SFGov Watch

1. Changes to Impact Fees for PDR to Non-Residential Use
   1. Discussion Overview
   2. Outcome
2. Howard Street Development and Transbay Transit Center
   1. Residential Project Details
   2. Fee Waiver and Airspace Vacation
   3. Outcome
3. 30 Van Ness Avenue Special Use District
   1. Proposed Zoning Changes
   2. Ongoing Negotiations
   3. Outcome
4. Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Rules
   1. Key Changes Proposed
   2. Resolution
5. Other Topics:

Changes to Impact Fees for PDR to Non-Residential Use

Discussion Overview

The proposal to eliminate impact fees for changes of use from Production, Distribution, and Repair (PDR) to other non-residential uses sparked extended discussion. The Mayor’s Office and the Office of Small Business requested additional time to consult with stakeholders and refine the proposal. Concerns centered on potential impacts on small businesses and whether the changes would truly incentivize economic growth without unintended consequences.

Outcome

The item was continued to the December 2 meeting, allowing for further collaboration between city officials and stakeholders to address ambiguities in the proposal.

Howard Street Development and Transbay Transit Center

Residential Project Details

The committee reviewed plans for a new residential development at 524-530 Howard Street. The project includes 672 units, 68 of which will be affordable housing. It also features a pedestrian bridge connecting the building to the Transbay Transit Center’s rooftop park.

Fee Waiver and Airspace Vacation

Discussions focused on waiving the Transit Center District Open Space Impact Fee in exchange for a $2.3 million payment to the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA). Additionally, the committee approved vacating airspace above Natoma Street to facilitate the bridge construction.

Outcome

The proposal received unanimous approval, with committee members lauding the project’s potential to enhance connectivity and support downtown revitalization.

30 Van Ness Avenue Special Use District

Proposed Zoning Changes

The discussion centered on creating a special use district for the 30 Van Ness Avenue development. The proposal aims to modify zoning and inclusionary housing obligations to accommodate this mixed-use project.

Ongoing Negotiations

City officials requested more time to finalize negotiations with the developer to ensure compliance with housing goals and zoning regulations. The complexity of the project’s legal and financial arrangements necessitated the delay.

Outcome

The item was continued to December 2, pending resolution of outstanding issues.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Rules

Key Changes Proposed

The committee discussed a proposal to allow certain BMR units to be resold at higher Area Median Income (AMI) levels and require parking and other amenities included in original sales to remain with the unit upon resale. Reporting to housing oversight bodies was also a key component.

Resolution

Having addressed earlier amendments to ensure stakeholder satisfaction, the committee decided to table the item permanently. The amendments were deemed to meet all relevant requirements.

Other Topics:

• Planning and Building Code Updates: Routine typographical and cross-reference corrections.
• Interim Housing in Hotels/Motels: Proposal to allow temporary housing in tourist hotels without reclassifying the properties.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Proposal to permit ADUs and their associated primary dwelling units to be sold separately as condominiums.
• Fee Waivers in Market and Octavia Area Plan: Proposed waiver of certain development impact fees to encourage project completion in this key area.
• Landmark Designation for Ladies’ Protection and Relief Society Building: Approved designation of 3400 Laguna Street as a historical landmark.