The ordinance allows more flexibility for businesses in certain districts by permitting various non-retail and retail uses on the ground and upper floors, with specific conditions and timelines. It also updates requirements for ground floor transparency and modifies definitions related to signage and non-residential uses for development fees.
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to 1) principally permit certain non-retail sales and service uses, including general office, design professional, business services, non-retail professional services, and trade offices, on the ground floor in the C-3 (“Downtown Commercial”) Districts through December 31, 2030, after which such uses will be conditionally permitted, and make accompanying revisions to required ground floor uses and Floor Area Ratio; 2) principally permit retail sales and service uses on the second floor and above in the RC (“Residential-Commercial”) Districts; 3) principally permit non-retail sales and service uses on the second floor and above, and conditionally permit catering and laboratory uses on the ground floor in the RC Districts; 4) update transparency and fenestration requirements for ground floor actives uses and exempt child care facilities, homeless shelters, mortuaries, religious institutions, reproductive health clinics, and school uses from those requirements; 5) modify the definition of a Window Sign; 6) modify Planning review and approval of changes in copy of a Sign and Wall and Window Signs applied to doors, windows, or building facades; 7) modify the definition of a Non-Residential Use for the purposes of certain development impact fee waivers; and 8) modify permitted and required ground floor uses in the RH-DTR (“Rincon Hill Downtown Residential”) District, including uses in certain historic buildings, subject to various conditions; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and 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 the Mayor's initiative to reform permitting processes in San Francisco, particularly to support economic recovery post-COVID-19.
Mayor Lurie introduced the ordinance to amend the Planning Code to facilitate non-retail and retail uses in specific districts, aiming to streamline the permitting process.
The Planning Department determined that the proposed ordinance complies with the California Environmental Quality Act, allowing it to proceed.
The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance and provided a response, affirming its alignment with the General Plan and priority policies.
The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 21758, recommending approval of the ordinance with modifications to signage and transparency requirements.
The committee amended the ordinance, incorporating changes based on the Planning Commission's recommendations and continued it for further consideration.
The committee recommended the ordinance for approval to the full Board of Supervisors, highlighting its potential benefits for small businesses.
The Board of Supervisors finally passed the ordinance, affirming its importance for economic recovery and regulatory clarity.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record