San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - December 5, 2024

The San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2024, beginning in the afternoon. The commission considered continuances, consent calendar items, commission matters, public comment, and several regular calendar items, including planning code amendments, a neighborhood action plan endorsement, and a cannabis retail use authorization. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2 (1515 Union Street): Conditional Use Authorization for a pilates studio (Club Pilates) was approved unanimously (6-0) on the consent calendar without public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: Georgia Shutish spoke about the alteration at 4267 24th Street, criticizing the use of demo calculations under Section 317 and arguing that the process has enabled speculative development and income inequality. She urged the commission to adjust demo calcs and fix the flat policy.
• Item 9 (West Portal Health Services): Dr. Lili Mossadi, the ophthalmologist seeking to expand, described her 26 years serving the neighborhood and the risk of closure if the move is delayed. She noted a six-to-eight-month patient backlog and the need to serve seniors who cannot travel downtown. Paul Barbadda, a longtime merchant, and Michael Ferrer from Supervisor Melgar's office also spoke in support.
• Item 11 (Mission Action Plan 2030): Over 50 public speakers addressed the commission, with the vast majority in support. Supporters included community members, business owners, and representatives from organizations such as MEDA, Mission Housing, the American Indian Cultural District, and Calle 24. They highlighted the plan's role in preventing displacement, preserving culture, and building affordable housing. A few speakers expressed concerns about safety, cleanliness, and the concentration of affordable housing, while others criticized the involvement of Calle 24 due to past controversies. The opposition was addressed by proponents who emphasized the equity focus and community-driven process.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (1533 Sloat Boulevard): A continuance to January 30, 2025, was approved unanimously (6-0).
• Item 4 (Minutes): The minutes of November 14 and 21, 2024, were adopted with a correction (Commissioner Braun's disclosure moved from item 16 to item 15).
• Item 6 (2025 Hearing Schedule): The commission amended the proposed schedule to cancel January 30 (Lunar New Year), April 24 (Easter/Orthodox Easter), and September 4 (first Thursday after Labor Day). The amended schedule was approved unanimously (6-0).
• Item 9 (West Portal Health Service Uses): Planning staff recommended approval with modifications to remove the 4,000 sq ft cap entirely. Commissioners debated the policy implications, with Commissioner Braun favoring broader reform. Ultimately, a motion to approve without modifications (as proposed by Supervisor Melgar) passed unanimously (6-0).
• Item 10 (Third Street Alcohol RUD): Staff recommended approval with modifications to remove the Bayview NCD from the RUD and conditionally permit bars and nighttime entertainment. Most commissioners felt this needed more community input and voted to approve the ordinance as proposed by Supervisor Walton. The motion passed 5-1 (Commissioner Campbell dissenting).
• Item 11 (Mission Action Plan 2030 Strategies): Oscar Grande from the Planning Department presented the history, progress, and five emerging strategies: stabilizing small business spaces, improving street conditions, enhancing cultural vitality, expanding affordable housing, and planning in partnership. The commission endorsed the plan unanimously (6-0) after a lengthy public comment period. Several commissioners noted the need to address pedestrian safety and correct a typo in Table 7 (120 units, not 12).
• Item 13 (4994 Mission Street Cannabis Retail): The project sponsor proposed a 1,300 sq ft cannabis retail store (Basanova, Inc.) with no on-site consumption. Approximately 60 letters of opposition were received, citing safety and proximity to child-serving facilities, while 66 letters supported the project. The owner operates a compassion program. After public comment, Commissioner Williams opposed due to proximity to other cannabis retailers and child care centers, but the motion to approve with conditions (including a prohibition on on-site consumption) passed 5-1 (Commissioner Williams dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous Approval (6-0): Continuances, consent calendar, minutes, 2025 hearing schedule (with amendments), West Portal health service use (as proposed), Third Street Alcohol RUD (as proposed), Mission Action Plan 2030 endorsement.
• Approved 5-1: 4994 Mission Street cannabis retail use (Commissioner Williams dissenting).
• Items Continued: Item 1 (1533 Sloat Blvd) to January 30, 2025; Item 12 (1035 Howard Street) to January 16, 2025; Item 14 (2459-2461 Francisco Street) withdrawn.
• Next Steps: The department will track data on use size caps and present further analysis in 2025. The Mission Action Plan 2030 will continue with community engagement to refine strategies and advocate for resources.