In a pivotal San Francisco government meeting, city officials discussed significant amendments to the Family Housing Opportunity Special Use District, aiming to address the pressing need for affordable housing. Supervisor Joel Engardio highlighted the urgency of creating 46,000 affordable homes for low and moderate-income families over the next eight years, emphasizing the importance of keeping residents in their neighborhoods.

Engardio introduced the concept of "Domicity," which proposes increasing building heights on corner lots to allow for more housing units while maintaining the character of residential blocks. The plan suggests that these corner buildings could host amenities like cafes and community spaces, benefiting the entire neighborhood. "This will help projects requiring an elevator to pencil out and reduce construction costs," Engardio stated, advocating for a streamlined approach to unit configurations.

The proposed amendments would allow up to six units on corner lots and up to 18 units in the case of lot mergers, with a height limit of 65 feet. This flexibility aims to enhance housing production while minimizing development constraints. Engardio noted that the Domicity concept has garnered support from community leaders and residents, particularly seniors seeking accessible living options.

Despite the enthusiasm, some recommended modifications faced opposition, particularly regarding group housing provisions on corner lots. The Planning Department expressed concerns about potential inconsistencies in density across different residential zoning districts.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for affordable housing solutions was palpable, with officials and community members alike recognizing the need for innovative approaches to meet the city's housing challenges. The proposed amendments will be further discussed, with the hope of advancing the Domicity initiative to foster community and enhance livability in San Francisco's neighborhoods.