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Real Estate Services manages the SFPUC's commercial interest in lands and properties owned and occupied by SFPUC Divisions, negotiates and manage permits and leases, works with the SFPUC to develop commercially valuable uses of SFPUC properties consistent with its utility needs, recommends policies and implement procedures relating to the use, rental, management and disposal of such property, and promote diversity and the health, safety and professional development of its employees.

Real Estate Services Managed Property and its Uses

The SFPUC owns approximately 63,000 acres of watershed lands, more than 200 miles of water pipeline right-of-way land, 160 miles of electrical transmission lines, 900 miles of sewer lines, and numerous other facilities such as in-city reservoirs, tank sites, and pump stations. These land holdings are located in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties.

There is often potential to lease much of the land and facilities to third-party users, provided the use is compatible with SFPUC system operations. Currently, there are approximately 100 properties under lease and another 250 properties under permit. The majority of water pipeline right-of-way is used by adjacent property owners for parking and/or storage. For example, the pipeline runs through shopping centers, apartment complexes, agricultural land, church and schoolyards, motels, and an amusement park. SFPUC property is also used by other cities and counties for public parks, community gardens, walking trails, basketball courts, soccer fields, and park and ride lots.

The 63,000 acres of watershed land in the Bay Area also offers a tremendous opportunity for additional rent revenue. Currently, the vast majority of a 40,000 acre watershed area in Alameda and Santa Clara counties is used for cattle grazing, however, there are always opportunities for a variety of other unique uses. The SFPUC' East Bay Watershed is used by several nurseries. During the holiday season, people cut their own Christmas trees from SFPUC land. There is also an extensive trail system currently under lease to the East Bay Regional Park District open for exploration.

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