally walk your elephant down Market Street, how high you can stack your horse manure, and what exactly you can store in your garage.

1. “It shall be unlawful for any person to play at or participate in any game of ball on any public street or highway.”
Flickr/torbakhopper
But celebrating our world-famous ballplayers in the street? Totally cool.
2. A dog walker can only walk up to eight dogs at one time.
Flickr/Jim Forest
Sorry, Fido #9.
3. A controversial nudity ban that went into effect in 2013 says that you can only be naked in public if you have a parade permit.
Flickr/Lynn Friedman
We can't confirm this is technically a parade or that its participants have a permit, but we can guess there may have been some post-ride chafing.
4.“It shall be unlawful for any person, company or corporation to carry, transport or convey, or to cause to be carried, transported or conveyed through the public streets in open baskets or exposed containers, or vehicles or otherwise, any bread, cakes, or pastry intended for human consumption.”
Flickr/Ted
Fine. We’ll just eat it all immediately if we have to.
5. You are not allowed to store anything in your “public and private storage garages” unless it’s an automobile.
Flickr/Ed Brownson
But where else are we supposed to put our book collection when we live in a tiny studio?!

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6. Ok, so you’ve only got a car in that garage, but what if you want to wash it? Don’t even think about using that used underwear to wipe it down.
Yelp/Vladimir C.
Just another reason to have a professional wash the car… right? Or maybe just to buy new underwear?
7. No car? How about a horse? Fine, just don’t ride it drunk.
Flickr/Daniel Hoherd
We can’t guarantee this Ocean Beach cowboy is actually obeying that law. He does seem quite pleased with himself, though.
8. Also, don’t pile any horse manure higher than six feet on any street corner... or carry it through the streets.
Flickr/Hayes Valley Farm
Actually, we're pretty okay with this law...
9. What, no horse? How about an elephant? If you plan on walking it down Market Street, do plan on investing in a leash as well.
Flickr/duncan c
Probably a good idea in all honesty.
10. "It shall be unlawful for more than one person over the age of 13 years old to enter or remain in an automatic public toilet at one time.”
Flickr/Orin Zebest
Sorry, bathroom buddy.
11. In 1867, San Francisco was the first in the U.S. to implement an “ugly law,” which prohibited unsightly people from showing their faces in public.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Not a problem since we’re all gorgeous here. Either way, this has since been repealed. Phew.

Have you broken any of these extremely weird laws in San Francisco? We won’t tell! (Well, maybe if it’s about that unleashed elephant.)

The city’s oddness doesn’t end with these weird laws in San Francisco. The city is wonderfully weird, and to prove it, here is a crazy, one-of-a-kind store in San Francisco.

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Weird Laws In San Francisco

Daniella DiRienzo | October 06, 2022

What are the best things about living in San Francisco?

There might be some weird laws in San Francisco, but there are also lots of perks that come along with living in San Francisco. For starters, it’s a beautiful city, but that’s not just our opinion. In 2019, San Francisco was actually named one of the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world. From the hilly streets and colorful buildings to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the city is truly picturesque. Another perk afforded to residents of San Francisco is easy access to nature. In fact, the city’s Golden Gate Park is actually one of the most visited parks in the nation and is bigger than New York City’s Central Park.

What are the worst things about living in San Francisco?

Of course, just like any other city, San Francisco has its fair share of cons. One of the biggest downsides to living in San Francisco is extremely high taxes. It’s no secret that California has some of the highest income tax rates in the nation, and, ultimately, that extends to San Francisco. In addition to the state’s high tax rate, city residents are also subject to city and county taxes. Another con of living in San Francisco is the traffic. Traffic in San Francisco is notoriously bad, and it definitely lives up to its reputation. According to statistics, a driver in San Francisco loses roughly 100 hours a year to congestion! What’s more, San Francisco often ranks among the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the worst traffic.

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