The ordinance proposes changes to the Planning Code that would reduce affordable housing requirements for larger projects, eliminate them for smaller ones, and allow developers to dedicate land instead of paying fees. It also aims to modify certain fees and processes related to affordable housing and ensure compliance with environmental and planning regulations.
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to: 1) reduce Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program requirements for projects of 25 units or more; 2) delete Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program requirements for projects under 25 units; 3) allow all projects to dedicate land to the City as an alternative to payment of the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program fee; 4) adopt a process for projects to request a modification to conditions of approval related to Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program requirements; 5) delete certain Article 4 affordable housing and development impact fees; and 6) adopt conforming amendments to various sections of the Planning Code; amending the Building Code to reduce Planning Code Article 4 development impact fees and allow deferral of payment of such fees; and amending the Administrative Code to adopt conforming amendments to the requirements of the Citywide Affordable Housing Fund; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; making public necessity, convenience, and welfare findings under Planning Code, Section 302; and making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1.
How it got here
The legislation originated from a need to address the financial feasibility of residential development in San Francisco, prompted by findings from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
The TAC was convened to review the feasibility of the City’s inclusionary affordable housing obligations.
The Controller submitted a report to the Board of Supervisors summarizing the findings of the TAC, recommending significant reductions in inclusionary housing rates.
Mayor Lurie introduced Board File No. 260538, proposing amendments to the Planning, Building, and Administrative Codes to reduce inclusionary housing requirements and development impact fees.
The proposed ordinance was referred to the Building Inspection Commission for review, which waived further committee review due to the administrative nature of the changes.
The Building Inspection Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the ordinance.
The Planning Commission adopted a recommendation for approval with modifications after a public hearing.
The Government Audit and Oversight Committee continued the item to the call of the chair, pending further discussion.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
Proposes a change to city law: Changing the the city's zoning/building rules to: 1) reduce Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program requirements for projects of 25 units or more.
