DZLU MEETING DATE: March 22, 2022 (via Zoom)
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. 1196 PACIFIC (Jones)
Several immediate neighbors have circulated a petition opposing the proposed cannabis outlet at this location. We are not aware that any formal submittal has yet been made to Planning and therefore no Conditional Use hearing, which would be required, has been calendared. As noted last month, initial discussion at DZLU recognized concerns about neighborhood compatibility, delivery impacts, security and odors, while also acknowledging the desirability of filling a long-term vacancy and observing that negative impacts have generally not been evident at other recent establishments. In addition, the modest scale of this proposed outlet was noted.
In response to one of the petition organizer’s inquiry about potential RHN support, RHN’s president explained that it has been referred to DZLU and summarized our process of weighing input from all sides of a controversial issue. The organizer was encouraged to reach out to the chairs of DZLU and Local Businesses, as well as to the project sponsor directly to discuss concerns and explore possible compromise or resolution. Our Local Businesses chair has been in communication with the sponsor and the opposition.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. HOUSING—SF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
Fourplex Legislation:
Discussions have been underway though not yet resolved at the Board of Supervisors regarding proposed fourplex legislation. Supervisor Mandelman’s proposal upzones all single-family parcels from RH-1 to RH-2, permitting up to 4 units on these parcels (and up to 6 units on corner lots). See discussions in previous reports. Discretionary review is still allowed, in contrast to SB 9, which calls for ministerial (by right) approval. A competing proposal by Sup. Safai eliminates discretionary review if a development achieves a certain proportion of affordable units. A similar proposal has been offered by Sup. Mar.
SF’s “Housing Element”:
The State requires that each city allocate sufficient space that is zoned to accommodate a mandated level of housing growth. For San Francisco that level is 82,000 units between 2023 and 2031. The growth is anticipated to occur largely in the City’s western neighborhoods. Golden Gate Valley Neighborhood Association shared their opposition to aspects of the Element as currently drafted, expressing general concerns with increased density and with the lack of definition of major transit corridors where increased density would be encouraged.
Following is a link to an SF Examiner article providing background.
https://www.sfexaminer.com/fixes/san-francisco-needs-to-plan-for-80000-homes-where-will-they-go/
b. RESIDENTIAL VACANCY TAX
Some housing organizations have questioned the proposed exemption of single-family homes and duplexes in Sup. Preston’s proposed ballot measure as currently formulated. The final language is in development. See last month’s report for more background.
c. SHARED SPACES PROGRAM
Enforcement fines for non-compliance with new guidelines, originally scheduled to take effect this April, have been deferred a year until 4/1/2023. The intent is to provide additional time for businesses to make any necessary modifications to their parklets to adapt to the permanent program’s new guidelines. There is no delay in enforcement for guidelines governing emergency responder access and disabled access.
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