Rental Rates

  • The Geneva Powerhouse provides a Local Neighborhood rental rate for residents and artists of District 11 who live or work within the 94134, 94132, 94127, or 94112 zip codes.

    Additionally, we offer a Reduced Artist and Local Neighborhood rate, which is available for up to 6 hours. This rate excludes access to our sound and lighting equipment and applies only to events without vending goods or services. This special rate is granted at the discretion of the rental committee and is in high demand. Please note that approval is not guaranteed.

  • If you are the event lead and reside in the 94134, 94132, 94127, or 94112 zip code, you qualify for the rate.

    Performing Arts Workshop’s rental committee will review your rental form once submitted.

  • Your rental fee supports our youth arts education programs, increases artist access to the space, and helps make this cultural gem a centerpiece of the neighborhood.

Facility Policies

  • The Geneva Powerhouse is an ADA compliant facility excluding the mezzanine area.

  • The mezzanine area is available for usage. Due to the mezzanine not being ADA accessible, only 2-3 individuals/performers are allowed to be up there at once.

  • The Geneva Powerhouse has a limited number of tables and chairs available for use and does not provide rentals.

    We encourage our renters to consider supporting local District 11 vendors.

  • Doors can be propped open with prior notice given to the Events and Operations Manager and Powerhouse staff.

    Renters must closely monitor them as the Geneva Powerhouse will not be responsible for personal lost or damaged items.

  • We’re very happy that you decided to celebrate your birthday at the Geneva Powerhouse! Unfortunately, balloons are not permitted inside or outside the venue under any circumstances.

    Additionally, given the historic nature of the Geneva Powerhouse, nothing is to be placed on the exposed brick walls.

    Florals, streamers, carpeting, and other decorations are welcomed.

  • Decorations may be placed in front of the main doors of the Powerhouse. The large doors stage left towards our dance floor (south end of the building) is an audience fire exit. You must maintain a clearance from this space at all times and may not block this space for any period of time for any reason.

  • Licensed service animals are welcomed upon providing prior notice.

  • No, smoking is not allowed on the premises. Please be mindful of the health and well-being of our students and staff as a youth arts center.

  • Because the Geneva Powerhouse complies with the San Francisco Bottle and Package ordinance, this is expected of event renters as well.

    That being said, for any event that involves 100 or more people, no person may sell or distribute bottled or packaged water in:

    • Any container intended primarily for single use and having a capacity of one liter or less

    • Bag

    • Can

    • Glass bottle

    • Rigid Plastic Bottle

    • Sealed box

Payment

  • Deposits are non-refundable.

  • If payment is not received 7 days before the anticipated event date, it will result in the cancellation of the event.

    In the case of fiscal sponsorship, both the sponsored individual/organization and the sponsoring organization will be held responsible as listed in the contracted rental agreement.

Permits

  • Event Leads are responsible for securing all necessary permits at least 4 weeks prior to their event.

  • If food is being sold at public events, the San Francisco Department of Public Health must be notified. You must apply for a temporary event permit for each vendor selling food. For detailed information and to initiate the permit process, please visit SF Food Safety Department and Organizing Food Vendors for Special Community Events. You can also reach out via email at tempevents@sfdph.org.

    Please keep in mind that the SFDPH requires a minimum of two (2) business weeks for permit processing. The Geneva Powerhouse cannot open doors without proper permits.

  • Open flames are not permitted inside the historic building. If chafing dishes are needed to warm food, renter must obtain an operational permit through the San Francisco Fire Department per event.

  • Alcohol is allowed to be served with prior notice provided. Alcohol can be sold upon acquiring the ABC liquor license permit 14 business days in advance of the event and providing prior notice to the Events and Operations Manager.

  • If capacity is estimated over 389 (without the use of tables and chairs), or 181 with tables and chairs, a conditional use permit must be obtained from the San Francisco Fire Department. A fire marshal must be on site for one (1) hour before and one (1) hour after the event. Please contact the SFFD directly for associated fees.

    For detailed information and to initiate the permit process, please call the Permits and Plan Check office at (628) 652-3260.

    Please keep in mind that the SFFD requires a minimum of two (2) business weeks for permit processing.

Insurance

  • Insurance may be obtained here.

    The Geneva Powerhouse requires “CGL” = Commercial General Liability.

    Renters must provide a Certificate of Insurance that lists the following organizations in the coverage:

    • Performing Arts Workshop

    • Geneva Powerhouse

    • Community Arts Stabilization Trust

    • San Francisco Recreation & Parks

    Renters must include a General Liability Additional Insured endorsement, with limits equal or greater than $1M Each Occurrence, $2M General Aggregate.

Parking and Transportation

  • Local parking around the neighborhood and block is available.

    The Geneva Powerhouse is located steps from Balboa Park BART and accessible through MUNI lines 8, 54, 43 and 49.

Tours/Walkthroughs

  • Up to two (2) 1 hour walkthroughs are allotted per event. If you need additional event planning time, please account for rehearsal fees.

  • Please email events@genevapowerhouse.org to schedule a tour.

Have a question not listed?

Contact events@genevapowerhouse.org.