Resolution urging the City Attorney and the Mayor to request that the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): 1) extend the deadlines for Required Actions in HCD’s Policy and Practice Review to ensure that all of San Francisco’s extensive, collaborative work to further housing development does not lead to de-certification of San Francisco’s adopted Housing Element; 2) revise and correct HCD’s Policy and Practice Review to be consistent with all policies in San Francisco’s adopted Housing Element, including its policies and actions related to affordable housing and equity, as well as the City’s legal obligations to affirmatively further fair housing, and to be consistent with San Francisco’s status as a Charter City imbued with the power of local action over municipal affairs; and setting forth that as part of the City’s Housing Element implementation, it is the policy of the City to address the dual goals of production of new housing as well as the preservation of existing housing.

The ordinance reduces requirements for Inclusionary Housing Programs and development impact fees for certain housing projects approved before specific dates, making it easier for developers to build. It also updates the membership requirements for the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee and affirms compliance with environmental regulations.

This ordinance creates a new Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District in San Francisco, allowing for increased housing density by permitting up to four units on individual lots and additional units on merged lots in certain residential districts. It also exempts eligible projects from various planning requirements and ensures that new units are subject to rent increase limitations.

The ordinance modifies how development impact fees are calculated and paid, allowing certain projects to defer fees until occupancy and exempting some projects from fees for three years. It also updates the Planning Code to support existing fees for community services and infrastructure.

The ordinance reduces requirements for Inclusionary Housing in certain development projects approved before November 1, 2023, allowing for lower fees and modifications to conditions of approval. It also updates the member requirements for the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee and affirms compliance with environmental regulations and city planning policies.

This ordinance changes the Building Code to clarify how site permit applications are processed and limits the Building Official's review scope. It also mandates that multiple city departments review these applications at the same time when submitted electronically.

The ordinance allows for the conversion of non-residential spaces to residential use in Downtown San Francisco, streamlining various requirements and permitting new types of commercial uses to help revitalize the area. It also simplifies sign permitting and historic preservation reviews, while increasing flexibility for large projects and adaptive reuse of buildings.