The ordinance removes the 200-foot distance requirement for nighttime entertainment venues near residential areas in the Western SoMa Special Use District, allowing such uses closer to residential enclaves. It also permits general and nighttime entertainment at a specific location on Folsom Street while affirming compliance with environmental and planning regulations.
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to eliminate the 200-foot buffer restriction in the Western SoMa Special Use District for Nighttime Entertainment uses located within 200 feet of a RED (Residential Enclave) or RED-MX (Residential Enclave-Mixed) District and delete references to the buffer restriction in the SALI (Service/Arts/Light Industrial) and WMUO (WSoMa Mixed-Use Office) Districts; principally permit General Entertainment and Nighttime Entertainment uses at 655 Folsom Street (Assessor’s Parcel Block No. 3750, Lot No. 050) located in the MUR (Mixed-Use Residential) District; 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
The legislation originated from a need to amend the Planning Code to enhance nightlife in the South of Market area by removing buffer restrictions for Nighttime Entertainment uses.
This ordinance was enacted to promote nightlife in SoMa, allowing Nighttime Entertainment uses in the Cultural District while exempting them from a 200-foot buffer requirement.
Supervisor Dorsey introduced an ordinance to conditionally permit Nighttime Entertainment uses on properties fronting Brannan and Folsom Streets, addressing gaps left by Ordinance No. 22-23.
The Board substituted the initial ordinance with a revised version to further clarify the conditions for permitting Nighttime Entertainment uses.
The Planning Department determined that the proposed amendments were not defined as a project under CEQA, allowing for expedited review.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the ordinance, affirming its consistency with the General Plan.
The Board passed the ordinance on first reading, moving it closer to final approval.
The Board finally passed the ordinance, allowing for the removal of the 200-foot buffer restriction for Nighttime Entertainment uses.
The Mayor approved the ordinance, finalizing the amendments to the Planning Code.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
