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Board approves two‑year waiver of May awning permit fees to aid small businesses
Summary
An ordinance to waive awning replacement and installation fees for permit applications made in May 2023 and May 2024 passed on first reading as supervisors framed it as a small step to help merchant corridors and small businesses.
The board approved on first reading an ordinance to codify an annual waiver of awning replacement and awning sign fees when applied for in May, and to waive fees for new awning installations applied for during May 2023 and May 2024. The measure passed on first reading after supporters argued it would ease costs for small businesses along commercial corridors.
Why it matters: Supervisors described the change as a small but practical step to support small merchants, citing narrow profit margins and the cumulative burden of fees and permitting on neighborhood businesses.
What board members said: Supervisor Matt Haney Engadio (referred to in the transcript as “Engadio”) said waiving the awning fee may seem small but can help merchants on thin profit margins. Supervisor Gordon Mar (Chan) thanked Engadio for working with colleagues and noted the city faces fiscal constraints, endorsing a temporary two‑year cap for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to help small businesses.
Board action: The ordinance was passed on first reading; supervisors indicated support for monitoring the fiscal impact and discussing further small‑business fee waivers in the coming budget season.
Ending: The ordinance advances on first reading; further steps remain for final adoption and implementation with department guidance on permit processing.
