The ordinance amends the Police Code to increase fees for certain outdoor sound permits, remove permit requirements for specific activities, and streamline the application process for entertainment permits. It also adjusts public notice requirements and modifies conditions under which hearings are held for certain permits.
Ordinance amending the Police Code to 1) increase the filing fee for One Time Outdoor Amplified Sound Permits; 2) eliminate permit requirements for ball or ring throwing games, dance halls, and masked balls; 3) eliminate referral of Place of Entertainment Permit applications to the Department of Building Inspection (“DBI”); 4) eliminate referral of Limited Live Performance and Fixed Place Outdoor Amplified Sound permits to the Planning Department; 5) relax public notice requirements on the applicant and the Entertainment Commission with respect to applications for Place of Entertainment, Limited Live Performance, and Fixed Place Amplified Sound permits; 6) require the Entertainment Commission to hold a hearing on any application for a One Time Event Permit or One Time Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit in cases where an applicant has previously obtained 12 or more such permits in the same calendar year, rather than the preceding 12 months; 7) for Extended-Hours Permits, eliminate referral to DBI, and eliminate referral to the Department of Public Health and the Fire Department in cases where the applicant or permittee already holds valid permits from those departments; and 8) amend definitions relevant to noise limit enforcement.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a proposal by Mayor Lurie aimed at streamlining the permitting process for entertainment-related activities in San Francisco.
Mayor Lurie introduced an ordinance to amend the Police Code regarding entertainment permits, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and costs for event organizers.
The ordinance was referred to relevant city departments for review and feedback.
The Small Business Commission reviewed the ordinance and voted 6-0 in support, highlighting its potential to reduce permit processing times and costs.
The committee recommended the ordinance for passage after a public hearing.
The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance on its first reading.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, completing the legislative process.
Mayor Lurie approved the ordinance, officially enacting the changes to the Police Code.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record