San Francisco Planning Commission Hearing – May 21, 2026

The San Francisco Planning Commission met on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to consider continuances, consent calendar items, and two legislative ordinance proposals: one to expand allowable hotel room counts in residential districts and another to establish a cannabis cafe permit program. The commission voted unanimously on the cannabis cafe ordinance and approved the hotel use ordinance 5–1 with staff modifications. Director announcements highlighted a proposed ballot measure to increase the affordable housing trust fund from $50 million to $125 million annually.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2 (2001 37th Avenue – St. Ignatius bike parking, CUA-2022-012254): Continued four weeks to June 18, 2026, by a unanimous 6–0 vote.
• Item 1 (5238 Diamond Heights Blvd – conditional use authorization): Approved unanimously 6–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General public comment: George Shutish urged the commission to require a "tenants present" box on all planning application forms, citing recent eviction cases and the value of tenant disclosure for staff and public oversight. He referenced a court case and the Carl Jensen flats as examples.
• Item 8 (Hotel use expansion): Approximately a dozen speakers expressed strong support for the ordinance, emphasizing the neighborhood charm and economic viability of bed‑and‑breakfasts, particularly Noe’s Nest. Speakers included Carol Yenny (former president, Noe Valley Merchant Association), George Von Bozai, John Scott, David, Dave Kong, Eric Barreto, Anayas, Ella Vid, Mindy Cantor, and owner Sheila Ash. They highlighted benefits such as tourism, family visits, and community contributions.
• Item 9 (Cannabis cafe ordinance): Three speakers voiced strong support: Mercedes and Harley Melson (Spark dispensaries) noted the need for safe consumption spaces and economic opportunities; Eric Pearson (Spark founder) described the evolution of cannabis normalization and emphasized that the safeguards in the ordinance are sufficient.

Discussion Items

• Director’s Announcements (Item 6): Director announced that Mayor Lurie and Supervisor Melgar introduced a fall 2026 ballot measure to more than double the city’s affordable housing trust fund from $50 million to $125 million annually, funded by increased property tax revenue. The planning department and DBI budgets were presented to the Budget and Finance Committee. The permit center will be closed Monday, May 25 for the holiday.
• Review of Past Events (Item 7): Zoning Administrator Corey Teague reported that the Board of Appeals denied an appeal of the emergency demolition permit for 659 Union Street, allowing the demolition to proceed. The Historic Preservation Commission considered landmark designations for the House of Latin Rock (including the Casa Bandito mural) and approximately 20 designations for District 8 under the family zoning plan.
• Item 8 – Hotel Uses in RH Districts (Case 2026-002589 PCA): Planning staff (Joseph Zackey) and Supervisor Mandelman’s legislative aide (Renewal Bajoi) presented the ordinance to increase the maximum guest rooms for hotel uses in RH2 and RH3 districts from 5 to 8. Staff recommended three modifications: extend the increase to all residential districts with a five‑room cap (RM, RTO, etc.), raise the maximum to 10 rooms to avoid future piecemeal legislation, and add a condition in findings (303G) to consider the viability of the remaining dwelling unit when a single‑family home is partially converted. Commissioners Moore, Braun, and McGarry expressed strong support. Commissioner Williams raised concerns about potential loss of housing, but acknowledged the conditional use authorization process as a safeguard. The director noted that the 10‑room figure is a round number without a precise building code basis. The commission adopted a recommendation for approval with the three modifications by a vote of 5–1 (Williams dissenting).
• Item 9 – Cannabis Cafe Ordinance (Case 2026-002588 PCA): Planning staff (Kerboten) and Supervisor Mandelman’s office (Sophie Marie, Ben Van Houten, Nikesh Patel from Office of Cannabis) presented a multi‑code amendment to allow licensed cannabis retailers to operate cannabis cafes with on‑site consumption of pre‑packaged cannabis and sale of non‑cannabis food and beverages (no alcohol). Key features: phase‑in limiting eligibility to existing 66 retailers for one year, no carry‑out of cannabis, buffer zone between consumption area and entry, and required compliance with all existing zoning and health codes. Staff recommended approval. Commissioners questioned enforcement capacity, ventilation, medical response, and neighbor relations. Director Patel noted that the Office of Cannabis (staff of nine) has robust complaint and enforcement systems, and that the no‑carry‑out rule and good‑neighbor policy provide safeguards. Commissioner So stressed the need for strong police partnership. Commissioner McGarry raised concerns about detecting over‑consumption and medical emergencies. The commission voted unanimously (6–0) to adopt a recommendation for approval.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 (2001 37th Ave) continued to June 18, 2026 (unanimous 6–0).
• Item 1 (5238 Diamond Heights Blvd) approved on consent (unanimous 6–0).
• Item 4 (May 7, 2026 minutes) adopted (unanimous 6–0).
• Item 8 (Hotel uses in RH districts): Commission adopted a recommendation for approval with staff’s three modifications (apply consistently across residential districts, raise cap to 10 rooms, add dwelling‑unit viability finding). Vote: 5–1 (Commissioner Williams opposed).
• Item 9 (Cannabis cafe ordinance): Commission adopted a recommendation for approval (unanimous 6–0).
• The meeting adjourned after the cannabis cafe vote.