SF Supervisor Seeks 'Dumb' Laws

Wong's "dumb laws" contest, which runs until March 30, seeks to identify outdated, burdensome, or unnecessary city laws. Residents and small businesses can submit examples of regulations, permit requirements, fees, or administrative processes they find overly complicated. Winners will be announced in April and could see their submissions lead to policy discussions or legislative review. Examples of "dumb laws" already highlighted include a prohibition on carrying bread or pastries in an exposed container on public streets (Health Code 407) and a rule allowing families to keep two female goats without a stable permit (Health Code 27). It's also illegal to cremate a body in San Francisco, unless the cremation facility is under federal jurisdiction. Other examples include rules against playing ball in public streets, riding a horse while drunk, and feeding parakeets in parks. The initiative aims to modernize policies that create unnecessary burdens, with submissions reviewed based on whether they reference a real San Francisco law, appear outdated, and create confusion or costs for residents and businesses. Winners will receive recognition and may influence future policy. The City Attorney estimates San Francisco's rulebook contains nearly 16 million words.