San Francisco planning department outlines housing strategies and upzoning plans for 36000 units

The City of San Francisco is taking significant steps to address its housing crisis, with a focus on rezoning and the development of affordable housing. During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the importance of creating new zoning regulations to facilitate the construction of at least 36,000 housing units, as mandated by state law.

Key discussions highlighted the incremental nature of development in the city. Officials noted that while certain areas have been rezoned for potential housing, many parcels remain undeveloped, including parking lots that have not seen any housing proposals in nearly two decades. This reality underscores the need for a robust strategy to ensure that small businesses are supported and connected to necessary services as the city moves forward with its housing plans.

A new Special Use District (SUD) has been established to streamline the planning process for 23 parcels owned by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). While this is a positive step, officials acknowledged that more land is needed to meet housing goals. Discussions also touched on the potential for utilizing state-owned land for housing development, with ongoing efforts to explore opportunities on sites like the DMV location on Fell Street.

The meeting also addressed concerns about accountability in the development of affordable housing. Officials emphasized the importance of inclusionary housing requirements, which mandate that a portion of new developments be set aside for affordable units. They reassured attendees that the city is committed to preserving existing rent-controlled buildings and integrating various strategies to boost the housing supply.

As San Francisco navigates these complex challenges, the focus remains on balancing development with the needs of the community, ensuring that both housing and small businesses can thrive in the evolving urban landscape.