Historic Preservation Commission approves Outer Sunset Cultural Resources Survey findings

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the city’s cultural resources and housing market trends. The meeting began with a report from Mr. Star, who addressed inquiries related to the commission's ongoing projects. Following this, the commission adopted survey findings from the San Francisco Citywide Cultural Resources Survey, specifically focusing on the Outer Sunset and Parkside Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

The meeting then transitioned to general public comment, allowing community members to voice their concerns and insights. One notable speaker, Georgia Shutish, presented data regarding a recent real estate transaction that highlighted the dramatic increase in housing prices in San Francisco. She referenced a property that sold for $5.65 million, emphasizing that the price history reflects broader trends in the housing market, particularly since the Great Recession. Shutish noted that the median sales price for two-bedroom homes has more than tripled from 2011 to 2021, with a significant increase even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shutish raised concerns about the adequacy of current housing regulations, particularly regarding the calculation thresholds for demolition permits. She argued that the existing measures are insufficient to protect existing housing in priority equity areas and called for adjustments to the demolition calculations to better reflect the realities of the housing market.

The meeting concluded without further questions from the commission, and the public comment period was noted as an essential aspect of the commission's engagement with community concerns. The discussions underscored ongoing challenges in the San Francisco housing market and the need for responsive policy measures to address these issues.