The San Francisco County Planning Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical amendments to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations. The meeting began with a review of recommendations from the September 28 planning commission session, where a modification was proposed to exclude ADUs from the dwelling unit mix requirement. This change aims to streamline the approval process for ADUs, which are typically added in small numbers, although some projects have seen up to ten units added at once.

The city has been coordinating with the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding these amendments. A letter sent to HCD on November 27 outlined several items requiring further review by the Planning Commission. Key proposed changes include:

1. Exempting governmental agencies, land trusts, or housing organizations from owner occupancy requirements for junior ADUs.
2. Clarifying that lot coverage requirements do not restrict the construction of ADUs up to 800 square feet with specified setbacks.
3. Ensuring that architectural review standards for state-mandated ADUs remain objective.
4. Adding findings to the pending ADU ordinance to demonstrate compliance with state requirements.
5. Amending the hybrid ADU program to allow for the construction of up to three ADUs that meet the necessary criteria.
6. Aligning local codes with state requirements to facilitate the construction of at least one 800 square foot ADU with specified setbacks.

The commission requested that these amendments, along with the previously mentioned modification, be approved in committee. Following this, the commission plans to return to the body for further review.

During the meeting, President Peskin raised concerns regarding the implications of state legislation on local rent control for ADUs. He noted that while local laws previously allowed for rent control on ADUs, state laws now exempt those constructed under state guidelines from such controls. This shift has raised alarms about the potential erosion of local housing regulations.

The discussion also highlighted procedural challenges, as some members expressed frustration over the volume of amendments presented at the meeting, which complicated their ability to make informed decisions. The committee ultimately decided to continue the item to the next meeting, allowing members time to review the amendments thoroughly.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to grant permission for Otis Property Owner LLC to maintain public improvements at Twelfth Street Plaza, which will also be continued for further discussion at the next session. The committee's next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2024, where these items will be revisited.