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Union Street entertainment-zone amendment accepted; item sent back to rules committee for further comment
Summary
Supervisor Sherrill proposed amendments to the proposed Union Street entertainment zone to allow events that do not close the street to operate without an SFMTA street-closure permit. The board accepted the amendment and returned the ordinance to the Rules Committee for additional public comment.
San Francisco — During the Sept. 30 meeting the Board of Supervisors accepted a substantive amendment to the proposed Union Street entertainment zone that would allow merchants to host smaller sidewalk events that do not require closing the street, eliminating the need for an SFMTA street-closure permit in those narrow cases.
Supervisor Sherrill introduced the amendment, saying the language "will empower merchants along the street to host smaller gatherings on the sidewalks." Because the amendment is substantive, the sponsor asked that the ordinance be returned to the Rules Committee to allow for public comment; the board accepted the motion and the referral.
Why it matters The amendment is aimed at helping small merchants and neighborhood organizations host holiday- and retail-oriented gatherings that increase foot traffic while avoiding the permitting requirements associated with full street closures. Supporters said it would make it easier for businesses to stage small events in the busy holiday season; the rules-committee referral will allow time to refine language and collect public input.
Action taken Supervisor Sherrill moved the substantive amendment telling the chamber the change would permit certain events that do not close a public street to proceed without an SFMTA permit; Supervisor Melgar seconded the motion. The board treated the amendment as substantive and approved sending the amended ordinance back to committee for another opportunity for public comment.
Next steps The Rules Committee will reconvene the item for additional public input and technical refinement. Departments expected to be involved include the City Attorney, SFMTA and OEWD. The amended language is to be returned to the committee and then back to the full board for consideration following the committee’s review.
Ending The change removes a procedural barrier for small-scale sidewalk events but requires committee-level review to confirm the scope and to address any operational or safety concerns raised by public comment or city departments.
