DZLU October

DZLU MEETING DATE: October 18, 2022 (via Zoom)

1. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES

a. SF HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY
Neighborhood Commercial Buildings Historic Context Statement:

Planning staff have begun a study of buildings in neighborhood commercial districts from 1865-1965, outside of downtown. This data will, in subsequent phases, lead to a formal evaluation of these commercial corridors and development of preservation goals and recommendations. Link to the work is below:

https://sfplanning.org/project/neighborhood-commercial-buildings-historic-context-statement

There was related general discussion at DZLU about offering information to RHN members on the advantages of historic designation of a property. Advantages might include Mills Act property tax benefits, tax benefits of donating a façade easement, and enhanced flexibility in permit review through application of the State Historic Building Code. A recent SF Chronicle article is linked below:

https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/Is-a-Historic-Home-Right-for-You-Here-Are-4-17494848.php

b. SF HOUSING ELEMENT
As reported last month, the State has reiterated SF’s need to meet its 82k unit obligation by 2030. Planning presented the draft to the Van Ness Corridor Neighborhood Coalition (VNCNC) on 10/19. RHN is represented on VNCNC.

See the link below to the October 2022 update by Planning—Draft Sites Inventory and Rezoning Program. This will be presented to the Planning Commission on 11/17 for EIR certification:

https://www.sfhousingelement.org/draft-sites-inventory-and-rezoning-program

RHN and DZLU may explore collaborating with VNCNC on providing input. Ideas discussed at VNCNC included “gentle densification” especially for moderate affordability projects, and incentives for creating micro-retail opportunities on the ground level of housing built in neighborhood commercial corridors to maintain the local and fine-grain flavor of our shopping districts.

c. STATE AB 2011 TO STREAMLINE OFFICE CONVERSION TO HOUSING
This has been signed by the governor. More detailed analysis of development potential by Planning is in the link below:
Emphasis is on downtown buildings, though opportunities may arise on Russian Hill along Van Ness for mixed income projects and along Polk and Pacific for 100% affordable projects.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zimbmk9qzpY1NMt8Y8szw9slnbcGaP3o/view

d. SF FOUR-PLEX LEGISLATION
Legislation sponsored by Sup. Mandelman finally passed the Board of Supervisors with support from the mayor. Project sponsors can propose 4-plex development on single-family zoned lots by pursuing either state legislation SB 9 or this local version. Prior iterations had raised objections as they appeared to subvert SB 9.

S.F. housing crisis: Fourplex law passes with support from Breed, YIMBYs https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-housing-crisis-New-fourplex-law-poised-to-17515571.php

2. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES

a. 1196 and 1198 PACIFIC (at Jones)
The Conditional Use hearing for the proposed cannabis retail outlet was held on 10/20. The Planning Commission unanimously approved the project. We understand that the new grocery store next door at 1198 Pacific plans to open later in the fall.