Board falls one vote short of overriding mayor’s fourplex veto; ordinance remains vetoed

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 7–4 on July 26 on whether to override Mayor London Breed’s veto of the fourplex ordinance, a package of planning‑code changes that would permit small multi‑family buildings and eliminate RH1 single‑family zoning in many areas. Because state law and local rules require an eight‑vote supermajority to override a mayoral veto, the vote fell short and the mayor’s veto remained in effect.

What the ordinance would have done: Sponsors and backers framed the measure as an incremental, pro‑housing step to permit small multi‑family buildings and allow units created under the program to be sold as condominiums. Supporters said the change would open opportunities for homeowners to add units, expand “missing middle” housing, and help meet the city’s RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) targets. Opponents warned it could accelerate displacement and change neighborhood character.

Key arguments in the meeting: Supervisor…