The ordinance amends various city codes to eliminate certain fees and raise the gross receipts threshold for fee reductions if voters approve Proposition M in 2024. It also extends waivers and suspensions for certain business fees and modifies provisions related to license fees.
Ordinance amending the Business and Tax Regulations Code, Administrative Code, Health Code, Police Code, and Public Works Code to make the following changes if the voters approve Proposition M in the November 5, 2024, election: 1) eliminate certain fees beginning in 2026, and 2) increase the gross receipts threshold from $2,500,000 to $5,000,000 for reductions to annual curbside shared spaces fees beginning in 2026; and to make the following additional changes regardless of whether the voters approve Proposition M: 3) extend indefinitely the waiver of business location and device fees for businesses with taximeter devices; 4) extend indefinitely the suspension of the registration certificate and fee requirements for taxi drivers and drivers for transportation network companies; 5) authorize the Tax Collector to collect certain additional license fees on the unified license bill; and 6) amend the delinquency date and penalty provisions and add interest provisions relating to license fees collected on the unified license bill.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to alleviate the financial burden of regulatory fees on small businesses in San Francisco, particularly in light of Proposition M's potential approval.
The Small Business Commission reviewed and supported the proposed ordinance, recognizing the disproportionate burden of regulatory fees on small businesses, particularly in the food and nightlife sectors.
The Board of Supervisors introduced the ordinance to amend various codes, proposing to eliminate certain fees and increase the gross receipts threshold for fee reductions, contingent on the approval of Proposition M.
Proposition M was on the ballot for voters to approve changes to business taxes, which would trigger the fee eliminations proposed in the ordinance.
The Budget and Finance Committee recommended the ordinance for passage, highlighting its potential to save small businesses significant amounts in annual fees.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on its first reading, moving it closer to final approval.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, solidifying the changes to the various codes regarding business fees.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, allowing the changes to take effect as planned.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
