The ordinance exempts specific downtown projects that convert non-residential spaces to residential from certain development fees, including the Inclusionary Housing fee, and removes the application deadline for the Adaptive Reuse Program. It also mandates regular reporting to the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee and affirms compliance with environmental and planning regulations.
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to: exempt certain types of projects in the downtown area that replace non-residential uses with residential uses from development impact fees and requirements, including the Inclusionary Housing fee, remove the application deadline from the Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse Program, and require periodic reporting to the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; making findings of consistency with the General Plan and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1; and making findings of public necessity, convenience, and welfare pursuant to Planning Code, Section 302.
How it got here
This legislation originated from a need to address the decline in office space demand and the housing crisis in San Francisco, prompting amendments to the Planning Code.
A report urged City policymakers to consider programs to incentivize the conversion of office space into residential units.
The City approved Ordinance 122-23 to facilitate residential uses Downtown by exempting eligible projects from certain Planning Code standards.
The Commission passed Resolution No. 21473, delegating authority to the Planning Director for waivers under the State Density Bonus law.
Voters approved a measure waiving the real estate transfer tax for non-residential properties converted to residential use.
An ordinance was introduced to amend the Planning Code to exempt certain projects from development impact fees and requirements.
The Commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance with modifications, affirming its consistency with the General Plan.
The Board finally passed the ordinance, which exempts certain projects from development impact fees and requirements.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
The ordinance amends the Planning Code to streamline housing production by exempting certain projects from review processes, removing conditional use requirements for various housing types, and adjusting zoning regulations to facilitate development. It also expands eligibility for housing programs, allows more ground floor uses in residential buildings, and updates regulations for affordable housing projects.
The ordinance allows for the conversion of non-residential spaces to residential use in Downtown San Francisco, streamlining various requirements and permitting new 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.
