In a pivotal move to reshape San Francisco's housing landscape, the city’s Planning Department presented a new ordinance aimed at easing restrictions on large development sites in the Central SoMa and Transit Center districts. During a recent government meeting, Lisa Gluckstein from the mayor's office emphasized the urgency of this legislation, which seeks to eliminate the requirement that two-thirds of square footage on these sites be dedicated to nonresidential use.

"This change is crucial for promoting housing near our major job center and reimagining the downtown core," Gluckstein stated, highlighting the city's commitment to addressing housing shortages. The proposed amendments align with the city's housing element goals and acknowledge the shifting economic realities that have rendered the previous office space requirements obsolete.

The ordinance, which is co-sponsored by Supervisors Pescat and Dorsey, aims to provide developers with greater flexibility in balancing residential and commercial spaces. While it removes the strict nonresidential use mandates, it still encourages a mix of uses, ensuring that new housing developments meet the city’s inclusionary housing requirements.

Planning Department staff member Audrey Maloney detailed the technical aspects of the proposal, which includes a general plan amendment to modify existing policies and reduce commercial development requirements. This approach is designed to facilitate the construction of more housing units in response to the city's pressing needs.

As the city grapples with a housing crisis, this legislation represents a significant step towards increasing residential options in key areas, potentially transforming the urban fabric of San Francisco. The Planning Commission is expected to review and vote on the proposal in the coming weeks, with hopes that it will pave the way for a more balanced and sustainable development strategy in the heart of the city.