Thu, Sep 18, 2025·San Francisco, California·Planning Commission

San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting Summary - September 18, 2025

Discussion Breakdown

Land Use55%
Procedural12%
Public Safety8%
Community Engagement7%
Cannabis Regulation6%
Parks and Recreation5%
Affordable Housing3%
Historic Preservation2%
Environmental Review2%

Summary

San Francisco Planning Commission Hearing - September 18, 2025

The San Francisco Planning Commission conducted a hearing on September 18, 2025, covering routine approvals, public comments on housing and legislation, and deliberations on specific projects including a car wash ordinance, shadow findings for a theater expansion, and a tobacco paraphernalia shop authorization.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimous approval of conditional use authorizations and initiation of code corrections ordinance.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Georgia Shootish expressed concern about speculative property prices and confusion over demolition calculations, urging the commission to use legislative authority.
  • Peter Stevens requested analysis on how SB 79 would impact San Francisco neighborhoods, highlighting potential evictions and policy effects.

Discussion Items

  • Item 13: Outdoor Hand Car Wash Ordinance: Staff recommended approval with modifications to allow outdoor hand washing citywide at automotive service stations. The supervisor's office supported the ordinance but was neutral on expansion. Commissioners approved with modifications unanimously.
  • Item 14: Shadow Findings for ODC Theater Expansion: Staff presented shadow study showing minimal impact on In Chan Kaajal Park. ODC representatives highlighted community benefits. Commissioners adopted shadow findings unanimously.
  • Item 15: Conditional Use for Tobacco Paraphernalia Establishment: Staff recommended denial due to negative community impact and history of issues. The project sponsor defended the business, stating only 5% of sales were from paraphernalia. Community groups opposed the authorization. Commissioners denied the application unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Continuance items approved unanimously.
  • Consent calendar items approved unanimously.
  • Item 13 approved with staff modifications (6-0 vote).
  • Item 14 shadow findings adopted (6-0 vote).
  • Item 15 conditional use authorization denied (6-0 vote).

Meeting Transcript

Okay, good afternoon and welcome to the San Francisco Planning Commission hearing for Thursday, September 18th, 2025. When we reach the item you are interested in speaking to, we ask that you line up on the screen side of the room or to your right. Each speaker will be allowed up to three minutes, and when you have 30 seconds remaining, you will hear a chime indicating your time is almost up. When your allotted time is reached, I will announce that your time is up and take the next person cued to speak. There is a very convenient timer on the podium where you can see how much time you have left and watch your time tick down. Please speak clearly and slowly and if you care to state your name for the record. I ask that we silence any mobile devices that may sound off during these proceedings. And finally, I will remind members of the public that the commission does not tolerate any disruption or outbursts of any kind. At this time, I'd like to take roll, Commission President So. Present. Commission Vice President Moore, here Commissioner Braun. Here Commissioner Imperial. Here and Commissioner McGarry. Thank you, Commissioners. We expect Commissioner Williams to uh return shortly and for Commissioner Campbell to be absent today. First, on your agenda, Commissioners is consideration of items proposed for continuance. Item one, case number 2025, hyphen 006246 PCA definitions, family dwelling unit planning code amendments is proposed for continue is proposed for continuance to October 2nd, 2025. Further commissioners under your regular calendar item 12 for case number 2025, hyphen 005989 PCA and MAP consolidating the North Beach special use and neighborhood commercial districts and expanding allowable uses and use size limits in certain zoning districts, planning code and zoning amendments are proposed for continuance for one week to September 25th. I have no other items proposed for continuance, so we should take public comment. Members of the public, this is your opportunity to address the commission on their continuance calendar only on the matter of continuance. You need to come forward. Seeing none, public comment is closed, and your continuance calendar is now before you, Commissioners. Commissioner Braun. Move to continue items one and twelve as proposed. Second. Thank you, Commissioners. On that motion to continue items as proposed. Commissioner McGarry. Aye. Commissioner Braun. Aye. Commissioner Imperial. Aye. Commissioner Moore. Aye. And Commission President Seo. Aye. So move Commissioners. That motion passes unanimously five to zero. And places us under your consent calendar. All matters listed here under constituted consent calendar are considered to be routine by the planning commission and may be acted upon by a single roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission, the public or staff so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the consent calendar and considered as a separate item at this or a future hearing. Item two, case number 2025, hyphen 005009, CU8 1511, Hate Street, conditional use authorization. Item 3, case number 2025, hyphen 005130, CU8 1715, Hate Street, Conditional Use Authorization. Item 4, case number 2025, hyphen 004941. C UA 3893, 24th Street, conditional use authorization. Item 5, case number 2025, 2025, hyphen 00339, PCA 2025 code corrections ordinance initiation. Members of the public, this is your opportunity to request that any of these consent calendar items be pulled off of consent and considered today under the regular calendar or future date. Commissioner Imperial. Move to approve all items.