City Data Request via Open API - San Francisco Bylaws

Technology and Data California 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of California

San Francisco, California publishes many municipal datasets through an Open API. This guide explains how to request existing datasets, request additions or corrections, and where Open Data and public-records procedures intersect with city bylaws and administrative rules. Use the official Open Data developer resources and municipal code links below to confirm current procedures before filing requests or appeals. Key contacts include the DataSF program and the Citys Department of Technology for technical and policy questions.DataSF developer docs[1] provides API endpoints and usage notes, while the Board of Supervisors publishes the municipal code and local rules online.Municipal Code[2] For program contacts, see the City Department of Technology page.Department of Technology[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Requests for datasets via the Open API are generally administrative and technical; the official sources do not list monetary fines for making or denying API dataset requests. Where the City enforces data publication obligations, those remedies are set by the controlling ordinance or administrative policy cited below or by state public-records law. When a specific fine, penalty, or escalation schedule is not published on the controlling page, this text notes that the figure is "not specified on the cited page."

  • Enforcer: DataSF and the Citys Department of Technology handle Open Data publication and standards; appeals related to records access may involve the City Attorney or the Board of Supervisors. Not all enforcement processes are detailed on the cited pages.[1]
  • Fines: Specific fines or daily penalties for failing to publish datasets or for API misuse are not specified on the cited DataSF or municipal code pages.[1]
  • Escalation: The cited pages do not provide a first/repeat/continuing offence schedule; escalation paths typically follow administrative notices, correction orders, and potential council or legal action, but exact steps are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Inspections and Complaints: Technical issues or dataset inaccuracies are reported to DataSF or the dataset owner department (contact details on department pages). For formal access denials, use the Citys public-records process cited in municipal guidance.[3]
  • Appeals and Time Limits: Where an appeal route exists, the controlling ordinance or administrative policy describes time limits; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited Open Data documentation and must be confirmed with the enforcing office.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: Orders to correct or remove data, supervisory directives, or court actions are possible remedies; the cited pages do not list a complete menu of non-monetary sanctions.[2]
If denied access, request a written explanation citing the controlling code or policy.

Applications & Forms

There is no special "API request" municipal form published on the DataSF developer page. To request a new dataset or changes, contact the dataset owner department via the DataSF request links or submit a public-records request where appropriate. For formal public-records requests consult the municipal code and the departments records page for any required submission forms; specific form numbers or fees are not specified on the DataSF developer page.[1]

How the process typically works

  • Identify the dataset in the Open Data catalog and review its metadata and API documentation.
  • Confirm whether the dataset is published, its update cadence, and the dataset owner department noted on the portal.
  • Contact the dataset owner or DataSF for corrections or to request publication of new fields or datasets.
Many technical API requests are resolved by the dataset owner without formal legal action.

FAQ

How do I request an unpublished dataset?
Locate the dataset owner in the Open Data catalog and submit a request to that department; if unresolved, file a public-records request with the City using the departments records portal.
Are there fees to use the Open API?
There are no published usage fees for the Open API on the DataSF developer page; specific fees for large data extracts or specialized services are not specified on the cited pages.
How do I appeal a denied records request related to bylaw enforcement data?
Follow the appeal or administrative review routes in the municipal code or the departments public-records guidance; specific timelines should be confirmed with the enforcing office.

How-To

  1. Find the dataset on DataSF and read the metadata and API endpoints.
  2. Use the API key or public endpoints shown in the developer docs to retrieve data programmatically.
  3. Contact the dataset owner listed on the catalog for corrections or additions.
  4. If the owner does not resolve a publication or access issue, submit a formal public-records request to the responsible department.
  5. If still unresolved, lodge an appeal or seek review as provided in municipal procedures or consult City counsel for legal remedies.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Open Data catalog to identify owners and endpoints before filing formal requests.
  • Most dataset corrections are handled administratively by the dataset owner.
  • Confirm appeal deadlines and formal procedures with the enforcing department.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DataSF developer documentation (data.sfgov.org/developers)
  2. [2] San Francisco Municipal Code (sfbos.org)
  3. [3] City Department of Technology (sf.gov)

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