San Francisco Land Use and Transportation Committee Regular Meeting - January 29, 2024

The Land Use and Transportation Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors met on January 29, 2024, at 9:45 AM, chaired by Supervisor Mirna Melgar, joined by President Aaron Peskin and Vice Chair Dean Preston. The committee considered seven items, including infrastructure acceptance for Treasure Island, planning code corrections, fire code amendments for lithium-ion batteries, density calculation changes, and the Gas House Cove Marina project. Several items were voted forward to the full Board, with some amended and continued.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Items 1-3 (Treasure Island): No public speakers; public comment was closed.
• Item 4 (Code Corrections): No public speakers.
• Item 5 (Lithium-Ion Batteries): Multiple speakers expressed support for the ordinance, including representatives from the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Gateway Tenants Association, San Francisco Firefighters Local 798, and residents. Some speakers raised concerns about definitions, enforcement, and the need for an educational campaign. A speaker from the disabled community noted that mobility devices for disabilities were not covered. The public comment was overwhelmingly supportive of passing the ordinance.
• Item 6 (Density Calculation): Several speakers from the Housing Action Coalition and other groups supported the ordinance, arguing it would increase housing supply and vibrant neighborhoods. Opponents, including members of the San Francisco Landers Coalition, argued the measure benefits developers without guaranteeing affordable housing. Some speakers urged caution and transparency.
• Item 7 (Marina Yacht Harbor): Dozens of speakers overwhelmingly opposed the project expansion, citing loss of open space, public access, water views, and impacts on swimming, rowing, sailing, and community gatherings. Speakers represented diverse neighborhoods and organizations including the South End Rowing Club, Sierra Club, and the Dolphin Club. Many called for better remediation of pollution and questioned the financial assumptions of the project. Only a few speakers supported aspects of the plan, such as retaining a fuel dock.

Discussion Items

Items 1-3: Treasure Island Infrastructure Acceptance Anne-Marie Rogers (TIDA) presented three ordinances: accepting street and public infrastructure, acknowledging ferry terminal and other improvements, and delegating park acceptance authority to TIDA. Madison Tam (Supervisor Dorsey's office) supported the items, noting their importance for the island's transformation. President Peskin raised concerns about the delegation of park authority, requesting clarification that it be limited to parks under the development agreement and include a sunset clause. After discussion, items 1 and 2 were approved as committee reports for the February 6 Board meeting. Item 3 was initially continued to February 5, but later amended and approved to be sent to the Board with amendments clarifying delegation scope and adding a five-year sunset.

Item 4: Planning and Administrative Code Corrections Audrey Merlone (Planning Department) presented an ordinance correcting typographical errors and outdated cross-references. President Peskin raised an issue about signage language on pages 24-25, suggesting temporary removal of certain words pending future legislation. The city attorney requested time to review. After public comment, the committee adopted the amendment and sent the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Item 5: Fire Code – Lithium-Ion Batteries in Powered Mobility Devices Fire Marshal Ken Coughlin presented amendments to the ordinance, which had been refined through stakeholder meetings. The ordinance sets standards for charging/storage, prohibits damaged or reconditioned batteries, and mandates an informational campaign. President Peskin, who introduced the legislation, noted that fires grew from 12 in 2020 to over 60 last year, with one fatality. The committee heard extensive public support. President Peskin moved amendments that included defining “safety certified powered mobility device” and incorporating a trade-in program intent. The amended ordinance was passed unanimously (3-0) and sent to the full Board.

Item 6: Planning Code – Density Calculation in Certain Districts Audrey Merlone presented a proposal to replace numeric density limits with form-based controls in commercial and transit-oriented districts outside priority equity geographies, as part of the Housing Element implementation. Supervisor Safai co-sponsored, citing examples where density decontrol led to more affordable units. President Peskin requested time to prepare amendments addressing potential unintended height increases from state density bonuses in historic districts. Supervisor Preston questioned the lack of neighborhood outreach and whether a feasibility study under Planning Code 415.6 was required. After public comment, the committee voted to continue the item to February 12, 2024, to allow for amendment preparation.

Item 7: Implementation of Gas House Cove Project – Marina Yacht Harbor Sarah Madlin (Rec and Park) and budget analyst Alex Thibodeau presented on the proposed marina expansion and its financial impacts. The proposed project would expand the West Harbor by over 150 feet, add 235 slips, and include a breakwater and fuel dock. Under the proposed ordinance restricting expansion, the number of East Harbor slips would drop from 359 to 165, and the total marina slips from 736 to 542, reducing revenue and requiring fee increases of 15-32%. Supervisor Safai and President Peskin argued that the department had not engaged the community adequately and had ignored strong public opposition. They highlighted alternative funding sources and the need to preserve public access and recreational uses. The committee voted 3-0 to amend the ordinance with a technical clarification (not beyond the western edge of the Wave Organ) and send it to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Items 1 & 2 (Treasure Island Infrastructure): Approved as committee reports for February 6 Board meeting (3-0).
• Item 3 (Treasure Island Park Delegation): Amended with clarifications and five-year sunset; approved as a committee report (3-0).
• Item 4 (Code Corrections): Amended to remove signage language; approved as amended (3-0).
• Item 5 (Lithium-Ion Batteries): Amended with technical and policy changes; approved as amended (3-0).
• Item 6 (Density Calculation): Continued to February 12, 2024 (3-0).
• Item 7 (Marina Yacht Harbor): Amended with technical clarification; approved as amended (3-0).

All items acted upon are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda on February 6, 2024, unless otherwise stated.