Board approves HomeSF density-bonus ordinance after debate over legacy businesses and District 9 protections

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors approved, on first reading, an ordinance establishing the HomeSF voluntary density-bonus program and related zoning changes, after more than three hours of debate and several roll-call votes on amendments.

The ordinance, introduced and presented by Supervisor Sandra Tang, allows developers who opt into HomeSF to build up to two stories above existing height limits along designated transit and commercial corridors in exchange for providing increased on-site affordability and family-sized units. Tang and planning staff said the City estimates HomeSF could produce roughly 5,000 permanently affordable homes over 20 years.

Supporters said HomeSF expands eligibility to serve middle-income households that often fall outside existing affordable programs. “This program is designed to provide 30 percent of units on-site as affordable housing with expanded income brackets to help middle-income families, teachers, social workers and entry-level public safety staff remain in the city,” Tang said during her remarks. She described several technical and policy amendments she and staff were offering, including unit distribution and family-size requirements.

The measure includes requirements intended to preserve family-sized units: 40…