San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting - June 26, 2025

The San Francisco Planning Commission met on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from approximately 1:15 PM to after 8:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including continuances, consent calendar approvals, commission matters, department updates, and multiple planning code amendments. Key topics included a controversial warehouse project in Bayview, a package of small business reforms, and an informational presentation on the city's Family Zoning Plan.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5-8, 10: Approved unanimously (6-0) under the consent calendar: 3319 Sacramento Street, 220 Lombard Street No. 11, 572 Chestnut Street, 214 California Street Suite 2, and 2400 Noriega Street – all conditional use authorizations.
• Commission Matters: Approved draft minutes from June 5 and June 12, 2025, unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• San Francisco Gateway Project (Items 3-4): Multiple speakers from Bayview-Hunters Point expressed strong opposition to the proposed 2-million-square-foot delivery hub at 749 Toland Street and 2000 McKinnon Avenue. Speakers argued the project would increase pollution, harm public health, and disproportionately burden an already overburdened community. They criticized repeated continuances, stating it suppressed community voices. Speakers included Judy Kurtz (Thousand Grandmothers), Mishua Lee (36-year resident), Ana Priya Gupta (Green Action), and Rochelle Holmes (ATB All Things Bay View).
• Cell Towers: Several speakers from Diamond Heights requested the commission hold an educational presentation by Dr. Kent Chamberlain of the New Hampshire State Commission on wireless facility safety and siting before any future approvals.
• General Public Comment: Speakers addressed demolition definitions, priority processing, and other concerns.

Discussion Items

• Item 17 – Noncomplying and Accessory Structures (Planning Code Amendment): Supervisor Joel Engardio presented the ordinance to simplify repair/replacement of rear-yard structures (sheds, decks, etc.) by allowing larger sizes (up to 120 sq ft, 10 ft tall) and treating pre-2003 unpermitted structures as noncomplying. Staff recommended modifications to clarify no dwelling units, allow relocation for life safety, and remove refund provisions. Approved 5-1 (Commissioner Moore dissenting).
• Items 18-21 – Package of Small Business Reforms: The commission heard four ordinances aimed at reducing permitting barriers for small businesses: (18) fenestration/transparency/sign requirements and downtown/RC district uses, (19) temporary use authorizations, (20) sign amnesty and security gates, (21A/B) priority processing consolidation. Public comment was generally supportive, with some opposition from Calle 24 Latino Cultural District and North Beach organizations regarding inclusion in the priority processing program. After deliberation, the commission voted separately on each item:
  • Item 18: Approved 6-0 with staff modifications, including a 2030 sunset for ground-floor office uses in C3 districts.
  • Item 19: Approved 6-0.
  • Item 20: Approved 6-0.
  • Items 21A/B: Approved 6-0 with a modification to carve out Calle 24 and North Beach from the priority processing program, after concerns from neighborhood groups.
• Item 22 – Streamlining Reporting Requirements: The ordinance would reduce 52 reporting requirements in the planning code to 16, replacing paper reports with online dashboards. Staff presented data tools. Commissioner Williams expressed concern about public access and moved to continue with an informational presentation (failed 3-3). The subsequent motion to approve with modifications passed 4-2 (Commissioners Williams and Moore dissenting).
• Item 23 – Family Zoning Plan (Informational Presentation): Staff presented the mayor's legislation to rezone large portions of the city to allow more housing types, including upzoning along transit corridors. A financial feasibility study showed most prototypes are currently infeasible, but low- and mid-rise projects could become viable under improved conditions. Public comment was divided: some residents opposed height increases and potential demolition of rent-controlled units, while others supported the plan for creating more housing opportunities. Commissioners discussed tenant protections, affordable housing funding, and the need for ongoing community engagement. No vote was taken; the item will return for action in September.

Key Outcomes

• Continuances Granted: Items 1 (61-61A Coleridge St), 2 (2867 Green St), 9a/b (350 Amber Dr), and 11a/b (425 Broadway) were continued to July 10, 2025 (except 9a/b to July 24). Items 3-4 (San Francisco Gateway Project) were initially continued to July 10, but later re-continued to September 11, 2025, after a request from Supervisor Walton.
• Item 17: Approved 5-1 with staff modifications.
• Items 18-21: All approved unanimously (6-0) with modifications as noted, including carving out Calle 24 and North Beach from Item 21.
• Item 22: Approved 4-2 to streamline reporting requirements.
• Item 23: Informational only; further hearings scheduled for July 17 and September.
• Commission Announcements: The commission welcomed Sarah Dennis Phillips as the new planning director (starting Monday) and thanked outgoing Director Rich Hillis for his service.